The Entertainer! - March 2015

PHX METRO » MARCH 2015

SPRING

SWING CACTUS LEAGUE 101

HOME BASE BEERS SCOTTSDALE BECOMES BASEBALL CITY

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400+

THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH!

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Cesar

MILLAN

T H E P O O L AT

s e i r e S t r e c n o Summer C Roger Clyne & ers The Peacemak Friday – April 24

ZZ Top

6 Sunday – April 2

es The Moody Blu Friday – May 8

gon R EO Speedwa 7 Sunday – May 1

nd Chris Young a are Thompson Squ

Whitesnake

Friday – June 5

n Peter Frampto ck and Cheap Tri Sunday – June

311

Thursday – July

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2

nd Steve Miller Ba Thursday – July

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Lynyrd Skynyrd er 20 nday – Septemb Su

Friday – May 2 9

For tickets call the box office at 480.850.7734 or ticketmaster.com talkingstickresort.com • 101 & Indian Bend • Scottsdale Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

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Fresh Ground Burgers

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B R I E N D D N E I R M theminderbinder.com

Hand Tossed Pizza

University & McClintock Tempe, AZ

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and much more!!

CONTENTS PHX METRO » MARCH 2015

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

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ON THE COVER

Well Crafted

Brat Haus combines German comfort food and a love of craft beer for the perfect Sunday brunch spot, if you, unlike our Dueling Diners, can make it there on time.

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Spring Swing With Spring Training making its annual voyage to the Valley on March 3, we ranked the best training stadiums in the Phoenix area.

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Funny Guy, Huh?

Kevin Nealon’s voice in the back of his head told him he’d never get to the level he’s at now, but the “Saturday Night Live” alum proved his worst critic wrong. So, so wrong.

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Feelin’ Woofy

Don’t make us rub your nose in it. Cesar Millan thinks there’s no such thing as bad dogs, just bad humans. Now he’s out to give them some obedience training. on the cover: A.J. Pollock as shot by Jennifer Stewart for the Arizona Diamondbacks

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

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We’re Trapped!

We went to SLS Casino in Las Vegas and trapped ourselves inside for two days. In the end, we didn’t really want to leave.

3200 N. Hayden, Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone 480-348-0343 Fax 480-348-2109 www.entertainermag.com

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine steve@entertainermag.com

executive editor

Christina Caldwell ccaldwell@entertainermag.com

associate editor

Breanne DeMore breanne@entertainermag.com

art director

Erin Loukili erin@entertainermag.com

THE METROPOLITAN

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Top 25 • Cesar Millan • PHX Insider • Kevin Nealon’s subliminal thoughts • The best St. Patrick’s Day events in March • Eli Young Band at The Great American Barbeque Festival

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 17 Drink up and get appy • It’s a knock out with The World Series of Fighting • Green with envy items • Chester Bennington

THE ARTIST

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Andy Warhol’s Phoenix comeback • The best arts events in March • Art Detour gears up for its 27th year

THE CRITIC

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designer

Jaclyn Threadgill

circulation director

Aaron Kolodney aaron@entertainermag.com

Vinegar Sips

contributing writers

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Stan Robinson, Joseph Airdo, Randy Montgomery, Chuck Noll, Lynette Carrington, Weiss Kelly, Jasmine Kemper, Hayli Metter, Ainsley Despain

Associate editor Breanne DeMore willingly put vinegar in her cocktail.

And it was surprisingly delicious. Check out her full thoughts on this bizarre trend.

ONE COPY PER READER

30

Feature films coming to a theater near you • Film trivia we’ll bet you didn’t know • The Critic’s Report Card

THE DINER

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First Time Foodie with vinegar cocktails • Diner Insider • Happy Hour Guide • The best food events in February • Dueling Diners

THE CRAFTMASTER

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The best beer events in March • Pairing beers with baseball • Great Beer Pairings • Beertenders • The Great Arizona Beer Festival

THE HIGHROLLER

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Trapped in Vegas • The best casino events in March • Full casino entertainment calendar

THE GLADIATOR

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Special golf section • How to prepare for your March Madness bracket • The best sports events in March • Baseball City • WWE’s Ryback • Spring Training info galore!

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The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2015 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe.

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S.T.P.ping In

Chester Bennington makes his way back to his hometown to front Stone Temple Pilots at Arizona Bike Week, taking the place of longtime singer Scott Weiland.

THE YOUNGSTER

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THE NIGHTOWL

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Our very own LEGOLAND • The best family events in March • Marvel Universe Live! • What’s new in SoCal

Nightlife photos • Oddly Accurate Astrology • The best nightlife events in February • Mad Mixologist • Phoenix Lights

THE SHOWMAN

THE THINKER

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Social Distortion • Echosmith becomes one of the “Cool Kids” • Live music calendar • Jamie Lynn Spears

For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Submissions are included based on available space and are used at the discretion of the editor. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations will not be returned unless it is specifically requested and submission is accompanied by a properly addressed envelope and sufficient postage. The Entertainer! makes every effort to authenticate claims and accurate times and event locations. We encourage readers to verify information prior to attending events or purchasing tickets.

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Useless facts to impress your friends!

480-348-0343

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE METROPOLITAN

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PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Cesar Millan 12 Eli Young Band 15 Kevin Nealon 10

TOP25

Out West Balloon Fest

MARCH 6 THROUGH 8 This balloon-filled weekend includes a “balloon” glow on Friday night, a fun 5K benefitting the 100 Club of Arizona, tethered balloon rides, food, wine and beer vendors, and even a competitive balloon race!

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, outwestballoonfest.com

Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

Marvel Universe LIVE!

MARCH 5 THROUGH 8 Can you quote the entirety of “Iron Man?” Do you have all of the Marvel superheroes ranked from your least to most favorite? Did your mind practically explode during the “Avengers” movies? Then you’ll love this live action show with all of your favorite heroes replicating all of the best stunts from the movies.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkstickresortarena.com

Andy Warhol: Portraits

MARCH 4 THROUGH JUNE 21 One of the most influential and celebrated artists of the 20th century, Andy Warhol is known for his pop culture-centric, brightly colored images that led the Pop Art movement.

This exhibition includes more than 170 drawings, videos, paintings and photographs of celebrities spanning the ‘40s to the ‘80s.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602,257.1880, phxart.org

Jerry Seinfeld

MARCH 6 Man hands. Soup Nazi. Close talkers.

Oh, and what is the deal with double dippers anyway? Jerry Seinfeld rose to fame as the semi-fictional version of himself in the sitcom “Seinfeld” which he co-created and co-wrote with Larry David and now stars in his own webseries, “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.”

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com

FroYo 5K

MARCH 7 Simply put, this race has a pretty sweet reward and benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation, so do we really need to say much more?

We’ve all run toward FroYo once or twice before. Why not do it for a good cause this time?

Mountain View Park, 845 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, froyo5k.com/mesa/

Cesar Millan Live

MARCH 7 A couples’ therapist for dogs and their humans, Millan gained fame with his reality TV show “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.” Now on his traveling tour, Millan will be joined on stage by his famous dog, Junior, where he will share his philosophies and methods and then present live examples with multiple dogs.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org

Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic

MARCH 7 AND 8 Founded on the idea that food can bring people together, Devoured Culinary Classic is Phoenix’s premiere culinary event. Over 100 restaurant owners, food producers, chefs, distillers, craft beer brewers and winemakers come together to create a truly incredible edible experience for 4,000 guests.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org

Art Detour 27

MARCH 7 AND 8 A scavenger hunt for art lovers, this event allows participants to grab a map at any of the four park and ride trolley locations to explore Downtown WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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Phoenix via all of the stunning art that our metropolis has to offer.

Locations throughout Downtown Phoenix, artlinkphoenix.com/artdetour

Arizona Aloha Festival

MARCH 7 AND 8 Take that mini vacation that you know you owe yourself and attend this free two-day celebration of Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. Guests can expect plenty of entertainment, delicious island food, cultural displays and demonstrations and vendors selling “island lifestyle” products.

Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.697.1824, azalohafest.org

31st Annual My Nana’s Salsa Challenge

MARCH 8 Whether you like yours green, red, chunky, smooth, extra spicy or extra, extra spicy, this festival and contest will definitely have a salsa that you’ll love. Presented by the tortilla chip brand My Nana’s and the Arizona Hemophillia Association, this event also features a tequila tasting, a margarita mix-off and a 5K run.

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.955.3947, salsachallenge.com

Jay Leno

MARCH 9 The longtime host of “The Tonight Show” is back in town and just as funny as ever. Whether you were Team Coco or Team Leno, it’s hard to deny the laughs this guy is sure to get every time he jumps on stage.

Valle del Oro RV Resort, 1452 S. Ellsworth Road, Mesa, 480.984.1146, cal-am.com

Boyz II Men

MARCH 12 Originally a quartet who found fame in the ‘90s on Motown Records, Boyz II Men may now be a trio, but they are still known for their heartfelt, emotional ballads and undeniable a cappella harmonies. Fans of the band can expect to hear hits such as “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day” and “On Bended Knee.”

LiveWire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com

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Kevin Nealon

MARCH 13 AND 14 Best known for his nine years on “Saturday Night Live” and his role as Doug Wilson on the Showtime hit “Weeds,” Kevin Nealon has gained fame for his sarcastic and oftentimes ridiculous humor and for wanting to “pump YOU up!”

Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, standuplive.com

Sean Connery, Robin Williams, and our last three presidents.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire

27th Annual Ostrich Festival

MARCH 13 THROUGH 15 Attendees can expect exciting ostrich races, duck races, a family magic show, a Texas Thrill show, plus appearances by Laura Marano, Ally from Disney’s “Austin & Ally” and country singer Colt Ford.

Tumbleweed Regional Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler, 866.993.2477, ostrichfestival.com

45th Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival

MARCH 13 THOUGH 15 A culmination of all the wonderful things that life has to offer, this festival celebrates art, music, food and family-friendly activities. Meet artists from all over the country and either buy one of their works from them or bid in the online art auction to add some beauty to your home.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3808 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleartsfestival.org

Pot of Gold Music Festival

MARCH 13 THROUGH 17 No matter your taste in music, the Pot of Gold Music Festival has a day for you. Starting off Friday with “Pompeii” singers Bastille, the party continues on Saturday with hometown boys Kongos and hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar. Sunday is headlined

by Fall Out Boy but Tuesday brings the chance to ring in St. Patrick’s Day properly with Korn and Godsmack.

Tempe Beach Park, 30 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, potofgoldaz.com

Frank Caliendo

MARCH 14 First gaining notoriety for his impressions of sportscasters, Caliendo soon became a sought after stand-up comedian. Still revered for his impressions, he has expanded his portfolio to also include

celebrity chefs and local favorites.

CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 480.657.7333, azpbs.org/checkplease

Kathy Griffin

MARCH 20 AND 21 She’s recognized by her red hair and (sometimes off-color) celebrity gossip, but Kathy Griffin shot to fame on her former reality show “My Life on the D-List.” Now taking residence as Joan Rivers’ replacement on “Fashion Police,” Griffin is now back to doing what she does best: making people laugh with her crude observations.

Wild Horse Pass Casino, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

The Great American Barbeque & Beer Festival

MARCH 21 Ladies and gentlemen: prepare your stomachs. Over 60 pit masters from all over the country will be joining in on the fun at the Great American Barbeque & Beer Festival in Chandler and trust us when we say you won’t want to limit yourself, or even spare a rib.

Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.234.4232, chandlerbbq.com

MARCH 14 Celebrating its 32nd year in Downtown Phoenix, this parade and festival is much-loved for its stages of Irish music and dancers, delicious traditional Irish food and beverages and loads of good, old fashionied “craic,” Celtic for “fun.”

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.280.9221, stpatricksdayphoenix.org

15th Annual Phoenix Film Festival MARCH 26 THROUGH APRIL 2 Every year, the Phoenix Film Festival screens over 150 films to over 25,000 attendees over eight days and it conveniently all takes place in one location—the Harkins on Scottsdale Road and the 101!

Harkins Theatres, 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.222.4275, phoenixfilmfestival.com

ThrillSeeker 5K Stunt Run

MARCH 28 Featuring 12 fun obstacles for all ages, including an a pole fault, a stuntman freefall, an inflatable water slide and a giant-trike rally, this stunt run was developed by Hollywood stunt producers and is sure to be the most fun 5K you’ve ever run.

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 2000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, stuntrun.com

Italian Festival of Arizona

MARCH 21 AND 22 Buon giorno! Transforming Scottsdale’s SouthBridge into an Italian “piazza,” this festival will feature Italian music, wine tastings, artisan items and products and yummy Italian bites from 10 local Italian bistros.

Scottsdale SouthBridge, 7144 E. Stetson Drive, Scottdale, 480.745.7060, italianassociation.org

Check, Please! Arizona Festival MARCH 22 A study into Arizona’s growing restaurant scene, this festival will feature unique and fascinating culinary and beverage seminars, demonstrations and appearances from

Marie Osmond

MARCH 28 The female half of the famous brother and sister duo “Donny & Marie” is still at it and making her way to the Valley!

“She’s a little bit country” and still a whole lot of fun.

Wild Horse Pass, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/ wild-horse-pass

PHX INSIDER

Life hacks for having fun in the Valley Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

This time of year, there are countless ways to get outside and properly celebrate and bask in our endless sunshine. Spring Training, though, is arguably the best.

Baseball fans from across the country fly into the Valley to see their favorite teams practice while enjoying our perfect spring weather, sipping on beer and chomping down on nachos and pretzels.

Whether you’re a local thinking about taking a “sick” day or visitor from out of state, we have a few tips to keep you happy, safe and sunburn free during your day at the ballgame.

buy your tickets today! countrythunder.com 866.802.6418

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

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Attend a weekday game if possible

These will be significantly less crowded than the weekend games.

Stick around after the game

The Spring Training environment is so relaxed that most of the players and coaches will stick around after the game.

They will sometimes even have batting or field practice after, allowing you to get to watch your favorite players and scout the up-and-comers.

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Work it out

Most of the teams’ practices are open to the public and free.

This is an exciting way to feel like an insider and watch with a more intimate setting.

4

Make sure you can bring it

Look up the security guidelines of what you can and cannot take into the park before you go. For instance, you can bring fruit to enjoy during the game, but make sure it’s sliced before the game because you can’t bring in a knife of any sort. Also, you can bring your own bottle of water, but it must be factory sealed and less than a liter.

5

Take a shuttle

Some of the stadiums offer free shuttle services to avoid parking lines and fees. Do your research before you go to see if you can catch a ride.

FLORENCE, ARIZONA april 9-12, 2015

4 days. 4 stages. 40 artists. 1 epic event!

luke bryan blake shelton brett eldredge big & rich the lacs

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also featuring dj du in Electric thunder

René Marie: With Love to Eartha Kitt

Mon., March 16 | 7:00 p.m. | $27.50–$34.50 The GRAMMY-nominated jazz vocalist pays tribute to another firebrand of jazz, Eartha Kitt To purchase tickets, visit MIM.org or call 480.478.6000

MUSIC THEATER

Located in the Musical Instrument Museum

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KEVIN NEALON

TAKES THE ‘SNL’ BALL AND RUNS WITH IT Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

F

or the longest time, “Saturday Night Live” alum Kevin Nealon didn’t think he deserved to have a comedy special. That is until he remembered a bit of sage advice that “SNL” creator/producer Lorne Michaels gave him.

“Lorne Michaels always said, ‘You’re never ready to go on. It’s time to go on. You do the best you can and not worry about things being perfect,’” Nealon recalls.

No longer weary, Nealon is coming to Stand Up Live in Phoenix Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, to test bits for possible inclusion in an upcoming special.

“I’m working on my stand-up so I can do another special,” he says.

“It is fun. It’s a compilation of your work on the road and it’s fun to get it all together and put it out there, and document your material.”

He says he’s considering taping the special in Phoenix.

“I love Arizona,” Nealon says. “I love that desert atmosphere. It’s one of my favorite places to go and it’s not that far from Los Angeles, either. There’s always a good turnout. I think if I ever shot another special I would do it in Phoenix.”

Nealon has had an exciting 12 months. State Farm reunited his and Dana Carvey’s “SNL” characters, Hans and Franz. In the company’s TV commercial, they attempt to teach Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers how to “pump you up.”

“State Farm asked us if we wanted to be part of it,” Nealon says. “Dana and I thought it would be fun to bring those characters out again, so we did. People really like it.”

Rodgers was the consummate professional, Nealon says.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“He’s a nice guy—really a nice guy,” he adds. “He was very easy and very comfortable to work with.”

Nealon also stars in “AOL’s Laugh Lessons,” a show that he co-produces with Ellen DeGeneres about comedians teaching kids how to be funny.

“We’ve done one season already and it was really successful,” he says.

Nealon and his wife, Susan Yeagley, recently penned a series for NBC, who eventually passed on it. They are approaching other networks.

“It’s about a divorced couple who coown a bar,” he explains.

But the pinnacle of the last year was the recent “Saturday Night Live” 40th anniversary special.

“That was amazing,” he says.

“That was just a throwback to being with all those people. It was just a fun time and great for people watching. So many people showed up. It was a little intimidating. I was sitting in front of Diane Sawyer and Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Lorne Michaels. It was interesting, that’s for sure.”

Thinking back to his “SNL” days, Nealon says he’s grown as a comic.

“Some of my material now is based on my life as I see it,” Nealon explains.

“I’m a family man now. I’m a father. But the material’s not really based on family so much as it is an observation of my life now because of the family.

“If there’s a fight in a bar now, I’m going to stay away from it. I don’t want to leave my kid fatherless. But being a comic is kind of like being a blues musician: You take from your life or your experiences.”

Kevin Nealon

Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, standuplive.com, Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, $25

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BAD HUMAN! NO TREAT!

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Dog Whisperer visits to train ‘bad people’

C

esar Millan subscribes to the mantra that “There are no bad dogs, just bad people.”

As the original host of the hit TV series “Dog Whisperer,” he’s seen first hand the truth in that statement. Fans will witness it, too, Millan says, when he makes an appearance with a few pups—untrained pound dogs—at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 7.

“The only thing that’s wrong with the (pound) dog is that he was abandoned by a human,” Millan says. “At one point, he was a puppy and everybody loved him. Then he grew up and nobody wanted him.”

Through humor, Millan teaches doggy parents how to handle problems with their furry friends. With all the problems in the world, he says, the “one thing we can eradicate is having a problem with dogs.”

The key to having well-behaved dogs is discipline. Millan says it’s a common misunderstanding that owners shouldn’t spoil their dogs.

“Of course spoil your dog,” he says emphatically. “But let it work for it. I’m not saying do not buy dog toys, do not give your dog a birthday party.”

Dogs—like owners—need to understand the benefits of working for goodies. For example, Super Bowl

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

contenders are disciplined in their workouts.

“There’s no Super Bowl without exercise discipline,” he says. “There’s no great team without a team leader, which is the coach, and then there’s Tom Brady.”

If dogs are not disciplined, they take control of the household.

“Dominance is exhibited by urination, to remind which scent is in the house,” Millan explains. “He uses his urine. People love dogs but they don’t understand them. I teach people to have great outcomes.”

And those outcomes can be absorbed not only by canine lovers, but cat people as well.

“You don’t even have to have a dog to come and watch my show,” Millan says.

“There are four kinds of people—dog lovers, people who are afraid of dogs, people who don’t like dogs and people who abuse the dogs. My concert is for everybody because everybody will benefit.”

The live experience is what allows people to “really get it,” Millan explains.

“The TV makes you a fan,” he says.

“Once you see it live, it makes you a believer.

You’re a witness. You see me changing a dog from one hand to another hand.

“I explain things in a more detailed manner—obviously much funnier. I have a platform. I’m on stage. I’m alive. I have that direction with the audience. It’s an organic feeling that television can’t give you. Like it or not, the live experience is a great way of communicating.”

Millan is now the star of “Cesar 911” on NatGeo Wild. He travels to different neighborhoods using his expertise to bring balance to dogs and the community. At his personal appearances like the one at the Chandler Center for the Arts, Millan says he is able to expound on theories he touches on in his show.

“Obviously, people love the live transformations,” he says. “We definitely bring dogs on stage; dogs that belong to that part of the country. Many times we use shelter dogs so people can see they’re not broken.”

His goal in any medium is to help the United States and the world understand that there’s no such thing as problems with dogs.

“We don’t have an understanding about how to raise a dog properly and the commitment that it takes. Thirteen years is a long time commitment. Most people want a perfect dog, but they don’t want to act as a perfect human. How can you ask for perfection when you don’t give the same?”

Cesar Millan Live!

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2674, chandlercenter. org, Saturday, March 7, 7:30 p.m., $48-$125

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CONSIDER US

LUCKY

The best St. Patrick’s Day events in March Call it luck, but Phoenix’s St. Patrick’s Day is packed with entertainment, from the artsy to the boozy. These events will help you go green on St. Patrick’s Day and beyond.

32nd Annual Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire

It’s time to paint the town green!

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire is back for its 32nd year. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 32: 32 Counties and 32 Parades.” The faire is on the west side of the Irish Cultural Center in Margaret T. Hance Park and will feature three stages full of Irish music and dance, an area for the kids, traditional food and drinks and plenty of other activities. The parade, which began in 1984, will bring Irish culture to the streets with marching bands, step dancers, bagpipes, floats and much more. There is a free shuttle available to bring you to the faire and kids 12 and under are free.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 623.939.1183, stpatricksdayphoenix.org, Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m., $10 adults, $8 seniors and military WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Kiss Me I’m Irish Run

You’ll receive a kiss at the end of this race. A chocolate kiss, that is! This run includes a 1K, 4K, 8K and 17K for racers of every age and experience level. Dress in your best green outfit for an opportunity for you (and your pets) to win a St. Patrick’s Day themed costume contest. Irish music and dancing will set the scene as you race in support of the Prostate On Site Project. At the end, medals will be handed out and racers will receive Hershey Kisses, complimentary beer, and food and drinks for everyone in celebration of the finish!

Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Boulevard, Glendale, 480.609.3978, irishrunaz.com, Saturday, March 14, 7:17 a.m., $10-$45

Experience Ireland at the MIM

Spend your St. Patrick’s Day weekend with two days worth of Irish themed activities at the Musical Instrument Museum. Shop for some traditional instruments, take themed pictures at the MIM photo booth, test your St. Patrick trivia or listen to some Irish storytelling. Throughout the day, there will be live performances for you to enjoy that range from fiddles, accordions, Celtic harps and Irish dance. To top it off, the experience is

included in the museum admission at no extra cost!

Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, Saturday, March 14 and Sunday March 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $20

Fountain Hills St. Patrick’s Day Festival

This family-friendly event set in the beautiful town of Fountain Hills is the perfect place for your St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Spend the day enjoying great company, music and food at Fountain Park. Dress to match the famous fountain as it turns a bright green at 1 p.m. to commemorate the Irish holiday. Guests 20 and under are free and those over 21 are just $5.

Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.816.5100, fh.az.gov, Monday, March 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $5

Pot of Gold Music Festival

Find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! This four-day music festival includes names such as Kendrick Lamar, Fall Out Boy, Bastille, Korn and so much more. There will be food with vegetarian options available.

Vendors will be in attendance with artist merchandise and novelties and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be on hand. Rock out to tons of

live musical performances each day at Tempe Beach Park. This rain or shine event provides a variety of music and fun for your entertainment during this St. Patrick’s Day! Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.8625, potofgoldaz.com, Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17, times vary, prices vary

The Chieftains

Busting out of their home country of Ireland, these authentic Irish lads have been on the scene for five decades. With six Grammy’s under their belts, among other accolades, their trademark Irish folk has gained an audience across the globe. But they can only be in one place for St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to catch them in the flesh this holiday.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4694, scottsdaleperformingarts.org, Tuesday, March 17, 7:30 p.m., prices vary

St. Patrick’s Day at the Irish Cultural Center

The Irish Cultural Center will be spending St. Patrick’s Day celebrating and sharing the Irish culture with the city of Phoenix. Enjoy some traditional Irish food and a cash bar while listening to music by Darron Weston during the afternoon. The Irish Cultural Center and Library will also be available for tours. Irish folk dancing and live music with De Mairt Ceol will be entertaining throughout the night. Don’t forget to test your luck by entering in the Irish Cultural Center raffle for a chance to win a trip to Ireland!

Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.258.0109, azirish.org, Tuesday, March 17, all day

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

ELI YOUNG BAND WILL BE RIGHT AT HOME

15

AT THE GREAT AMERICAN BBQ AND BEER FESTIVAL

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

I

f there’s anything that Texas’ Eli Young Band knows, it’s barbecue, beer and music.

So the country band’s guitarist James Young says he’ll feel right at home at the Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival on Saturday, March 21, in Downtown Chandler.

“Being from Texas, barbecue is the mainstay,” Young says with a laugh. “We love to eat it and we’ve been to barbecue (joints) all over the world. It’ll be a blast.”

The sixth annual Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival will feature more than 100 exhibitors and over 60 of the nation’s top pit masters serving up 20,000 pounds of pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket and chicken.

The menu doesn’t stop with barbecue.

Other event highlights include the SanTan Brewing Tailgater’s Lawn, UltraStar March Madness Lounge, Chester’s Harley Davidson

Pavilion, Porkopolis VIP Quarters, Dickel Hoedown Rodeo Zone, Bulleit Bourbon Barbecue Pit Row, DC Farmers Market, and an expanded kids’ play zone.

The Eli Young Band—which also includes vocalist/guitarist Mike Eli, bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson—will take center stage. The quartet looks forward to playing tracks from its latest release, Turn It On EP. “We’re working those into our set now,” says Young, whose band played the pre-Super Bowl festivities at Westgate earlier this year. “These are pretty much the first shows that we’re debuting all these new songs. It brings new life into the set. It’s been awhile since we’ve had new music. It really is a good change of pace.”

The pace has been a rather fast one for the Eli Young Band. It has a trio of platinum and multiplatinum No. 1 hits— “Drunk Last Night,” “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and “Crazy Girl”—under its belt. The quartet took a step back and headed to the studio to record the Turn

It On EP’s four songs, co-written by the band with producers Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover.

“We’ve been writing for the last six months,” Young explains. “Everybody will bring a song to the band and we’ll go and demo the songs. These four songs were just demos. But the label heard them and loved them and said, ‘We need to run with this now.’ They wanted to get them out as soon as possible.”

The whole experience makes the Eli Young Band enthusiastic about its stop in Chandler.

“Barbecue, beer and music—can’t go wrong with that,” Young says with a laugh.

The Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival

Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, chandlerbbq. com, Saturday, March 21, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., $10-$125

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

17

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

Toys! 19 Arizona Bike Week 22 Goodguys Rolls Into Town 18

BOUT TIME! The World Series of Fighting dukes it out in March

P

Ainsley Despain » The Entertainer! ut ‘em up, Phoenix! The World Series of Fighting 19 is coming to Phoenix on Saturday, March 28. The winner will walk away one step closer to becoming the new World Lightweight Champion.

Luis “Baboon” Palomino (2313) is set to go up against undefeated lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (130) in the live NBC televised event.

The preliminary fight will take place at 4 p.m., featuring Brazilian

natives Ronny Markes and Thiago Silva to kick off the evening. This fight us the first of many in a four-man elimination tournament, the winner of which will become the inaugural light heavyweight champion.

Make sure to plan in plenty of time to arrive, get your food and drinks, and settle in for a thrilling, punch-packed night, which includes some local talent, too.

An Arizona native, 26-year-old Gaethje grew up in Safford and has maintained his perfect score since his professional debut in 2011. Two years

later he made his WSOF debut in March 2013, where he defeated Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante, followed by Brian Cobb, Dan Lauzon and Richard Patishnock.

Hopes are high for this undefeated hometown favorite.

34-year-old Palomino will put up a fight. He’s been dangerous in the WSOF decagon cage, coming away with back-toback wins against Jorge “Macaco” Patino and “Lethal” Lewis Gonzalez.

Markes, originally from Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil has his jiu-jitsu black belt and has fought professionally since 2007. Silva, originally from Sao

Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, has been fighting for more than ten years. His appearance at this fight will be his first since 2013.

There is an eight ticket limit per household, so snag your seats while you still can.

World Series of Fighting

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, Saturday, March 28, 4 p.m., $53-$118 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

GOODGUYS FINISH FIRST

RIDE INTO TOWN

In town for Spring Training or just to enjoy the gorgeous weather? Ditch the rental car and hit the Valley streets in style. Embrace the sun with a motorcycle rental from Street Eagle Motorcycle Rentals. Choose any bike from a Honda to a BMW, to the new Polaris Slingshot, a futuristic street crawler guaranteed to turn heads.

STREET EAGLE MOTORCYCLE RENTALS

9419 E. San Salvador Drive, Suite 106B, Scottsdale, 800.717.7970, streeteagle.com

Full Throttle Fun!

6TH

SPRING NATIONALS Featuring Vehicles ‘72 and Older

MARCH 13-15 TM

#goodguys

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AT THE GOODGUYS SPRING NATIONALS Ainsley Despain » The Entertainer!

R

ev your engines for three full days of cars, cars, cars as Goodguys Rod and Custom Association kicks off their annual nationwide tour March 13 through 15 at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

It’s been four months since the last Goodguys event, and it’s that time again. The Goodguys Spring Nationals will feature some of the best muscle cars, customs hot rods and classics in the nation, all made before 1972—AKA the golden age of vehicles!

Located on 386 acres of pristine desert, WestWorld offers plenty of space for your car and your neighbor’s car, so don’t hesitate to get registered to show.

If you don’t have a classic on hand and just want to dream and drool, you can do that, too. (Just not on the chrome, please.) Or you could just buy one!

This event will also feature the Cars 4 Sale Corral, where you can browse classics for sale. If you’re an out with the old, in with the new type, All American

Sunday opens its doors to American cars from all decades. Make sure to bring the whole family so your kids can make their own model car and have a great time with Goodguys.

Goodguys members can pre-register up to two weeks prior to the show for $45 to display their vehicle in the Show & Shine for all three days. Non-members can register for the Show & Shine at the event registration office the weekend of the event for $70.

But whether you own one of these beauts or not, March is the time to get you fill of hard bodies. Car bodies, that is.

Goodguys 6th Spring Nationals

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, goodguys.com, Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15, times vary, $17 adv, $20 dos

GREEN

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

19

WITH ENVY Ainsley Despain » The Entertainer!

America has been “going green” for a while now, but this month we started going green with envy when we saw these amazing finds! If you’re willing to spend some skrilla, these items are absolutely to die for!

2015 BMW Z4 SDRIVE35I ROADSTER, $67,935 MSRP Available at Chapman BMW in Chandler

BADGLEY MISCHA EVENING SANDALS, $225

2015 BMW R 1200 GS ADVENTURE, $18,340 MSRP

Available at Macy’s at Chandler Fashion Center

Available at Victory BMW in Chandler

VALENTINO ‘ROCKSTUD’ HANDBAG, $2,395 Available at Nordstrom at Chandler Fashion Center

GEORGIA THREE-HAND LEATHER WATCH SET, $445 Available at the Fossil Store at SanTan Village

MICHAEL KORS ‘DILLON LARGE SAFFIANO’ TOTE BAG, $389 Available at Michael Kors at Chandler Fashion Center

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20

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

DRINKS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Apps to help you imbibe

Perfect for the 21 and older crowd, these apps solve all of the most common problems encountered when enjoying your favorite beverage. Cheers!

Untappd

(Free) A brilliant application that combines the social network idea with the love of beer, you can see what your friends are drinking, check into bars, rate beers and add personal tasting notes. This is a great way to keep track of all those amazing craft beers that you’ve tried and remember where you had them.

Plus, you can see what other people think of beers before you try them.

Crescent Crown

(Free) As one of the largest craft beer distributors in Arizona, Crescent Crown prides themselves in their vast portfolio and much-loved brands. The company’s app gives users three huge conveniences at their fingertips.

First, the event locator shows all the great beer events and tappings happening in your area. The brand search quenches your thirst with plenty of information about your favorite beer brands. Lastly, the beer locator reveals where you can find all of their great products in a simple map format.

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Delectable (Free)

You’re standing in the wine section at Trader Joe’s and you’re looking at the bottle of $6 merlot. You know you’ve had it before but you can’t remember if it was the one you poured out or the one you couldn’t believe you had gotten for only $6. Luckily for you, Delectable is here to make sure you never find yourself there again. Snap a photo of the wine label, rate it from one to 10, write a tasting note if you want and then the app recognizes and stores the wine for you.

Plus, you can follow friends and your favorite sommeliers to see what they are drinking.

Mixology (Free)

Craving a delicious cocktail but want to stay home? Have a cabinet of ingredients but not sure what do with them all? This app has nearly 8,000 recipes that you can search by name, ingredient or category.

Plus, you can enter in all the liquor varieties and mixers that you have on hand and the app will provide you with a list of cocktails you can make.

You can also share recipes with friends and search for nearby liquor stores to find that one ingredient you’re missing.

RateBeer (Free)

Considered the ultimate source for all beer lovers and any information they might want, ratebeer.com has earned quite the following and their app gives their users easy mobile access to their records. Submit your own beer ratings, read the latest beer news and releases, submit new beers and find nearby breweries, bars and stores. This app is truly a great source for finding great brews with its huge network of users.

The Wine Ratings Guide

($3.99) The largest wine rating database in the world, this guide has over two million listings and is perfectly designed for use in restaurants and stores to make sure you’re going to enjoy what you’re paying for. With a fast, straight-forward search engine, the world of wine is literally at your fingertips. Search by name, price, grape varietal, food pairing, flavor profile, region, produce and/or designation, You can also keep track of the wines you’ve tasted in your personal ratings list.

Hello Vino Wine Assistant (Free)

Pintley

For how tasty it is, wine can be a little intimating, and picking out the right wine can seem like an impossible feat without a degree in viticulture. Hello Vino is here to help you out.

Using straight-forward, stepby-step questions, Hello Vino recommends wine based on either pairing with your meal, the ideal wine for an occasion, your palate preferences or country/region preferences.

Plus, there is wine label recognition and a My Wines list to make sure you never forget what you’ve tasted.

Happy Hours

(Free) Ideal for young professionals living on a budget, happy hours have become synonymous with a good time, but since every establishment has their own times and deals, it can be a lot to keep track of. With this app, you can search for happy hours near you and filter them by day and time, location, food and/or drink specials, cuisine, features and key words such as “good for groups” or “people watching.” Once you’ve found the ideal spot, you can map to the location, email to a friend or call to ask any questions that you might have about the specials.

(Free) You know that awesome friend that has gotten to know you so well? You get along so well because you enjoy the same stuff and you exchange perfect recommendations for one another because you understand each other? No? Well, Pintley is here to be that friend for you.

Learning from your ratings and tasting notes about beers that you have tried, Pintley only recommends what will be most pleasing to your palate. Plus, it features drink tracking, checkins, a beer locator, invitations to local beer tastings and more!

iWhiskey ($10.99)

This app might be a bit pricey for the casual drinker, but for the whiskey connoisseurs out there that want to discuss the difference between Balvenie 12 and 15, this is definitely the app for them. With a huge catalogue of whiskies sorted by name, price, type, taste and aroma, this app is an educational tool. And, it features over 600 reviews by renowned whiskey sipper F. Paul Pacult.

Not all apps are available for all operating systems.

$219.99

Available exclusively at

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Office 520-233-2111 Fax 520-233-2160 41620 W Maricopa Casa Grande Hwy Ste 106 Maricopa AZ 85239 Office 520-494-2227 Fax 520-494-7082

Mesa

42 S Stapley Dr. Mesa Az. 85204 Office 480-751-2111 Fax 480-751-2113

1302 E Southern Ave. Mesa AZ 85204 Office 480-969-4444 Fax 480-969-4445 1810 S Power Rd Ste 103 Mesa AZ 85308 Office 480-926-8300

Phoenix

26 E. Baseline Rd. Ste 100 Phoenix AZ 85042 Work 602-323-9797 Fax 602-323-5172

2420 W Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix AZ 85015 Work 602-249-0333 Fax 602-841-7629

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3555 W Van Buren Rd. Ste 110 Phoenix AZ 85009 Office 602-353-1144 Fax 602-353-0077

3445 W Glendale Ave Ste 11B Phoenix AZ 85051 Office 602-249-5054 Fax 602-249-9640

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5811 S Central Ave. Phoenix AZ 85040 Office 602-323-1515 Fax 602-323-1511

8841 N 19th Ave Ste 2 Phoenix AZ 85021 Office 602-759-5766 Fax 602-759-5767 4041 E Thomas Rd. Ste 113 Phoenix AZ 85018 Office 602-522-1685 Fax 602-522-1686 1602 E Roosevelt St Ste. 301 Phoenix AZ 85006 Office 602-253-4888 Fax 602-253-4930

4015 N 75th Ave Phoenix AZ 85033 Office 623-247-1313 Fax 623-873-2166

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Tucson

85 W Combs Rd. Ste. 113 Queen Creek AZ 85142 Office 480-677-2233 Fax 480-677-2282

2700 W Baseline Rd. Ste 137 Tempe AZ. 85283 Office 602-431-2146 Fax 602-431-2142

235 W Wetmore Rd. Ste 151 Tucson Az 85705 Office 520-888-3199 Fax 520-888-0200

3790 S 16th Ave 315 West Irvington Rd Tucson Az 85713 Office 520-882-4975 Ste 121 Fax 520-882-4977 Tucson AZ 85714 Office 520-807-1003 Queen Creek Fax 520-807-9226 San Luis 530 E Hunt Hwy Tempe 706 N Main St Ste. D Ste 119 3400 S McClintock Dr. 8802 E Broadway San Luis AZ 85349 Queen Creek AZ 85142 Tempe AZ 85282 Tucson AZ 85710 Office 928-550-5057 Office 480-888-7779 Work 480-897-2230 Office 520-207-6002 Fax 928-550-5046 Fax 480-888-7299 Fax 520-207-6813 Fax 480-917-6965

Yuma

1526 S Avenue B Yuma AZ 85364 Office 928-783-4926 Fax 928-783-5199

22

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

CHESTER BENNINGTON

STEPS UP ARIZONA BIKE WEEK MIC TO

THE

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

H

opping on one foot while balancing his cell phone, Chester Bennington is quick to apologize for sounding out of breath.

He’s hobbling along thanks to a recent ankle injury—one in a long line of mishaps and illnesses that are so frequent that they’re outlined in their own section of Bennington’s Wikipedia page.

That said, he won’t be getting on any motorcycles during Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld in Scottsdale from Wednesday, March 25, through Sunday, March 29.

The Valley-bred Linkin Park singer will eschew the road, and front Stone Temple Pilots during the festival at WestWorld on Saturday, March 28.

“Being a desert boy, I grew up on motorcycles,” Bennington says during a

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

phone interview from his California home.

“I’m more of a dirt bike kind of guy.”

His dream motorcycle is, however, a Triumph Bonneville.

“I would love to have one of those,” he says. “Unfortunately, I’m probably the most accident-prone human beings I know.

“I have kids and a lot of people who depend on me being able to perform. For the future of my band and my kids, I do them a favor and stay off the street bikes.”

He does admit, though, that he’ll be eyeing the goods at the Arizona Bike Week. Bennington enjoys checking out the custom choppers and how they meld “old-school craftsmanship, true elbow grease and modern-day technology.”

“That’s what choppers and custom bikes are,” he says. “It’s pretty awesome. I’m

excited to get around and live vicariously through all the bikers out there.”

When he’s not perusing the hogs, Bennington heads up the Stone Temple Pilots’ new lineup featuring guitarist Dean DeLeo, bassist Robert DeLeo, drummer Eric Kretz and vocalist Bennington was revealed in May 2013 at KROQ’s annual Weenie Roast as the new frontman.

The “new” band’s debut single, “Out of Time,” reached No. 1 on Active and Mainstream Rock charts. Bennington replaces troubled vocalist Scott Weiland.

“Those guys are incredible musicians,” Bennington says.

“They’re some of the best songwriters of our time. Live we just crush it. It’s an amazing gift to get up on stage with these guys and play songs that I grew up listening to and loving. We’re in the studio now

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

working on a new record. It’s super fun to be able to be in two bands with some of the best writers in the world. It’s a great privilege.”

Even though Bennington is a longtime STP fan, don’t say his latest stint is a “dream come true.”

“None of my dreams ever consisted of me joining another band—other than when I was in the fourth grade when I think I had a string of repeating dreams that Depeche Mode flew in and brought me in and made me the fifth member of the group,” he says.

Instead, he fantasized about founding a band, like Linkin Park.

“Being in Linkin Park, that’s my dream come true,” Bennington says. “To be in a position to be able to contribute to the future of a band that I grew up listening to and loving and present the music they’ve

created and inspired me is a privilege.”

He first sang with STP on the Family Values Tour in the early 2000s.

“When they invited me to sing a song with them live, that was a dream come true,” he repeats. “Unfortunately, I would say that the ultimate dream would be that Scott would continue to be a productive member of this group and make music that I continue to love.

“It’s not a dream come true for me to be taking his place. No, I would definitely say that taking Scott’s place is not a dream come true. I respect Scott and care for him. This is an unfortunate situation in many ways. But, at the same time, it’s a privilege to be able to continue creating new music to fans.”

Bennington has a busy year. He’s working on a new album with Stone

Temple Pilots.

“The songs sound great and we’re really trying to capture the essence of Stone Temple Pilots and deliver an album that is missing in the rock world,” he says.

“We’re trying to bring some attitude back, some sexiness and piss and vinegar.”

He’s pulling double duty throughout 2015, hitting the studio and the road with Linkin Park as well.

“I keep myself busy,” he says with a laugh.

Fans need not fret about Bennington’s injury, though. He’ll do just fine on stage.

“It’ll be good,” he says. “The voice works, so that’s good. It’s going to be tricky. I won’t be jumping off of any stages, amps of any of that kind of stuff for a while. Hopefully, I’ll be moving around pretty well by then.”

23

None of my dreams ever consisted of me joining another band—other than when I was in the fourth grade when I think I had a string of repeating dreams that Depeche Mode flew in and brought me in and made me the fifth member of the group.

Stone Temple Pilots

Arizona Bike Week, WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, azbikeweek.com, Saturday, March 28, 9 p.m., $28 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Things To Do in March at MIM

WHY TOOT OUR OWN HORN WHEN OTHERS DO IT SO WELL?

Visit the world’s only global musical instrument museum. Explore MIM’s galleries, attend a concert, experience an event, shop the Museum Store, dine at Café Allegro, and more!

For more information and tickets, visit MIM.org CONCERTS

March 6 Diane Schuur: An Homage to Stan Getz and Frank Sinatra March 13 Lee Konitz Quartet March 16 René Marie: With Love to Eartha Kitt March 18 Red Baraat

Rated the #1 attraction in Phoenix

March 22 Maria Muldaur: Way Past Midnight March 23 Matthew and Gunnar Nelson—Ricky Nelson Remembered March 27 Brad Colerick with David Plenn

EVENTS

March 8 Film Screening: Music of the Survival—The Story of the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus March 14 & 15 Experience Ireland March 21 & 22 Family Weekend: String Break March 28 Curator’s Choice Series: Drums in African Art March 28 Girl Scouts at MIM: Be a Junior Museum Guide March–May MIMkids: Mini Music Makers March–May MIMkids: Musical Adventure Series

SPECIAL EXHIBITION

Beyond the Beat: Drums of the World

This special exhibition includes more than one hundred drums from forty-five countries, plus interactive technology to bring the instruments to life.

Tickets: $7 with museum admission; $10 for the exhibition only

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | Open Daily 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050 (Corner of Tatum & Mayo Blvds., just south of Loop 101)

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE ARTIST

25

CULTURE » THEATRE » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

The Best Arts Events in March 26 Art Detour 29

THE LONGEST

15 MINUTES Take a peek into the quirky mind of Andy Warhol Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

A

ndy Warhol is a major influence to 20th century contemporary art and has shaped much of what we consider to be modern art to this day. His obsession with bright colors, satirized commercial goods and celebrity worship brought his subjects to life on a canvas in way that was simply unique to the time.

Thanks to the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his works are making their way to Phoenix for the first time. The Phoenix Art Museum will be featuring the exhibit, “Andy Warhol: Portraits,” from March 4 to June 21. The exhibition will include about 200 portraits, drawings and paintings created by the artist spanning from the 1940s to the 1980s.

The works include his infamous portraits of celebrity icons, including those of Marilyn Monroe, Prince, Sylvester Stallone and many more. Also included in the

exhibit will be self-portraits of the artist created by silkscreen printing, Polaroids of Warhol dressed in drag and many other unconventional displays.

Take a peek inside his personal life with family photographs depicting a younger version of the artist. Warhol’s versatility in the art world allowed him to experiment with a variety of mediums when he created his art including drawing, film, music, silk screening and sculpture.

Even after his death, Warhol remains a symbol for modern art and has influenced others to think imaginatively outside of the box.

Phoenix Art Museum

1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1222, phxart.org, Wednesday, March 4, through, Sunday, June 21, museum hours vary, $15

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26

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

ARTS

CALENDAR The weather is warming up here in the Valley, and so is the art scene.

March will keep you entertained with visual spectacles galore.

The Heiress THROUGH MARCH 15 A compelling psychological tale of a young woman’s journey to win the affection of a distant and disappointed father, to experience the joys of romantic love and, ultimately, to discover her own place in the world.

Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Suite 406, Scottsdale, 602.765.0120, thestudiophx.org

Nice Work If You Can Get It MARCH 3 AND 4 It’s the Roaring Twenties and a cast

of outrageous characters gather in New York to celebrate the wedding of wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter. But things don’t go as planned when the playboy meets Billie Bendix, a bubbly and feisty bootlegger who melts his heart.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E, Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com

The Fateful Loves of Hamlet MARCH 5 THROUGH 8 Center Dance Ensemble’s program includes The Fateful Loves of Hamlet, a featured piece by artistic director Frances Smith Cohen. Other dances inspired by Shakespeare works will also be showcased, as well as two pieces by Scottsdale Community Colleges’ Instinct Dancecorps.

Stage West at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 W. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org

the game by transistor radio and does his own play-by-play, a bathing beauty, a nerd and various other bleacher denizens.

Fountain Hills Community Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661, fhct.org

Brian Stokes Mitchell MARCH 7 Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a rich and varied career on Broadway, television and film, along with appearances in the great American concert halls.

Known for his powerful baritone, he performs songs from his album Simply Broadway, featuring new interpretations of classic recordings of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Bleacher Bums

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA

MARCH 6 THROUGH 15 In the bleachers at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, die-hard Cub fans root for their team. The group includes a rabid cheerleader, a blind man who follows

MARCH 10 THROUGH 15 The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical has delighted audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production

RODGER’S + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA MARCH 10 THROUGH 15

THE FATEFUL LOVES OF HAMLET MARCH 5 THROUGH 8

TIM FULLER

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT MARCH 3 AND 4

Paul Williams

Saturday, March 28, 2015 · 7:30pm /ChandlerCenterfortheArts @ChandlerArts

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

For full season listings, visit:

480.782.2680 • www.ChandlerCenter.org

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love; the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com

Marc Cohn MARCH 13 A natural storyteller, singersongwriter Marc Cohn combines the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man.

His career took off in 1990 with the recording of his critically acclaimed, self-titled debut disc, which yielded such classics in their own right as “Walking in Memphis.”

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Defying Gravity: Spirit of Phoenix Chorus Show MARCH 14 The 50-man Spirit of Phoenix Chorus, directed by Gary Steinkemp, is coming off an exciting 2014 season. Last year’s pinnacle was being chosen one of 26 choruses in the world to compete at the International Barbershop Chorus Contest in Las Vegas last summer.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, sopchorus.org

Ladysmith Black Mambazo MARCH 15 The Grammy Award-winning vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo has been called “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors to the World” by the late Nelson Mandela. The group returns to the United States celebrating more than 50 years of joyous and uplifting song and dance.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Peter, Paul and Mary Remembered MARCH 14 The members of the group grew up during the heyday of the folk music movement. Peter, Paul and Mary were a mainstay who helped guide many through the changing times.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, 480.840.0457, higleyarts.org

27

Garibaldi MARCH 20 A performance art show where artist David Garibaldi creates six foot portraits of pop icons in minutes to music. Garibaldi’s unique show is extremely versatile and has been featured with celebrities like Carlos Santana.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org

Breaking Ground 2015

GARIBALDI MARCH 20

MARCH 20 THROUGH 21 Thirty-two artists, choreographers and filmmakers will participate in an exhilarating weekend of performances, master classes and social events featuring some of today’s most important voices in contemporary dance.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, conderdance.com

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Suicide Club MARCH 20 THROUGH 29 Behind the impassive facade of a windowless house in London, some of Europe’s most powerful men gather to play a game. The game is murder. But the club has a new member: Sherlock Holmes; brilliant, perceptive and the greatest detective in the Englishspeaking world.

Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, 480.488.1981, dftheater.org

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO MARCH 15

MARC COHN MARCH 13

Scottsdale Chorus MARCH 21 The four-time gold medal winning chorus is made up of 100 plus talented women performing fourpart, barbershop-style harmony in full costume complete with choreography. This incredible group has been competing for over 50 years and has been to 16 international competitions.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, 480.987.7469, qcpac.org

Anything Goes THROUGH MARCH 22 The toe-tapping stunner of a musical theatre classic has been visually re-imagined to capture the swing and swank of the art deco ‘30s while keeping its comically charming story, sparkling dance numbers and timeless Cole Porter songbook.

Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

The Boob Show MARCH 22 THROUGH 28 A musical celebration of boobs!

Breasts have become such a big deal in our culture. Sometimes the women and men behind them, get lost in the shuffle. With heart and humor, explore the world of boobs in this witty, engaging, and poignant new musical.

Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com

BALLET FOLKLÓRICO QUETZALLI DE VERACRUZ MARCH 27

Trash Cinema: Lonesome Cowboys MARCH 22 In conjunction with “Andy Warhol: Portraits,” see Warhol’s own film work, his cinematic contemporaries and the filmmakers in their wake.

“Lonesome Cowboys,” directed by Andy Warhol, shocked audiences with its casual and sometimes explicit sexual content. Warhol’s method and aesthetic set the stage for future cinema of its kind.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org

Phoenix Film Festival MARCH 26 THROUGH APRIL 2 The Phoenix Film Festival annually screens over 150 films and has been named one of “The 25 Coolest Film Festivals” by MovieMaker Magazine. Founded in 2000 by independent filmmakers as an opportunity to showcase independent filmmaking and has quickly become Arizona’s largest film festival.

Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.955.6444, phoenixfilmfestival.com

PAUL WILLIAMS MARCH 28

MARCH 22

Ballet Folklórico Quetzalli de Veracruz MARCH 27 Backed by wonderful musicians, the group recreates the dances and music of several regional festivals across Mexico. While recreating the pageantry, spectacle, and color of each fiesta, the choreography of each dance represents a unique facet of life, culture, history, or nature.

Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, 480.983.2171 , gcac1. com/cynsnds.html

Paul Williams MARCH 28 Williams has co-written with many great composer’s from John Williams to Gustavo Santaolalla and has written a staggering number of pop hits, many of which are ingrained in our social fabric.

“Old Fashioned Love Song”, “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “The Love

Boat” television show theme song are just a few.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org

Architecture for Place: Glenn Murcutt THROUGH APRIL 4

Known for projects which “touch the earth lightly,” architect Glenn Murcutt begins his work with a keen observation of the natural conditions of each site. This exhibition features drawings, renderings, photographs and models.

ASU Art Museum, 10th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.2787, asuartmuseum.asu.edu/exhibitions

Friday, March 20, 2015 · 7:30pm /ChandlerCenterfortheArts @ChandlerArts

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

For full season listings, visit:

480.782.2680 • www.ChandlerCenter.org

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

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JAN 16MAR 29

ART WALK THIS WAY Art Detour is back for its 27th year Hayli Metter » The Entertainer!

In its 27th annual event, Art Detour is once again fostering accessibility to the Phoenix art scene. A scavenger hunt for art enthusiasts, participants pick up a map at any of the four park and ride trolley locations to explore Downtown Phoenix, admiring some of the most extraordinary art the city has to offer along the way.

Over 100 participating artists, known as “articipants,” will be showing their work at studios, pop-ups and galleries across the heart of downtown. While using their maps, visitors follow along marked parts of the city to find various works of art and are able to take a free trolley specific to the event.

Throughout the weekend, there will also be smaller events for those in attendance, such as March’s First Friday Art Detour preview night, and the PaintPHX Fifth Street Block Party, which is a mural painting event in conjunction with Art Detour. The weekend will kick off with what’s known as the Art d’Core Gala, where participants are encouraged to wear fun, colorful formal wear while enjoying live music, dancing, and even a virtual tour of Downtown Phoenix.

The event itself is not only family-friendly, but also features art shows specifically for kids called the Kids’ Detour. For art enthusiasts across Arizona, this annual event is a hit every year for a reason, so don’t be afraid to explore your inner artist and see what this event has to offer!

ART DETOUR

Multiple locations throughout Downtown Phoenix, artlinkphoenix.com/artdetour, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 5p.m., fre

Award-Winning Artists at Work • 115 Studios

26540 N Scottsdale Rd • Jomax and Scottsdale Rds • By MacDonald’s Ranch 480-837-7163 • ArizonaFineArtEXPO.com 10-week Season Pass $10; Military/Seniors $8 • Open Daily 10am-6pm; Rain or Shine M E E T

T H E

A R T I S T S

CAREFREE FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 1 101 Easy Street, Carefree

FOUNTAIN HILLS FINE ART & WINE AFFAIRE MARCH 13-15 16810 E Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills

Sip fine wines, stroll throughout award-winning artists and listen to live music! $3 Admission • Held Outdoors • 10am-5pm

ThunderbirdArtists.com • 480-837-5637

America's Greatest Big Band Show “A meticulously researched recreation of the Swing Era” —Peter Donnelly, Australia

MESA ARTS CENTER

One East Main Street, Mesa 480-644-6500 mesaartscenter.com

Red Baraat

Wed., March 18 | 7:00 p.m. | $34.50–$39.50 Combining North Indian bhangra rhythms, jazz, brass funk, and hip-hop with South Asian Qawwali traditions, Cumbia grooves, electronic music, and more To purchase tickets, visit MIM.org or call 480.478.6000

MUSIC THEATER

Located in the Musical Instrument Museum

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

COMING

ATTRACTIONS “Home” PG – 94 MINUTES

“A Little Chaos”

“The Divergent Series: Insurgent”

TBD – 116 MINUTES

PG-13 – 119 MINUTES

A female landscaper/gardener is awarded the esteemed assignment to construct the grand gardens at Versailles, a gilt-edged position which thrusts her to the very center of the court of King Louis XIV. Starring Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci and Alan Rickman.

When Oh (voice of Jim Parsons), a loveable misfit from another planet, lands on Earth and finds himself on the run from his own people, he forms an unlikely friendship with an adventurous girl named Tip (voice of Rihanna), who is on a quest of her own. Featuring the voices of Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Matt Jones.

Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side.

Starring Shailene Woodley, Miles Teller, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet and Maggie Q.

“The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” PG – 122 MINUTES

Director/screenplay team of John Madden & Ol Parker presented the delightful ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (2011) for the Elderly and Beautiful! With the new hotel, Sonny (Dev Patel) has his hands full as arrivals Guy (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tamsin Greig) want the only remaining room that is no longer available. Also Starring Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Judi Dench and David Strathairn.

“She’s Funny That Way” R – 93 MINUTES

Legendary director Peter Bogdanovich’s latest comedy/drama has an all-star cast in the story of a married Broadway director who falls for a prostituteturned-actress and works to help her advance her career. Starring Jennifer Aniston, Imogen Poots, Quentin Tarantino, Lucy Punch, Kathryn Hahn, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Esposito, Cybill Shepherd and Rhys Ifans.

“Merchants of Doubt” PG-13 – 96 MINUTES

A documentary that looks at pundits-for-hire who present themselves as scientific authorities as they speak about topics like toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals and climate change.

“Chappie” R – 120 MINUTES

In the near future, crime is patrolled by an oppressive mechanized police force. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. Starring Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver.

“The Gunman” TBD – 115 MINUTES

A former Special Forces soldier and military contractor suffering from PTSD tries to reconnect with his long time love, but first must go on the run from London to Barcelona and across Europe in order to clear his name.

Starring Idris Alba, Sean Penn and Javier Bardem.

For the latest movie reviews, interviews and articles on movies, visit screenscene.org. You can see free movies before they open! At screenscene. org, click on the “see movies free” poster and type in your zip code for free passes.

Stan Robinson – Film Columnist; Cynthia Tracy – Executive Assistant on twitter: @NikitaAtSection; on facebook: Facebook.com/StanRobinson email: Movies@StanRobinson.org WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“Run All Night” R – 110 MINUTES

An aging hitman (Liam Neeson) is forced to take on his brutal former boss to protect his estranged son and his family. Also starring Genesis Rodriguez, Joel Kinnaman, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ed Harris and Common.

“Unfinished Business” R – 91 MINUTES

A hard-working small business owner and his two associates travel to Europe to close the most important deal of their lives. But what began as a routine business trip goes off the rails in every imaginable—and unimaginable—way, including unplanned stops at a massive fetish event and a global economic summit. Starring Vince Vaughn, Dave Franco and Tom Wilkinson.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

FILM TRIVIA Actress Emily Blunt had a stutter as a child and it was acting in school plays that helped her grow out of it.

The Report Card

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Stan

Randy

Joseph

American Sniper Black or White The Boy Next Door Fifty Shades of Grey Into the Woods Jupiter Ascending

“Insurgent” actress Shailene Woodley shares a November 15 birthday with Nickelback lead singer, Chad Kroeger.

Kingsman: The Secret Service McFarland, USA Paddington Seventh Son The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water Still Alice

Nicole Kidman is scared of butterflies.

The Wedding Ringer = Outstanding

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS STAN ROBINSON is retired with over 25 years of film and television production experience. Stan draws from his behind-the-scenes expertise to survey a film’s challenges to cinematically present a story. Production credits available at IMDB.com ~ Movie items available at ScreenScene.org ~ Twitter: @NikitaAtSection ~ Email: Movies@StanRobinson.org

RANDY MONTGOMERY Randy’s reactions reveal the emotional intuition of an average moviegoer. With a master’s degree in counseling and education, Randy grounds his opinions in a unique combination of both a movie’s surface entertainment value and its ability to affect him on an even deeper level. Email him at RandyJay7694@yahoo.com

= Positive

= Negative

JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a producer of and film

commentator for “Breakthrough Entertainment,” a talk radio show airing 9 a.m. to Noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. Read his reviews on BreakRadioShow.com and Examiner.com, or e-mail him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE DINER

33

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

The Best Food Events in March 36 Happy Hour Guide 39 Vinegar Cocktails 34

THE DINER INSIDER » Inside tips from the Valley’s culinary scene Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

HOMETOWN TREASURE

For more than 40 years, Cerreta Candy Company has been providing America with crave-worthy, family-made chocolate, caramel, fudge and brittles from their historic Glendale factory.

After learning the art of candy making from his father-in-law (the first candy maker in the U.S. to wrap soft candy in cellophane instead of waxed paper), Jim Cerreta, Sr. moved from Ohio to Arizona and continued the family tradition with his children.

The Cerreta Candy Company is now a beloved state treasure and the largest candy factory in Arizona—and they more than welcome visitors.

Every Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Marisa Cerreta, Jim Sr.’s daughterin-law, gives a free 30-minute guided tour of the factory that shows everything from how a sea of caramel

Old TOwn ScOTTSdale'S deSTinaTiOn FOr: Modern Italian Cuisine Handcrafted Cocktails Late-Night Eats

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Scottsdale, AZ (Between indian School & camelback)

(480) 265-9814 evoscottsdale.com

becomes hardened and wrapped candies to how those scrumptious boxed chocolates get their gooey cream centers.

Plus, a box of Cerreta’s is the perfect way to send your love from Arizona. With cactus-shaped chocolates, Camelback bars (caramel, pecan, chocolate dream) and the incorporation of many local ingredients, including honey, dairy and pecans, Cerreta’s candies embody the sweetness that Arizona is known for.

Cerreta Candy Company

5345 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 623.930.1000, cerreta.com

FamiLy owned and operated

and the Legend continues… .est 1964

1633 S Stapley US60 & Stapley 480.707.9009 • Pigglys.com Pigglyscatering@gmail.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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FIRST TIME FOODIE

Taking our taste buds on culinary adventures for the very first time Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

F

or years, vinegar has been used as an ingredient in “shrubs” that are then used in cocktails.

A combination of fruit, sugar, vinegar and aromatics, these mixtures are then strained and used sparingly in cocktails for flavor.

However, it seems that a new trend is on the horizon—the use of vinegars as a more substantial ingredient in cocktails.

This was my assignment for this month’s First Time Foodie, and I will admit that it was met with a confused look.

A thorough search for local places with “vinegar” listed as an ingredient on their cocktail menus turned out to be fruitless, so I decided to make my own.

But what vinegar would I use?

Simple, white vinegar was out because I can barely eat salt and vinegar chips without making a face, and red wine vinegar felt like cheating somehow.

I narrowed it down to balsamic and apple cider vinegar and ultimately chose balsamic because on the day that

I made the drink, balsamic strawberries sounded like the best thing in the whole wide world.

I turned to my trusted Internet search engine and entered the words “balsamic strawberry cocktail” and immediately began to salivate. With a bit of research and a little imagination, I mixed and matched a few recipes and came up with this one.

Balsamic Berry Bash 2 lime wedges 2 slices of cucumber 1 large fresh strawberry 1 tbsp. simple syrup (1:1 ratio) ½ tsp. balsamic vinegar 1 ½ oz. gin Muddle lime, cucumber, strawberry, simple syrup and balsamic together in cocktail shaker. Add ice and gin. Shake.

Strain over fresh ice. Add the muddled strawberry and cucumber to cocktail and garnish with a strawberry.

THE CONSENSUS

I loved it. I would absolutely make this cocktail again and I am already planning on trying a few different variations.

The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar, strawberry and simple syrup are perfectly balanced by the tartness of the lime, the freshness of the cucumber and the herbal quality of the gin. This drink is

layered, refreshing and simply delicious.

The balsamic vinegar added just the perfect amount of complexity without making this drink intimidating or odd.

I am very curious to see what other cocktails and liquors I could mix with balsamic vinegar and would definitely be willing to try out apple cider vinegar if I found a good recipe.

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FOOD EVENTS

CALENDAR Devoured Phoenix Culinary Classic MARCH 1 THROUGH 8

It’s time to make Phoenix a top culinary destination! Devoured Phoenix is a week-long food frenzy that celebrates local food in the best way possible. The events are hosted by Devour Phoenix and Local First Arizona, whose mission is to promote local dining and support local businesses in the area. Don’t miss your chance to see live food demonstrations, meet some of the best chefs in town, and of course taste delicious food from local restaurants, breweries and vendors!

Multiple locations throughout Phoenix, 602.257.2124, devouredphoenix.com, times vary, prices vary

Arizona Aloha Festival MARCH 7 AND 8

Say “aloha” to culture and tradition at this outdoor Hawaiian festival. Learn how to play the ukulele, make your own flower lei, or watch traditional dancers.

Take your taste buds on a journey to the islands by sampling local favorites like the “plate lunch,” which includes macaroni salad, rice and a protein like pig or chicken. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, scoop up a taste of

mango, pineapple or coconut ice cream, or go wild with some flavored shaved ice with either ice cream or sweet cream to top it off! Take that Hawaiian vacation right here in Tempe!

Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.697.1824, azalohafest.org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free

The Good Life Festival MARCH 7 AND 28, APRIL 18

Get a taste of “The Good Life” at this food and drink festival hosted by Encanterra Country Club in San Tan Valley. It’s sure to bring some good vibes your way with a mixture of top quality food, delicious drinks and some great live music.

Purchase the VIP package and receive special perks such as top seating and catered food and drinks. Wine and craft beer will be available for sampling from some of the most celebrated vineyards and microbreweries, as well as food demonstrations and shopping. Headliners for this year’s festival include The Beach Boys, Rick Springfield and Foreigner—maybe you’ve heard of them before?

Encanterra Country Club, 36460 N. Encanterra Drive, San Tan Valley, 888.856.3727, thegoodlifefest.com, times vary, prices vary

The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival MARCH 21

Hope you have an appetite for 20,000 pounds of barbecue! The Sixth Annual Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival will put you into barbecue overload. Over 100 exhibitors and more than 60 pit masters from all over the country will be bringing you all things pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork and everything in between, all served with a local craft beer of your choice.

Get ready for the meatiest year yet by signing up for the Von Hanson’s meats & spirits brat eating contest, Can’t Stop Smokin’ BBQ rib eating contest, The Hungry Monk’s wing eating contest or the all-you-can-eat pie eating contest.

If you need a break from all that food, go enjoy some live entertainment from top performers like the Eli Young Band and Laura Walsh. This event brings barbecue to a whole new level!

Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 602.276.2499, chandlerbbq.com, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., $12

Check, Please! Arizona Festival MARCH 22

Sample delicious food from some of your favorite local restaurants that have been featured on episodes of Channel Eight’s “Check, Please!

Arizona.” Remember to pair your dishes with beverages from contributing wineries and breweries.

Food demonstrations and panels will also be part of the foodie fun.

The event will include the host of

“Check, Please! Arizona,” Chef Robert McGrath, plus Chef Christopher Gross from Christopher’s & Crush Lounge and Chef Nobuo Fukuda from Teeter House. The event sold out last year, so grab your tickets before they’re gone.

There will also be an opportunity to audition to be on the show!

Cityscape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.772.3888, azpbs.org/checkplease, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $79

The Pleasure Feast THROUGH MARCH 29

Experience the traditions of the Arizona Renaissance Festival through this royally delicious dinner and a show! At the Pleasure Feast, devour your way through a five-course meal fit for a king while being served by “wenches” and “tavern knaves.”

Attendees are forewarned that the hour-and-a-half performance includes crude and risqué humor, so make sure it is your kind of thing.

Additionally, when you purchase a Pleasure Feast ticket, your general admission to the Renaissance Festival is already included. Menu items include an appetizer, soup, entrees, and some desserts, of course! A vegetarian option is also available, just let them know beforehand. Don’t forget to wash all that food down with a selection of beer and wine with your souvenir feast goblet!

Arizona Renaissance Festival, Highway 60 east of Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, 520.463.2600, royalfaires.com, 12 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., $70

HUNGRY? COME EAT AT SCOTTSDALE’S BEST HIDDEN GEM!

Stargazing, Homemade Tortillas, Fresh Southwestern Cuisine & AZ’s Best Margaritas offered nightly on our award winning Patio.

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DUELING DINERS: BRAT HAUS

En garde! Our dueling diners love each other when they’re not reviewing restaurants, but when the meal comes, their flaws are totally game.

Christina Caldwell and Andrew Axelrod » The Entertainer!

CHRISTINA’S ACCOUNT: My life with Andrew has been consumed by dogs lately. We recently added Olive, a Chow/Australian Sheppard puppy, to our catalog of dogs, which now totals two.

Our lives are now consumed with dog toys, dog food, dog hair and dog kisses.

So we figured we should just keep this dog thing going and headed to Brat Haus for this month’s Dueling Diners for a brat... or a dog, depending on who you ask.

We rolled our way through a few lint roller sheets, pretending to look presentable to real-life human beings, and left the dogs behind for our first day out together since we got the new puppy. And then we walked into the outdoor patio at Brat Haus, where they boasted a dogfriendly atmosphere and were even hosting dog adoptions that very Sunday.

And Sunday was the perfect day to go. Let’s just say we had a little too much fun on Saturday, and brats and French fries sounded like the ultimate cure for what ailed us.

Walking into the rustic, approachable atmosphere of Brat Haus, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of Old Town Scottsdale. With the exception of the occasional dude walking by the restaurant in a too-tight shirt and bedazzled jeans, the laid back vibe of the Haus is apparent from its massive beer selection and German comfort food menu.

We opted to start with the Pretzel and Cheese, with homemade warm beer cheese fondue. The chewy texture of the pretzel is far from what you’d experience at the mall’s pretzel shop, and the cheese fondue

was distinctly hoppy, and luckily not overly salty like the pretzel “cheese” you’re used to.

Brat Haus’ menu makes it impossible to decide. There are too many good options, including some delicious (and decadent) sounding sandwiches and burgers, but we were at Brat Haus, after all, so I went for the house specialty with the Brat and Beer Flight. The flight combined three beers with the Haus, Spicy and Sweet brats, for a bestof-both-worlds price at $14.

The Haus Brat was a mix of parsley, oregano and allspice, topped with sauerkraut for a bit of bite, and it was clear why this is their house specialty. Aside from being tasty, it’s also approachable. The Spicy Brat was my favorite of the bunch, with pops of cayenne, paprika and crushed red pepper, served with root beer onions on top. The Sweet Brat was a mixture of fennel, smoked apple and onion, topped with pickled red peppers. OK, I take it back. They were all kind of my favorite.

I’m normally a big fan of sweets and Andrew is normally a big fan of salty, but oddly, come those post-fun Sunday afternoons, we enter the Twilight Zone. I crave nothing but all that is fatty, salty and spicy and Andrew craves something sweet.

Not just anything sweet, but a milkshake specifically. Brat Haus clearly had my end covered, and luckily Andrew left satisfied thanks to the Nutella Shake.

In all of its hazelnut-chocolate goodness, Nutella is worth eating on its own. Add it to impossibly creamy ice cream and you have a seriously decadent treat, guaranteed to cure rum hangovers.

Erm... not that we’d know.

ANDREW’S ACCOUNT: I won’t pretend to hide the fact that I was suffering a bit from the dog that had bit me the previous night. It was another night I will file away safely in my “shame” folder, the width of which is quickly approaching George Costanza wallet levels.

But I know a good meal when I eat one. And I know this often. Which is why I’m probably carrying around an extra few pounds than I should.

What is it about heavy drinking that brings out the worst in our eating habits? Gluttonous pleasures such as cheese loaded soft pretzels and milkshakes are normally off limits. But in our posteuphoric state of desperate recovery, they seem like a swell... nay, a necessary choice.

And having imbibed said things, I would wager that ordering these items was good even without the hangover.

Brat Haus in Scottsdale is a joint that bills itself as a reliable, everyman establishment, welcoming of the tired, the poor and the embarrassingly hungover. I feel comfortable about saying such things about Brat Haus because their menu offers such selections as the “Beer Brunch,” a selection from the menu that nods to your suffering.

Unsurprisingly, I was not awake early enough to experience said “Beer Brunch,” but I did get to sample a wide array of what the restaurant’s menu had to offer.

Christina and I started with the Pretzel and Cheese, because we were not done punishing our bodies. The puffy pretzel and delicious beer-based cheese did not leave me regretting our choice. Even

Brat Haus

today, sober as a nun, I’d happily order that appetizer twice over.

Awkwardly trying to straighten out my wrinkled jeans that I had not yet changed from last night, I asked our waitress to bring me the Spicy Pepper Brat. Served on a toasted French roll, the sausage lived up to its name. The sweet onions balanced out the heat from the spiced sausage. Next time I go to Brat Haus I think I will ask for the pickled onions instead, as the sweet eventually overwhelmed the sausage for me. Or maybe that was the shake...

While most of the more responsible patrons around me were taking in the restaurant’s wide selection of craft beer, I was in no mood to consume any sort of alcohol, so the Nutella Shake caught my eye.

Let me say, I freaking love milkshakes.

When traveling, I often seek out the best recommendations online for a frozen treat. I’ve even made my own disgustingly unhealthy ice cream drinks at home. Brat Haus’ Nutella Shake is, in my opinion, the best milkshake I’ve had in Scottsdale. And I’d stake my reputation on it. Luckily my reputation is that of an unkempt manchild, so I’m cool with risking this.

Overall, sober or recovering, Brat Haus is worth your visit. A unique, modest atmosphere among the old town scene, Brat Haus offers a delicious take on German-American fare. I’m excited to try it again in a more dignified state of mind.

But who am I kidding? Keep another Nutella Shake chilled for me for next weekend, Brat Haus.

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.947.4006, brathausaz.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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39

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Angels Trumpet Ale House

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Pig & Pickle

Bad Water Tap Room

Hard Rock Café

Piggly’s Smokehouse

Brass Tap

Hungry Monk

Rehab Burger Therapy

Brat Haus

Lucky Strike Bowling

810 N. Second Street, Phoenix Tuesday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Select from three $3 drafts and two $7 flatbreads

Five locations across the Valley Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight $2.75 well drinks, $3.25 domestic drafts, $3.50 house wine and several food specials

Thursday, 9 p.m. to close Thursday Tap Takedown $1 off all drafts; $4 off growler refills

3 S. Second Street, Phoenix Phoenix Suns’ game days $4 cans

1033 N. Dobson Road, #104, Mesa Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1.50 of all Arizona drafts and house wines

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all alcohol, but ask about daily specials! For example, Wednesday is $3 pints of craft beer all day!

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. $2 off all drafts, $1 off bottles, cans, liquor and wine and food specials

3160 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Daily, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., all day on Mondays $4 well drinks, $2 off wine by the glass, $1 off beer, food specials

1633 S. Stapley Drive, Mesa Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and all day on Saturday and Sunday Discounts on local craft beers and signature cocktails and $2 smokehouse brews

7210 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to close on Thursdays $1 Off all party starter appetizers, $1.50 PBRs, Domestic Pints $2.50, Premium Pints $3.50, $1 off shots, wines by glass and specialty drinks

The Shout House

50 W. Jefferson Street, #240, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails, house wine and food specials

Central Bistro

2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 for select appetizers, cocktails, glasses of wine and beers

6770 N. Sunrise Boulevard, #207, Glendale Varying daily specials Wednesdays, $3 flirtinis; Thursdays, $5 bombers; Fridays, half off bottles and buckets for groups of four or more.

Max Sports Grille

Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Monday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. $2.25 selected domestic pints and bottles, $3.25 selected domestic steins, $2 well drinks, Happy hour menu $7 and under

SanTan Brewing Company

8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday, 9 p.m. to close $3.75 for most SanTan pints, $1 off everything else behind the bar and $6 select appetizers

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

The Mission at Minder Binder

St. Francis

Duke’s Sports Bar

MOTO Sushi

Stockyards Steakhouse

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 117, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 domestic pints, $4 local pints, domestic aluminum bottles and premium well drinks, $5 house wines

7607 E. McDowell, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Special prices on domestic pitchers, domestic drafts, domestic bottles, well drinks and wine

715 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe Daily 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. $1 off all alcohol

6845 N. 16th Street, Phoenix Monday through Saturday, 3 p.m. through 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. through 6:15 p.m. $2.99 select drafts, 10% off well drinks and house wines as well as some food specials

111 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 cocktails, half off bottles and cans of beer and wines by the glass, food specials

5009 E. Washington Street, #115, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 off draft beer and Saloon Snacks, $3 domestic bottles, $4 well drinks and $5 house wine with complimentary tenderloin sliders

EVO

Old Town Tavern

Twin Peaks

Frasher’s Steakhouse

Park Place Bar & Grill

Wasted Grain

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale Daily 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 beers, $4 well drinks, $5 wines and $6 cocktails

2122 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Daily 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 for everything: house wines, beer, house liquors, assorted call & premiums and many single liquor shots

7320 E. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bucket of beers (five beers for two people): $12 domestic, $16 Mexican imports, $20 premium

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, #6, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Special prices on Maker’s Mark Manhattans, Tito’s Martinis and assorted red and white wines

2135 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close $2 off appetizers, 23 oz. drafts and well drinks

7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $5 small plates and The Drink Exchange-prices vary based on supply and demand

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE CRAFTMASTER

41

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Great Beer Pairings 42 The Great Arizona Beer Festival 46 Beertenders 44

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month Pyramid Fitness Hike and Beers

MARCH 5 Go for a six-mile hike and then reward yourself with some adult beverages! Take A Hike is an outdoor club for active people in Arizona.

Hikes and Beers is a get together that happens every Thursday. This time around, the club will leave at exactly 5:48 p.m. to make the steep climb up Pyramid Trail. You don’t have to be experienced hiker to join, but don’t forget tons of water, a headlamp and a cell phone. After the work out, meet up at Loco Patron at 8 p.m. for good company, food and some tasty brews.

Loco Patron, 1327 E. Chandler Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.460.8887, meetup.com/take-a-hike, 5:45 p.m. hike, 8 p.m. drinks

Ferguson Jenkins at The Brass Tap

MARCH 5, 15 AND 27 Hall of fame Cubs player Ferguson Jenkins, AKA Fergie, will be on hand with a few other hall of famers to sell autographed merch for charity, and of course, partake in the imbibing of some brewskis of their own. Knock one back with some of

baseball’s finest this month!

The Brass Tap, 1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104, Mesa, 480.610.2337, thebrasstapbeerbar. com, times vary, free

Krombacher Pint Night

MARCH 7 Come try out Krombacher Weizen at pint night! This German imported ale is described as having a wheat aroma with the perfect touch of banana. A Krombacher Weizen glass is included so you can enjoy the beer the right way in the comfort of your home. Learn about the history of Krombacher Weizen while you treat yourself to a night out on the town.

La Famiglia Pizza & Pasta, 1859 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 101, Mesa, 480.722.1777, crescentcrown.com, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

High Low with Oskar Blues

MARCH 11 Oskar Blues is teaming up with Taste of Tops to bring you a night of good people and delicious beer! Taste of Tops has over 30 rotating craft taps and 400 bottles and cans of craft beer. It is a BYOF (bring your own food) kind of place, so feel free to

grab some grub and head on over to sample some Oskar Blues Gubna Imperial IPA or Pinner Throwback IPA on draft.

Taste of Tops, 403 W. University Drive, Tempe, 480.967.5643, crescentcrown.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Spring Training Tasting with Oskar Blues

MARCH 12 Batter up! Oskar Blues Brewery is just in time for Spring Training! What better way to begin the season than with some award-winning beers you can pair with the game? Oskar Blues is heading to AJ’s Fine Foods in Scottsdale to bring you a taste of some of their best brews including Old Chub Nitro, Mama’s Lil Yellow Pils and Dales Pale Ale. AJ’s Fine Foods 63, 7141 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 480.998.0052, crescentcrown.com, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

St Patrick’s Day Celebration

MARCH 17 The Hungry Monk is dedicated to bringing craft beer straight to your table. You’re always welcome to grab a seat at the bar, order a beer and eat some delicious food. This St. Patrick’s

Day they are celebrating by bringing you Nitro Milk Stout from Left Hand Brewing Company. This stout brings all the milk chocolaty goodness in one sip. It’s like blending brown sugar, vanilla cream, and a bit of roasted coffee and putting it in a glass.

Sounds yummy, doesn’t it?

Hungry Monk, 1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, crescentcrown.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Beer Class: IPA Excursion – Hops Gone Wild

MARCH 26 Become an IPA expert with this beer class hosted by Total Wine & More. Impress your friends with new facts about your favorite brew after taking this Hops Gone Wild course.

You will be able to distinguish hop varieties and different types of flavors as well! Styles will include English IPA, American IPA, Belgian IPA, American Double and Imperial IPA and many more! Hop on over to Total Wine & More and learn all about this pale ale.

Total Wine & More, 1670 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.0540, totalwine.com, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., $15 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

THIRSTY LION

Premier Beer

Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

Lil’ Brainless Raspberries

Forget about wine pairings! We hail the hop. We’re all about pairing our favorite craft brews with delicious dishes from Valley restaurants.

The latest regional craft brews to tickle taste buds.

Lil’ Brainless Raspberries is an easydrinking canned version the big, bold 22 oz. bottle of Brainless Raspberries, crafted especially for those who seek bright, fresh, and real raspberry flavors. Utah’s Epic Brewing Company lives up to its name with natural raspberry puree, which give this beer its unique pink color as well as hints of raspberry bubblegum, sweet fruit jam, and a pleasant dryness that makes it beer perfect easygoing affairs, indoors or out.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT AT THE NEWLY OPENED THIRSTY LION GASTROPUB AND GRILL AT SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE “The Rogue Hazelnut Brown Ale has a robust and roasted flavor that pairs well with the sweet BBQ sauce and bacon of the prawns. Brown ales typically pair well with grilled and barbequed meats, allowing the full flavor to come through without overpowering it.” – Keith Castro, food & beverage director Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill

Tongue Buckler Imperial Red Ale

San Diego’s Tongue Buckler Imperial Red Ale is one that’ll leave you speechless. The Ballast Point Brewing Company beer doesn’t pull any punches, with hops and malt in extreme abundance. The IBU alone tests the limits of your palate. Yet while the timid should take warning, Tongue Buckler generously rewards the bold with an exceptional ale experience.

7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1423, Scottsdale, 480.284.7292, thirstyliongastropub.com/scottsdale

bigskybrew.com

Back in Arizona and Loving every minute of it! averybrewing.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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43

Germany’s #1 Pilsner Pils ( 4.8 % Alc. by Vol. ): Our Krombacher Pils has a full ticated taste with a smooth, bacher brews only in Germany and only with Felsquellwasser® ( mountain spring water).

Experience the all natural purity of our product and taste the adventure of Germany‘s best selling beer brand.

#1 Premium Beer in Germany krombacher.com

www.HungryMonkAZ.com • 480-963-8000 Coming Up in the mAy issUe of

The DINeR

INSIDeR ISSue!

Deadline April 22

The DININg SecReTS of ouR cITy! To ADveRTISe, cAll

(602) 405-2630

Craft 64

Artisan Wood Fired Pizza • 30 ALL LOCAL ARIZONA Beers on tap Great Wine Selection by the glass • In the heart of Scottsdale

6922 E. MAIN STREET, SCOTTSDALE AZ • FACEBO OK.COM/CRAFT64 • CRAFT64.COM WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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BEERTENDERS

Bartenders who really know their beer JENNIFER RING Bartender at SanTan Brewing Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

P

hoenicians all over the Valley know and love SanTan Brewing for their beer, and Chandler residents get the joy of frequenting their brew pub whenever they want—and they definitely take advantage.

Head to SanTan any day around 6 p.m. and you’ll have a hard time finding a place to sit because it’s so busy, but that doesn’t stop them from hiring knowledgeable and passionate people such as Jennifer Ring.

When did you really fall in love with craft beer?

Ring: I started working at a craft beer bar called House of Brews. The selection was amazing for a girl who was, at the time, only drinking domestic beer. Working there and helping out with promotion really opened my eyes to a world of flavor that was also supporting local breweries.

Teaching guests about certain styles while learning myself was the best part!

What do you think of the growing craft beer community here in the Valley?

I think it is great. So many people love craft beer and working at one of the bigger Arizona breweries like SanTan is cool because so many people buy our beers at grocery stores and other bars and then come into the pub to “drink it at the source.” That local connection really makes my guests happy.

Why would craft beer lover enjoy SanTan? I think it’s because of our beers’ unique style.

Anthony [Canecchia], the founder of SanTan uses the slogan “Southwestern Style Ales” which he tells us was because he designed his beers specifically for hot climates. I always tell my guests three things. Our beers are very crisp, refreshing and thirst quenching.

The brewers actually fully ferment the beers to make them drier and less sweet. They also carbonate the beers a little more than normal to make it refreshing. It’s fun to have a story behind the beer.

SanTan Brewing

8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing.com

An American Tradition on St. Pattie's Day!

Colorado Mountain town Craft Beer 2014.11.MSN

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CRESCENT CROWN MOBILE APP LOCATE EVENTS, BRANDS & BREWS ANYWHERE. App Available on iTunes & Google Play

Search for CRESCENT CROWN in the app store

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CHEERS, ARIZONA!

The Great Arizona Beer Festival brings the best brews to one location Christina Caldwell » The Entertainer!

T

here are plenty of great things about Arizona— great weather, great entertainment and great local businesses. It’s especially hard to beat our beloved state this time of year. But nothing is really greater than beer. Luckily, The Great Arizona Beer Festival combines all of the above.

Mark your calendars now, because come April 18, you’re going to be in hop heaven. This craft lover’s paradise will have 200 beers from 50 local, national and international breweries available.

Local mainstays will include Four Peaks, Fate, Grand Canyon and SanTan, but nationally-recognized brands like Sierra Nevada, Samuel Adams and Widmer will also make an appearance for those who like to stay in their comfort zone. (But

seriously, if you count yourself among those people, branch out! There are hundreds of delicious beers brewed right in our own backyard!)

Don’t expect just to sip your beers in silence, though. Entertainment from acoustic rocker Tommy Anderson and the blues dudes of Big Nick & The Gila Monsters will keep things peppy.

The festival will give you a chance to get into Sloan Park, The Cubs’ training facility, after the Spring Training hubbub has died down.

Prepare to drink up for a good cause, too, because proceeds benefit Sun Sounds of Arizona, a local nonprofit radio reading service that provides 49,000 locals with print disabilities access to print media. Not that you need convincing, but consider helping your fellow man the icing on the cake.

The Great Arizona Beer Festival

Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, azbeer.com, Saturday, April 18, 5 p.m., $10 designated drivers, $45 general admission, $85 VIP

Catch your limit! ballastpoint.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

presented by

A Major League Beer Tasting Event Buy Tickets

5pm to 9pm All proceeds benefit

Get Info

We’ve changed our location, our date, our time... we’re on 3rd base, all we need is you to make it a home run!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Sloan Park

Spring Training Home of the Chicago Cubs 2330 West Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, AZ Powered By

No one under 21 will be admitted

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BEER GEAR

This one is for those brew lovers on the go. Introducing the BeerNStein, a 24 oz. insulated beer tumbler modeled after a classic German-style beer stein. The perfect product for when you need your fistful of ice cold beer but just don’t have the time or availability to sit inside with your heavy glass stein, this beer gear is perfect for those summer barbecues or pool days. Insulated to keep the heat out and the cold in, this adult sippy cup also prevents any spillage or splashage. Get yours at store. theproductfarm. com and be sure to grab one for your best friend, too—steins are the meant to be “prost-ed” after all.

Three Cheers for

NEW BEERS Poor Chuck Noll. He taste tests new beers on the market so you don’t have to. Thanks for your sacrifice, Chuck!

SHARKINATOR WHITE IPA

Lost Coast Brewery, California

Sharkinator is the hip brother of Lost Coast Brewery’s Great White.

Well, maybe hop brother would be a better description. Sharkinator Great White taken to the next level by dry hopping it with Cascade, Crystal, Chinook and Citra hops, providing a wonderful citrus aroma and refreshing hoppy flavor. Careful, though. It might bite at 40 IBU and an easy-drinking 4.8 % ABV.

Showing Game Ticket

Row: Bar Seat: Yours

4216 N Brown Ave | OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

No Refunds

BAD WATER BREWING $3 BEERS SPRING TRAINING SPECIAL MARCH

TM

速

Available all year here in Arizona! bellsbeer.com

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BeerFinder DIRECTORY Where to find the best craft beer bars in town

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

2490 W. Happy Valley Road, 5350 E. High Street, 740 S. Mill Avenue Locations throughout the Valley Incredible Pizza and amazing beer make Mellow the place to go for a craft beer experience.

Papago Brewing Company

7107 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale The granddaddy of Arizona beer bars, there is something for every beer lover at Papago.

Boulders on Broadway

530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe Boulders has the appeal of a neighborhood bar with a beer list that’ll make your eyes pop.

Hungry Monk

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Whether you want great wings or great beer, Hungry Monk’s selection is tough to beat.

Harvey American Public House 1524 E. Williamsfield Road, Gilbert First class food and first class beer, all set away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Pigs Meow

3730 E. Indian School Road Phoenix A relative newcomer to the scene, this is one of the great up-and-coming beer bars.

Angel’s Trumpet Ale House

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Phoenix Public Market Café

Garage Wine and Tap

Main Ingredient Ale House

4420 N. Saddlebag Trail Scottsdale Dierks Bentley has been known to kick back with a craft beer or two, and so can you at his digs.

1534 E. Bethany Home Road Phoenix With a small selection of great beers and a reputation for outstanding food, Garage should be on your list.

Thirsty Lion

2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe Plenty of great taps and plenty of room to hang out, let someone else do the shopping at Tempe Marketplace.

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

50 W. Jefferson Street Phoenix Have a beer and a meal at Copper Blues before the stand-up show. You won’t even worry if it’s sold out.

Brat Haus

3622 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale The name says it all--brats, pretzels, Belgian fries and plenty of craft “bier” to make everyone happy.

Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers

810 N. Second Street Phoenix Bringing great beer to Downtown Phoenix, Angel’s Trumpet always has something unique on tap.

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, 20831 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale Do we need to say more? The name spells out everything you need to know.

Spokes on Southern

Fox Cigar Bar

1470 E. Southern Avenue Tempe A comfortable bike-themed grill with 24 draft handles and food made from scratch.

Culinary Dropout

5640 N. Seventh Street, 7135 E. Camelback Road Locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale Located at The Yard, Culinary Dropout has everything you look for in a great restaurant experience, especially great beer.

Moto

6485 N. 16th Street Phoenix Sushi and world class beer. Not a pairing you’d normally expect, but let your first visit to Moto convince you of exactly how perfect this combination can be.

1464 E. Williams Field Road Gilbert Cigar fans, this should be your stop for cigars and great craft beer. Enjoy a walk in the humidor, the dark wood bar, and a patio that is perfect for a cigar and a beer.

World of Beer

526 S. Mill Avenue, 2224 E. Williamsfield Road Locations in Tempe and Gilbert Let these fine folks take you around the world with over 50 taps and 400 bottles. You are bound to find your favorite beer.

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

1805 E. Elliot Road Tempe Home of the Third Thursday Tap Takevoer. The rest of the month is pretty good, too.

14 E. Pierce Street Phoenix The Phoenix Public Market Café is a casual urban hangout offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and great beer.

2337 N. Seventh Street Phoenix A charming old home is the location for this Coronado neighborhood hangout spot.

Pig & Pickle

2922 N. Hayden Road Scottsdale A restaurant that focuses on balance and quality, Pig & Pickle doesn’t skimp when it comes to their craft beer selection, either.

House of Brews Sports Bar

825 S. Cooper Road Gilbert Is it a sports bar or a craft beer bar? It’s both!

Tempe Improv

930 E. University Drive Tempe Great comedy and great beer. Nobody needs to explain this one to us.

Union Barrel House

3636 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale Look for a changing selection of taps along with great food.

Ground Control

4860 N. Litchfield Road Litchfield Park Fresh roasted coffee and an ever-changing selection of good beer, including a fantastic import selection, make this one of the top spots in the West Valley.

The Brass Tap

1033 N. Dobson Road #104 Mesa, AZ 85201 (480) 610-2337 Over 60 Taps of great craft beers and over 300 total craft beers from around the globe available! Casually upscale atmosphere, open-air patio that is cigar-friendly, nice menu, daily specials, live music and knowledgeable staff. What more could you ask for!

Whining Pig

1612 E. Bethany Home Road Phoenix The Whining Pig is a locally-owned wine and beer bar serving the 16th Street Corridor neighborhoods.

CRAFT BEER | WINE FOOD | LIVE MUSIC 4 color with rich black

1033 N. DOBSON ROAD, MESA, AZ 85201 | IN THE MESA RIVERVIEW SHOPPING CENTER WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

(480) 610-2337 TheBrassTap.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

51

THE CRACK OF THE BAT

MEETS THE CRACK OF

THE CAN

Chuck Noll » The Entertainer!

Pairings are our specialty here at The Entertainer! And we think this month’s issue pairs especially well with Cactus League Spring Training in the Valley, which begins March 3. There’s nothing quite like sipping a frosty brew in the season’s perfect weather, but which do you choose? Luckily, our resident cicerone, Chuck Noll, has a few suggestions, as guided by your team of choice.

CALIFORNIA ANGELS

We could always go a couple of hours down the highway to San Diego and go for the obvious (beer from The Lost Abbey), but we would rather stay a little closer and get into some mischief. Specifically Mischief from Placentia-based The Bruery. This Belgian style golden strong ale drinks great as you watch the game.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

“Drink Local” is the name of the game here, and nothing is more local than the beers created especially for the Southwest weather. SanTan Brewing has a variety of beers, but since the weather is getting hotter, pair your game with Mr. Pineapple.

Everybody loves this little guy with big flavor and he loves everybody right back with a big pineapple hug.

COLORADO ROCKIES

There are too many great choices coming from Colorado, so it’s hard to pin down just one. Blue Moon actually has a brewery in Coors Field in Denver, and Great Divide Brewery is just down the street from the Rockies’ Mecca, but the choice here is Breckenridge Vanilla Porter. Don’t be afraid of the dark with this nice, roasty beer flavored with vanilla beans from Madagascar and Papua New Guinea.

CHICAGO CUBS

Bell’s Oberon is the logical choice here.

While we get it yearround in Arizona, it is only produced for baseball season for the rest of the country.

Given that Larry Bell is a lifelong Cubs fan, this wheat beer brewed with Saaz hops is a given.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Leinenkugel brews their Comiskey Ale to sell at the stadium in Chicago. We don’t have the pleasure of getting that beer here, how about some Summer Shandy? This beer was an early entry into the shandy market in the United States and deserves a seat at the game.

SEATTLE MARINERS

While Seattle has many great beers, we’ve going to have to pin the best down to Pyramid Hefeweizen. Easy drinking and great in hot weather, the Pyramid Alehouse sits in the shadow the stadium, making this American wheat beer perfect for pre-game and post-game.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

San Francisco is another town with too many good beers to choose from. We choose to go up the highway a little bit to the town of Boonville and enjoy The Kimmie, The Yonk and The Holy Gose from Anderson Valley.

This cousin to Blood Orange Gose is a more traditional version of the style and will crack well with the crack of the bat.

OAKLAND A’S

Oakland seems so much farther away from San Francisco than it actually is, so we are going much farther away than we did for the Giants—all the way up to Eureka, where we will enjoy the newest offering from Lost Coast, Sharkinator. It’s a hoppy wheat beer that refreshes the palate and lets you go into extra innings.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Should we go with something from Mike Hess, or Alesmith, or Green Flash, or maybe Port Brewing? At the end of it all, we chose Ballast Point Sculpin. A versatile performer that also is available in a grapefruit and habanero version, this IPA is definitely a five tool player.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

The Indians and their fans are long suffering, including in beer offerings. So we wanted to get them support from the happiest town in the country, New Orleans. While it may be a stretch, Abita Purple Haze is our choice.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Los Angeles is a town of transplants, just like Phoenix.

And L.A. has few beers available in Arizona, so we looked to a local beer and arbitrarily chose Sonoran White Chocolate. It’s delicious. Drink up!

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

We know you’re probably looking for a craft option, but no team is more synonymous with a domestic beer than the Brewers. So enjoy what you want, but our choice is Miller High Life. We’re going to sit back on the porch with a cooler of High Life and a small TV set to watch the game.

TEXAS RANGERS

Really, there’s only one choice for the Rangers, and it’s Shiner Bock. It was the first and still the biggest craft beer in the Lone Star State, so we will have one in honor of its success while we watch the game.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

If only the amazing beers of Boulevard Brewing were available in Arizona, this would be a no-brainer. Since they are not, we will come back to an Arizona beer. To go with the blue of the Royals, how about some Big Blue Van from College Street?

CINCINNATI REDS

Another city with no craft beer representation in Arizona, unfortunately. Since the Reds play in the Great American Ball Park we will go with Grand Canyon American Pilsner.

‘Murica all the way!

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

MARCH 1

MARCH 12

An Enchanted Evening with Barbara- Tribute to Barbara Streisand featuring Sharon Owens

Pima Express

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

MARCH 13

MARCH 4

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Swingtips

Inter Tribal Pow Wow

MARCH 6

The Walkens

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Priminition

Pima Express

Apache Gold Casino & Resort, apache-gold-casino.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

MARCH 14

Billy Ocean

Pima Express

Rockin’ The Paradise: A Tribute To Styx

Inter Tribal Pow Wow

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Apache Gold Casino & Resort, apache-gold-casino.com

Heartbreak Alley

DaisyTrain

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 7

MARCH 15

Priminition

Inter Tribal Pow Wow

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Apache Gold Casino & Resort, apache-gold-casino.com

Lunar New Year Hoa Xuan

Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience 2015

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

BoDeans

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Edgar Winter

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 8 Nashville Gold

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

MARCH 11 Western Fusion Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

MARCH 18 Bandstand Shows

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 20 Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

The Long Run: Experience The Eagles Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE HIGHROLLER

53

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

December ’63: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Tribute Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/vee-quiva

Rock Lobster

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 21 Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Northern Arizona Outdoor Adventure Show Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Nashville Gold: Country Tribute

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 22 Northern Arizona Outdoor Adventure Show Cliff Castle Casino Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Chance Tinder’s Salute to Elvis Presley Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

MARCH 25

THE BEST CASINO EVENTS IN MARCH Jenny McCarthy and Friends

MARCH 14 In town for her “Dirty, Sexy, Funny Comedy Tour,” Jenny McCarthy has brought along hilarious friends Paula Bel, Tammy Pescatelli, Lynne Koplitz and April Macie. Known for her undeniable beauty, raunchy sense of humor and long career as a host of many different TV shows, McCarthy started her modeling and acting career by posing in Playboy in 1993. After that, she was chosen to co-host MTV’s dating show “Singled Out” and then her career, and reputation, took off. Today, McCarthy hosts her own radio show on SiriusXM titled “Dirty, Sexy, Funny with Jenny McCarthy.”

Wild Horse Pass, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/ wild-horse-pass

the key names in impressions and has an impressively long list of imitations in his back pocket.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

way to the Valley! Gaining fame as part of the family singing group, The Osmonds, Marie shot to superstardom when she hosted a TV variety show with her brother, Donny, from 1976 to 1979. After that, Marie hit it off as a solo country music artist into the 1980s. She appealed to a new generation in 2007 when she stared in TV’s “Dancing with Stars” and then in 2008 when Donny and Marie partnered yet again to star in their own show in residence at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.

Wild Horse Pass, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/ wild-horse-pass

Yesterday Once More

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 27

Kathy Griffin

38 Special

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

The Ultimate Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones Tribute Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Smooth Groove

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 28 The Troubadour ExperienceGeorge Straight Tribute

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

MARCH 29 The Magic of Motown: A Salute to 50 Years of Tamla Motown Magic!

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

Winger

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Frank Caliendo

MARCH 14 Gaining his following for his impressions of sportscasters such as John Madden and Jim Rome, Frank Caliendo got his start on Fox NFL Sunday where he would imitate all of the panelists. He soon rose in popularity and started to extend his portfolio of impressions to actors and politicians, most notably, Sean Connery, Robin Williams, Morgan Freeman, William Shatner and Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton. Now, Caliendo is one of

MARCH 20 AND 21 Known for her controversial comedy where she shares all of the latest celebrity gossip and her now defunct TV show, “My Life on the D-List,” Kathy Griffin has made a name for herself by humble bragging about her experiences as a low-level celebrity. Having taken over for the late Joan Rivers on “Fashion Police,” Griffin is once again on the small screen sharing her hilarious thoughts on celebrities and their fashion choices. Fans can expect to laugh out loud at her uncouth observations and brutally honest confessions.

Wild Horse Pass Casino, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass

Marie Osmond

MARCH 28 “She’s a little bit country…” Marie Osmond herself is making her

Charo

MARCH 28 Cuchi-Cuchi! Maria del Rosario Mercedes Pilar Martinez Molina Baeza, better known by her stage name, Charo, is a Spanish-American actress, comedian and guitarist beloved for her eccentric stage presence and provocative outfits.

Gaining fame in the mid-‘70s for her appearances on “The Today Show” and “Laugh-In,” Charo shot to stardom in the ‘70s with her appearances on TV shows across the board, including “The Love Boat” and “Donny & Marie.” Today, Charo is still on the move, touring the world with her music and making TV appearances when she can.

Vee Quiva Casino, 15091 Komatke Lane, Laveen Village, 800.946.4452, wingilariver.com/ vee-quiva WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

SLS LAS VEGAS/RYAN FORBES

54

TOP QUALITY, TOP OF THE STRIP

SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino captivates in more ways than one Imagine staying in a Las Vegas Strip hotel for two solid days, not being allowed to visit another casino or restaurant for any reason. Could you be wildly entertained? We found out as we embarked on a captivating stay at the SLS Hotel & Casino. We are now... captive in Las Vegas.

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ith all the distractions on the Las Vegas Strip, most of us tend to wander aimlessly as we chase the folly of a siren’s song promising riches and better times just one block away. Staying in your hotel the whole time couldn’t possibly be fun—or could it?

The beautiful SLS Las Vegas is new, but the pros behind it aren’t. SBE owns many fine restaurant and tourism experiences around the world, and the SLS Las Vegas is one fine hotel indeed.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

If you enjoy a contemporary experience in a hotel large enough to dazzle you, but small enough to still remember your name, you will like SLS. The hotel is a tribute to the best of the old world and the new with 1,600 rooms, including 250 suites. The hotel pays tribute to its predecessor property, the famous Las Vegas Sahara Hotel & Casino, which has been substantially renovated with some pretty amazing amenities and features. Plus, keep your eyes open for some stunning photography from the past as the hotel tips its Fedora to Frank, Sammy, Dean and iconic

superstars that made the Las Vegas Strip what it is today.

WONDERFUL FOOD

This hotel has eight excellent dining experiences to try, and it is amazing to find so much quality in one building. No cheesy snack bars or food courts here.

Every restaurant is a true destination in its own right.

Katsuya Yes, this is a sister location to the world-famous location in Los Angeles, and this is one of those dining experiences where we cannot really stress enough how exceptional it is. Whatever you think you know about Asian cuisine will be replaced by the memory of the most delicious tastes in the city.

ITEMS TO TRY: Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Lobster Tempura, Shrimp or A4 Steak Robata and Corn Crunch Rolls.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

Cleo We thought we had tried “Mediterranean Cuisine” before. We were wrong! Cleo truly is “New Mediterranean,” and not once did someone break a plate and scream “OPA!” Our expert server, Ricky, cheerfully recommended one winner after another and never grew tired of seeing us roll our eyes with all the mouth-watering goodness in our midst.

ITEMS TO TRY: Hummus with Tahini, Spicy Cigars, Shrimp Kebab, Wagyu Kebab, Grilled Hanger Steak, Lamb Shawarma or Grilled Octopus.

Umami Burger Great burgers! No, these were exceptional burgers, served alongside 50 screens of sports, a sports book and a beer garden.

This was a slice of man cave heaven, but just as many women were enjoying the great burger fare. “Umami” roughly translates to “savory” in Japanese, and a better burger will be hard to find.

ITEMS TO TRY: Truffle Fries, any burger and beer garden craft beers.

800 Degrees Not just pizza—Neopolitan-style pizza brought to life in the 800 degree wood-burning oven. You get to build your own pizza from a variety of fresh ingredients, sauces and cheeses. These are the ideal munchies to toss in a box and walk 100 feet to the outside pool area (which is exactly what we did).

Excellent!

ITEMS TO TRY: Any pizza!

Northside Café Here is your 24/7 dining experience with a full bar to boot. Great breakfast served all day, lunches and snacks in a nice, sitdown atmosphere.

ITEMS TO TRY: French Toast, pressed coffee, Steak and Eggs, Frozen Greek Yogurt Parfait.

Three more restaurants await us on our next visit, including Bazaar Meat by James Beard Award-winning chef Jose Andres, which looks absolutely amazing and is no doubt one of the most unique carnivore delights in Las Vegas. KU Noodle is a very upscale Asian Noodle eatery with a performance kitchen, keeping the action lively and fast.

NIGHTLIFE

The Sayers Club The Sayers Club is live music venue promises to amaze you with talent. As various musicians take turns at the mic, backed by the incredible house band, our jaws dropped at the level of entertainment we were treated to. All the singers were consummate showmen, and the cathedral-sized venue is filled with comfortable leather sofas, intelligent lighting and a very cool bar.

LIFE If the dance floor calls you, LIFE offers a first-class Las Vegas club experience with 20,000 square feet of thunderous sound, lighting, live DJ music and everything you would expect from a top-tier club. LIFE was thoughtfully crafted and is easily a top destination, even by Las Vegas standards.

Monkey Bar This sophisticated but completely playful piano bar is a fun way to start off the night. Make sure to check out the monkey pictures and décor that make the bar unique among those who walk upright.

Center Bar Like the name implies, it stands directly in the middle of the casino floor under the giant digital obelisk which displays optical wonders that must be seen to be appreciated. One SLS secret is that if you stand in exactly the right spot, the optics actually appear to perform feats of 3-D

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magic. The challenge is to find the spot, but if you bribe the bartenders with a drink order, you’ll find them willing to reveal all.

PAMPERING

If you’re in the mood for a little pampering, the SLS has CIEL Spa, a wonderful, boutique spa experience for men and women.

Spa treatments such as facials, peels, wraps, massages and relaxation therapies are all competitively priced with very experienced estheticians and therapists to serve you.

DEFINING SLS HOTEL & CASINO

SLS Hotel & Casino is a stylish, contemporary gem of a hotel with an array of eight restaurants that any hotel would be proud to have only one of, combined with a wonderful live music venue, a nightclub of enormous proportions, a cabana-laden pool area, complete boutique spa, gift shops and specialty retailers, a completely modern casino with 800 of the latest slots and 80 of your favorite table games, luxurious rooms and suites and a friendly, outgoing staff with reasonable prices all around.

This is one great place to stay, and no, we had no trouble being captive here and never once, were we even tempted to go anywhere else.

Our guest rooms were phenomenal offering great views from the 26th floor.

The contemporary rooms have luxurious beds and linens, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and gorgeous bathrooms with spacious stall showers.

This is a wonderful sensory experience that is already catching on. Book your rooms now, before the rest of the world finds out what a wonderful place the SLS Las Vegas is.

SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

2535 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV, 702.761.7000, slslasvegas.com

The Sayers Club

702.761.7618, thesayersclub@ slslasvegas.com for reservations

LIFE Nightclub

702.761.7617, life@slslasvegas.com for reservations

CIEL Spa

702.761.7088, cielspa@slslasvegas.com for reservations WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CATCH BRANDON KNIGHT, YOUR NEWEST SUN IN ACTION

ON SALE NOW

SUNS.COM / 602.379.SUNS

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE GLADIATOR

57

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

Spring Training 101 66 The Caddy 58 WWE’s Ryback 65

MARCH’S BIGGEST

SPORTS EVENTS Spring Training MARCH 3 THROUGH APRIL 6

Arizona is stunning in the spring, and it’s a big reason why so many professional baseball teams head here to train before their big season.

Teams such as the Dodgers, Rockies, White Sox, and of course our hometown Diamondbacks, practice all throughout the Valley until opening day, so make sure to check out a game!

Multiple locations throughout the Valley, cactusleague.com, times vary, prices vary

Sedona Mountain Bike Festival MARCH 6 THROUGH 8

Taking place in one of the most beautiful mountain settings in the country, this three-day festival has everything that mountain bikers could want: bike demos, great bands, shuttled rides, a beer garden and plenty of great red singletrack!

Tlaquepaque Village, 1695 W. State Route 89A, Sedona, 928.282.1106, sedonamtbfestival.com, times vary, prices vary

Baseball City MARCH 7 AND 8

Ideal for that baseball fanatic in your life, this event will feature interactive displays, clinics, live music, food trucks and, of course, meet and greets with some of the sport’s biggest stars, both of the past and of today.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, baseballcityexperience.com, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free

Arizona Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks MARCH 12

The Yotes are facing off against one of their bigger rivals this month, so why not come cool off by the ice and cheer on our team? It’s only March swimsuit weather is already on its way, so we might as well enjoy what cool temperatures we can get while supporting our home state!

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3200, gilariverarena.com, 7 p.m., prices vary

LPGA Founders Cup MARCH 16 THROUGH MARCH 22

The first professional women’s golf tournament of the year in the U.S., this event helps promote women’s golf, highlights the founders and pioneers of the LPGA and exemplifies the strong role that women can play in the professionals sports world.

JW Marriott Desert Ridge at Wildfire Golf Club, parking at Arizona Horse Lovers Park, 19224 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, lpgafounderscup.com, times vary, $20-$400

WWE LIVE! MARCH 21

This is a Wrestlemania star-studded occasion, so this is an event for the books for any and all wrestling fans. Celebrities such as John Cena, Batista and Rey Mysterio will be battling it out at Talking Stick Resort Arena, and this time the show will be about sports rather than prank phone calls, although… his name is still JOHN CENA! Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7 p.m., prices vary

MMA Championship: Gaethje vs. Palomino MARCH 28

The world lightweight championship is happening in Phoenix this year, and its two main stars are battling for the title. Headliner Justin Gaethje is undefeated, but challenger Luis “Baboon” Palomino is ready to rise to the occasion. Will he defeat Gaethje in his quest for the title? We’ll find out!

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 4 p.m., prices vary

Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder MARCH 29

It’s a big game coming up for our Phoenix Suns. It was a close call back in December with a game that finished in overtime, and sadly, the Suns couldn’t pull out on top. Luckily they’re ready for another rematch to take back the title of winner against the Thunder. If you attend, be ready to be a part of a rowdy crowd!

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 6 p.m., prices vary WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

THE CADDY

19TH LONGBOW HOLE GOLF CLUB Hit the Bull’s-Eye on this Tournament-Tested Track

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hen describing golf courses, the word “championship” often surfaces. Although this term can be somewhat ambiguous, at Longbow Golf Club it fits—literally. After a complete renovation in 2003, the club began embracing competitive golf in its many shapes and sizes.

The LPGA’s Symetra Tour has hosted the Gateway Classic at Longbow Golf Club for the last three years. This year’s event kicks off the ’15-’16 Symetra Tour season with a strong field of 120 ladies vying for their slice of $100,000 purse.

In 2014, LPGA Tour player Alena Sharp fired a 204 (-12) for the win. And in 2013, former Arizona State Sun Devil, Jaclyn Sweeney, stuck a fork in the competition with a 54-hole score of 209 (-7). Both brought home a big check for $15,000.

“Longbow is proud to host the LPGA Symetra Tour’s season premier for the third year in a row,” says Bob McNichols of Longbow Golf Club. “The perfect winter climate, excellent course conditions and

unwavering support of women’s professional and amateur golf delivers an exceptional experience and a challenging test of golf.”

Longbow’s roots with the American Junior Golf Association run even deeper.

For 11 years, the Heather Farr Classic Hosted by Longbow has incubated some of the best talent on the planet. Hunter Mahan won it in 1999; Paula Creamer earned back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, and Inbee Park won in 2005.

Other past champions now on the LPGA Tour include Mina Harigae (2006), Kimberly Kim (2007), and 2013 LPGA Rookie of the Year Moriya Jutanugarn (2011). Home-grown players who visited the winner’s circle include Amanda Blumenherst (2002), Drew Kittleson (2005), Philip Francis (2006), Kyung Kim (2008) and Lindsey Weaver (2012). Other notable champs currently enjoying success at the collegiate level include Texas’ Beau Hossler (2012), LSU’s Zach Wright (2011), and two UCLA Bruins—Anton Arboleda (2010) and Alison Lee (2010).

Speaking of collegiate golf, the Notre Dame Women’s Golf Team

has hosted the Clover Cup—a 54hole invitational that attracts up to 15 teams—at Longbow since 2012.

The NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championship, the 2010 and 2011 WAC Women’s Golf Championship, Golfweek Junior Series National Qualifying, U.S. Amateur Qualifying, Gateway Tour events and many other tournaments have also been contested at Longbow.

Although the club has become known as a place to compete, it’s also a place to learn. The First Tee of Phoenix runs its golf and life lessons programming from Longbow, and the OB Sports Golf Academy has been helping juniors and adults alike enjoy the game through improved performance.

Longbow’s tournament-tested track has hosted its fair share of championships over the years. And during that time it has also managed to entertain the average weekend warrior as well. While each has their own goals in mind, the outcome is the same—an exceptional golf experience in the Valley of the Sun.

2014 Gateway Classic at Longbow champion, Alena Sharp

ASU Karsten’s Trophy Room Led by a talented team of chefs, the Trophy Room Restaurant at ASU Karsten Golf Course offers a culinary experience crafted from finest ingredients gathered from local purveyors. Contemporary regional flavors collide with traditional clubhouse favorites resulting in mouthwatering choices from the Karsten Cobb Salad to the epic Meatball Sandwich.

The Trophy Room is a great choice for anyone looking for exceptional quality in a scenic golf course setting. It’s also ideal for group gatherings with indoor and outdoor space to accommodate events of all shapes and sizes. Breakfast, lunch and happy hour (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) are offered daily.

it’s all in the

CARDS...

Visit obsports.com/cards to learn more!

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R T S S P O

SM

TOP 25

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

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COURSES IN THE VALLEY

GRAYHAWK SCOTTSDALE

ASU Karsten 1125 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, 480.921.8070 asukarsten.com

The Boulders 34631 N. Tom Darlington Dr. Carefree, 85377 480.488.9028 theboulders.com

Camelback 7847 N. Mockingbird Ln. Scottsdale, 85253 480.596.7050 camelbackgolf.com

Desert Canyon 10440 Indian Wells Dr. Fountain Hills, 85268 480.837.1173 desertcanyongolf.com

Eagle Mountain 14915 Eagle Mtn. Pkwy.

Fountain Hills, 85268 480.816.1964 eaglemtn.com

Grayhawk 8620 E. Thompson Peak Pkwy.

Scottsdale, 85255 480.502.1800 grayhawkgolf.com

Kierland 15636 N. Clubgate Dr. Scottsdale, 85254 480.922.9283 kierlandgolf.com

Legend Trail 9462 E. Legendary Ln. Scottsdale, 85262 480.488.7434 legendtrailgc.com

Longbow 5601 E. Longbow Pkwy.

Mesa, 85215 480.807.5400 longbowgolf.com

McCormick Ranch 7505 E. McCormick Pkwy.

Scottsdale, 85258 480.948.0260 mccormickranchgolf.com

McDowell Mountain 10690 E. Sheena Dr. Scottsdale, 85255 480.502.8200 mcdowellmountaingc.com

Ocotillo Golf Resort 3751 S. Clubhouse Dr. Chandler, 85248 480.917.6660 ocotillogolf.com

Palm Valley 2211 N. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear, AZ 85395 623.935.2500 palmvalleygolf.com

The Phoenician 6000 E. Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, 85251 480.423.2449 thephoenician.com

Quintero 16752 W. State Route 74 Peoria, 85383 928.501.1500 quinterogolf.com

Rancho Manana 5734 E Rancho Manana Blvd.

Cave Creek, 85331 (480) 488.0398

Raven . Phoenix 3636 E. Baseline Rd. Phoenix, 85042 602.243.3636 ravenphx.com

Sedona Golf Resort 35 Ridge Trail Dr. Sedona, 86351 928.284.9344 sedonagolfresort.com

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TPC Scottsdale 17020 N. Hayden Rd. Scottsdale, 85255 480.585.4334 tpc.com/scottsdale

Troon North 10320 E. Dynamite Blvd.

Scottsdale, 85262 480.585.5300 troonnorthgolf.com

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60

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THE CADDY

S

GET OUT OF THE BUNKER

AND CLOSER TO

THE HOLE

tudents struggle with bunker shots to the point that they’re just happy to get out, no matter the result. Here are a few suggestions that will help you handle the sand and end up closer to the hole: First, open the clubface to ensure that you can be aggressive. Then pick an aiming point behind the ball where the clubhead will enter the sand, continue underneath the ball and exit to a strong finish.

It’s important to accelerate the clubhead through the sand when hitting a bunker shot. And it’s equally important that it does so at the proper angle. That is, we don’t want to strike down into the sand at a steep angle. Instead, use your wrists to accelerate the club. This causes the back of the clubhead to hit the sand, instead of the leading edge, allowing you to maintain acceleration of the clubhead while also preventing it from digging too much.

When executed correctly, it produces the “thump” sound, instead of a “thud.”

Try this drill. Put a clump of sand on the open clubface at address. Then make you backswing in slow motion holding

the sand on the clubface for as long as possible. If it only comes off behind you, then you’re doing a great job of holding the clubface open. By not allowing the sand to slip off the face early in the backswing, you’re less likely to then strike the sand with a square or closed clubface on the way through the hitting area.

—Derek Nannen, PGA, director of instruction at the Eagle Mountain Golf Academy

GOLF TRIVIA

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61

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

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62

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SWING AND A

HIT!

Baseball City looks to become a Spring Training mainstay

I

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer! f Baseball City CEO Michael J. Principe had his way, the Scottsdale event will be synonymous with Spring Training.

“One thing that we’re really interested in doing is making this a must-attend event,” says Principe, calling from Manhattan.

“We’re interested in having Baseball City just engrained in the community.

When people think baseball and Spring Training, they think Scottsdale and Baseball City.”

Admission is free for Baseball City, which boasts appearances by Arizona Diamondbacks Aaron Hill and A.J. Pollock, San Francisco Giants outfielder Angel Pagan, and 1991 Hall of Fame inductees Ferguson Jenkins and Gaylord Perry, among others.

Baseball City’s highlights include:

• Clinics and panel discussions with current and former baseball stars.

• Home Run Derby Field.

• Steal Home Competition.

• Speed Pitch Competition.

• Player photo opportunities.

• Player clinics and appearances.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Pollock, who suffered a right broken hand last season after being struck by a pitch by Cincinnati Reds ace Johnny Cueto, says he expects this to be a good time.

“It’s great,” he says. “Any time you can teach baseball to kids, or people are interested in seeing you and learning about the game, it’s always good. It’s cool to have Spring Training in Arizona.”

Spring Training and events like Baseball City allow fans the opportunity to meet players, something that’s a little more difficult once the season begins, the outfielder says.

As for the best advice he can give to kids at Baseball City: “Just enjoy it.”

Pollock was a multisport player and eventually chose baseball when others became boring.

Principe is excited about Baseball City’s return to Scottsdale.

“For us, we’re trying to bring a unique opportunity to baseball fans,” he says. “It’s going to be a celebration of all things baseball. We’re going to have booths where folks can engage with vendors, interactive games, meet and greets, former and current baseball players, music and food trucks.”

Like Pollock, the rest of the players are looking forward to Baseball City, Principe explains.

“They enjoy coming,” he says. “It’s one of the more fun events. There’s going to be a whiffle ball derby area. I wouldn’t be surprised if an impromptu game breaks out between the players and fans.

Overall, it’s going to be a really fun thing to participate in.”

Baseball City

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, baseballcityexperience.com, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., free

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

CHARLIE BANKE

64

YOUR

MARCH MADNESS PRIMER T Curt Blakeney » The Entertainer!

he insanity of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins on March 17 and concludes with the finals on April 6, a 68-team free-forall that is arguably the most exciting event in American sports.

They call it “March Madness” for a reason, as sports fans across the country are parked in front of TVs and glued to bar stools, oddly mesmerized by the intricacies of their tournament bracket, like Russell Crow eyeing encrypted code in “A Beautiful Mind.”

The participants won’t be announced until March 15, but this much we know: the usual cast of characters will be in there, including the blue-bloods of college hoops: Kentucky, Duke, Louisville, Kansas and North Carolina. Plus we’ll get an obscure mix of mid-major schools (like Wofford, North Dakota State and Coastal Carolina in the 2014 tourney). Quick, what is the mascot of Wofford College?

Answer to follow later.

So who are the favorites to reach the Final Four and throw-down at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis? Let’s get down to it.

KENTUCKY coach John Calipari has an embarrassment of riches, a roster WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

laden with nine McDonald’s All-Americans.

A 2014 runner-up to U Conn, Kentucky looks unbeatable this year behind 7-footer Willie Cauley-Stein and freshmen sensations Karl-Anthony Towns and Devin Booker.

DUKE is looking for redemption after last year’s first-round catastrophe, an embarrassing loss to No. 14 seed Mercer.

This season, Mike Krzyzewski’s squad is focused on the Final Four. Talented freshmen Jahlil Okafor, point guard Tyus Jones and small forward Justise Winslow will have Dick Vitale screaming “diaper dandy” loud and often.

At LOUISVILLE, Montrezl Harrell skipped the NBA Draft and returned for his junior season, making Rick Pitino a happy coach. The powerful forward added ball-handling skills and perimeter shooting to his deadly game around the rim.

At NORTH CAROLINA, NCAA champs in 2005 and in ‘09, coach Roy Williams is hoping that power forward Brice Johnson channels his inner Tyler Hansbrough and guides the Tar Heels back to the Final Four.

Closer to home, ARIZONA’s Sean Miller is probably the best coach without a Final Four appearance on his resume.

Miller preaches tough defense and his aggressive schemes should fare well in the tourney. The Wildcats lost their two

best players from last season— Aaron Gordon and Nick Johnson—but will be formidable behind sophomore Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, wingman Brandon Ashley and freshman phenom Stanley Johnson.

Everyone’s bracket darling is usually GONZAGA, a small Jesuit school in Spokane, Wash. This year, the Bulldogs (or “Zags”) are legit, led by forward Kyle Wiltjer, a Kentucky-transfer who can score from the perimeter or the post. Guard Kevin Pangos is the offensive catalyst in coach Mark Few’s up-tempo scheme.

WISCONSIN brings a blue-collar attitude, led by big forward Frank Kaminsky and point guard Josh Gasser.

WICHITA STATE has unfinished business after going 34-0 and earning a No. 1 seed last year, before falling in the third round. VILLANOVA is always strong in the tournament. Senior guard Darrun Hilliard II makes timely shots, while the Wildcats big man, Daniel Ochefu, is a threat for a double-double every game.

Finally, here are a few pointers to keep your bracket from being flushed

down the toilet after the second round.

Don’t be tempted to take all No. 1 seeds—since seeding began in 1979, only once have four No. 1 seeds advanced to the Final Four (in 2008 with North Carolina, Kansas, UCLA and Memphis).

Of course, never pick against a No. 1 seed in the first round. Since the NCAA Tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, a No. 16 seed has never beaten a No. 1 seed. Worth noting though, 22 of the last 30 national championships have been a No. 1 or No. 2 seed.

Pick a few Cinderella teams in the early rounds, but don’t get carried away.

Only four teams lower than a No. 4 seed have ever won it all: No. 6 (Kansas in 1988 and NC State in 1983), No. 7 (U Conn in 2014) and No. 8 (Villanova in 1985).

And if you’re looking for a spoiler in the first round—the kind of pick that gets you high-fives at the office water cooler— go with a No. 12 seed. In the last three years, No. 12 seeds are 8-4 against No. 5 seeds in the first round of the tourney.

Good luck with your bracket! Oh, it’s the Wofford Terriers.

FOOD

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

65

FOCUSED

WWE’s Ryback smashes sandwiches between smashing skulls Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

F

eed me more” is more than a battle cry for WWE Superstar Ryback. It’s a way of life.

The Las Vegas native, known to his parents as Ryan Reeves, is constantly on the move, traveling from one city to another for “Monday Night Raw,” “Thursday Night Smackdown” or non-televised events.

At 6 foot 3 inches, 290 pounds, there’s one thing that Reeves enjoys about Phoenix, besides it resembling his hometown.

“I enjoy being out there and the restaurants are good after the shows,” Reeves says. “They treat the big guy well.”

He’ll get to enjoy the fine foods of Phoenix on Saturday, March 21, when WWE Live returns to Talking Stick Resort Arena. He is scheduled to wrestle along with John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Big Show, Rusev, the WWE Divas and more.

Reeves has been watching professional wrestling since he was 5. At age 33, he’s living the dream he set out to

accomplish as a preteen.

“I wrote a letter to News 13 (in Vegas) about why I should win tickets,” Reeves recalls. “I won and they told me my letter blew everyone else’s away.

They could feel my passion through it. I always loved the WWE. That night, after watching that live event, I knew I was going to be a WWE wrestler.

“I didn’t know what was going to have to transpire for that to happen. But I put it in my mind at a very young age.”

He attributes his success to his parents.

“I’m very thankful that I come from two parents—one who’s a dreamer and the other one’s a hard worker,” Reeves says.

“I have the best of both worlds. I had a little bit of luck on my side, too, and it all worked out.”

Reeves is so focused on wrestling and succeeding with the WWE that he barely has time for anything else. As he ages, though, he’s looking to expand his horizons.

“I live a very focused wrestling life,” he says. “I’m a student of the game. I’m

always watching matches and when I’m home, I do three and a half hours in my gym at home. I have a cold and hot tub, too. I do everything I can to get ready to go back on the road. I’d like to enjoy life, too. With the hard work, you should deserve to have a little bit of fun now and then.”

WWE Live: The Road to Wrestlemania

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CACTUS LEAGUE

66

101

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

Where to watch, eat and play during Spring Training Curt Blakeney » The Entertainer!

Spring Training returns to the Valley March 3, and optimism abounds for the 15 teams who call the Cactus League home. For baseball fans in Arizona, and the hundreds of thousands of snowbirds and outof-towners enjoying the sunny weather, a hot dog and a cold beer, there is nothing more enjoyable than an afternoon at the ballpark.

With so many games to watch and so little time, where should you spend your afternoon? Here are the five best Spring Training experiences, based on overall entertainment value.

#2

team: Chicago Cubs

#1

Scottsdale Stadium

team: San Francisco Giants

Few stadiums have the charm and appeal of Scottsdale Stadium, and an afternoon in the spacious outfield grass feels like a party. If you’re a resident, bring an old blanket and tanning oil. If you’re a tourist, grab a couple of towels from the hotel pool and a bottle of sunscreen. Parking is a nightmare, so hang out in Old Town before the game and walk or pedi-cab over.

star appeal: The defending World Series Champions bring back most of the gang, including postseason hero Madison Bumgarner. The Giants are defined by their pitching staff with marquee names like Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Jake Peavy and Tim Hudson.

grub: A decent selection of stadium food includes wok-fired soba noodles and garlic fries. post-game hangout: Choices in Old Town are bountiful, including cool patio scenes at Loco Patron and Dos Gringos.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Sloan Park, Mesa

This stadium opened in 2014 at a cost of $99 million. It pays homage to Chicago’s Wrigley Field, right down to the brick backstop and a second-story party deck in left field that imitates Wrigleyville rooftops. The Cubs are the top draw in the Cactus League, so tickets can be tough to get. Incidentally, the stadium naming rights were recently sold to Chicago-based Sloan Valve Company, makers of toilet parts, which should make for some interesting stadium promotions.

star appeal: The Cubs spent big bucks on southpaw Jon Lester and have an

impressive collection of young players, including Javier Baez, Kris Bryant and Jorge Soler.

grub: Plenty of Windy City-inspired vendors, including the aptly-named “A Taste of Chicago,” as well as a dedicated food truck and picnic area.

post-game hangout: Sloan Park is located in the heart of the Riverview retail area. Try Cactus Moon Sports Grill if you want to watch sports and shoot billiards, or trek across the freeway to Tempe Town Lake, home to the Thirsty Lion Pub.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

#3

67

#4 Peoria

Salt River Fields

at Talking Stick, Scottsdale

Sports Complex

teams: Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies

Unveiled in 2011, it’s arguably the crown jewel of the Cactus League with its groundbreaking design and functional innovation. But it lacks an intimate vibe and the quirky traditions and rituals of out-of-town visitors that you see at other stadiums.

star appeal: Fans are anxious for the return of D-Backs slugger Paul Goldschmidt, and all eyes are on Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas, the $68.5 million man. The Rockies boast two elite players in Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, but both are fragile, so don’t cry over your beer if they’re not playing. grub: Dining options are exceptional, boosted by Salty Señorita and Cold Stone Creamery. post-game hangout: Nosh on hot wings and fried cheese curds at Buffalo

Wild Wings at the corner of Pima Road and Indian Bend.

teams: San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners

This was actually the first park in Arizona to host two teams. This simple, fan-friendly ballpark shines with wide concourses and an energetic vibe provided by enthusiastic fans from Seattle and San Diego.

star appeal: New Padres GM A.J. Preller went cray cray in the offseason, spending big bucks on outfielders Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers and pitcher James Shields. The Mariners added the AL’s home run king Nelson Cruz to hit behind Robinson Cano. grub: The Power Alley offers a smorgasbord of funnel cakes, burritos, deep-fried goodies and other carnival fare.

post-game hangout: Across the stadium is a line of restaurants including Famous Dave’s BBQ, Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s that may actually tempt you to stop before the game.

#5

Maryvale Stadium

team: Milwaukee Brewers

You have to deal with heavy traffic on 51st Avenue, treacherous parking, and a neighborhood that is…well let’s just say you’ll definitely want to lock your doors and stash your valuables under the seat. But this is perhaps the easiest ticket to get in the Cactus League and where else can you witness the fine sport of sausage mascots racing?

star appeal: Ryan Braun will be the target of hecklers after testing positive for steroids, but he’s still one of the biggest names in baseball. grub: Chow down on an authentic Klement’s Polish sausage or bratwurst, a Milwaukee original. And wash it down with a cold beer from one of the many beer vendors. post-game hangout: Best to get out of town before dark.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

68

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PLAY BALL!

The Arizona Cactus League is in full swing starting March 3, with dozens of Spring Training games happening all throughout the month with some of Major League Baseball’s most popular teams. Find your team’s home-away-from-home turf below, and grab some sunscreen and a beer, because it’s time to embrace one of the biggest perks of living in the Valley.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

COLORADO ROCKIES

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 480.362.9467 saltriverfields.com azdiamondbacks.com DESCRIPTION: The Diamondbacks defected from Tucson in 2012 to play at the new Salt River Fields, a luxurious, massive facility that boasts healthy foods, huge concourses, lots of seating and a massive lawn.

PARKING: Onsite. Salt River Fields has 3,000 spaces. Gates open at 9 a.m. for afternoon games. $5 for cars, $15 for RVs and buses.

TICKETS: $8-$27 at 480.362.9467, azdiamondbacks. com or ticketmaster.com

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 480.362.9467 saltriverfields.com coloradorockies.com

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:10 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

9

8 SF

SF

1:05 p.m.

15

SF

1:05 p.m.

16

CWS

3:05 p.m.

22

COL

29COL

CWS

23

LAD

1:05 p.m.

30

LAD

†

COL

Tuesday

March 3

ASU

Wednesday

4

COL

3:10 p.m.

10

OAK

11

LAA

1:05 p.m.

17

SF

1:05 p.m.

24

MIL

n Home, n Away

18

COL

7:10 p.m.

25

5

Thursday

COL

12

CIN

19

CHI

TX

26

April 1

CIN

2

1:05 p.m.

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Check out the two party decks, on the top deck of the stadium, in the infield. The section has seats and a standup bar for more casual viewing.

6

SD

CWS

In Mexico Friday

OAK

13

CLE

1:05 p.m.

20

6:40 p.m.

6:40 p.m.

31

†

MIL

1:05 p.m.

27 LAA

7

Saturday

SEA

1:05 p.m.

14 SEA

SF

7:10 p.m.

21

1:05 p.m.

28

CLE 3

SD

KC

4

CONCESSIONS: Tons. Healthy food, pizza, southwestern, ice cream, beer, some cocktails and additional vendors.

DESCRIPTION: The Rockies defected from Tucson to play at the new Salt River Fields, a luxurious, massive facility that boasts healthy foods, huge concourses, lots of seating and an enormous lawn.

PARKING: Onsite. Salt River Fields has 3,000 spaces. Gates open at 9 a.m. for afternoon games. $5 for cars, $15 for RVs and buses.

TICKETS: $8-$27 at 480.362.9467, coloradorockies. com or ticketmaster.com

PARKING: Onsite. There are 2,000 parking spaces; during crowded games, several strip malls across the street from the complex offer pay parking.

Game Schedule March/April Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

LAD

9

KC

15 OAK 16

Tuesday

March 3

10

17

TX 22

CWS

29

OAK

23

COL

30

24

CIN SD ARI

6:40 p.m.

31

CIN

4

UWM

11

18

19

25

OAK

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Brewers infield seats are among the cheapest in the league at $22.

The lawn is massive, and at $8,

LAA COL

KC

April 1

5

Thursday

12

SF

CHI

TICKETS: $8-$22 at brewers.com, the stadium box office or 800.933.7890

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

SF

26

SEA

2

SD

12:05 p.m.

Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

SD

9

CIN

1:05 p.m.

15

KC

22

ARI

29ARI

ARI

†

16

Tuesday

4

10LAD

11

SEA

17

LAA

23

MIL

30

OAK

1:05 p.m.

Wednesday

March 3

1:05 p.m.

ARI SEA

1:05 p.m.

ARI

CWS

25

SF

1:05 p.m.

SF

12

MIL

6

KC TX

Friday

LAA CWS

7

Saturday

CHI

14

CIN

1:05 p.m.

20

21 LAD

27

28

OAK

1:05 p.m.

26

In Mexico

13

1:05 p.m.

2

TX

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Check out the two party decks, on the top deck of the stadium and in the infield. The section has seats and a standup bar for a more casual viewing experience.

ARI

†

6:05 p.m.

April 1

1:05 p.m.

5

Thursday

19

18 SD 7:10 p.m.

24

31

n Home, n Away

SD

7:05 p.m.

3

SEA

7:05 p.m.

CLE CHI

1:05 p.m.

4

SEA

12:10 p.m.

CONCESSIONS: Tons. Healthy food, pizza, southwestern, ice cream, beer, some cocktails and additional vendors.

Scottsdale Stadium 7428 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale 480.312.2586 scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium sfgiants.com

Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Avenue, Phoenix 623.245.5500 brewers.com

Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted)

Games start at 1:10 p.m. (unless noted)

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

DESCRIPTION: The Brewers remain one of only a handful of Cactus League teams to have their own stadium.

The 8,000-capacity Maryvale Baseball Park. Maryvale is a spectators’ park, with beautiful sightlines, a huge concourse and a massive lawn. Tickets are generally easy to come by, even on weekends.

Game Schedule March/April

6

Friday

LAD

13

SEA

20

27

ARI CIN

7

14

21

28

7:05 p.m.

3

CLE

Saturday

4

TX CHI TX CLE CLE

12:05 p.m.

tickets are almost always available.

CONCESSIONS: The standards, plus some Milwaukee-area favorites like brats. Built-in food stands, and roaming concourse and seat vendors available.

DESCRIPTION: The Giants are always among the hottest tickets in town. With its downtown location, Scottsdale Stadium is crammed with preand post-game activity options.

Make sure to secure tickets before heading down to the game; scalpers typically get top dollar, especially on weekends.

PARKING: Public parking is available throughout downtown Scottsdale; or consider parking at a bar with shuttle service.

TICKETS: $12-$48, available at sfgiants.com

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8 ARI

1:10 p.m.

ARI 15

ARI

9

LAD

16

23

KC 29

LAD

March 3

4

10

11

OAK SD

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

OAK MIL

5

Thursday

CHI

12

CWS

Friday

6

TX

13

TX

7

Saturday

SD

14 OAK

ARI

7:10 p.m.

3:05 p.m.

22 LAA

Tuesday

30

CIN KC CHI

17

24

ARI CLE

7:05 p.m.

31

COL

18

19

25

COL

1:10 p.m.

April 1

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Spring the extra money for assigned seating in the lower section. Bleacher seating is brutal, especially during afternoon games – it’s squished and hot.

Between bleacher and lawn, we’d choose lawn.

CLE

MIL

26

OAK

7:05 p.m.

2

20

CIN

6:05 p.m.

27

LAD

7:05 p.m.

3

21

LAA

1:10 p.m.

28 SEA GIANTS FUTURES

4

CONCESSIONS: Among the best in the Cactus League; multiple beer, drink and food options.

IT's BACK.

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70

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

LIVE MUSIC

CINCINNATI REDS

Well Drinks $ 5

7 Days

a Week

ALL DAY EVERY DAY!

Domestic Bottled Beer $300 7320 E. Scottsdale Mall, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • 480.945.2882

Convenient Parking • Now Serving Premium Wines ENJOY OUR

PATIO!

Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear 623.882.3130 goodyearbp.com reds.com DESCRIPTION: The 10,000-seat Goodyear Ballpark, first opened in 2009, plays host to the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. It’s one of the more family-friendly parks in the Cactus League, featuring inflatable attractions and a kid-sized Wiffle ball field on the first base concourse.

PARKING: Parking is $5 ($10 for RVs) and is plentiful.

TICKETS: $5-$30, available at Reds.com

NOW OPEN

NOW OPEN TILL MIDNIGHT OPEN 8 AM MONDAY - WEDNESDAY OPEN 7 AM THE REST OF THE WEEK

Buckboard Tr.

Brown Ave.

Scottsdale Rd.

Main St.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

SEA

9 LAA

CHI

22

OAK

29

LAA

4

10

11

CLE MIL

16

23

SF TX

17

CLE

24

30

12:10 p.m.

SD

5

MIL

CWS

ARI

19

26

TX

April 1

ARI

BEST PLACE TO SIT: A right-field pavilion ticket includes food and nonalcoholic beverages for $34, and some seats are shaded. If you sit in the outfield grass ($8), aim for left field to avoid the sun and have a view of the center-field scoreboard.

CLE

1:10 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

31

Thursday

12

KC

18

2

TX CLE CLE

Friday

6

CHI

13

LAD

7

SF

COL

21

OAK

6:05 p.m.

27

MIL

KC

14

7:05 p.m.

20

Saturday

28

CHI

7:05 p.m.

3

4

12:05 p.m.

CONCESSIONS: Beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food and Italian ice. Large souvenir cup soft drinks, as of last season, are $3.50.

TICKETS: $8-$47, available at whitesox.com

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

OAK

15

LAA

22

29

MIL CLE

9

16

ARI ARI

1:10 p.m.

23

30

SD CLE

Tuesday

March 3

4

10

11

KC

18

24

25

COL

31

LAD

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Call toll free (888) 233-6371 or local (480) 391-9959

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5

Thursday

LAD

12 SF

TX

TX

CIN KC

SEA

SD

13

COL

1:10 p.m.

20

26

27

LAD

2

1 SD

Friday

6

19

6:05 p.m.

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Avoid sun in the eyes and enjoy a close-up view of the bullpen in the left-field grass seating.

The Ranch has no bleachers, so every seat has a back.

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LAD

17

SEA

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

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CLE

25

6:05 p.m.

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

March 3

COL

1:10 p.m.

15

Tuesday

Glendale Camelback Ranch 10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623.302.5000 camelbackranchbaseball.com whitesox.com

PARKING: While all but a few of the complex’s 4,000 parking spots are $5, the west lot off 107th Avenue is closest to the stadium.

Parking Lot

Sunday

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

DESCRIPTION: Home to the White Sox and Dodgers, the Camelback Ranch stadium was completed in 2009 and boasts a capacity of 13,000 – including 3,000 lawn seats, 12 luxury suites and a party deck – and is adjacent to a manmade lake and an orange grove.

Indian School Rd.

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted)

ARI

3

CHI CHI

7

Saturday

SEA

14

LAA

1:10 p.m.

21

KC

28

OAK

4

12:10 p.m.

CONCESSIONS: Beer, margaritas, soft drinks, hot dogs, burgers, Philly cheesesteak and gelato.

71

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

CLEVELAND INDIANS

Surprise Stadium 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise 623.222.2222 surpriseaz.gov/files/springtraining/ kcroyals.com

Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear 623.882.3130 goodyearbp.com indians.com DESCRIPTION: The 10,000-seat Goodyear Ballpark, opened in 2009, plays host to the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. It’s one of the more family friendly parks in the Cactus League, featuring inflatable attractions and a kid-sized Wiffle ball field on the first base concourse.

PARKING: Parking is $5 ($10 for RVs) and is plentiful.

TICKETS: $8-$30, available at indians.com

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

TX

15

SD

22

LAD

29

CWS

9

SEA

16

KC

23

OAK

30

CWS

Tuesday

Wednesday

March 3

4

10

11

CIN

17

24

CHI CIN SF

7:05 p.m.

31

SEA

n Home, n Away

CIN OAK

18

5

Thursday

CIN

12

19

KC

SEA

7:05 p.m.

25

LAA

26

1:10 p.m.

April 1

BEST PLACE TO SIT: A right field pavilion ticket includes food and non-alcoholic beverages for $34, and some seats are shaded. If you sit in the outfield grass ($8), aim for left field to avoid the sun and to have a view of the center-field scoreboard.

SF

2

CIN CIN

12:05 p.m.

Friday

6

KC

13 CHI

7

LAA

LAD

21

COL

7:05 p.m.

27

ARI

28

1:10 p.m.

3

MIL

LAD

14

ARI 20

Saturday

4

MIL MIL

12:05 p.m.

CONCESSIONS: Beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food and Italian ice. Large souvenir-cup soft drinks.

DESCRIPTION: The 10,500-seat Surprise Stadium opened in 2002 and features a spectacular lawn that wraps around nearly the entire outfield. It is routinely praised for its well-conceived design with lots of shaded seating.

PARKING: Park at the stadium. The lot is huge and parking is free.

TICKETS: $8-$27 at 800.745.3000, kcroyals.com or ticketmaster.com

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

LAA

9

1:10 p.m

15

COL

16

1:10 p.m

22

29

SF CHI

23

30

MIL CLE SF TX

Tuesday

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

March 3

4

10

11 CIN

CWS

17

CHI

24

TEX

5

SD 18

MIL

CWS

7:05 p.m

April 1

LAD

CLE

19

COL

1:05 p.m.

25

SD

TEX

12

26

SEA

6:05 p.m.

31

Thursday

2

Friday

6

CLE

13

OAK

20

SD

7

SEA

6:05 p.m.

3

CIN

14

LAA

21

CWS

7:05 p.m.

27

Saturday

28

ARI

1:10 p.m

4

12:05 p.m

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Much of the stadium is shaded in the afternoon, but the infield upper-deck provides canopied seating. The lawn, too, is very spacious, often giving attendees plenty of room to spread out.

CONCESSIONS: Plenty of options, from cotton candy to brats to beer. Surprise also lets visitors bring in packaged food if it’s in a clear, sealed bag.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

72

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

LA ANGELS OF ANAHEIM

CHICAGO CUBS

Tempe Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe 480.350.5205 tempe.gov/diablo angels.mlb.com DESCRIPTION: Tempe Diablo was built in 1968 and underwent an extensive renovation in 2005.

Perched on the side of Tempe’s rocky Twin Buttes, the stadium complex shares the picturesque landscape with the adjacent Buttes Resort and is one of the Cactus League’s most centrally located ballparks.

PARKING: Stadium lots are very close and $5, but you’ll need to arrive early. You also can use one of several nearby Valley Metro park and rides or the free shuttle from Mill Avenue.

Sloan Park 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa 480.668.0500 or 1.800.THE.CUBS chicago.cubs.mlb.com

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

KC

9

CIN

1:10 p.m.

15

CWS

22

29

SF CIN

16

TX

1:10 p.m.

23

SEA

Tuesday

SEA

12:10 p.m.

4

11

TX

1:10 p.m.

17

5

Thursday

1:10 p.m.

25

TX

1:10 p.m.

31

April 1

OAK

1:10 p.m.

OAK

COL

13

CHI

7

SD

CLE

7:05 p.m.

27

CHI

4:05 p.m.

2

Saturday

OAK

14 CWS

1:10 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

20

LAD

26

Friday

1:10 p.m.

19

CLE

6

1:10 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

24

MIL

12

ARI

18

COL

1:10 p.m.

30

Wednesday

March 3

10

n Home, n Away

ARI

1:10 p.m.

3

KC 21

SF

1:10 p.m.

28

LAD

1:10 p.m.

4

12:05 p.m.

TICKETS: $12-$34, available at angels.mlb.com

base side are shaded during afternoon games.

BEST PLACE TO SIT: It’s tough to beat the sizable grass berm seating in left field for only $10, but the latter rows of field box seats on the first-

CONCESSIONS: Domestic and microbrew beers, hot dogs, fries, sodas and soft drinks. Some outside food allowed; check for restrictions.

DESCRIPTION: New to the Cactus League in 2014 is the 146-acre Sloan Park. Owned and operated by the Chicago Cubs, the 15,000-capacity facility opened in February 2014, marking the Cubs’ departure from Hohokam Stadium.

PARKING: Plenty of parking available at the ballpark.

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

15

BEST PLACE TO SIT: The Bleacher Bum atmosphere lives on in the outfield lawn seating, but, even better, it houses the “ultimate rooftop experience” in Eighteen | 76. It

29

PARKING: There are two main parking lots at the complex, both accessible from 83rd Avenue, at a cost of $5 per car and $10 per RV. TICKETS: $7-$28, available mariners.com

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

CIN

15

LAD

22

29

TEX SD

9

CLE

16

23

LAA

Tuesday

March 3

LAA

4 SD

5

Thursday

SD

Charity Game

10

COL

11

1:10 p.m.

17

CWS

24

1:10 p.m.

30

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

31

SD CLE

COL

18

OAK

25

CHI

12

OAK

19

CWS

BEST PLACE TO SIT: For afternoon games, those seated sections 205 to 219 and 105 to 121 on the third base line and lawn seating in left field have the sun at their backs.

6

Friday

LAD

13

20

CLE

7:05 p.m.

27

26 MIL

7:05 p.m.

April 1

MIL TX KC

Saturday

7 ARI

CWS 14

1:10 p.m.

21

28

6:05 p.m.

KC 2

3

COL

7:05 p.m.

ARI

4

CHI SF

COL

12:10 p.m.

3/9 3/11 3/13

WARRIORS

SUNS.COM / 602.379.SUNS

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1994, the 12,000-plusseat Peoria Sports Complex is home to the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.

PARKING: There are two main parking lots at the complex, both accessible from 83rd Avenue, at a cost of $5 per car and $10 per RV.

SD

23

30

10

17

CLE KC

24

OAK

SF

5 OAK

In Las Vegas

†

Friday

6

31

TX

11

LAD

18

LAD

25

SEA

7:05 p.m.

April 1

MIL

12

LAA

1:10 p.m.

19

ARI

OAK

LAA

COL

14 MIL †

6:05 p.m.

OAK†

12:05 p.m.

20

21

27

28 COL

3

4

CWS CWS

4:05 p.m.

2

Saturday

1:10 p.m.

13CLE

6:40 p.m.

26

7

CIN

SF

SEA

CIN

CONCESSIONS: What would a Chicago field be without dogs? Windy City Dog and A Taste of Chicago are among the six different concession areas that have themes tying to Chicago or the Southwest.

VS

TIMBERWOLVES VS

HAWKS

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

COL

15

22

CLE CHI

29

TICKETS: $6-$23, available at padres.com

SEA

CONCESSIONS: Beer, soft drinks, brats, hamburgers, hot dogs (including the “Ruthian foot-long”) and snacks. Great “beer man” coverage in the stands.

VS

SEE YOUR SUNS IN MARCH

KC

16

4

Thursday

Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria 623.773.8700 peoriaspringtraining.com padres.com

Game Schedule March/April Sunday

SD

SD

March 3

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria 623.773.8700 peoriaspringtraining.com mariners.com

Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted)

CIN

9

Tuesday

features bleachers and hightop tables to remind fans of the Wrigley Field Budweiser Bleachers. Info: mesa@cubs. com. To add further bang for fans’ bucks, more than 60 percent of the seats in the stadium are shaded from the Valley sun.

SEATTLE MARINERS

DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1994, the 12,000-plusseat Peoria Sports Complex is home to both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.

The stadium features some of the better grass seating in the Cactus League, including a berm that extends the length of the entire outfield.

TX

22

TICKETS: $8-$38, available at http://mlb.mlb. com/chc/mesa/

Monday

9

CHI

16

CHI

23

CWS

30

CIN

Tuesday

March 3

4

10

11

SF

SEA

MIL 24

SEA

31

KC

7:05 p.m.

VS

KNICKS VS

PELICANS VS

MAVERICKS

5

Thursday

SEA

12

KC

LAD

17 OAK 18

COL

19

25

LAD

April 1

CWS

6

Friday

CWS

13

LAA

7

Saturday

14

1:10 p.m.

20

KC

22

7:05 p.m.

1:10 p.m.

BEST PLACE TO SIT: For afternoon games, those seated sections 205 to 219 and 105 to 121 on the third base line and lawn seating in left field have the sun at their backs.

3/15 3/19 3/22

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

26

ARI

1:10 p.m.

2

MIL

27

COL

28

7:05 p.m.

3

SF TX ARI TX

4

12:05 p.m.

CONCESSIONS: Beer, soft drinks, brats, hamburgers, hot dogs (including the “Ruthian foot-long”) and snacks. Great “beer man” coverage in the stands.

3/25 3/27 3/29

VS

KINGS VS

TRAIL BLAZERS VS

THUNDER

74

THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

Glendale Camelback Ranch 10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623.302.5000 camelbackranchbaseball.com dodgers.com

Hohokam Stadium 1235 N. Center Street, Mesa 480.644.4451 hohokamstadium.com oaklandas.com DESCRIPTION: Hohokam Stadium was vacated by the Chicago Cubs after the 2013 season, then renovated for the Athletics, who moved from Phoenix Municipal Stadium. This is a reunion of sorts for the A’s, who held Spring Training in the old Rendezvous Park from 1969 to 1976, and were the first tenants in the original Hohokam Park built in 1977.

PARKING: Parking is limited; arrive early so you can grab one of the 3,000 parking spots available in the surrounding soccer fields.

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

CWS

15

22

29

MIL CIN MIL

9

TX

16

LAD

23

30

CLE

COL

Tuesday

March 3

SF

10

17

24

ARI SD CHI

31

LAA

1:10 p.m.

Wednesday

4

SF

11

CLE

18

SEA

25

MIL

April 1

LAA

5

Thursday

CHI

12

SEA

†

In Las Vegas Friday

6

ARI

1:10 p.m.

13 KC

LAA

14 SF

CHI

†

5:05 p.m.

19

7

Saturday

20 LAD

CHI

†

12:05 p.m.

21

COL

26

1:10 p.m.

SF

27

7:05 p.m.

2

3

TX

CIN

28

CWS

4

12:05 p.m.

TICKETS: $9-$30, available at OaklandAs.com BEST PLACE TO SIT: Most of the Terrace Box seats, sections 200 through 212, are shaded. Or grab a blanket and enjoy the outfield lawn.

• Family Owned & Operated • Lunch & Dinner - Delicious Full Menu • Over 50 HDTVs! • Happy Hour Daily 3-7pm • Over 30 Draft Beers! Daily Specials!

• Personal TV’s & Sound at Each Booth!

• Pool, ping pong, shuffleboard, darts, NTN Trivia • Smoking-Friendly Covered Patio

n Home, n Away

CONCESSIONS: Ovations Food Services—with its “everything’s fresh” philosophy—managed concessions when the Cubs were a tenant, and will continue to do so for the A’s.

7134 E. Thomas Road Scottsdale (480) 994-4488 www.MaxSportsGrille.com

Bring your spring training ticket stub in for a FREE BURGER! Offer good with purchase of a drink. Limit one per customer per visit. Not valid during special sporting events.

Dine in only. Valid from 5 pm.-10p.m. daily. Expires 4-1-15.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DESCRIPTION: Home to the Dodgers and White Sox, the Camelback Ranch stadium was completed in 2009 and boasts a capacity of 13,000 – including 3,000 lawn seats, 12 luxury suites and a party deck – and is adjacent to a manmade lake and a traditional Dodgertown orange grove.

PARKING: While all but a few of the complex’s 4,000 parking spots are $5, the west lot off 107th Avenue is the closest to the stadium.

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8

MIL

15

SEA

22

CLE

29 SF

TX

9

SF

16

OAK

23

30

ARI ARI

1:10 p.m.

Tuesday

March 3

10

17

COL TX

24

31

CWS

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

4

CWS

11

18

CHI CHI

25

CWS

12

SD

19

LAA

26

SD

CWS

April 1

KC

5

Thursday

2

†

at Alamodome Friday

6 MIL

7

Saturday

CLE

SEA 13

CIN

14

7:05 p.m.

CLE

20 OAK 21 COL

TX†

5:05 p.m.

27

SF

7:05 p.m.

3

1:10 p.m.

TX†

28

LAA

1:10 p.m.

4

12:05 p.m.

TICKETS: $8-$39, available at dodgers.com

bleachers, so every seat has a back.

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Avoid sun in the eyes and enjoy a close-up view of the bullpen in the left field grass seating. The Ranch has no

CONCESSIONS: Beer, margaritas, soft drinks, Dodger dogs, burgers, Philly cheese-steak and gelato.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

TEXAS RANGERS

SPRING TRAINING TRIVIA

Surprise Stadium 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise 623.222.2222 surpriseaz.gov/files/springtraining texasrangers.com DESCRIPTION: The 10,500-seat Surprise Stadium opened in 2002 and features a spectacular lawn that wraps around nearly the entire outfield.

It is routinely praised for its wellconceived design with lots of shaded seating.

PARKING: Park at the stadium. The lot is huge and the parking is free.

TICKETS: $8-$27 at 800.745.3000, texasrangers.com or ticketmaster. com

Spring Training first became a popular baseball tradition in the 1890s.

Game Schedule March/April Games start at 1:05 p.m. (unless noted) Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Dates, times and teams are subject to change.

8 CHI

CLE 15

MIL

22

SEA

29

LAD

9

OAK

KC

12

18

19

LAD

24

6:05 p.m.

30

11

17

1:10 p.m.

CIN

10

1:10 p.m.

LAA

23

4

LAA

31 ARI

1:10 p.m.

CHI

KC CWS

25

CIN

7:05 p.m.

April 1

COL

5

Thursday

March 3

LAA

16

n Home, n Away

Wednesday

KC CWS CIN

26

COL

at Alamodome

†

Friday

6

SF

13

SF

20 SEA

LAD†

7:05 p.m.

7

Saturday

MIL

14

LAD†

7:05 p.m.

28

3

4

OAK

SD

21 MIL

27

6:05 p.m.

2

75

Mesa is home to the newest Spring Training facility in the country, Sloan Park, formally known as Cubs Park.

1.59 million people attended Spring Training games in the Phoenix area in 2011.

SD

1:10 p.m.

BEST PLACE TO SIT: Much of the stadium is shaded in the afternoon, but the infield upper-deck provides canopied seating. The lawn, too, is very spacious, often giving attendees plenty of room to spread out.

CONCESSIONS: Plenty of options, from cotton candy to brats to beer. Surprise also lets visitors bring in packaged food in a clear, sealed bag.

coMIng Up next Month In the

In April…

The ENVY Issue!

DeADlIne MAr 20

don’t invest your tax refund – spend It! exotIc gIfts, cArs, fAshIon, DInIng, nIghtlIfe AnD More!

SHOW US YOUR GAME FACE! Voted Scottsdale’s #1 Sports Bar!

MON ----------- $3.25 Super Burger, $3.50 Pork Tenderloin Sandwich!

TUES ---------- 10 oz Prime Rib, Fries & Salad - $10.75 WED ----------- 30 Super Salads $9.50, BBQ Ribs - $9.75 Full, $7.25 Half THUR ---------- $9.75 BBQ Ribs (Full), $7.25 (Half) w/Cole Slaw, Beans or Fries!

FRI ------------- Shrimp Platter $8.95, Baja Fish Tacos - $8.95 (Til 3pm) SAT ------------ Jack Daniels Rib-Eye Steak, Salad, Baked Potato - $10.25 SAT/SUN ----- Breakfast until Noon. Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar until 4pm

2 SHUFFLEBOARDS!

POOL TABLES!

480-675-9724 DukesSportsBar.com 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale 85257

To AdVErTIsE, cAll

(602) 405-2630

(SE Corner of Miller & McDowell)

DUI

FREE Limo Pickup AND Return!

Duke’s Now Open in Rocky Point!

Showing Game Ticket

Row: Bar Seat: Yours

4216 N Brown Ave | OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

No Refunds

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE YOUNGSTER

77

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

LEGOLAND Discovery Center 78 New in SoCal 78 The Best Family Events in March 79

WE NEED A

HERO

M

Hayli Metter » The Entertainer!

arvel Universe Live! pits good against evil in an epic, athletic show For those who can’t bear to sit around and wait for the next Thor or Captain America movie, fear not! Marvel has a solution.

Marvel Universe Live! is everything you and the family love about the comic company’s superhero movies wrapped into one massive, exciting performance, coming to Phoenix March 5 through 8.

The performance features action, exciting stunts, incredible costumes and a thrilling tale for kids of all ages who get to see their favorite characters in combat.

The cast consists of everyone from X Games athletes to martial arts professionals who replicate the famous stunts and acts seen in the movies. There’s smoke, impressive visuals and an upbeat atmosphere as the characters each face off in a race to find the lost fragments, with the hopes of either saving the universe or destroying it all together.

The show features over 25 of Marvel’s famous characters, including Iron Man, Captain America, Spiderman, Thor, and his infamous evil brother, Loki. After Thor

destroys the most coveted and powerful source in the universe, the Cosmic Cube, to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, Loki decides to set out on his mission to replicate its powers—a mission that, if successful, could lead to the destruction of Earth, and maybe even the entire universe.

So the heroes team up, the Avengers included, to find the lost fragments of the Cosmic Cube and unite them in hopes of stopping Loki from his mission of retrieving them himself. However, as the show continues, it seems that Loki isn’t the only villain the heroes must face—reinforcements arrive, featuring other Marvel villains like Green Goblin, Red Skull, Doctor Octopus, and more who all look to reunite the fragments for their own villainous quests.

See which side will reign supreme with the whole family this month!

Talking Stick Resort Arena

201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, Thursday, March 5 through Sunday, March 8, times vary, prices vary WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

THE FUNNEL CAKE BLOG: WHAT’S NEW IN SOCAL

UNIVERSAL’S SUPER SILLY FUN LAND

I

n a once under-utilized corner of the park, the creative team at Universal Studios Hollywood has built a fun and interactive themed area straight out the movie “Despicable Me.” “Super Silly Fun Land,” is described

by Universal as “an immersive carnival setting.” You will call it “a lot of fun!”

“Super Silly Fun Land” is adjacent to the new “Minion Mayhem” simulator ride and in the spot of what was once the rather barren “Coke Soak” area. You and your family with find a variety of games, a rather large themed play area with water features and a mechanically simple, yet well themed flat ride called “Silly Swirly.”

Hop on board and enjoy the view from above the crowds.

Guests of all ages will enjoy the ride. The little ones will enjoy the play area and adults will appreciate all of the details put into the area. Even the trash cans were specially designed. If things look a bit familiar, that’s because you saw

the concept on screen when Gru takes the girls to a seaside resort in the first feature film. “’Super Silly Fun Land’ bring(s) our movies to life, with all of the gorgeous artistry, humor and the heart—and of course the thrills—that the team at Universal Studios are known for,” says Chris Meledandri, founder and CEO of Illumination Entertainment. “We’ve built out an immersive environment with many attractions. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day as a Minion?”

When in Hollywood, Universal Studios offers a close-up look at the movie industry. “Super Silly Fun Land” puts you right in the middle of the Minion action.

Super Silly Fun Land at Universal Studios

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.864.8377, universalstudioshollywood.com

FOR UPDATES, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS, VISIT... facebook.com/theFUNnelCakeBlog theFUNnelCakeBlog.com

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A LEGOLAND OF OUR OWN LEGOLAND Discovery Center comes to Arizona Mills in June Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

B

rick by brick, LEGOLAND is getting a little closer to Arizona.

In spring 2016, Poole, England-based Merlin Entertainments will open LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Tempe’s Arizona Mills.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” says Scott Williamson, Merlin’s marketing head for new developments. “It’s just like you’ve jumped into the biggest box of LEGO bricks.”

Tempe was chosen for the $12 million attraction based on the success of LEGOLAND Discover Center’s sister project, Sea Life Center, Williamson explains. Construction will begin in June on the 60,000-square-foot attraction, which will be the centerpiece of the entertainment wing’s renovation.

Williamson calls the indoor amusement center a two- to three-hour experience that includes a brick pool (naturally), master classes from LEGO Master Model Builders, a LEGO ride, party rooms, a 4-D cinema and a Miniland exhibit.

“My favorite is Miniland,” Williamson gushes. “We use 3.5 LEGO brick and build iconic landmarks of the local city and the local area, which is fantastic.

The little touches and all the interactive pieces are absolutely fantastic.”

Williamson wouldn’t reveal which Valley landmarks would be included in the exhibit, but we put our dibs in for Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“Sports venues are often the ones that people really want to see,” he says.

“We always ask local people what they’d like us to do. We tend to run a Miniland vote through Facebook. We’ll put a bunch of the buildings we consider and ask the people in the area what they think. We’ll get them to choose the buildings we have in Miniland. Then we build them out and install them in the attractions.”

The target age for the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is 3 to 12, however, Williamson reveals that AFOL (or Adult Fans of LEGO) will get a kick out of it as well.

“It’s really important for us that the parents get involved and have fun,” he says. “We do adult-only evenings, where adults can come and experience the attraction in the evening. Master Model Builder (presentations) will be more geared to that audience. But really good fun way for people to experience the center.”

Keeping with LEGO’s playfulness, the attraction will host “Brick Factor,” a two-day “X-Factor”-like contest that helps Merlin Entertainments choose its Master Model Builders.

“It’s open to anybody,” he says. “We’ve had a huge range of people apply— school teachers, students, people with long-standing jobs.

“The LEGOLAND Discovery Center is perfect for anyone you who just loves playing with LEGO.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

79

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS

IN MARCH Exclusively Little

MARCH 7 Have a wonderful day at this justfor-kids event designed for children ages six and under. Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to compete in a stuffed animal contest for most loved, cutest, and best dressed. They can also have their faces painted, play games, jump in the bounce houses and enjoy the petting zoo. Train and carousel rides are also available for $2.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.2312, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free

Arizona Rattlers Fan Fest

MARCH 1 The Arizona Rattlers host a familyfriend block party to kick off their Arena Football League (AFL) season.

Entertainment will feature local dance studios, the AZ Sidewinders dancers, football demonstrations, and Mascot Stryker will be around to pump up the crowd! The first 300 fans to arrive get a free limited edition T-shirt!

Jackson Street between First and Third Streets, Phoenix, azrattlers. com, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., free

National Geographic Kids Club

MARCH 3 THROUGH 27 Learn about the plants and animals living in the rainforest with help from National Geographic Kids! Kids Club activities, also include dancing, sing-alongs and more. They will be stopping by Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, Paradise Valley Mall and SanTan Village throughout March. Check the website for details!

Multiple locations throughout the Valley, mallkidsclub.com, times vary, free

at the food stands, and browse the booths set up by local businesses.

Anthem at Merrill Ranch Community Park, 3313 N. Anthem Way, Florence, 520.723.6631, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free

Archaeology Expo

MARCH 21 Get ready to dig around and get your hands dirty at the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve Festival!

Spend the day digging in the mock archaeology dig for kids, watching the ancient spear throwing demonstrations, taking a guided trail hike as a family, and checking out the art exhibit. Be sure to bring your hiking shoes and hats!

Deer Valley Rock Art Center, 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Glendale, 623.582.8007, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free

Arizona Touch of Class Miniature Horse Show

Arizona Aloha Festival

MARCH 7 AND 8 Enjoy the relaxing island environment of the Aloha Festival while you shop for crafts and products from Hawaii and Polynesia. Live instrumental music, singing and dancing will be featured all day while you enjoy the authentic island foods with your family.

Tempe Beach Park, Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free

MARCH 21 AND 22 If your kids love horses, they will love this miniature horse show! Horses just their size will perform and compete for awards and recognition. The event also features food and refreshments, a raffle and barn tours.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.6802, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., free

Anthem Days

MARCH 28 AND 29 Bring the whole family and get excited about Anthem Days, featuring live musical entertainment, carnival games and rides, food court, and bounce houses for the kids. Saturday will highlight a salsa contest and a day-long hoop fest. Make sure to stay through Sunday for the kids’ Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt!

Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem, 623.742.6050, times vary, free

Arizona Renaissance Festival

THROUGH MARCH 29 Join your old friends like Dead Bob, the ladies of Hey Nunnie Nunnie and more at The Arizona Renaissance Festival. Bring the kids for a fun day out filled with rides, food, shows you won’t see anywhere else, plus a bit of face painting, hair braiding and jousting.

And just try to stay away from the turkey legs. We dare you!

I-60 east of Apache Junction, 520.463.2600, royalfaires.com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., prices vary

Spring Festival

MARCH 14 Celebrate spring with the historic community of Florence with train rides, laser tag, a petting zoo, rock wall climbing, pony rides, and live music and entertainment. Feel free to stay the whole day and enjoy the inflatable attractions for kids, eat

Michael Londra’s Celtic Fire Sunday, March 8, 2015 · 2:30pm

/ChandlerCenterfortheArts @ChandlerArts

For full season listings, visit:

480.782.2680 • www.ChandlerCenter.org WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

PHOENIX, AZ

WWW.MMMF.COM

MAR 27-29, 2015

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE SHOWMAN

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LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

Jamie Lynn Spears 85 85 Live music calendar 82 Social Distortion 86

WHO ARE THE ‘COOL KIDS’ NOW?

Echosmith goes global after smash hit single

N

oah Sierota believes in the power of Echosmith’s fanbase.

After all, it was Echosmith’s followers who persuaded the band to release ethereal “Cool Kids” as a single.

“We never really expected much out

of that song,” Sierota says matter-of-factly.

“It’s not like we thought it was bad. I just never thought of it as being a single or on the radio. It’s amazing to see where it has gone. Most people don’t get the chance to go around the world. ‘Cool Kids’ allows us to do that and I’m very excited about it.”

One stop lined up for Echosmith is the

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Pot of Gold Festival on Sunday, March 15, at Tempe Beach Park. The four-day concert also includes performances by Fall Out Boy, Korn, Kendrick Lamar and Bastille.

The 19-year-old bassist is joined in Echosmith by his brothers and sister.

Graham, 16, plays drums, while 17-yearold Sydney serves as lead singer and keyboardist. Echosmith is rounded out by 21-year-old Jamie, the lead guitarist and backing vocalist.

Traveling with family members can be daunting. Touring extensively with brothers and sisters in the cramped quarters of a bus can be uncomfortable, to say the least. But Sierota enjoys it because it gives him the opportunity to meet with fans.

“I love the touring and meeting people,” he says. “It’s all very exciting. It’s amazing just to talk to people.”

Even though some fans may not have English as their first language, Echosmith still resonates with them, Sierota explains.

“Like in the Philippines, for instance, there’s a language barrier but apparently they somehow connect with our songs and us,” he says. “This is music that we wrote

in our bedroom. It’s such a cool feeling and every day it blows my mind.”

Thanks to those fans, “Cool Kids,” which appears on Echosmith’s 2013 album, Talking Dreams, sold more than 1 million copies in the United States alone.

Sierota is proud of “Cool Kids.”

“It only came up as a single after we released two other songs,” he says with a laugh. “We would play shows and the fans would be singing ‘Cool Kids.’ They’d tell us, ‘We found you because of ‘Cool Kids.’

“I thought, ‘How does that happen?

It’s not even a single.’ We thought that maybe this should be the song people should know and radio should play. Fans saw it ahead of time. They were the ones who found it and got it. It’s so great to have fans choose your first big song.”

Fall Out Boy w/Echosmith

New Politics, Knox Hamilton, Big Data and Grizfolk, Tempe Beach Park, 30 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, potofgoldaz.com, Sunday, March 15, 12:30 p.m., $49 and up

Brad Colerick with David Plenn

Fri., March 27 | 7:30 p.m. | $19.50–$24.50 Billboard magazine called Colerick “one of a baker’s dozen of acts to watch in the folk community around the world.”

To purchase tickets, visit MIM.org or call 480.478.6000

MUSIC THEATER

Located in the Musical Instrument Museum

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

MARCH 4 Mosh Pit ARMY w/Anvil, Expansion Theory Joe’s Grotto, TBD

Open Mic w/ Jason Messer

LIVE MUSIC

Rogue Bar, TBD

CALENDAR

Couches w/H Grimace, Blanche Beach Yucca Tap Room, 11:55 p.m., free

Marco Benevento

The Rhythm Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Adam Torres w/Canids, Madison Avery, Cloud District Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Socks in the Frying Pan & the Outside Track

MARCH 1 Craft Spells w/The Bilinda Butchers

Joe’s Grotto, TBD

MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $30-$38

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Terror Pigeon w/Calliope Musicals Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

The Suffers

MARCH 2 Korbe Canida w/ AJ Rodriguez, AJ Odneal Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., free

The Rhythm Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Andy Grammer w/Alex & Sierra, Paradise Fears Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $20

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway Chandler Center for the Arts, 2:30 p.m., $26-$38

“Motown on Mondays”

Crescent Ballroom, 11 p.m., free

NERDZERKER w/The Linecutters, Double Positive, The News Can Wait (CO), High Tide Low Tide (CO) Rogue Bar, 8 p.m., TBD

La Gran Fiesta w/Ritmo Latino, La Santa Cecilia Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 12 p.m., free

Craft Spells w/The Bilinda Butchers, Celebration Guns

Christopher Norby

Crescent Ballroom, 12 p.m., free

Jordan Benson w/Heartlyn Rae

Mojo Farmers w/Goetta

Yucca Tap Room, 11:55 p.m., free

An Enchanted Evening With Barbara - Tribute To Barbara Streisand featuring Sharon Owens Ovations LIVE!, 3 p.m., $10

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 & Janáček Glagolitic Mass Arizona Musicfest Orchestra, Chorus and Soloists Conducted by Robert Moody, Dr. Rebecca Lord, Chorus Master

Club Red West, 6:30 p.m., $10-$15

Billy Ocean

Ovations LIVE!, 8 p.m., $28-$68

Blue Blast Pre-Party w/Smokin’ Joe Kubek Band, B’Noise King Rhythm Room, 9:15 p.m., $12

MARCH 7 Pop vs Pop Punk

Nile Theater, 6:30 p.m., $7-$9

Tramps & Thieves

Yung Gleesh w/ Nile Ross, Saih, J.R.U.E.H

Encanterra Country Club, 2 p.m., $81

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$14

The Theif’s Lineage w/Andy Warpigs, Requiem, Rum Drinker Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., TBD

The Bronx Wanderers

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $10-$65

The Well

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., Free

Head Over Heart w/Frogbelly, Symphony

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $5 adv, $7 dos

MARCH 6

MARCH 3

Coal Chamber with special guests Filter, Combichrist, American Head Charge

Meth Dad w/Michael Parallax, Fathers Day, Confetti Club

Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $168

Ana Log w/Blackwater, Time with Addy, Baby Alfred

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

Firestarter w/Such A Mess

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Yucca Tap Room, 11:55 p.m., free

Whitney Peyton w/ OGmusic

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $5-$8

Alan DeQuina

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

The Nile Theatre, 4:30 p.m., $16

MARCH 5

Arizona Room Lounge, 8 p.m., free Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m., $10-$65

Lord Dying

Stick to your Guns w/The Amity Affliction, Being as an Ocean, ’68, In Hearts Wake

EZER w/I Remember Burning, Luxxe, Orenda, New Americana The Sugar Thieves Live Concert DVD Release Show

Rick Springfield & Howard Jones Don Williams

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $66-$740

The Bodeans

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $67-$374

Emby Alexander - Tour Kickoff! w/Billy Mack Collector, Dogbreth, Andy Warpigs Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Local Indie Showcase

Club Red West, 5 p.m., $10

4th Annual Juggfest ft. MAOLI w/ Makisi, David Rhythm, Molia, One Achord Club Red East, 7 p.m., $15-$35

Rumblers 3rd Annual Fist Full of Rumble: The Stitches w/ Bricktop, The Venomous Pinks, Rotten Youth, DJ Evil Luck Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $10

MARCH 8 Mosh Pit ARMY w/Inanimate Existance, WRVTH, Mount Vesuvius Joe’s Grotto, TBD

Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $10-$12

In the Round with Shawn Johnson Rock Bar, 9 p.m., TBD

Al Stewart

MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $33-$38

March 27-28, 2015 • Free Admission

Downtown Chandler www.chandleraz.gov/jazz

FRIDAY NIGHT HEADLINER

Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns

SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER

Sean Jones Quartet

 Experience over 14 bands and 90 jazz musicians playing some of your favorite tunes and original music  Beer & Wine Garden sponsored by the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership  New Orleans Square presented by the Arizona Classic Jazz Society

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Electric Six March 9

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m. >> $14-$16 Electric Six, best known for their quirky, overly sexual music videos, “keep setting fires” across the country with each new album. Check out their latest, Human Zoo, plus the classics as they play Crescent Ballroom with Playboy Manbaby.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

Murray Perahia: Virginia G. Piper Concert Series

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$69

MARCH 13 Doro w/Insatia, Black Curtain, Empire of Dezire, Hands of a Traitor, Varkan Club Red West, 6 p.m., $16-$55

Friday The 13th Part 2: Pale w/ Diners, Draa, Run-On Sunshine Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Dark Time Sunshine

Club Red East, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Motobunny, Guantanamo Baywatch w/The Memories Time Out Lounge, 7 p.m., Free

Boyz II Men

March Cohn

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $25-$59

March 12

LiveWire, 7 p.m. >> $96-$173 They’ll never break your heart, or break up... with each other, that is. This staple ‘90s boy band is coming to Phoenix to serenade the ladies. Fellas, unless you’re way into the vox of these handsome gentlemen in matching outfits, we suggest you stay home.

Sunday Service feat. D.L. Harrison, Casey James Brooks, Marc Zubia, Serence Dominic Yucca Tap Room, 6 p.m., Free

Whitechapel

Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $15-$17

Irish Eyes are Smiling

Mesa Arts Center, 3 p,m., $15-$22

Michael Londra’s Celtic Fire

Chandler Center for the Arts, 2:30 p.m., $32-$46

Sorxe w/Nonpareil, Bass Hands Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Viet Cong w/Freak Heat Waves Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Nahko and Medicine for the People Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$22

Les Yeux Noirs

MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $33-$43

Jerusafunk w/Chris Hayzel, Shilo Gold, Good Morning Coffee Rogue Bar, TBD

Strangers w/Creepoid, Sleep Money Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$18

MARCH 11

Arizona Room Lounge, 8 p.m., free

Alan DeQuina

Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free

MARCH 10 The Districts w/Pine Barons Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Above & Beyond

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $44

Voz de Mando w/Javier Rosas

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $30-$100 Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $80-$285

Through the Roots w/ CLAIREVOYANT, RAC, Puck Xou Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $10-$14

Stateline

Club Red East, 8 p.m., sold out

Viva Phoenix 2015: Twin Shadow w/Andrew W.K., Coolio, Thee Oh Sees, Smallpools, Fishbone, Sir Sly, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Geogrpher, The Stone Foxes, Papa, lucha Libre Wrestling, Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band, PPL MVR, Halsey, the Twilight Sad, Dads, Bogan Via, Hey Marseilles, The Velvet Teen Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $18-$45

Freedom Spring Fling w/Dina Preston Band, Rockslide Joens, Sarge lintecum, Hans Olson, MC Charles LeSueur Mesa Ampitheatre, 5 p.m., $30

Martin Sexton

MIM Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38-$48

Defying Gravity

Mesa Arts Center, 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., $17$32

MARCH 15 Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience Ovations LIVE!, 3 p.m., $10

Badflower

Pub Rock Live, $6

Cikatri$ w/ The Cigarette Bums, Leftovers, Sedusa, The Darling Sound Trunk Space, 6 p.m., $6

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Scottsdale Center, 7:30 p.m., $159-$377

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

B Dolan w/Rubedo, Wheelchair Sports Camp, Mr. Miranda, RoQ’y TyRaiD Club Red, 7:30 p.m., $10

Pimps of Joytime

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15 Rogue Bar, TBD

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

MARCH 12 Shpongle Simon Posford Presents the Shpongletron 3.1 w/ Phutureprimitive Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $27

Thicker Than Thieves

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $7-$10

Turnover w/Alleyways, Sideyard, Way Under

Hurray for The Riff Raff

Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Barnyard Stompers

Comeback Kid w/No Bragging Rights, The Greenery

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Arden Park Roots

Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $15

Club Red East, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Colin Hay

Bür Gür

MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $50-$55

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Rat Fist

Yuna

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

MARCH 14

Autumn Electric

Black Pussy w/Goya, Wolves of Winter

Jordan Benson w/Heartlyn Rae

Tempe Beach Park, 3 p.m., $49

Pocket Vinyl w/Lucy & La Mer, Swelve, Jelena Gonzalez, Oliver House

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $98-$183

2 Cellos

Rogue Bar, TBD

Pot of Gold Music Fest: Bastille w/ AWOLNATION, Chromeo, Girl Talk, Bleachers, Future Islands, Joywave

Ricardo Arjona

Open Mic w/ Jason Messer

Los De Esta Noche w/ Black Cat Bone, Skadoosh, Nomada, Surf

MIM Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $33-$39

Joshua Radin w/Cary Brothers

MARCH 9 Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $36

Lee Konitz Quartet w/George Schuller, Dan Tepfer and Jeremy Stratton

83

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $36

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

The Ataris w/Yotam Ben Horin, Brian Marquis, Perfect Sense Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $12

Glamour Kills Tour w/Set it Off Pub Rock Live, 6 p.m., $13-$15

theSHIFT w/Mill’s End, Counterfeit Party, Break Up Society Rogue Bar, 8:30 p.m., TBD

Pot of Gold Music Festival: Korn w/ Godsmack, Chevelle, Rite to Remain Tempe Beach Park, 3 p.m., $49

Joe Pug

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Misterwives

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $32-$184

A Skylit Drive w/The Jumpsuit Apparatus, Wolves at the Gate, For the Win, Breaking Through

Pot of Gold Music Fest

March 13 through 17 It’s the luck of the Irish hitting our hometown. A diverse lineup including Fall Out Boy, Bastille, Kendrick Lamar, Korn, Godsmack and more will have you on your feet and dancing this St. Patrick’s Day, even if Flogging Molly snubbed the Valley this year.

Joe’s Grotto, 6 p.m., $15

The Chieftains

Scottsdale Center, 7:30 p.m., $159-$414

MARCH 18 This Will Destroy You w/Cymbals Eat Guitars

Moon Duo

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Los Tigres Del Norte

Comerica Theatre, 9 p.m., $38-$113

Prove It

Club Red West, 7 p.m., $10-$15

Record Release Show -Darkness Dear Boy, Companeros, SweetGrass, Japhy’s Descent, Banana Gun, Sasquanaut

Lenguas Largas w/Underground Railroad to Candyland, Japanese Monsters, John Denver’s Last Flight, Detached Objects Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., Free

The Great American Barbecue and Beer Festival: Eli Young Band w/ Laura Walsh, Georgia Chrome, Adley Stump Downtown Chandler, 12 p.m., $10-$15

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $5

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $91-$131

Railroad Earth

Gorilla Music Battle of the Bands Nile Theater, 4 p.m., $8-$10

MARCH 19

Wand w/Walter TV, Death Valley Girls, The Gooch Palms

MAMO featuring Jeff Peterson & Nathan Aweau

Pete Rock w/Slum Village, Roq’y Tyraid

The Shift

Farewell My Love w/ Requiem, We Call the Shots, Happy Accidents

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

MARCH 16

MIM Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35-$40 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

Blues Blast Pre-party w/Smokin’ Joe Kubek Bank, B’Nois King

Chris Birch w/Ryan Brewer, Mason Reed, The Lymbs

Frank Iero and the Cellabration w/The Homeless Gospel Choir, Modern Chemistry

Scream Nation: The Reintroduction Tour w/ Kid Ink, Jeremih, Rae Sremmurd, Dej Loaf

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $15-$18

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m.,

Motionless in White, For Today, New Years Day, Ice Nine Kills

MARCH 20

Title Fight w/Power Trip, Merchandise

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12

Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $166-$173

Club Red East, 6:30 p.m., $15-$17

Fallujah w/Archspire, Lorna Shore, The Zenith Passage, Apparitions, A Lapse of Ethos

Andy Warpigs w/Echo Bombs, Soft Deadlines, Deadfoxx, Sleeze

René Marie

Various Blonde

Pink Floyd Experience

Bat Country w/Kid Dynamite And The Blast, Gus, Blithed Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

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Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

Rubblebucket w/Vactioner

Pub Rock Live, 8:30 p.m., $14-$16

Lust for Youth w/Marshstepper, Jock Club, Body of Light, DJ Tristan/Iseult Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$12

MARCH 24 Evergreen Terrace w/My Ticket Home Nile Theater, 6:30 p.m., $10-$12

Night Riots

The Last Bison w/Neulore

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $$18-22

Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., $20

Joe’s Grotto, 6 p.m., $10

Name The Band w/The Living Strange, The Echo Bombs, Snail Quail Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

The Mormons w/New Chums Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

Lee DeWyze

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $17-$50

Zakir Hussain’s Pulse of the World: Celtic Connections

MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $35-$55

Rogue Bar, 8:45 p.m., TBD

MARCH 21

MARCH 17

Yonatan Gat w/Sunn Trio, Jerusafunk

Club Red West, 6 p.m., $10-$12

MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $28-$35 Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Harper & The Moths w/Fairy Bones, The Redemptions, Sons Of Hippies

Club Red West, 7 p.m., $18-$21

Joe’s Grotto, 6 p.m., $13

MARCH 22

Rogue Bar, 8:45 p.m., TBD

Eyes of Ivory w/Paranova, Doll Skin, Starcross, Analog Outlaws, 20/20 Hindsight

Doomtree w/Hellfyre Club, Transit

Sheep Among Wolves w/Big O, No Body, Adult Feeling

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Evan Shinners: The Goldberg Sutra MIM Music Theatre, 7 p.m., $23-$28

Chandler Symphony Classical Concerts

MARCH 23

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Elvis Lives

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25 adv, $28

Ovations, 3 p.m., $10

Chicago Afrobeat Project w/ Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra

Open Mic w/ Jason Messer Rogue Bar, TBD

Chance Tinder & Kentucky Rain: Tribute to Elvis Presley

Chandler Center for the Arts, 3 p.m., free

Radiator King

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10-$13

Rogue Bar, 8 p.m., TBD

The 7th Annual Mustache Massacre w/Hardwire, Pelvic Meatloaf, Labor Party, Pigmy Deah-Ray, DeSade, Goth Brooks

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $14-$16

Allegaeon feat. Product of Hate, Unholy Monarch, A Moment of Clarity AZ, Vermin, Tombs of Kaliche

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38-$48

RedRumsey - Vern From Unwound! w/Hiccups, The Smiling Faces, CJ Melton Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Anat Cohen

MIM Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $30-$38

McDowell Mountain Music Festival March 27 through 29

Margaret T. Hance Park, 2 p.m., $92-$265 It’s festival season here in the Valley, and McDowell Mountain Music Festival is bringing a killer lineup. Catch sets from Passion Pit, Widespread Panic, Phantogram, Thievery Corporation and a long list of locals at this three-day musical extravaganza.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel

The Quakes w/The Atom Age, Buried in Red

MARCH 25

MMMF After Show w/ Tea Leaf Green

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$49

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $10

Luke Sweeny

Crescent Ballroom, 11 p.m., $20

Self Defense Family

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Art, 8 p.m., $35-$69

Open Mic w/ Jason Messer

MARCH 28

MIM Musical Interludes Series featuring Pan Devils Steel Band

Ernie’s Rubber Ducky w/Section 8, Krunk, Heavy Breather

The Devil Wears Prada w/The Word Alive, Born of Osiris, Chelsea Grin, Crnifext, Worn In, Black tongue, The Family Ruin, Secrets

Emerald Isle

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., TBD Rogue Bar, TBD

MIM Music Theatre, 10:30 a.m., $7

Nile Theater, 5:30 p.m., $25

Weedeater: Weedeater w/king parrot, Goya, Sounds Like Murder, Column III, Collapsian Pub Rock Live, 6 p.m., $14-$16

Jeff the Brotherhood w/Broncho Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $13-$15

The Blues Hall of Fame Tour

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Amanda Miguel w/Deigo Verdaguer

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $35-$70

MMMF After Show w/Karl Denson Crescent Ballroom, 11 p.m., $20

Sirsy, Teneia, Ruca

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10

Paul Williams

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $48-$68

Festive Sight and Sound

Hawthorne Heights: Stripped Down to the Bone: Mark Rose w/ Shane Henderson, Dayseeke

Encanterra Country Club, 2:30 p.m., $68$191

Club Red West, 6:30 p.m., $15-$16

MARCH 26 Zeller

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

Duane Mark w/Reverend Red Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band

Crescent Ballroom, 10 a.m., $12-$14

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $19

The Good Life Festival: The Beach Boys

Tierney Sutton: “After Blue” with Mark Summer

MIM Music Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38-$43

Marie Osmond

Ovations Live! At Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $186-$347

The Hit Men

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $25-$59

MARCH 29

The Color Morale w/Slaves, Vanna, Favorite Weapon

Tobacco w/The stargazer Lilies, New Fumes

Nile Theatre, 6 p.m., $13-$15

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Travis Scott & Young Thug, Metro Boomin

Stars

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $18-$21

Sol Seed w/Ruca, Mob vs. Ballot Box

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $55-$60

Blood on the Dancefloor w/Master of Death

Altan

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $30-$60

Rogue Bar, 9:30 p.m., TBD

Winger

Kaustik w/Death Awaits Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., Free

Joe’s Grotto, 6 p.m., $15

MIM Music Theatre, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., $38-$48

MARCH 27

The Magic of Motown - A Salute to 50 Years of Tamla Motown Magic!

.38 Special

Ovations LIVE!, 3 p.m., $10

Ovations LIVE! Showroom, 8 p.m., $32$77

MARCH 31

Wind Burrial

North Mississippi Allstars & Anders Osborne Present N.M.O

Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $6

The Karma Police

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $29-$45

Immortal Technique w/Talib Kweli, Niko Is, CF

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

Marquee Theatre, 5:30 p.m., $15

Club Red East, 7 p.m., $25

Jamie Lynn Spears exchanges acting for a shot at a country music career

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., Free

The Family Ruin w/Chelsea Grin, Carnifex, Sworn In and Black Tongue Nile Theater, TBD

GONE COUNTRY

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Travesura w/Freckles, Andy Warpigs Bronze Radio Return

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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amie Lynn Spears may only be 23 years old, but she knows what she wants in her career.

Known to millennials as the title character in Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101,” Spears has her mind set on success in country music. Last year was a case study in exactly how Britney Spears’ little sister can do that.

Her debut country EP, The Journey, peaked at No. 24 on the country charts and No. 5 on the Heatseekers list. The first single, “How Could I Want More,” reached as high as No. 29 on the country chart.

“It was definitely an exciting year,” says Spears in her charming Southern drawl. “It was a year of firsts for me. It was a learning experience for me as well.”

She learned work-life balance, and how to be the best mom to her 6-yearold daughter, Maddie Briann Aldridge.

“I think finding a balance between my personal and professional lives was an important thing I learned last year,” she says. “I’m a mother, so I have to make sure when I’m traveling that I give

110 percent to my performance. I think I really got a good grasp on what that means this year.”

Spears is pleased to be a part of this year’s Country Thunder in Florence.

She performs first on Saturday, April 11, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.—the same day as Blake Shelton.

“I’ve seen him at an award show live, but I’ve never actually seen him at a show,” she says. “I think that would be exciting to see. He’s at the top of his game.”

Upon hearing the rest of the headliners—Brett Eldredge, Big and Rich and Luke Bryan—she gushes at the prospect of sharing a stage with them.

“I think it would be really fun to see them at the festival in action,” Spears says.

She was booked for some sweet gigs last year as well. Spears opened for the likes of Alan Jackson and Alabama. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in mid-2014.

She’s speechless when asked about it.

“There are no words to describe it,” she says. “It’s one of those things everybody knows of. It’s such an iconic thing. Just to stand in that circle, you don’t feel worthy. It’s such a humbling moment and such a moment you’re just so grateful for—to even be on that stage.”

Country Thunder

20585 E. Price (Station) Road, Florence, 877.569.7767, arizona. countrythunder.com, Thursday, April 9, through Sunday, April 12, various times, $50-$160 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

SOCIAL DISTORTION

BRINGS THE GRIT TO ARIZONA BIKE WEEK

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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Social Distortion at Arizona Bike Week

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, azbikeweek.com, Wednesday, March 25, 9 p.m., $28

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

onny “2 Bags” Wickersham vividly recalls the first time he heard the 1990 album, Social Distortion.

“I remember what I was doing and what street I was driving down when I actually heard some demos or rough mixes before it came out,” says Wickersham.

The rhythm guitarist was driving down Brookhurst Street in Huntington Beach, California, when he heard the collection that features the songs “Story of My Life” and “Ball and Chain.”

“I was friends with the band and everything,” Wickersham explains. “In so many ways it was such a jump forward in the sound of the band. The whole quality of the recording was like the band really kind of evolved from (1998’s) Prison Bound to that record. I felt it was really strong.”

At the time, Wickersham was just good friends with the California-bred band. He joined Social D after founding guitarist Dennis Danell died from a reported brain aneurysm in 2000.

This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of the album Social Distortion. In Europe, Social Distortion is scheduled to play the collection from front to back. Wickersham says the Mike Ness-fronted rockabilly-inspired band

just may do that here, as well, when it kicks off Arizona Bike Week festivities at WestWorld at 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The annual week will feature a ride for prostate cancer, a stunt show, motocross show, demo rides, and of course, heavy-hitting musical talent.

“When we do things like that, what it means is that there are songs that we never play that we’re going to throw in the set,” Wickersham says. “In a sense, it’s like playing new songs. It’s not really a challenge. You just have to learn the song and play it, just practice it a couple times.”

Social Distortion’s last album was 2011’s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, an album that reached No. 4 on The Billboard 200 albums chart. Wickersham explains the band is in the very preliminary stages of recording a new album.

“We’ve got a handful of songs that we’ve been messing around with,” he says.

“We sort of find grooves at soundchecks and mess with them a little bit. We’re starting to collect these ideas. At some point, Mike will pick the best ones and we’ll continue to work on those, hone them in and get them finished for the record. We’ve been talking about the direction we’d like to take on this record.

We’re not going in, like, next week to start working with it.”

Wickersham says he is constantly writing material, whether it is for Social D or for himself. He co-wrote several songs

with Ness for Social Distortion’s albums Sex, Love and Rock ’n’ Roll (2004) and Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes (2011).

He says that, being a sideman, he usually writes songs that he hopes the singer will like. At this point, it’s not hard to do.

“Everybody in the band’s so experienced at this point,” he says.

“Things come together pretty quickly and pretty easily. Everybody’s got a lot of ideas.

Everybody reads each other’s minds at this point, and can tell where a song needs to go—where to put a bridge, dynamically where things need to occur, what kind of dialogue needs to occur. It’s an instinctual thing at some point. When I was younger, it was very hard. We just could barely make it through the song.”

With the help of producer David Kalish, Wickersham recorded 2014’s critically acclaimed album Salvation Town.

After urging Wickersham for years to make a solo record, Kalish helped the guitarist produce and iron out tunes like “Then You Stand Alone” and “Forlorn Walls.”

“It was a completely different experience,” he says. “The music’s completely different—a whole different thing in every way. It’s just great. It’s a great outlet and an opportunity for me to be able to have complete control over what I want to do creatively. I’ve never had that. It’s always been a collaboration or a compromise. It’s really good. It’s very positive, I think, and very healthy.”

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

WE WERE THERE— WHERE WERE YOU?

Wasted Grain on February 15

The ‘80s were alive and well at Wasted Grain on February 15 as Metalhead and the hotties of Scottsdale came out to play.

PHOTOS BY TAVIT DANIEL

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

THE NIGHTOWL

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SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

Horoscopes 91

Phoenix Lights 90 Mad Mixologist 91

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS IN MARCH Hughes That Guy MARCH 4

The Hughes That Guy series is wrapping up, and it’s featuring one of John Hughes’ best, “Some Kind of Wonderful.” A film set in a high school in the 80’s, we watch young love unfold in its usual, complicated fashion among teens who are still trying to figure the world out. Grab a drink, grab a date, or grab your best friend and enjoy looking back on an American classic.

FilmBar, 815 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.595.9187, thefilmbarphx.com, 10:25 p.m., $5

3LAU MARCH 6

American DJ and 24-year-old performer 3LAU is headed to Scottsdale this March, and you single ladies out there better be ready to swoon over more than just his music, because he’s got the looks to match. Having performed at festivals like Electric Zoo and others, 3LAU is on his A game with some of the best fresh music in the industry, and now he’s headed to Maya. Good beats, good drinks, and a

good-looking guy —ladies, what more could you ask for?

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 9 p.m., $15

Electric Dreams Festival MARCH 7

The epitome of electronic dance music has finally arrived in Arizona! Showcasing top talent like Alex Dreams, Astronomar, Lucky Date and more, this is going to be one of the biggest events in the valley for EDM fans. Can’t make it to Tomorrowland this year? No worries. This festival will hold you over and give you just as much great music and great memories to match.

Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, pressroomrestaurant.com, 8 p.m., prices vary

Above and Beyond MARCH 11

One of the most iconic groups of performers in the EDM community, Above and Beyond has done just that with

their talents—gone above and beyond.

They were the first ever British DJ group to headline at Madison Square Garden in New York, and now they’re headlining in Tempe. British accents, killer music and endless dancing throughout the night? Count us in!

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 8 p.m., $45

Nervo MARCH 13

Resident DJ’s in Las Vegas’ Hakkasan nightclub, Nervo is no stranger to performing for rowdy audiences, which Maya is always guaranteed to have. They’ve been featured with artists such as Steve Aoki, R3hab and more on various tracks, and are a duo of two chicks that will be sure to have you on your feet the whole night.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 9 p.m., prices vary

Sander Kleinenberg MARCH 14

Dutch DJ and record producer Sander

Kleieberg is coming all the way from Europe for all you people who are ready to party. Don’t sweat it—he’s travelled all over the globe giving an earful of great beats and a great time to those who listen, so we know you won’t be disappointed. Be ready for drinks, dancing and lots of singing along at this show!

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, monarchtheatre.com, 9 p.m., prices vary

Oliver Heldens MARCH 20

We’ve never been to the Netherlands, but it sure does seem to produce some pretty great talent. After remixing label-mate Martin Garrix’s hit “Animals,” Rotterdam-native Oliver Heldens has not only produced some great music, but also premiered at number 34 on DJ Mag’s top 100 list.

If anything like the rest of the Dutch talent we’ve seen, you can expect a night of great music.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 9 p.m., $20 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER

DUMBED DOWN DRINK

Making mixologists of the laziest of drinkers Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

S

ometimes you want to mix it up. A glass of wine with dinner is great, but occasionally you want a good cocktail.

But shelling out $15 at a bar can hurt a bit and always making sure you have all the bitters, shrubs and herbs on hand at home is exhausting. So we decided to create a new column: Dumbed Down Drink.

You take a classic cocktail and attempt to recreate the taste profile using items that every standard kitchen would have.

Now, we’re not undermining those complex and delicious drinks mixed up by the Valley’s best mixologists. They are inventive and scrumptious. But—and we can’t be alone here—sometimes we’re lazy and cheap and still want a yummy cocktail.

We started with the Tom Collins, comparing the classic and our mock version.

Classic Tom Collins 2 oz. gin ¾ oz. lemon juice ¾ oz. simple syrup club soda to top

A CLASSIC TOM COLLINS VERSUS A LAZY MAN’S TOM COLLINS.

Dumbed Down Tom Collins

2 oz. gin lemon-lime soda of choice THE VERDICT Well, I’ll be honest. The classic was definitely better. The flavors were more balanced and subtle. It was very refreshing and the bubbles in the club soda went very well with the herbal gin.

I don’t think I have ever had a Tom Collins before, but if I can make one this good, I bet a professionally made one is even better.

However, the “dumbed down” Tom Collins was still quite tasty. It was very easy to drink and could get someone in trouble if they weren’t paying attention to how many or how quickly they drank it.

Although the classic Tom Collins was better, I would firmly say that the “dumbed down” version would make for a solid substitute.

PHOENIX LIGHTS

PREPARES TO DAZZLE THE VALLEY WITH HOT EDM TALENT Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

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hoenix Lights is bringing the EDM’s hottest beat to Downtown Phoenix this month, so prepare to get turnt up in the best way.

Phoenix Lights, presented by Relentless Beats and True Music Xperience, includes performances from EDM big wigs like Hardwell, Zeds Dead, Robin Schulz, Route 94, Lane 8 and more.

Hardwell was voted the world’s No. 1 DJ in DJ Magazine for two consecutive years in 2013 and 2014. The Dutch DJ is best known for his live shows at EDM festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra. His performances have also accumulated over 100 million views on YouTube from all over the world.

Zeds Dead is a Canadian EDM duo whose remixes from some of the biggest artists set them apart from others in the business. Their collaboration has created a blend of dubstep, electro house

Civic Space Park

and bass music, guaranteed to make your booty rock.

Tickets for the 18 and older event can be purchased online at phoenixlightsfest.com, or at the numerous Zia Records locations around the Valley.

And if you’re looking for an event to show off to your friends, look no further. Phoenix Lights is bringing the extravagance in a big way. Along with general admission tickets, there are six different table packages you can also choose from. They range from the Comet Pack at $750, which includes four tickets, VIP tables, express entry and one bottle of alcohol, all the way to The #Lightsout Package for 15 people and includes a VIP table close to the stage, express entry, four bottles of alcohol, and four bottles of champagne for a whopping $10,000.

But if you’re looking for a budget option, don’t worry. General admission tickets are $55, and you still get to see one of the hottest EDM shows to hit Phoenix in some time.

424 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.262.7490, phoenixlightsfest.com, Sunday, March 22, 3 p.m., $55-$10,000 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MAD MIXOLOGIST

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2015

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

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What’s your number one pet peeve when working?

People that don’t offer the same consideration that they would expect when they’re at work.

ans of Phoenix’s trendy La Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria and their other restaurants, including Chelsea’s Kitchen, Ingo’s Tasty Food and multiple concepts in Southern California, are fiercely loyal to the restaurant group and their growing lifestyle brand.

So when we got the opportunity to chat with the brand’s librations director, Kevin Dunn, we jumped at the chance.

The Entertainer!: Tell me about the drunkest customer you’ve ever had.

Dunn: It was when we were opening up one of our properties in LA. The bathroom upstairs is just a one-person with a lock on the door and a guy ended up in there asleep on the john. We were closing up and making sure everyone was out and everything and couldn’t get a response from anyone inside. So we had to call the fire department and the police station, too. They popped open the bathroom door and flushed the toilet

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

An Old Fashioned. It’s a good barometer for a bar. There are a lot of ways to do an Old Fashioned and no real right way—but plenty of wrong ways!

What does ordering a margarita say about a person?

We get a lot of margaritas in Phoenix and in California, too. It’s the perfect classic cocktail when done correctly, but there are a lot of bad ones out there, too. under him. He came to with three firemen and two police officers in the restroom with him. Not a great end to the night for him but a great laugh for us.

Chelsea’s Kitchen

5040 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, 602.957.2555, chelseaskitchenaz.com

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MAKE YOUR OWN

MIND THE GAP

2 oz. cucumber vodka 1 oz. lemon juice, strained ¾ oz. green cardamom/Serrano simple syrup (see recipe below) 1 slice cucumber Club soda to fill Combine vodka, lemon and simple syrup in shaker. Add cucumber and muddle in shaker. Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain over fresh ice. Top with club soda.

Green Cardamom/ Serrano Simple Syrup 2 cups organic cane sugar 2 cups water 5 Serrano chiles, halved (stems removed) 2 oz. green cardamom pods Toast cardamom pods in dry pot over medium heat until aromatic. Add water, sugar and Serrano chiles and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain. Keeps for two weeks.

ODDLY ACCURATE ASTROLOGY What does March hold for your social life?

Weiss Kelly » The Entertainer!

PISCES »

February 19 – March 20 March starts a new yearly cycle for you. A rebirth and a personal transformation that will result in increased energy. Put your past behind you and make the most of what you have and own. A tendency to be impulsive should be avoided from the 21st through the 31st.

ARIES »

March 21 – April 21 March will be a powerhouse month for getting things done. The new moon on March 20 will signal a period of letting go and recharging your batteries. Singles, take note: You’re in a position to make an impression on others and Mars residing in your sign makes you assertive and onthe-go.

TAURUS »

April 22 – May 20 Although this is not a time to push ahead with any new projects, retreat and regeneration will happen in many areas of your life.

Think about the things and people that are dragging you down and let go. New moons are always favorable for making new starts, even in a relationship.

GEMINI »

May 21 – June 21 This month the sun highlights your friends, groups and happenings right here in town. It’s a sociable kind of month and connections you make now will pay off later. Evenings will be lively and new relationships that are formed will take on a fun attitude.

CANCER »

June 22 – July 22 March will be a time to focus on your work, career and reputation, which may leave less time at home. However, you’ll be more involved with what’s going on around you. Keep in mind that you are apt to be put in the spotlight, so dress your best and others will notice you!

LEO »

July 23 – August 22 The next month will see you focused on expenses, and the full moon on March 5 might bring an unexpected expense to light. March also finds you seeking new experiences, so keep in mind that the new moon on the 20th is always good timing to put a plan into action.

VIRGO »

August 23 – September 22 While the first half of the month will require you to focus on others, the second half is much less socially oriented. Use this time to focus on yourself. Create a financial plan or budget, rid yourself of any bad habits, start a new agenda or allow yourself a second chance.

LIBRA »

September 23 – October 22 Focus on others in your life this month. Your ego may affect some partnerships, so remember to be nice because you may find that you will need the help of others. Close relationships and encounters are more frequent and challenging this time of year, but you need the support of others. This is not the month to go solo.

SCORPIO »

October 23 – November 21 This month, you’ll take more pride in your work and health routines than any other time of the year.

Also, this can be a passionate time of the year for you. Your love life may step up a notch. The new moon will spark your creative juices, which will give you more energy to express yourself.

SAGITTARIUS »

November 22 – December 21 March will spark your creative and romantic side and will result in some fun endeavors. Travel or training of some sort will take up your time during the month and remember the weekend of the 20th for a few special events. Home and family will require some focus and will stir up activity.

CAPRICORN »

December 22 – January 19 This month is an excellent time for learning something new that could benefit your career. You may need to be more assertive and your communication skills will be utilized often. Home projects and repairs will be your focus this month, but watch out for a tendency to be impulsive!

AQUARIUS »

January 20 – February 18 March is a wonderful month to enjoy all of the social pleasantries that the Valley has to offer, but it is also the month to start fresh with how you handle your finances, so plan accordingly. The first half of the month will be full of plans, but expect to be doing a lot of extra errands as well.

Weiss Kelly is a Valley-based astrologer and Professional Member of the American Federation of Astrologers. For your personal 2015 forecast recorded on a CD, send her an inquiry email at weissastro@aol.com or call 480.600.7424.

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