The Entertainer! - January 2022

PHX METRO » JANUARY 2022

Inside

DREAM

COME TRUE Barrett-Jackson is the perfect job for April Rose

CHRISTIAN FISCHER

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

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CONTENTS

3

DREAM

COME TRUE

‘IT’S ALWAYS BEEN MUSIC’

Michael Gerry finds his home at the Silver Star

20

‘CARRYING THE TORCH’ Pedal Haus Brewery opens on Roosevelt Row

Barrett-Jackson is the perfect job for April Rose

12

ON THE COVER

on the cover: April Rose Cover photo courtesy Barrett-Jackson

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Times Media Group 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone 480.348.0343 Fax 480.348.2109 entertainermag.com

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

Vice President

Michael Hiatt mhiatt@timespublications.com

ExecutiveEditor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura

cdziawura@timespublications.com

designer

Shannon Mead

production manager

26

Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

circulation director

A CALMING FORCE

Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

Coyotes’ Christian Fischer is a team leader

writers

Mia Andrea, Allison Brown, Alex Gallagher, Jordan Houston, Alan Sculley, Annika Tomlin

CONTENTS

UPFRONT

Photographers

6

Larry DiMarzio, Barrett-Jackson, Stephen Jensen, Dennis Murphy, Tony Nelson, Sanjay Parikh, Pablo Robles

Top 25 • Chandler Film Festival • Barrett Jackson’s April Rose • Bret Michaels

CITY

14

We 3 Bango • George Michael Show at MAC

ARTS

16

Michael Gerry

DINING

18

Neighborly Public House • Dining Calendar

BEER AND WINE

20

Pedal Haus Brewery • Arizona Wine Festival • Mad Mixologist

CASINOS

24

Warrant

SPORTS

26

33

NO ‘DEEP DIVE’

Shinedown essentially playing the hits on new tour

36

Christian Fischer

FAMILY

28

Disney on Ice

MUSIC

30

Live Music Calendar • Wage War • Shinedown • As It Is • Palomas • Steve Vai • The Maine • Mother Mother

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

ONE COPY PER READER

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2022 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe.

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.

DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

Guitarist Steve Vai finds peace on tour

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JANUARY 5 – JANUARY 30 ASL/Audio Describe Night: January 27 A jazzy new musical about the unsung heroines of World War I

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SO PR UTH EM W IE ES RE T !

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TOP25

UPFRONT

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE com, times vary, $14-$207, or free for kids 2 and younger

Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Arizona

By Connor Dziawura

Phoenix Suns vs.

Miami Heat

JANUARY 8 The second of four home games in January, this matchup at the Footprint Center sees the Suns taking on the Heat.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, nba.com/suns, 7 p.m., $50-$60

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Seattle Seahawks

JANUARY 9 This is it… The final game of the regular season! Get your tickets now for the last chance to see the Cards — facing off against the Seahawks. And if you can’t make it, the game will be broadcast on FOX and 98.7 FM. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0102, azcardinals. com, 2:25 p.m., $263-$576

“The Thing”

JANUARY 11 Harkins has been hosting Tuesday Night Classics for years, but it’s this screening near the top of 2022 for which we’re the most excited in the coming months. John Carpenter’s classic body horror benchmark, a loose remake of a ’50s film, features a team of Arctic researchers led

by Kurt Russell who must survive after stumbling upon a shapeshifting alien — a discovery that means any one of them might not be who they say they are.

Various Harkins Theatres locations, 480.627.7777, harkins.com, 7 p.m., $5

Arizona Coyotes vs.

Toronto Maple Leafs

JANUARY 12 It’s White Claw Wednesday at this home game for the Yotes! The special pack — available for every Wednesday home game — comes with two tickets, two 19.2-ounce White Claws, and a $20 food and beverage credit. But on to the game, the Coyotes are set to duke it out against Toronto’s own Maple

Leafs. The game will also be on TNT. More info on the White Claw Wednesday Pack is available online.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, nhl.com/ coyotes, 7 p.m., $30-$413

“Demonstrate… and Donuts”

JANUARY 13 The first Gold Palette ArtWalk date of 2022 is this annual combination of live artist demonstrations and doughnut sampling — not to mention bagpipe performances — at local galleries on Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School on Marshall Way to Fifth Avenue. Plus, it’s a fundraiser for the nonprofit 100 Club of Arizona, which supports public safety agencies, officers, firefighters, EMT/ paramedics and their families.

Scottsdale Arts District, scottsdalegalleries.com, 6:30 to 9 p.m., free admission

Tango Argentina

JANUARY 13 AND JANUARY 14 It takes two to tango — or in this case — it takes the Madison Center for the Arts. This show, which explores the history of Buenos Aires and evolution of its dance and music genre, tango, with eight dancers and a quartet of live musicians, is making its Arizona debut.

The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.664.7777, themadison.org/ tango-argentina, 7 p.m., $35-$65

JANUARY 16 This biographic performance dives into the life and career of the famed prime minister. Learn more about Winston Churchill, from his 18th century upbringing and his time as a soldier, journalist, politician and statesman to his death and long-standing legacy.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlerarts. org, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., $28-$42

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 16 In “Dream Big,” families will see all sorts of characters they’ve come to know and love, from films such as “Moana,” “Coco,” “Frozen” and “Aladdin,” in a live combination of ice skating with music while telling classic stories.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 1.800.844.3545, disneyonice.com/dreambig, times vary, $20-$115

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15 Three days of Christian and Southern gospel music featuring Legacy Five, the Booth Brothers, the Hoppers, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Greater Vision, Cana’s Voice, the Erwins and Liberty Quartet, as well as comedian Tim Lovelace.

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.

JANUARY 15 AND JANUARY 16 This Tempe running series includes marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K distances, plus live music and entertainment by Rock Lobster and Mogollon. Whether walking, jogging or running, the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series is for all skill levels and goals. Race packets are picked up at a free, two-day Health & Fitness Expo prior to the race (January 14 to 15); more info online.

Tempe, runrocknroll.com/ arizona, see website for locations/times, $49-$129

“Winston Churchill: Man of the Century”

“Disney on Ice Presents Dream Big”

Southwest Gospel Music Festival

and Neve Campbell — along with a new cast of teens and a new killer. Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, and some sexual references.

In theaters, screammovie.com

“Scream”

OPENS JANUARY 14 Set 25 years after a series of murders in Woodsboro, this fifth film in the iconic “Scream” franchise simultaneously serves as a sort of reboot and sequel. It may be the first film in the franchise not directed by the late horror maestro Wes Craven (instead helmed by Matt BettinelliOlpin and Tyler Gillett), but it does see the return of beloved faces like Courteney Cox, David Arquette

8123 Fest

JANUARY 20 TO JANUARY 24 This five-day festival hosted by The Maine returns to Downtown Phoenix. And with a stacked lineup of 18 artists, there will be plenty to fill the schedule. State Champs, The Summer Set, 3OH!3, Tessa Violet, Beach Weather, Derek Sanders and John the Ghost are among those who have been booked.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1218 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 81-23. com/fest, times vary, $55-$120

LIVE. IN-PERSON. TOGETHER. 4x GRAMMY® Nominated

Winston Churchill

Mostly Kosher

Man of the Century | JAN 16

We Banjo 3 | FEB 5

JAN 29

The Baylor Project | JAN 22

Storm Large

DRUMLine Live! | FEB 12

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo | FEB 20

FEB 18

Accompanied by a 15-piece Orchestra!

The Greatest Love of All | FEB 26

chandlercenter.org

Marie Osmond

Scotty McCreery

ON SALE NOW!

480-782-2680

MAR 11

APR 3

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Tool

JANUARY 21 A year after the band’s last performance in the Valley, the famed progressive metal band has set its latest show. If you haven’t stayed up to date on the band, Tool released its long-awaited fifth album, “Fear Inoculum,” in 2019 — so the band has recents and classics alike from which to draw.

Alt rockers Blonde Redhead open.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter. com, 7:30 p.m., sold out

Houston. Chandler Center for the Arts presents pop hits from these gospel, Motown and soul icons and more, all performed

by Courtney Washington, Erahn Patton and Mitzi Smith.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlerarts. org, 3 p.m., $24-$38

“Grease”

The Magical World of Afternoon Tea

JANUARY 26 TO FEBRUARY 6 Wizards, witches and muggles alike won’t want to miss this one.

Returning to Drink Me! Tea Room, this is a tea experience unlike any other — as it’s themed after the “Harry Potter” series. That means guests will don their most magical attire in a setting dressed to look like Hogwarts. Reservations are required and include a three-tiered selection of sandwiches and sweets — with a gluten-free, plant-based focus — not to mention special tea blends, cocktails and mocktails.

Drink Me! Tea Room, 1730 E. Warner Road, Suite 5, Tempe, 602.206.5469, https://bit.ly/3p8aBvq, reservations available from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $20

“D.G.”

The Baylor Project

JANUARY 22 The Baylor Project — husband-andwife duo Jean and Marcus Baylor — is bringing its meld of influences to Chandler. Gospel, blues, soul and jazz come together in the three-time Grammy nominees’ music, which has been described by the arts center as “spiritual, feel-good and buoyant.”

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlerarts. org, 7:30 p.m., $36-$56

Legendary Ladies of Soul

JANUARY 23 Etta James. Ella Fitzgerald. Tina Turner. Aretha Franklin. Whitney ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

man’s best friend. This 12th annual adopt-a-thon will also spotlight pet products and services, while featuring food, vet tips, music, auction prizes, a kids art area, speakers and contests. Friendly dogs are welcome. Sponsors, vendors, volunteers and auction prize providers are needed.

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 323.445.5087, doggiestreetfestival.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission

Superior Home & Building Tour with Antique Show

Barrett-Jackson The World’s Greatest Car Collector Auctions

JANUARY 22 TO JANUARY 30 The World’s Greatest Car Collector Auctions are turning 50! Set over nine days in Scottsdale, each year Barrett-Jackson draws people from far and wide to see a large collector car docket and the latest vehicles from top automakers. Additionally, there will be symposiums on a variety of automotive-related topics and hundreds of exhibits and displays. Even musician Pitbull will be in attendance, to help raise funds for the SLAM and Selfless Love foundations.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.421.6694, barrett-jackson. com, see website for schedule, tickets start at $23, free for kids 12 and younger on Family Day, Saturday, January 22

covers all three days. A $2 coupon, as well as a list of shopping categories, is available online.

Arizona Exposition & State Fair, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 801.463.1200, quiltcraftsew. com/phoenix.html, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, $12

JANUARY 27 TO JANUARY 29 Scorpius Dance Theatre’s latest performance is this show that takes inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

Combining dance, theater, music and visual arts, “D.G.” is described as a “morally ambiguous Victorian tale (of) lust, greed, beauty and the quest for eternal youth.”

Phoenix Theatre Company Judith Hardes Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, scorpiusdance.com, 7:30 p.m., $25

JANUARY 28 TO FEBRUARY 13 This famed musical should need no introduction, as this 1950s romantic story is a classic of both the stage and the screen. A winner of multiple awards, it has had offBroadway and Broadway runs, not to mention a motion picture starring John Travolta and Olivia NewtonJohn. This Fountain Hills iteration is produced by Patty Torrilhon and directed by Peter J. Hill, musically directed by Jay Melberg and choreographed by Lily Ruth Whipple.

Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661, fhtaz. org, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, $18-$35

“Morbius”

OPENS JANUARY 28 Sony is building up its own universe of Marvel villains, with two Venom films already released and a Kraven the Hunter film slated, but Michael Morbius is the next one to hit the big screen. When the doctor attempts to cure a rare blood disorder, he finds himself undergoing a dark transformation. Starring Jared Leto as the titular vampire antihero, the cast of “Morbius” also features Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal and Tyrese Gibson.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence, some frightening images, and brief strong language.

In theaters, morbius.movie

Quilt, Craft & Sewing Festival JANUARY 27 TO JANUARY 29 A celebration of all things needle art. A variety of companies will have exhibits at this festival, which will feature free demos and daily door prize drawings. Admission

Doggie Street Festival

JANUARY 29 Dog lovers won’t want to miss out on this celebration of all-things

JANUARY 29 AND JANUARY 30 This event presented by the Superior Chamber of Commerce is twofold — one part self-guided tour of the many historic homes and buildings in Superior, the other a free antique show at the Magma Club. Accompanying these plans are live music, guided hikes, a pancake breakfast, handmade pottery for sale, and historian speakers.

Tour begins at the Superior Chamber of Commerce, 165 W. Main Street, Superior, 520.689.0200, https://bit. ly/3p8jjtX, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, $15-$18 tour, free admission antique show

Shinedown

JANUARY 30 Having recently released “Attention Attention,” a film about the band’s 2018 album of the same name, Jacksonville hard rock band Shinedown is making a return to the Valley. Seattle musician Ayron Jones opens.

Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, arizonafederaltheatre.com, 8 p.m., $36.50-$90

System of a Down w/Korn and Russian Circles

JANUARY 31 The Armenian American legends may be going on 17 years since their last album, but the touring never stops. The group released a pair of long-awaited new singles in 2020, which have found themselves in recent setlists, so fingers crossed they are performed here. And if that’s not enough, nu-metal’s Korn and the instrumental post-metal band Russian Circles will open.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter. com, 7 p.m., $64.50-$445

2021-22

ROCK • COUNTRY • OLDIES • BIG BAND GET TICKETS

480-288-0300

LIVE SHOW & DINNER FEBRUARY 2022

JANUARY 2022

31

OUR SHOWS Variety Show Spectacular Solid Gold Rock n’ Roll Malt Shop Memories True Country

Valentine’s Day Celebration John Denver Tribute • Jan 31 Jimmy Buffet Tribute • Feb 6

CALL 480-288-0300 or VISIT SilverStarTheater.com 5247 E Brown Road • Mesa, AZ 85205

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‘NOBODY DISLIKES COMEDY’ UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Laughs come naturally to Pat Finn

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

s a kid growing up in the Chicago area, Pat Finn was introduced to Toyotas. His mom drove a Camry and his family loyally supported the brand.

So, it was fate that Finn landed the role as the overenthusiastic Pat in the car company’s commercials.

“On the first audition for the spot, I thought, ‘This commercial is so fun. It’s like a mini sitcom about this likeable, bumbling dad who loves Toyotas,” he recalls from his LA-area home.

“It’s a mini snippet of his day or life.

LaneTerralever, the ad agency, comes up with the concepts and they do a great job. I always say one of my favorite days of the year is when they send the scripts.”

Recently, he filmed a commercial with his real-life daughter, who, in the commercial, drives a Toyota off to college. While she’s in the driveway, he and his wife, played by Kristen O’Meara, tear up.

“He’s obviously emotional and my wife is questioning whether I’m upset about her leaving or the Toyota leaving,” he says with a laugh. “You kind of don’t know. That’s what makes them fun.”

Finn will screen his documentary, “Pat TV: The First 15 Years,” during the Chandler International Film Festival, which is set for Tuesday, January 18, to Sunday, January 23. The event venues include Harkins Chandler Fashion 20, Hilton Garden Inn Chandler Downtown, Chandler Center for the Arts parking lot, Ginger Monkey Gastropub and La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen.

Directed by Jordan Brady, “Pat TV: The First 15 Years” screens from 6:10 to 6:45 p.m. Saturday, January 22, at LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, 1 W.

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Chandler Boulevard, Chandler.

“Jordan Brady is an amazing director.

He directs a lot of the Toyota spots, which is an amazing accomplishment,” Finn says.

“We shoot three or four commercials in one day. A commercial generally can take anywhere from one to five days to shoot. The fact that we can film nine commercials in three days is pretty remarkable. The 35-minute documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at what makes it work from his end. It’s a cool little behind the curtain look at some of the really fun stuff we’ve been able to put out.”

MEETING CHRIS FARLEY Finn is one of six kids who grew up in a three-bedroom house. He enjoyed dinners with his family as they shared stories. He gravitated toward comedy.

After all, “nobody dislikes comedy.”

“My mom and I watched ‘The Carol Burnett Show’ and ‘The Odd Couple,’”

he says. “I really liked the idea of sitcoms.

Growing up in Chicago, nobody said they wanted to be an actor. They wanted to be firefighters or in sales.”

Things changed when he attended Marquette University.

“I met my wife, Donna, my freshman year when I was 18,” he says. “I also met one of my best friends, Chris Farley. The two of us were inseparable. We listened to comedy albums by Steve Martin and National Lampoon.”

Farley’s goal was to star on “Saturday Night Live” and Finn knew he would thrive there. The two prepared for their comedy career at the Chicago improv troupe The Second City.

“I used to go there and almost study it,” he says. “Why did that laugh work?

Why did that song work? Why did they do this scene? I was like a baseball player rewatching a game. A career in comedy didn’t become a reality until I was picked up by The Second City and then the main stage.”

Finn says Farley’s personality mirrored his performance on “Saturday Night Live’s” “Chris Farley Show.” In one episode, he legendarily interviews Paul McCartney and calls himself an idiot after awkwardly starting the interview.

“We were at The Second City, taking classes and Dan Ackroyd walks in through the back doors,” he recalls. “I said, ‘There’s Dan Ackroyd. That’s so cool.’ I told Chris we should go talk to him. Chris said he wasn’t sure what to say.

“Literally, Chris walks over to him, mentions ‘The Blues Brothers’ and said, ‘That’s awesome.’ There was literally no conversation. He just babbled about ‘The Blues Brothers.’ Chris is like a golden retriever who can talk. And actually, Dan Ackroyd was very smitten by him.”

Soon came Finn’s big break. As fate would have it, the show’s director was actor George Wendt’s wife, Bernadette Birkett. Wendt needed someone to play his brother in “The George Wendt Show.”

“She called her husband in LA and said, ‘I have a guy out here. He has curly hair, he’s stocky and used to work on a pop truck like you did. He grew up in Chicago and is a big Bears fan,’” he recalls.

“I was flown out for a big interview, and I ended up getting the job on ‘The George Wendt Show.’ It lasted about a year but George, Bernadette and I are still friends and he’s the godfather to my youngest son.”

Finn also appeared in a couple episodes of “Friends” as Dr. Roger and “Seinfeld” as Joe Mayo. From there, he “lily padded” into work. He and Donna moved to the LA area to pursue his career further.

“I always say, if you were to tell me as a college kid or high school kid I’d be living in LA, driving to the beach, surfing with my son, I’d think you were crazy. I don’t know how I fell into it.

I feel so fortunate, and it fits. It feels right.”

Screening of short film “Pat TV: The First 15 Years” starring Pat Finn WHEN: 6:10 to 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, January 22 WHERE: LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Chandler, 1 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler COST: $10 INFO: eventbrite.com or chandlerfilmfestival.com

China Before Communism

2022 PRODUCTION WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

EXPERIENCE the brilliance and majesty of China’s civilization before communism.

Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops. It is an immersive experience that will uplift your spirit and transport you to another world.

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“I encourage everyone to see and all of us to learn from.”

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A DREAM COME TRUE Barrett-Jackson is the perfect job for April Rose 12

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

pril Rose likens BarrettJackson's collector car auction to a theme park.

Celebrating its 50th year, the event makes people smile. In lieu of rides, there is a virtual playground of vehicles to view and purchase, and it bustles with anticipation.

As the event’s co-host on A+E Networks’ FYI and The HISTORY Channel, Rose witnesses the plethora of beautiful — and sometimes exotic — automobiles passing through the auction block.

“You could spend your entire life driving through a city and you’ll never see the variety you see coming through Barrett-Jackson auctions,” says Rose, who hosts a classic rock show on terrestrial radio in Chicago.

She’ll eye and discuss more sleek automobiles when Barrett-Jackson The World’s Greatest Car Collection Auction celebrates its 50th anniversary at WestWorld from January 22 to January 30.

Celebrating its 50th year, BarrettJackson will feature rare hypercars and customs, as well as a diverse docket that includes a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing that is one of only 855 built in 1955 and one of only 1,400 built from 1954 to 1957.

Selling with No Reserve, this highly desirable Gullwing is powered by the original matching-numbers M198 inline-6 engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.

Rose slid into Barrett-Jackson’s broadcast team after she and Bob Varsha, a broadcast journalist who covers motorsports, filmed a promotion.

During the assignment, Varsha invited Rose to discuss cars at Barrett-Jackson.

She fell in love — and earned respect.

“When I got there, he said, ‘Wow. You’re really into cars. You know a lot about them, and you love them,’” she recalls.

He wrapped up the conversation with, “We’re looking to add someone to our broadcast team.”

“It seemed like a dream come true,” she adds. “It was the perfect fit.”

She joins a team of automotive experts, including announcers Steve Magnante, Mike Joy and Rick DeBruhl.

IN HER BLOOD Rose began her professional career in health and medicine. She earned her EMT certification through Des Plaines, Illinois-based Oakton Community ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

College and a cardiovascular technologist license from PCCTI Healthcare in Chicago. She was also certified as a medical crisis counselor for Rape Victim Advocates.

Then she fell into modeling. She was voted Maxim’s “Hometown Hotties” winner in 2008 and was subsequently featured as the cover girl on Maxim Canada. She hosted the Chicago Bears’ pregame show and parlayed that experience into other gigs.

She appeared on TV shows like “Guy Code” and “Girl Code.” She parlayed her love of hockey and football into “Chicago Faceoff with April Rose” and “Chicago Huddle,” respectively.

Rose has acted in a smattering of films like “Grown Ups 2.”

“It all started falling into my lap. I thought I would be in crisis counseling forever.

“The jobs just kept paving the right path to walk down. I’m also asked to report on hockey and football. However, I’ve always been passionate about — obsessed with — cars. I feel lucky with Barrett-Jackson.”

Rose still occasionally models on special occasions and requests.

“I usually don’t do it if a wardrobe company or designer needs me to wear

an outfit,” she says. “I’ll do it if they want me to come to an event for photos. I’m not just a number.

“When I was 19, it didn’t matter if I was a clothes hanger for whatever image they wanted. It shifted a little bit. I feel like I’m more important to the product because they want to use a personality.”

Like entertainment and news, cars are in her blood. She learned early on of the freedom that comes with driving.

“Growing up, parents always tell their kids what to do, where to go,” Rose says. “The first time you’re in a car by yourself, you choose your own path.

That realization made a big imprint on me. I really appreciate what cars can do for you.”

That first car was a hand-me-down from her brother — a 2005 Camaro. She was gifted it when he wanted to purchase a new car. She admits, with a laugh, that was a dangerous car to give a teenager.

“The rearview mirror is so small and it’s hard to see out of it because the pillars are so wide,” Rose explains. “You don’t have a good visualization of the road.”

She has collected plenty of highlights during her time at Barrett-Jackson. Rose vividly remembers sitting in the original 1966 Batmobile, which was built by

George Barris. Tempe logistics company owner Rick Champagne grabbed the vehicle for $4.2 million.

“While we were in it, George spoke about all the gadgets he had in the Batmobile,” she says. “It was neat to see that sell though. Two gentlemen in the front of the auction, who were sitting really close to each other. They were outbidding each one when they stopped and one of the guys suggested flipping a coin and whoever gets it, gets the car.

“They could have kept bidding for eternity. That’s how the owner of the car won — it was a flip of the coin. That was a first for Barrett-Jackson.”

Barrett-Jackson the World’s Greatest Car Collector Auctions WHEN: Various times Saturday, January 22, to Sunday, January 30 WHERE: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $23, with discounts for seniors, military and students INFO: 480.421.6694, barrett-jackson.com

GIVING BACK

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

13

Bret Michaels is auctioning his 2007 Bentley for charity

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

P

oison singer and Valley resident Bret Michaels sees Barrett-Jackson The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction as nothing but a good

time.

“I come to Barrett-Jackson most of the time because I’m auctioning or selling a car,” says Michaels during a photo shoot at the Barrett-Jackson headquarters in the Scottsdale Airpark.

“But I come down for the atmosphere and to check out if there’s a car there I would like to own. I’m always at BarrettJackson and I love it.”

Michaels — who counts chairman and chief executive officer Craig Jackson and his wife, Carolyn, among his friends — will auction his 2007 Bentley Continental GT on Friday, January 28, as part of the event. Michaels will donate a portion of its proceeds to his Life Rocks Foundation, a donor-advised fund that benefits a myriad of charitable causes from childhood cancer, diabetes and veterans organizations.

One of the beneficiaries is Barrow Neurological Institute. The facility and Dr. Joseph Zabramski saved Michaels’ life in 2010 when he suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage. He now counts Zabramski among his best friends.

“When I went in there, I didn’t know what happened to me,” Michaels says. “I don’t remember things for three to four days. When I came around, they were massaging my legs. They’ve done a great job and I had to go back a couple months after that to have heart surgery.”

Jackson, who also supports veterans, says Michaels has “long been a part of the Barrett-Jackson family.”

“Bret first sold a car at BarrettJackson during our 40th anniversary in Scottsdale, creating a level of energy in the arena that only a legend like Bret could and then returned to our 45th anniversary with an incredible concert

and once again with vehicles that included a charitable element,” Jackson says. “As we look forward to celebrating 50 years this January, we’re honored that he has chosen to be a part of it through selling his 2007 Bentley GT, a vehicle in which we both share a love for.”

Finished in Moonbeam Silver, this 2007 Continental GT has a true rock star history, having been featured in numerous hit reality shows, music videos and magazines. Well-known as a car and motorcycle enthusiast, Michaels has driven this vehicle throughout Scottsdale, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, as well as on many road trips. The luxury vehicle is powered by a twin turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine producing 552hp and rides on custom 19-inch aluminum wheels.

The winning bidder also receives an autographed “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” guitar.

A car collector, Michaels has an arsenal at his home, including a 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550, 1969 Chevy Camaro SS, 2011 Ford Explorer and 2004 Lincoln Navigator.

The Bentley, he says, comes with a wealth of memories.

“I’ve had some great times driving it,” he says. “I’m a driver. Driving, for me, is good for the soul. There is a lot of rock star history in that car. I really love it.”

Because this car is special, Michaels invites the winner to “become part of my family.” Previous winners have gone on to attend Poison’s and Michaels’ solo shows.

He also wants Barrett-Jackson attendees and fans to know that this Bentley — like his other cars — does not just sit in his garage.

“Even though I collect cars, everything I own is driven,” he says emphatically.

I drive everything I have, and I love it. I know that, by taking it to BarrettJackson, it’s going to be purchased by a new owner who loves cars. They’re not going to drive it a couple months and sell it. I’m passing it on to the right home.”

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CITY

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

CONNECTING IN A DEEP WAY

We Banjo 3 brings revamped show to Arizona

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

F

or We Banjo 3 lead singer/ guitarist David Howley, he spent the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine in New Hampshire and his home country of Ireland.

Unable to hit the stage nightly, Howley created new music and changed the quartet’s show. He needed to. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, he had a feeling of extreme emptiness. He was terrified, never thinking he would have to contend with his identity if he was not a touring musician.

“We couldn’t use the main muscles we use to play shows,” says Howley from the New Hampshire home he shares with his partner, Siobhán.

“As a result, the music and shows are more dynamic and more free flowing. I noticed since the quarantine there’s an intimacy with audiences now. People want to be seen, felt and heard. Bands like us, when we walk on stage, connect in a very, very deep way.”

We Banjo 3 played livestreams for two years and enjoyed it. But interacting with a live audience and feeling its energy

in the room leads to the magic of live shows.

We Banjo 3 — which also includes David’s brother, Martin, on tenor banjo, mandolin and vocals; Fergal Scahill on fiddle, viola, dobro, percussion, guitar, mandolin and vocals; and Enda Scahill on tenor banjo and vocals — has several upcoming Arizona shows.

The gigs are at the Flagstaff’s Orpheum on Wednesday, February 2; Yavapai College in Prescott on Thursday, February 3; Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts in Wickenburg on Friday, February 4; the Chandler Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 5; and the Rialto in Tucson on Sunday, February 6.

New material that We Banjo 3 wrote during the pandemic will be featured in the set. “‘Hummingbird Love’ is a new song we’ve been playing,” Howley says.

“It’s a love song that, I suppose, speaks to my own experience of love.

Sometimes those with bold hearts scare people away a little bit.

“I tend to be that type myself. It’s a real lovely song.”

The gigs will share We Banjo 3’s

revamped shows, which pivot and change throughout the set.

“I don’t think we’ve ever played a show all the way through without changing it,” Howley says. “Sometimes the song on the setlist isn’t the right song. The whole room becomes its own feeling.

“Everybody in that room — our band and the audience — becomes a shared emotion. You just have to go with it. If you’re too strict then it’s rehearsed and it’s a ‘show.’ It’s fine, but that’s not what we do. The magic of We Banjo 3 is we’re two sets of brothers. I don’t have to tell them what’s next.”

Howley is looking forward to visiting Arizona. The first time the quartet visited the Grand Canyon State it rained the entire time. Fans or folks they ran into had the same comment about the Irishmen coming to town.

“They always ask, ‘Did you bring the weather?’” he says with a laugh. “We heard that joke at least 800 times. Every time was as charming as the last.

“We love Arizona, though. It’s so different from the landscape we’re used to. It feels very foreign. But there’s something in the people. There’s an openness and an openness to us there.

We’ve felt very welcome over the years.

We try to put Arizona at the end of tours. Some of the lads in the band may end up staying for a couple of days after.”

Each performance day has multiple stages, he says. The first is the morning coffee ritual during which they seek out the best, old and hallowed coffee spots.

Step two is Howley’s favorite stage.

“We had a rule early in the band that we always eat good food,” he says. “There are so many bands who go on tour and eat terrible food for six weeks and come home with scurvy. We’ve had the best sushi—outside of Japan — in Phoenix, Arizona. The sound engineer and I had a meal that meant we needed to tour for six more weeks afterward to pay it off.”

He also enjoys the state’s Mexican food.

“We’re a strange Irish band,” he says with a laugh. “We’re not big, massive drinkers. We’re more coffee and food centered. We just get coffee and have mild palpitations until dinner.”

We Banjo 3 webanjo3.com/tour

STANDING HIS TRUTH THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

15

Craig Winberry honors George Michael with new show

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

G

rowing up in the MTV era, Craig Winberry was inspired by George Michael’s looks, moves, attitude and music.

“He was not afraid to take risks and had an air of confidence and left a legacy,” Winberry says.

The Piggott, Arkansas native is now starring as the late singer in “The Life and Music of George Michael,” which comes to the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater on Sunday, January 23.

“Now that people are venturing out to concerts and shows, I wanted to be a part of that,” Winberry says, giving an additional reason for joining the show.

“I wanted to be a part of that. It’s a great opportunity to get back out. I’m happy to hit the road and share his legacy across America.”

The concert-style show follows Michael’s career through his hits, including those from Wham! and his solo career.

“When I was presented this wonderful opportunity, I was prepared,” he says.

“Over the years as a singer, I had been singing some of George’s tracks like ‘Careless Whisper’ and his own spin on Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love,’ which was hugely popular.

“What I have found challenging was the overall lyrical content—the emotions and where George was in his life. It’s been so fascinating. Through the beginning of his career, the middle and up to his unfortunate death, to see the growth of a gay man coming out of the closet and standing in his truth was amazing.”

Singing “Jesus to a Child” and learning of the backstory brought Winberry to tears. The song is a tribute to Michael’s Brazilian lover Anselmo Feleppa, whom the singer met while performing in Rio de Janeiro in 1991.

Two years later, Feleppa died from an AIDS-related brain hemorrhage. During his grieving, Michael penned “Jesus to a Child” in about an hour.

“It’s sad understanding Anselmo’s tragic death from HIV/AIDS and George taking his pain and sorrow and channeling it into art,” he says. “When you understand what the song was about and what he was going through, it’s tragic. It’s a very intimate story that George was sharing with us.”

Winberry’s love affair with performing began at an early age when he took part in his hometown school’s production of “South Pacific.”

From that point on, he knew there would always be a Broadway stage in his

future. He expanded on that as actor, singer and songwriter, and in television, film and live theater after moving to NYC eight years ago.

“When I made that choice, I was becoming an entertainer later in life,” he says about the move in his 30s. “I did it differently. I got married and raised kids then when we moved to New York, I decided to jump headfirst into the arts and storytelling. I’m so happy that I did.

“It was scary at first, but I’ve had an amazing support system around me. I looked at people like George and he was literally the only one of his generation who was out and open. He was closeted at the beginning of his career. I see his life and legacy as a guiding light to standing your truth.”

Before the pandemic in 2019, Winberry was performing with Abby Payne presents “Christmas Spirits: Neat Edition” at Feinstein’s 54/Below on 54th Street in New York City. He

held “random TV jobs,” but was mostly focusing on live entertainment.

“New York City is the holy grail of

comedy cellars and cabarets,” he says.

“Broadway and off-Broadway, that’s where my life has been.”

The Life and Music of George Michael WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 23 WHERE: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa COST: $38 INFO: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

16

ARTS

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

‘IT’S ALWAYS BEEN MUSIC’ Michael Gerry finds his home at the Silver Star

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

W

hen Michael Gerry was a toddler, he was transfixed by a phonograph player.

It was a sign of things to come — a lifelong dedication to music.

“There was never any dispute what I was destined to do,” he says. “It’s been throughout my entire life.”

Now, Gerry is the bassist/saxophonist/ vocalist at East Mesa’s Silver Star Theater in shows like Solid Gold Rock ‘n’ Roll, Malt Shop Memories and True Country.

“The real thrill of being involved with the Silver Star is all the entertainers and musicians and singers are top rate,” he says.

“This is not a bar band. We’re not weekend warriors. Everybody on the stage has a wealth of experience. The level of the show and the entertainers is far above what any other theater or venue would get, except for a touring show coming into town from out of state somewhere. It’s a special environment.”

Gerry is no different. He was “handpicked” by Andrew Lloyd Webber to perform music for Broadway shows like “Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Miserables.”

Born and raised in Chicago, Gerry studied at the American Conservatory of Music and graduated from Indiana University as a woodwind major but was equally involved playing bass guitar and string bass. Gerry has also played on commercials for major airlines, Coors, McDonald’s and Sears.

LIFELONG LOVE While most kids were in school, Gerry was taking “serious” music lessons. Gerry’s first instruments were the accordion, which, he says, he “zipped” through at 5 years old, and the saxophone.

“I ended up continuing to play the saxophone all through high school and college,” he says. “I started at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago as a woodwind major and then I transferred to Indiana University, where I graduated and did post-grad

master’s degree work. It’s always been music.”

At the “ripe old age of 12 or 13,” Gerry formed a band with friends and played the saxophone. The act needed a bassist, so he swapped instruments.

“We couldn’t find a bass player in our age range,” he says. “I always loved hearing the bass. We went to a pawn shop in Downtown Chicago with a buddy at 13 or 14 and bought a Sears Silvertone bass.

“It was about $30 — it was all the money I could afford back then. It came very easy to me. Within a week or two, I was playing bass in this rock ‘n’ roll band.”

At 17, the band — who went by a variety of names, he says — was signed to the William Morris Agency, a Hollywood-based talent agency. He spent a summer opening for the Beach Boys on tour.

“This started pretty young for me,” Gerry says. “Mercury (Records) was interested in us. All of us were underage.

Two of the parents refused to sign the contract. They knew that if we went on the road and continued touring, we could not go to college.

“We would have given up that window of opportunity to go to college and have a ‘normal’ college experience. I went to college and a couple of the guys in the band went into the Army.”

After attending Indiana University, Gerry returned to Chicago.

THE DOORS KEEP OPENING Jingles — and the need for bassists who could read music — were booming.

As a result, Gerry spent his days in recording studios working on hundreds of commercials. He mentioned to a contract musician that he was interested in theater work.

The doors kept opening.

“I started working at theaters, backing the shows that came into the Chicago area,” Gerry says. “I was super, super fortunate to play with real stars who did them — Yul Brynner in ‘The King and I,’ Robert Goulet in ‘Camelot’ and Angela Lansbury in ‘Sweeney Todd.’

“I did that for about 10 years in Chicago, doing jingle work during the

day and in the theaters backing up the top, top shows at night.”

After frequently saying no, he accepted a position touring with Broadway shows.

He received an invitation to audition for Andrew Lloyd Webber.

“Andrew Lloyd Webber was sitting there. He wanted to hear rhythm sections, which is bass, drums, guitar and keyboards,” he says. “That is the nucleus going on all the time. The other instruments are important, but sort of sweeteners.”

His rhythm section was chosen, and he hit the road for about a decade. Not being at home for an extended length of time, he says was “mind changing.”

“It really affects your life,” he says.

His life changed even further when he was in Seoul, Korea, performing with “Les Miserables.” He was lost and met a Korean woman who put him on the right path. Ann is now his wife and the gift shop manager at Silver Star Theater.

“You never know when you’re going to meet someone,” he says. “Everybody loves her. She can’t do enough for everyone. She just goes out of her way.

That’s part of her DNA.” Gerry eventually bought a house in Mesa, where Silver Star Theater is based.

He performs in a variety of bands, hitting stages at corporate events, RV parks and retirement centers.

He enjoys the variety at the Silver Star Theater as it keeps his career fresh.

“The songs aren’t the same from show to show,” he says. “We do ’50s music.

We do classic rock ‘n’ roll, which is everything from the 1960s on. The shows really encompass everything. We have a variety show that has jazz and Broadway, country, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Plus, there’s a buffet. Guests can get a taste of everything.

“We have a country show and we put special shows together for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. It’s a great environment and a great venue to play in.”

Silver Star Theater 5247 E. Brown Road, Mesa 480-288-0300, silverstartheater.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

The Insider’s Guide to Arizona Entertainment

PHX METRO » JANUARY 2020

PHX METRO

2019 » AUGUST PHX METRO

PHX METRO

2019 » MAY

» FEBRUA RY

2020

PHX METRO

Harlem rs Globetrotte e bounc into town

entertainermag.com

Summer

nce Let's Da . Ç gh goes Derek Hou tour solo on new

MERRILL KELLY

SPOOKY’S SWIRLS

Handcrafted e for meats mak treats delectable

BIG DREAMS

‘Americano!’ is the show of the year

» MARC H

2020

A Inside

Supermod Erin Naas el can't live without her Arabians

D-BACKS FAN FEST

slides into Chase Field

Dave Kindig is selling his ‘bitchin’ rides’ at Barrett-Jackson JULIANA HATFIELD

‘BONAFIDE

Star ’

Jammin’ Lee runs for Perreira charity SPRING TRAIN NOTHING ING BUT SCHEDULES GOOD NEW S The Black Moods crack the chart s

LA DOL CE

VITA The Italia n comes to Festival Phoenix

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

18

DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

NEIGHBORLY BY NATURE Common Ground’s new concept has polished American cuisine

By Jordan Houston

A

new restaurant is filling the void in Uptown Phoenix’s nightlife scene, amplifying the community’s culinary palate along the way.

Neighborly Public House, Common Ground Culinary’s latest concept, opened its doors in late November at The Colony, a 1950s-era mixed-use development located at 5538 N. Seventh Street.

Revamping the former Stock & Stable space, the “new American” eatery offers quality seafood, pristine cuts of meat, fresh salads and an extensive cocktail list to deliver the ultimate “neighborhood vibe.”

Chef-owner and Common Ground Culinary founder Christopher Collins says Neighborly Public House serves as the “elevated neighborhood spot you’ve been looking for.”

“I think what we do is that upscale neighborhood restaurant that I think the neighborhood needs,” says Collins, the source behind Valley dining hotspots like Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar and Wally’s American Gastropub.

“I would never describe myself or my restaurants as ‘cool.’ We just do a really genuinely good job every day.”

The dinner-only restaurant features seafood and classic American dishes.

Menu items include Maryland-style crab cakes ($34) made with lump blue crab, prime rib with a baked potato ($28 to $36), and a roasted, double thick bonein pork chop ($26).

The crispy shrimp platter ($24), featuring shattered fries and a jicamapeanut slaw, is a major crowd pleaser, Collins notes.

“We are new American; I’ve never said I would try to reinvent the wheel as far as it comes to food,” says the fourth-generation restaurateur. “I just want my burger to be the best in the neighborhood. It doesn’t have to be the funkiest or most out-of-the-box. I just want people coming to my restaurant two or three or four days a week.

“I’m a food guy. I run my restaurants from the kitchen, and I obsess about the food. If your food is good, they will come back.”

Polished American cuisine is not all that Neighborly Public House has to offer. It delivers one of the restaurant group’s most adventurous cocktail menus, according to Collins.

“There are lots of schools and a lot of daytime businesses — and I knew that,” the Phoenix native explains. “This will be the concept that is open the latest and the concept that I’ve invested the most resources into a killer cocktail program.”

Specialty beverages include southern twists on classics like the peach old fashioned crafted with infused Elijah Craig 94 proof bourbon, Rothman and winter crème de peche, lemon cordial and a lemon wheel.

The badass mule — a Ketel One cocktail fusing black pepper ginger syrup, club soda, a lime squeeze and angostura bitters — is one of the chef’s top recommendations.

“I let my new generation of managers have at it, and they are killing it,” Collins says about the bar menu. “We have an untapped resource of young, eager managers who really wanted to take this challenge on.”

An extensive list of white and red wine is also offered, as well as numerous beer selections. The bar sits as a focal point in the center of the restaurant, which, Collins says, was a carefully thought-out

decision.

“We are saying that this is a restaurantbar. We are here to serve you food and cocktails,” he says. “I don’t think anyone has come in and just had food or just had liquor.”

Exuding a slightly masculine yet refined modern aesthetic, Neighborly Public House boasts rich, tufted leather booths, bold handmade wooden chairs and sturdy walnut tabletops.

Meanwhile, indoor streetlamps illuminate plaid wallpaper and steel accents.

“It is warmly modern; you come in and it’s all plush leather booths. Everything is a booth. Even the few chairs, even those are beautiful wooden handmade chairs,” Collins explains. “The lighting is perfect.

There is spotlighting on every table; it’s not like the entire space is bright, but when you sit down you can see the table and the guests, but you don’t feel like the whole stage is lit up.”

Neighborly Public House is a testament to the driving nature of Collins’ Common Ground Culinary, a collection of neighborhood restaurants dedicated to “delivering the highest quality food and outstanding service in thoughtful environments where everybody feels like part of the family.”

Founded by Collins in 2011, the restaurant management group strives to create community-driven restaurants “that have soul.”

It operates Grassroots Kitchen & Tap,

Twisted Grove Parlor & Bar, Wally’s American Gastropub, Sweet Provisions, The Collins and Arcadia Catering Co. “When I’m opening a new place, I always look like, ‘Are we what is missing in that neighborhood?’” Collins says.

The restaurateur’s passion for culinary arts stems from years of industry experience.

With a degree in hospitality management from Boston University, Collins honed his craft while working as an executive chef and general manager for top restaurant brands nationwide before embarking on Common Ground Culinary.

“It’s my passion, it’s my hobby and it’s my work,” the father of two explains. “I’m not the guy who spends six hours on a golf course or spends an entire Sunday watching a whole bunch of football. It’s what I like to do with my life.”

Although COVID-19 proved particularly difficult for small business owners and local eateries — to which Collins was no exception — the chef says he refused to let the pandemic slow him down.

“It was so hard; there were so many bumps along the road, so many audibles and quick time decisions,” Collins says of Neighborly Public House’s origins. “When I signed the lease in February, I thought it would be open in August. But, it is what it is and I didn’t let it destroy my morale or me.”

It appears his diligence is already paying off.

Neighborly Public House, operating on a 20-year lease, is on track to becoming Common Ground’s most successful concept, Collins says.

“It is literally the restaurant I wish was in my neighborhood,” he says. “By far, this has been the most successful restaurant.”

Neighborly Public House 5538 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix 602.675.1852, neighborlypublichouse.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Pita Jungle

DINING

CALENDAR

By Annika Tomlin

Pita Jungle Seasonal Menu

ALL MONTH Pita Jungle releases its seasonal kitchen crafts menu “It’s All About the Balance,” featuring a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh, unprocessed ingredients.

New seasonal dishes include white bean hummus with garlic-cilantropesto shrimp; chili verde beef; Mediterranean Mahi shawarma; gyro superhero and mascarpone kataïfi, the latter of which is pistachiostudded mascarpone, whipped cream and a drizzle of honey lodged in a crispy kataïfi nest.

Valleywide locations, pitajungle.com

‘Family Feud’ ZuZu’s Versus Series

JANUARY 13 The Versus Series brings together two competitors, Jackson Family Wines and Wagner Family Wines, in a special “Family Feud” edition of the wine event served with a fourcourse meal. Executive Chef Russell LaCasce will dish hors d’oeuvres followed by lobster and artichoke tart with Meyer lemon; filet mignon with green peppercorn demi; and warm triple cream brie with blueberry compote. Reservations are required.

ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 6 p.m., hotelvalleyho.com, 480.421.7997, $159

Onesie Bar Crawl

JANUARY 15 Don your favorite onesie, grab friends and prepare to party. Tickets include two complimentary drinks, custom badge and lanyard, exclusive drink specials and food specials at select locations, waived cover fees at all venues and a costume contest with a $1,000 prize.

Boondocks Patio & Grill, 4341 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, 4 p.m. to midnight, eventbrite.com, $10-$20

Copper State Beer Festival

JANUARY 15 Day drink with the locals — 33 breweries, 12 wineries, four cideries, eight distilleries and a meadery.

Other hard beverage vendors and food trucks round out the fun.

Vendors include Modern Times Beer, Su Vino Winery, Crush Craft Cider Co., Madre Mezcal and Superstition Meadery. Live entertainment will be provided by Josh West Trio and Hirwin Benitez.

Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, noon to 5 p.m., eventbrite.com, $20-$80

Sunday Supper Club

JANUARY 16 For the Sunday Supper Club, Hearth ’61 Executive Chef Charles Wiley and Chef de Cuisine Alfred Muro will be joined by restaurateur/ winemaker Pavle Milic, co-owner of FnB and James Beard nominee

for outstanding beverage program.

Milic’s wine label, Los Milics, features bold wines produced with noted winemakers Kelly and Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas WineWorks. The multicoursed dinner is paired with Milics’ wines.

Hearth ’61, 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 6 p.m., mountainshadows. com, 480.624.5458, $149, reservations required

community food advocates who believe in good food with equal and fair access to it. Its Feeding the Future event unites top Arizona chefs and elementary through high school students to create a new vision for school food. It also awards scholarships/prizes for the best reimagined school lunches.

The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., eventbrite.com, $25-$100

Roars and Pours

Phoenix Brewsology

JANUARY 20 Drink on the wild side with Roar and Pours at the Phoenix Zoo. Guests 21 and older can sip and eat and stroll select zoo trails including Africa Trail, Arizona Trail, Equine Center, Inner Tropics, Lakeside Loop and Plaza. Don’t forget about animal encounters, yard games and live music.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., phoenixzoo.org, $10

Feeding the Future

JANUARY 22 Blue Watermelon Project is a grassroots group of chefs, restaurateurs, farmers and

JANUARY 22 The Brewsology Beer Fest is the boozy hybrid of a middle school museum field trip. Taking over the Arizona Science Center after hours, the event will feature dozens of local craft breweries and cideries and access to the museum and brewery reps.

Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours is required per museum policy.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 7 to 11 p.m., brewsology.com/ phoenix, tickets start at $50

Arizona Wine Festival ZuZu

JANUARY 29 TO JANUARY 30 Arizona’s premier wine festival returns, showcasing 20 of Arizona’s best wineries and 40 other vendors, including fine arts, artisan food, vintage vendors, food trucks and nonstop entertainment. A Horses Help wine benefit kicks off the festival on Friday, January 28.

Rosson House at Historic Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, eventbrite.com, $30-$45

Metro Phoenix Night Market JANUARY 29 The Metro Phoenix Night Market features more than 12 local food vendors at the festival that highlights the diversity of food and small businesses.

The Pressroom, 3125 S. 52nd Street, Tempe, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., bit.ly/3q9DAys, $6-$15

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

20

BEER AND WINE

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

‘CARRYING THE TORCH’ Pedal Haus Brewery opens on Roosevelt Row

By Jordan Houston

L

ocal businessman Julian Wright has built a reputation as a powerhouse entrepreneur within the community.

Wright, who owns the award-winning Tempe-based Pedal Haus Brewery, recently opened a third location in the MonOrchid building in Downtown Phoenix, expanding the bar and restaurant’s burgeoning footprint into the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District.

Pedal Haus Phoenix, located at 214 E. Roosevelt Street, delivers a similar vibe to its Tempe blueprint, according to Wright, while offering a fresh aesthetic and experience tailored to its new neighborhood. The other pub is in Chandler.

The 6,000-square-foot brewery occupies the back half of the historic building. Pedal Haus Phoenix boasts its award-winning beers as well as its signature bar food.

“Anyone who has been to the Tempe (location) will kind of recognize the decor and aesthetic,” Wright says.

“I don’t want all of them to look the same, so I designed around the cool building to work with the lights and existing wood columns and wood roof.”

The interior highlights existing raw concrete columns, an arched wooden

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ceiling, a stage for live music, areas for private events and beer taps at the host stand. A mix of low- and high-top tables and tufted booths designed to entertain 300 guests pepper the space.

In January, the brewery is slated to open another 3,500 square feet of patio space on the east side of the property, featuring an open-air bar and mezzanine deck complete with “grass, trees, park benches and garden lights,” Wright adds.

“Every time I open a new spot, I try to elevate it and do some new stuff,” the owner says.

“The building is pretty unique. It’s a historic building. It’s really cool and has curved wood roofs. It just kind of had that brewery feel. I think Roosevelt Row is a really cool area. It’s also expanding and growing and kind of fits our vibe.”

The menu is being finalized, Wright says. Eventually, it will include Pedal Haus staples such as burgers, pizza and salads, as well as fan-favorites like haus smoked wings, oversized pretzels and a German-style charcuterie board.

Wright’s team is fleshing out its vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free menus, which are popular at the Tempe location, he says. Pedal Haus beers brewed in Tempe are also delivered fresh daily.

Although Pedal Haus Phoenix opened its doors in mid-November, Wright says it has been surprisingly busy so far.

“I think, considering we’re down an

alley and don’t have much curb appeal, we’ve actually been busier than expected considering the patio is not done yet,” Wright says. “It has been two years in the making. We’ve got a great, awesome team.

“It’s really hard work but it’s also really satisfying when the business or restaurant you open is enjoyed by the public,” the owner adds. “I’ve been in this business for 21 years and one of the most satisfying things is meeting new people, whether it’s staff and customers.

It’s the people component that I think I enjoy the most.”

Since its inception in 2015, Pedal Haus Brewery has been recognized in the local craft beer scene.

The brewery has amassed more than 34 medals and awards, including best brewery in the United States at the 2019 Copa Cerveza de Americas and a gold medal for the Biere Blanche at the 2021 North American Beer Awards.

“I think I’m most proud of the team we’ve put together,” Wright says of his new Pedal Haus location. “They are some really awesome humans. It’s nice to see them adopting the brand, carrying the torch and providing the same customer experience we’ve been providing in Tempe the past years.

They’ve really embraced it and are just really good people.”

Wright — who won the 2015 Business Community Impact person of the year for Tempe and 2016 Restaurateur of the Year prize by the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame — says he aspires to expand sales within the brewery’s retail locations.

“We do sell to other bars and restaurants, but our primary focus is to sell within our own retail locations,” Wright says. “Tempe is not quite maxed out yet, but it’s getting pretty close as far as sales volumes go. I’ve always wanted to expand our footprint around the valley and keep it pretty local to Phoenix.

Phoenix is a big market.”

The owner has his sights set on a fourth location — Mesa, with a 6,000-square-foot outdoor patio within walking distance from ASU’s satellite campus there this summer.

“The Mesa location is interesting because of the space we took. The building itself is kind of small,” Wright says, noting that “all planning and permits” are done. He says he expects to see construction begin shortly.

Pedal Haus Phoenix 214 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix 623.213.8229 pedalhausbrewery.com

DRINK LOCAL

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

21

Arizona Wine Festival celebrates Arizona’s vino

By Allison Brown

T

he Willcox Wine Country Partnership is traveling north to Downtown Phoenix to celebrate the Grand Canyon State’s vino with the Arizona Wine Festival on Saturday, January 29, and Sunday, January 30.

The event with the party atmosphere will feature 20 Arizona wineries and more than 150 wines.

“This is the biggest celebration of Arizona wine in the state,” says Rod Keeling, president of the Willcox Wine Country Partnership and owner of Keeling Schaefer Vineyards.

“Two years ago, we had a record number of wine tasters attend the festival. We are excited that festivals are once again being produced and we will have a chance to share our wines with everyone. This is our biggest event of the year and it’s wonderful to be able to share the story and evolution of the Willcox, Arizona, wine industry with so many people.”

Although it may seem rare, Arizona wine is plentiful. Experience Arizona Wine owner Mike Barnacastle says the state has 122 wineries and more than 65 vineyards that produce 1 million bottles annually.

In 2020, the festival had over 4,000 people, and Barnacastle says he expects to meet or succeed that again this year.

Tickets are $30 to $45 and include admission, 10 tasting tickets and a commemorative wine glass. The tasting tickets can be used for a 1-ounce sample at any of the participating wineries.

Additional tickets can be purchased onsite and bottles will be for sale.

Winery representatives will educate Arizona Wine Festival attendees and provide samples, Barnacastle says.

“Each winery will have its own booth that they will be serving from,” Barnacastle says.

“In many cases, this is the premier Arizona wine festival of the year and the winemakers make it a point to be here for this weekend. So, you’ll get to meet the winemakers and wine ambassadors and learn about each of the wineries’ operations, what their philosophy is for making wine and what they’re trying to do with their brands.”

Attendees do not necessarily have to be oenophiles. They can serve as a designated driver, watch the NFL playoffs leading up to the February 13 Super Bowl, or listen to music.

Barnacastle says there will be four or five food trucks, 10 to 15 artisan craft vendors and dozens of artists. Vendors will include cheesemakers, chocolatiers and artisan crafters with soaps and candles.

“I’ve got somebody who takes wine bottles, smashes them, melts them and makes things out of them,” Barnacastle says. “I’ve got a guy from Double Barrel AZ who creates furniture and things out of old wine barrels. I’ve got a gentleman from Blue Steel Builds who does metal artwork.”

Barnacastle has been involved in the Arizona wine industry for the last 20 years. He recalls when the state had about six wineries.

While there might be tasting rooms in Phoenix or Tucson, Barnacastle says Arizona’s wine grapes are grown at high elevation that ranges from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. He says there are only three American viticultural areas (AVAs) in Arizona, which are designated winegrowing regions defined by a variety of factors like the proper soil, temperature and weather conditions.

The largest of those areas is Willcox, where 75% of Arizona’s wine grapes

are grown, Barnacastle says. Willcox’s Carlson Creek Vineyard will appear at the festival. Owner Robert Carlson says his winery was established in 2009 and is now the third-largest vineyard in Arizona at 320 acres.

Carlson Creek also has tasting rooms in Willcox, Scottsdale and Cottonwood.

Carlson says the winery benefits from the festival.

“It attracts a lot of attention and a lot of traffic,” Carlson explains. “We have a tasting room in Old Town Scottsdale, so we usually consider it — other than a good sales day —good marketing yearround. People who weren’t aware that we have a tasting room usually follow up and go check it out. You really can’t try everyone’s wine at the festival. You wouldn’t be walking out afterward.”

Carlson suggested tasting his Rule of Three blend and their first sweet rose.

Sonoita Vineyards is the oldest commercial winery in Arizona, having opened in 1983. In the Sonoita Appellation AVA region, the vineyard will have a booth at the festival.

According to Lori Reynolds, the thirdgeneration winemaker for Sonoita Vineyards and granddaughter of the company’s founder. She is “so excited” to return to the wine festival.

Cella Winery will make its wine festival debut, according to owner Micah

Spencer. Founded in 2007, the winery changed ownership near the end of 2020. Cella Winery stands out because, for one reason, it’s in Kingman.

“We’re at around 3,200 feet elevation and a little bit warmer,” Spencer says.

“So, you know, it gets over 100 degrees in the summertime, so it’s good for growing red varietals in this area.”

He suggests trying Cella Winery’s zinfandel and malbec.

Whether a wine connoisseur or just trying it out, Barnacastle says there’s something for everyone.

“Come out and have fun,” he says.

“We have a whole world of wines to expose people to and teach people about.

The wineries are excited to get back out and share what they’ve been working on. So, we have a lot of new vintages, blends and wineries that are going to be there that are excited to get to meet the residents of Phoenix.”

The Arizona Wine Festival WHEN: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, January 29, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, January 30 WHERE: Rosson House at Historic Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street Phoenix COST: $30 to $45 INFO: willcoxwinecountry.org ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MAD MIXOLOGIST T 22

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

By Annika Tomlin

he hospitality industry is nothing new to Tara O’Connor. She began her career as a hostess at age 16, and then helmed bars two years later.

The current head bartender at the Latin-inspired Renata’s Hearth in the Biltmore, O’Connor serves an array of tequilas, mezcals and agaves in addition to the craft cocktails that have an element of smoke. Whether the drink comes in a cloche smoke chamber or features charred grapefruit, expect the senses to be tingled with every sniff and sip. Don’t forget to snap a photo for social media.

The essence of smoke plays a key role with the food at Renata’s Hearth as well.

Most of all, it’s a place to gather and share the delights of fire, flavor, spirit and aromatic wonder.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with O’Connor and dive into her back story. She shares what makes Renata’s Hearth stand out from other bars and tells us about a featured cocktail.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER IN THE BAR INDUSTRY. My first job was as a hostess, but when I was old enough to bartend, I jumped behind the bar and I did a little bit of everything. I worked in sports bars and all the way to fine dining. I’ve been serving beverages pretty much my entire life. After the pandemic, I saw that bars were hiring, and I met my GM and he told me about the concept that they had for Renata’s. It was a bar cart, which is kind of offbeat and fun. I loved that. I jumped on board, and I’ve been with them since the beginning.

WHAT DOES THE BEVERAGE PROGRAM AT RENATA’S HEARTH LOOK LIKE? Renata’s entire theme is essence of smoke. That is very apparent in our food menu, but it carries over into the

bar menu as well. Basically, all of our cocktails, except for sangria, all have some sort of essence of smoke. That is the biggest part of the cocktail menu, but we don’t want to smoke people out. We try and find that balance whether it comes from our charred grapefruit or the actual smoked cloche. We’re using smoked maldon sea salts in a couple cocktails.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES BEING BEHIND THE BAR? That’s a tough one. Probably when I was younger working on Mill Avenue and being behind the bar whenever a big ASU game just let out and they won. It was always so much fun to see the excited fans come in and everybody is dancing and partying. It’s just us behind the bar and it was always just really great fun.

WHAT’S THE ODDEST INGREDIENT YOU HAVE EVER USED IN A COCKTAIL? Probably Fruity Pebbles. I infused orgeat with Fruity Pebbles for a tiki cocktail about a year ago on a menu.

That was really fun.

WHAT DOES ORDERING A VODKA TONIC SAY ABOUT A PERSON? I think someone who orders a two-step cocktail is somebody who just knows what they want. I think it’s comfortable.

I don’t necessarily frown upon it because sometimes you just like a simple, refreshing cocktail that you know you are going to like.

WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO GET INTO THIS INDUSTRY? Don’t take everything personally.

Take everything with a grain of salt. I think everybody learns that the hard way. When you are younger, you take everything to heart like when people are rude to you or upset. We are in the hospitality industry so not everything

LOS MUERTOS 2 ounces serrano-infused reposado tequila

Rim a rocks glass with black lava sea salt.

3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

Strain cocktail from shaker to the rimmed rocks glass with fresh ice.

1/2 ounce agave Activated charcoal Black lava sea salt Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously until chilled. is going to be perfect. You do your best and sometimes there is just no pleasing people. If you take that along with you, I feel like that is when you build resentment and kind of saltiness toward the industry. If you just take a deep breath and learn from what happened but also let it go, you’ll do great.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK WHEN YOU ARE NOT BEHIND THE BAR? It depends on my mood. But my go-to is probably a dirty martini.

WHAT COCKTAIL WOULD YOU LIKE US TO FEATURE? Los Muertos ($22).

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS COCKTAIL? I think it is fun in multiple ways. I love a spicy cocktail so I’m infusing reposado ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Garnish with an edible flower.

Set cocktail inside glass smoking cloche dome and fill with smoke using smoke gun.

Remove glass cloche and enjoy. tequila with serrano chilies for 48 hours.

It has a nice balance with the sweetness from the reposado, the spiciness of the chilies. It’s unusual because I use activated charcoal in the cocktail, so it is pitch black. I put a colorful flower on top and dust it with a little bit of glitter because glitter is life. Then, I smoke it. It doesn’t look like something you would normally drink. When you order it, it comes to your table in the smoked dome.

A lot of the cocktail world nowadays is about Instagram and it being pictureworthy. I think this cocktail is pictureworthy and I think that is the fun part about it. It’s interactive. Sometimes you just order a cocktail, and it comes to your table and it’s great. But this one is kind of an interactive journey, if you will.

You get this show and then when the smoke clears, you’re like, “Oh my God, it’s black!” Then there is a little touch of color and it’s just a great cocktail.

WILD TONIC 228 Justin Drive, Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (928) 634-5434

WILDTONIC.com

24

CASINOS

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

MAYHEM AND EXCITEMENT

Warrant singer says nostalgia leads to success

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

V

alley resident and Warrant singer Robert Mason says hometown shows mean one thing: nonstop calls and texts.

“Seriously, it’s cool to see familiar faces in the audience,” says Mason, whose band will play the Pool at Talking Stick with Skid Row and Winger on Saturday, January 29.

“I get to sleep in my own bed, if I choose. There’s always a weird pressure but no pressure. I feel like I’m in this traveling circus and I’m always playing these other cities. Very rarely do we come home; probably six or eight times in the 13 years I’ve been in the band. There’s a little more mayhem because it’s a hometown show.”

With a pair of double-platinum albums and three top 10 singles, Warrant inked a deal with Columbia Records in January 1998 and released “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich” one year later.

The album spawned the singles “Down Boys,” “Sometimes She Cries” and “Heaven,” the latter of which reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts. Warrant’s follow-up album, “Cherry Pie,” featured the singles “I Saw Red” and “Cherry Pie,” eclipsing the band’s previous effort.

The key to Warrant’s longevity are those songs and the corresponding nostalgia. Mason says the tracks recall a simpler time.

“I think there’s a strong nostalgic pull for that era and these songs,” he says.

“The demographics are not only the people who lived through it the first time, but a generation or two later are able to have fun.

“They recognize the ‘fun’ factor and the recklessness these songs have. It’s tongue-in-cheek sometimes, romantic and nostalgia at other times. The ballads hold up and stood the test of time because people loved them so much back then.”

Mason says the songs have been given a second life in videogame, movie and TV placements, introducing a new

generation to the songs.

“It transcends the ’80s, early ’90s, Sunset Strip hair rock or whatever bad moniker you want to put on that time period and musical style,” he says. “I just call it good rock music.”

For the 2022 tour, Warrant is revamping its set, thanks to a discussion between Mason and guitarist Joey Allen.

“We’re going to do a little block of (the 1992 album) ‘Dog Eat Dog’ songs,” he says. “That record deserves attention and, 30 years later, it’s remembered fondly by enough fans.

The songs have great energy, and the band was on fire musically. It may not have blazed a trail in the charts the way ‘Heaven’ or ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ did. But it definitely deserves attention, and we love it.”

The band will also talk about “Dog Eat Dog.” The rest of the show will feature hits.

“It’s all the songs you know and love by heart and want to sing,” he says. “Our show is pretty heavy on the

first three records. That’s where the nostalgia and biggest success of the band lies. Obviously, we feel some sort of obligation to play those songs. Basically, it’s just a bunch of high-energy rock by guys who are happy to be out and doing what we do. Hopefully it shows.

“I like inciting a little mayhem and excitement in the audience. We want them to stare at our shows, not stare into their phones. Rock is heart, rock and a little south of the belt buckle. It’s supposed to be all those things. It’s how I grew up and I’m proud to be able to bring that.”

Skid Row, Warrant and Winger WHEN: 8 p.m.

Saturday, January 29 WHERE: The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 480.850.777, talkingstickresort.com

26

SPORTS

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

A CALMING FORCE

Coyotes’ Christian Fischer is a team leader

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

t age 24 and in his sixth season, the Arizona Coyotes’ Christian Fischer understands 18-year-old rookies’ insecurities.

He has two words of advice for them: calm down.

“I remember coming up here from Tucson, I couldn’t be more scared for practice or to miss a puck,” he says.

“That’s human nature. Once that process goes away and you start playing hockey, you calm down.

“It might be a different arena or players, but it’s the same game they were playing yesterday in Tucson or juniors six months ago. I think the guys listen to my advice.”

Fischer’s off-ice, nice-guy demeanor extends to his “family,” which includes the Accardos of Gilbert. Leighton Accardo, 9, died November 24, 2020, during an 18-month battle with stage-four cancer.

He supports Skatin’ for Leighton, an all-day festival on Sunday, January 30, at Phoenix Raceway that celebrates her life.

The community can roller skate, run or walk the racetrack and enjoy music, food and drinks in the infield from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The Coyotes hope to raise $149,000 (Leighton’s hockey number was 49) to benefit the Leighton Accardo Memorial Fund that financially supports youth female hockey players.

“We’ve kept close with her family,”

Fischer says. “Obviously, in the beginning, it was super tough. She was skating with us and all of a sudden … It was a tough time for her family.

“That’s a big part of our team and our culture as an organization. We’re privileged to be in the position to have a big voice and a big say. The very least we can do is help a family like that. Guys still wear No. 49 bracelets. She has a spot in just about everyone’s heart.”

On November 16, 2019, Leighton signed a one-day honorary contract with the Coyotes for the annual Hockey Fights Cancer game and took the ceremonial opening faceoff. Fischer says it was an emotional day for the team, especially him and teammate Jakob Chychrun.

“When she was skating and practicing with us, I know, for a fact, when Jakob and I were sitting on the bench, both of us were crying,” he says.

“It’s stuff you can’t really control. It’s bigger than hockey. It’s bigger than sports. It’s about being a family and being part of a community. We love that family and Leighton. She’s always going to be a part of us.”

Fischer has a soft spot for children.

When the Coyotes’ public relations team asked him for his interests and passions outside of hockey, his said his priorities are underprivileged families or ill children.

“We’re in such a privileged position,” he says. “I consider myself in a very normal position. We’re their role models.

If that means stopping by and saying hi to them, how can you not do that? I’d do it every week, if we were allowed to.

Nobody’s focusing us to do these things.

It’s what the players have a passion for.”

On a playful note, Fischer is also passionate about country music, which pairs well with Arizona’s nice weather.

“I’m always a country guy,” he says.

“I always listen to that when it’s nice weather. That’s big in my car going to and from the rink. That’s the perk of living in Arizona.

“I also like outdoor stuff, which is easy to say in Arizona. I enjoy golf in the off season. When we have days off, it’s very

relaxing. It’s a very fun game to play with other guys and build relationships.”

After all, golfers walk together for four hours and, Fischer says, it allows him to gauge a player’s personality.

“You can find out if someone is patient when they make a mistake,” he says.

“There are ups and downs. In golf, if you mess up a ball you can see how they handle that. Do they throw their clubs and be a baby?”

Fischer recently dove into cooking.

When he was 19, he admits he ordered Chipotle through DoorDash “every single meal.” Now his go-to dish is chicken, baked in the oven, with cheese.

“I go out to the grill, have a glass of wine,” he adds. “I like to make meal preps. That’s just a part of growing up. I genuinely enjoy trying new things.

“I don’t go over the top. There’s no ratatouille. I just like any type of chicken, grilled or baked in the oven. I’m a very simple guy.”

Skatin’ for Leighton WHEN: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 30 WHERE: Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale COST: $20 general admission INFO: arizonacoyotes.com/ skatinforleighton

28

FAMILY

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

‘DREAM BIG’ Disney on Ice skates into the Footprint Center

By Jordan Houston

D

isney on Ice is encouraging kids to “Dream Big” through the ice skating tour of the same name.

Presented by Feld Entertainment, the tour kicks off the New Year in Phoenix with seven performances from Thursday, January 13, to Sunday, January 16, at the Footprint Center. The show will feature Walt Disney favorites, including Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle and Genie, while highlighting the magic and adventure of their tales through worldclass figure skating.

Disney On Ice veteran skater Frederic Allain, a native of Canada, assures that “Dream Big” is guaranteed fun for “the whole family.”

“We have 10 Disney stories all mashed up into one show, and it includes classics like ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and goes all the way up to more modern stories like ‘Moana’ and ‘Frozen,’” Allain says.

He plays Aladdin in “Dream Big’s” opening segment.

“There is really a little bit for everyone, whether you are the parents who have seen Disney since you were a child, or literally someone much younger that is now discovering all of these Disney stories,” he says.

“If you have a favorite character, it’s probably going to get showcased.”

Audience members can join Moana and Maui on an “action-packed voyage

to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti,” as well as explore the Land of the Dead with Miguel from Disney Pixar’s “Coco” for an immersive celebration of Día de los Muertos on ice.

Rapunzel will captivate viewers during her “hair-raising quest to see the floating lights,” while “Frozen” icons Anna, Elsa and Olaf hit the rink in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved the kingdom of Arendelle.

“We always try to keep things fresh,” Allain says. “We’ve added newer stories to the show to make sure we’re up-todate with today’s stuff.”

“Dream Big” will honor the strength, bravery and kindness of Disney’s original characters “who stole the hearts of millions” across TV screens over the last 90 years, such as Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella.

For Aladdin aficionados, Allain says his opening segment as the “street urchin” is “super high energy” and engaging.

“I get to run around the marketplace and there are guards chasing me because I’m a ‘street rat’ trying to steal food to help other people,” the former competitive ice dancer says. “I eventually meet Princess Jasmine and go on a magic carpet ride and it’s a super romantic number with high-risk elements and beautiful costumes.”

On July 14, 2021, Disney on Ice celebrated its 40th anniversary and became one of Disney’s longest licensees.

“We have skaters who come from so many backgrounds and so many

countries,” says Allain, who has been performing with Disney On Ice for 12 years. “We’re a very international cast and super diverse, but we all get together because we have this passion for skating and performing and that’s just rewarding on its own. I don’t feel like I’m working, it’s just something I love to do.”

Although Disney on Ice was paused during the COVID-19 lockdown, the promoter, Feld Entertainment, emphasizes promoting Guest Wellness Enhancements “to help keep families safe at its live events.” Show venues, including Phoenix, will follow COVID health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines.

“After the COVID year where a lot of our shows were canceled, we’re happy to be back and to get people outside of the house to have a moment with their family and have something special to bring home,” Allain says.

“Dream Big” isn’t the first Disney gig under the ice dancer’s belt. Allain also participated in Disney on Ice presents “Rockin’ Ever After,” “Princesses & Heroes,” “The Wonderful World of Disney” and “Treasure Trove.”

A self-described Disney kid, Allain says his relationship with the entertainment giant has evolved since joining the Disney on Ice team in 2009.

“I actually really did love Disney movies as a kid,” he says. “It’s funny, touring with Disney on Ice, I kind of relearned all about the Disney movies as an adult. You see them in a totally different way. We’ll watch them to study how people move, how people act and their reactions because we want to portray all of their characters.”

Allain, who competed in seven national ice dance championships and two international competitions

representing Canada, recalls his passion for figure skating as a child, despite growing up in a hockey-obsessed country.

At 8 years old, Allain found his “ice” legs after his dad built an ice rink for him and his sister in their backyard. “(Canada) is a big hockey country and I think my dad always wanted to push me to be a hockey player,” Allain says.

“My sister and I would skate night and day and twirl around, so I begged to go to skating lessons. I got to join a learnto-skate figure skating class and I fell in love.”

With the support from his parents, Allain competed with the junior national team as an ice dancer until his early 20s, he explains.

When the skater retired from competing, the Disney on Ice opportunity presented itself two years later.

“What I find really enjoyable about performing for Disney on Ice is seeing people’s faces — especially the kids,” Allain says.

“A lot of them will come dressed up as their favorite character and when they see you perform, everyone feels like they’re in the story and that they’re a part of it. Any time I see somebody’s excited face, it brings joy to my performance and gives me energy.”

Disney on Ice Presents “Dream Big” WHEN: Various times Thursday, January 13, to Sunday, January 16 WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $20 INFO: disneyonice.com, footprintcenter.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

30

MUSIC

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

By Connor Dziawura

JANUARY 7

JANUARY 1

Badfish

Blues Showcase! w/Bill Tarsha and The Rocket 88’s

Booker T. Jones

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12

Day One Block Party w/Gorgon City and Green Velvet Sunbar Tempe, 3 p.m., $49.75

Police State

The Rebel Lounge, 6:30 p.m., $12

JANUARY 2 Jam Session: Stan Sorenson

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Paul-Eirik Melhus

The Nash, 3 p.m., $8.80-$30

JANUARY 3 NO SHOWS SCHEDULED

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $18-$38 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$59.50

Meat Loaf Presents: Bat featuring the Neverland Express and Caleb Johnson

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $54.50-$74.50

Tina Tina with Roger’s Tom Jones plus The Motown Blossoms Chandler Center for the Arts’ Hal Bogle Theatre, 2 p.m., $34

Uptown

Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $25

JANUARY 10

Burgandy Jurk

John Lloyd Young

Cole Maxwell

Meat Loaf Presents: Bat featuring the Neverland Express and Caleb Johnson

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door

Dada Life

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $20

Hookworm One Record Release Show featuring Paper Foxes, The Woodworks, The Psychedelephants and Shovel Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $12-$15

The Tony Bennett Songbook featuring Chris Mann Highlands Church, postponed

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $49-$84

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $54.50-$74.50

Weston Smith

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15

JANUARY 11 Fantastic Fantasies

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $25-$45

The Lonely Ones

JANUARY 4

JANUARY 8

Bethany Home and Bummer Girl

Funtcase

Mother Mother and Dylyn

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $22

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., sold out

The Kruger Brothers

JANUARY 12

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15

The Unlikely Candidates

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20

JANUARY 5 The Blood Feud Family Singers The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door

JANUARY 6 AJ Odneal

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Booker T. Jones

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$59.50

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$49.50

Lomelda

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15

Mason Collective

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $16.75

Power Trio

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

Sugaray Rayford Band

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20

JANUARY 9 Charles Lewis Quintet plus Alice Tatum

Decent Criminal

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Stage 2, 2 p.m., $24-$28

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin

From Mars

Mississippi Nova

Going to Memphis Fundraiser w/Cros

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$13 The Nash, 4 p.m., free

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Zoltan Kaszas

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20-$25

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Rhythm Room, noon, $10

Jam Session: Raul Yañez

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15

Black Joe Lewis and Cedric Burnside

The Resonant Rogues

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Southwest Gospel Music Festival

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, times vary, $28-$207, or free for children 2 and younger

Until the Sun

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door

JANUARY 14 Adana Twins

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $22.50

Doubleblind

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $15

El Ten Eleven

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Eptic

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $21

Jason DeVore

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., free

Kyle Smith w/Desert Fish and Lake Dub Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$49.50

Michael Powers

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Mike Zito

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20

Set It Off

The Van Buren, 6:30 p.m., $27-$30

Southwest Gospel Music Festival

D Smoke

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, times vary, $28-$207, or free for children 2 and younger

MNMLST

The Temptations and the Four Tops

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$38 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $25-$28 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Supersuckers and Scott H. Biram The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

JANUARY 13 Being as an Ocean

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin The Nash, 4 p.m., free

Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$49.50

Mayu Saeki and Warren Wolf The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

Ponderosa Grove

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $20

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.50-$199

JANUARY 15 Aluna

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $23.50

Andy McKee and Yasmin Williams Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$44.50

Bob Daniels — A Tribute to Art Farmer The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Chrome Rhino, OGG and Japhy’s Descent

The Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., tickets at the door

Damage Inc. (Metallica tribute) Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $22-$37

Danielle Durack

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $15-$18

Gucci Mane

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$175

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

31

Fit for an Autopsy

Goose

The Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $20

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $29.50-$60

The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., sold out

Jenny & the Mexicats

Joan Osborne

Celebrating the Great American Songbook with Nicole Pesce

Nights Like Thieves

JANUARY 20 Beach Weather

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $36-$48

Marbin

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $5

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Community Room at Arizona Musicfest, 10 a.m., free

Kaskade

Current Joys and Dark Tea

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $14.50-$23

Pacific Roots w/The Riddims and Jahlos & the Rebels

Dephine Cortez and Joel Robin

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$49.50

JANUARY 27

Gathering of Bones

The Rebecca Kilgore Quartet featuring Howard Alden

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $15-$45

Joan of Arkansas

Sunbar Tempe, 7 p.m., $121

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Spag Heddy

Aura, 9 p.m., $24-$34

Southwest Gospel Music Festival

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, times vary, $28-$207, or free for children 2 and younger

JANUARY 16 Aristo Sham

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $24-$26 The Nash, 4 p.m., free

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

I, the Breather

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $15

Jacob Banks

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $27.50-$30

Punch Brothers

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $42-$68

Orkesta Mendoza

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $15-$20

Paris Chansons

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $14.80-$45

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

The Sugar Thieves

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door

Tchami and AC Slater

The Pressroom Outdoors, 9 p.m., $45-$65

JANUARY 23 Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

Tempe Center for the Arts, 2:30 p.m., $10-$30

Shamarr Allen

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $12-$15

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $69.50-$85.50

Jam Session: Chris Finet

JANUARY 21

Jam Session: Ioannis Goudelis

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

David Foster

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $36-$86

Mick Adams & the Stones

BAYNK

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $18

Brian Chartrand & the Project w/The Sugar Thieves Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Grace Rolland

Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $25

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $28.60-$41.10

NOJO7

Guttermouth

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $40-$55

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $17.50-$20

Y&T

Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono with Moanalani Beamer

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $24-$34

JANUARY 17 Washed Out and Brijean

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $27.50-$30

JANUARY 18

Jermaine Lockhart

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$49.50

Ludacris

Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $45-$75

Nicki Parrott Trio

Aizuri Quartet

Arizona Musicfest Reimagined with Union 32 Community Room at Arizona Musicfest, 10 a.m., free

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin The Nash, 4 p.m., free

These Loud Thoughts

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door

JANUARY 28

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Deke Dickerson

Legendary Ladies of Soul

Fee Waybill Rides Again

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 3 p.m., $24-$38

The Life and Music of George Michael

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $38

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $17.50-$20 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $36-$61

Gloria Gaynor

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $44-$74

Golf Clap

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $16

The March Divide

Jackie Lopez & Nuance

Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience

Jimi Primetime Smith / Bob Corritore Blues Band welcomes Carla Denise

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $25

The Summer Set

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., sold out

JANUARY 24 Allen Stone

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12

The Marías

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$28

Martin Sexton

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $44.50-$49.50

Mating Ritual

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $132-$135

iDKHOW

Prime Society

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $39.50-$45

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Stage 2, 7:30 p.m., $17-$28

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall

The Struts

John Moreland

Soul Power Band

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $69.50-$85.50

Nissim Black

Subtronics

Dead Poet Society

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15 The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $27.50-$32 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$38.50 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $36-$108

JANUARY 19 Johnny A.

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Sammy Rae & the Friends

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$35

Shiner

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15 The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $15 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door Rawhide Event Center, 8:30 p.m., $40-$95

Tool

Footprint Center, 7:30 p.m., sold out

JANUARY 22 The Baylor Project

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $36-$56

Civilia

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Eric Nam

JANUARY 25 All Them Witches

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18

New Jazz Standards

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $28.50-$50

JANUARY 29 Bad Bad Hats

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $16-$18

Kody West and Austin Meade

Bad Suns, Kid Bloom and Little Image

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $18-$20

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $25-$28

Robert DeLong

Bob Ravenscroft Trio

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $25

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Ruthcrest

Desert Tails Benefit Show w/ Ischemia, Atoll, Show-N-Tell and Nooses

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 26 Baroness

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $60-$65

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., donations encouraged

continued on pg. 32 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

32

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

continued from pg. 31 Feed Me

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $23

Jerro

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $15

The Kid Laroi

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$178.50

Kristin Chenoweth

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $50-$95

Lee Fields & the Expressions

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $28-$32

Los Lobos

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $40-$65

Martin Barre Band

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $59.50-$80.50

Melvin Seals & JGB

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$60

Mostly Kosher

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $15-$38

Sara Robinson Blues Band The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets at the door

Skid Row, Warrant and Winger

BEHIND THE MUSIC

Florida’s Wage War wants to provide a break from stress

By Alex Gallagher

M

usic has always been an escape for Wage War guitarist/vocalist Cody Quistad.

Even when Quistad is not on stage, he says he blasts music — no matter the setting.

“I think that music does things that words can’t and I personally connect with it a lot,” he says.

Because of this, Quistad admits he connects deeply with his own music — as it is primarily based on his or his bandmates’ experiences.

“Every song that we’ve put out as a band has been about something that has happened to me or a member of the band,” he says. “As twisted and dark as it sounds, the more twisted and messed up things get the faster our content comes.”

That was the case with the band’s latest album “Manic,” which was released in October.

“Our music is very mental health driven,” he says. “I try to write therapeutic lyrics for myself, but I know there are a lot of people who have connected with our music. Especially

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

with ‘Manic’ and how it walks through the hardships of the last couple of years like losing loved ones, learning how to be alone or dealing with anxiety and depression.”

Because of this, Quistad has changed his motives for performances.

“For a while, I wanted to create a show for people to have fun at,” he says. “After the last couple of years, I want to create a safe space for people to escape reality.

“There are a lot of issues covered on the record and it’s important for me that people come to a Wage War show and feel that as a release or a place where they can forget about whatever is going on in their life.”

Quistad is proud of all of his songs, but one in particular, is his favorite.

“My personal favorite is the title track, ‘Manic,’ because it is a live song with several moments for crowd participation and contains a nice groove,” he says.

While Quistad is excited to exhibit Wage War’s newer music, older tunes like “Who I Am,” “Stitch” and “The River” offer Quistad different opportunities.

“A lot of times, the songs that go off are the songs that we’ve played so

much that we go into autopilot while playing them,” he says. “Those songs are really fun to play and give me the chance to look out into the crowd instead of at the neck of my guitar the whole song.”

During the song, he pulls out his in-ear monitor just to hear the crowd sing. It’s in these moments that Quistad realizes the gravity Wage War’s lyrics hold with its fans.

“When the audience interacts with us, I know it’s a good show,” Quistad says. “We have never been about the mosh pits and people beating each other up. I love seeing people put their hands in the air, jump up and down and sing the words.”

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $25-$70

A Tribute to Caifanes

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $15-$20

JANUARY 30 Jam Session: Beth Lederman

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Circa Survive

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$45

Francine Reed

The Nash, 3 p.m., $14.80-$45

The Garden

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Loving

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Otherwise

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $17

Shinedown

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $36.50-$90

Some Kind of Nightmare Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Steve Vai

Falling In Reverse with Wage War, Hawthorne Heights and Jeris Johnson

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40$1,580

WHEN: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 1 WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $39.50; ages 13 and older INFO: thevanburenphx.com

Sergio Mendes

JANUARY 31 Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $49-$84

System of a Down w/Korn and Russian Circles Footprint Center, 7 p.m., check Ticketmaster for ticket prices

NO ‘DEEP DIVE’ THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

33

Shinedown playing the hits on new tour

By Alan Sculley

S

pring 2020 saw Shinedown’s “Deep Dive” tour go up in smoke when the pandemic hit. It was going to be a rare opportunity for fans to see the hit-making group play a selection of album cuts from across their career.

Now some 17 months later, the group is finally able to go back on tour. The group plays Arizona Federal Theatre on Sunday, January 30.

But the deep dive isn’t happening — at least for the time being. After having been away from fans for that long — and without a new album to promote just yet — Shinedown is doing a 180 and playing essentially the hits.

And with that comes a different kind of challenge when crafting a set list.

“We have 28 singles. So it’s like it gets a little dicey. When you try to make a set list, you want to make everybody happy,” guitarist Zach Myers said, considering the difficulties in trying to squeeze as many of the group’s rock radio hits into a show. “Obviously, you have your, we call them the four corners. You’ve got to play ‘Second Chance.’ You’ve got to play ‘Simple Man.’ You’ve got to play ‘Sound of Madness,’ and you’ve got to play ‘Cut The Cord.’ Other than that, you can kind of maneuver around a bit.

“And honestly, ‘Monsters’ (from the 2018 album “Attention Attention”) is becoming one of those (must-play) songs, maybe one of our biggest singles in the last few years,” Myers said.

That album added four more No. 1 mainstream rock singles to Shinedown’s catalog, with “Get Up,” “Devil” and “Attention Attention” matching chart positions with “Monsters.” So the “Attention Attention” album could still be well represented in the concerts.

And in reality, Shinedown isn’t quite moving on from that album. In September, the band released a film, “Attention Attention,” which collects the videos for all 12 songs on the album and further elaborates on the album’s themes of overcoming negativity and adversity.

“As far as the movie goes, we did our best to visualize what we thought it was,” Myers said. “And we got (director) Bill Yukich to do it, and Bill’s kind of a weirder, darker guy. You can kind of see it in the ‘Devil’ video. You can especially see it in the ‘Monster’ video. And those

elements are in the movie, those videos.

It’s not really, it’s not a movie per se. It’s a collection of videos. There’s a video for every song. But it tells a story of the start of this, where you start to kind of the end. It starts in the darkest place ever and in the end, it ends on a song like ‘Brilliant,’ which is so overpowering and upbeat.

“I think we did our best to visualize, but we’re not giving too much away,” the guitarist elaborated. “We’re not really a band that likes to tell people necessarily what our songs are about, because I think that ruins it for people.

If you have a song that you really love or you really enjoy and you equate it to a breakup or something that happened in your life and I go, ‘This is a song about a ham sandwich,’ I don’t like those things. I think you can pull the curtain back a little bit, but we don’t want to let everybody know exactly how the sausage was made. So you just do your best to feel around on that.”

Getting the “Attention Attention” film finished was one of several projects that helped fill the time for Shinedown during the pandemic.

Singer Brent Smith and Myers were especially busy, reactivating their acoustic-oriented duo Smith & Myers, releasing a pair of acoustic-oriented EPs (“Smith & Myers Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2”) and doing a short tour earlier this year.

The duo debuted in 2014 with “Acoustic Sessions,” which featured a set of acoustic versions of hit songs by other artists. “Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2” expanded on that idea. Those two EPs each contained 10 largely acoustic songs, five of which were originals written by Smith and Myers and five covers.

And the band as a whole (which also features Eric Bass on — what else? —

bass and Barry Kerch on drums) wasn’t idle either. Shinedown is in the midst of finishing its seventh studio album. Bass, as he did with “Attention Attention,” is producing the next album. He and Smith have been in the studio building and shaping the basic tracks, guitar parts and other elements into finished recordings.

“All the initial tracking I know of is done,” Myers said. “This is kind of my favorite time of a Shinedown record, because this is when Eric really gets in there and starts doing his thing. We go and put all of the instrumentation down, but when we leave is when the songs turn into what they’re going to turn into for the radio. I’ll tell you a great story about it is a song like ‘Cut the Cord.’ When I left, ‘Cut the Cord,’ none of the (he hums the keyboard tone pattern that opens the song), none of that stuff was in there when I left. The kids singing, none of that was in there. That kind of happens when Eric just kind of gets in there by himself and he begins to really get in there and kind of figure it out. I love that. I think that’s where he shines as a producer.”

While the final track selection and sequence are yet to be determined and Bass’ production work could impact which songs are included, Myers offered a few hints about where the album seems to be heading.

For one thing, it figures to be easily the most topical album in the career of Shinedown, which formed in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2001.

Smith and Myers had some topical content in their original songs of “Vol. 1” and “Vol. 2,” but Shinedown has, with only rare exceptions, avoided social commentary.

“When we started making this record,

we were at a time when it was very uncertain. When we started writing, the world had just shut down,” Myers said. “It was supposed to be 10 days and it ended up being 16 months, and even more now. So when you’re in a place like that, you have all of this other stuff around you. You have people stating opinions that aren’t necessarily political or racial or anything else, and they’re still getting canceled for their opinions.

So there was a lot to write about. It may be one of the first records where there’s a lot of stuff that isn’t necessarily specific to one person in the band. There’s a ton of social commentary on this record, which really hasn’t happened with a Shinedown record.”

Musically, the sound of the new record could change, but Myers thinks fans will be able to hear that the four band members are very invested in the new songs.

“I think when people first start the record, if it starts the way I think it’s going to start, they’re going to think this is the heaviest Shinedown record of all time. I don’t know if it’s going to stay that way,” Myers said. “What I think you’re going to take away from it musically is that it’s a very inspired record. Musically it’s some of my favorite (music) we’ve done. I think we pushed ourselves as musicians.”

Shinedown WHERE: Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix WHEN: 8 p.m.

Sunday, January 30 COST: $36.50-$90 INFO: arizonafederaltheatre.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CROSSING THE POND

34

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

As It Is return to the U.S. supporting Set It Off and Stand Atlantic tour

By Alex Gallagher

A

fter spending the bulk of quarantine writing its latest album, “I Went to Hell and Back” — which releases on Feb. 4 — U.K. alt rockers As It Is is ready to make the trip overseas.

“Spending so much of the past two years indoors and away from live music, our fans and each other, it felt really overwhelming to be back at a music festival where we were safely surrounded by people,” says vocalist Patty Walters.

As It Is will perform on a bill with Set It Off, Stand Atlantic and No Love for the Middle Child on Friday, January 14, at the Van Buren.

Despite a successful string of performances in his home country of the U.K., Walters admits he has mixed emotions about hitting the road.

“Trepidatious is a very appropriate word,” he says. “There is a certain amount of apprehension and concern that your health is in jeopardy.”

Because of this, Walters feels there is an onus put on touring musicians.

“Everybody who volunteers to come to a show — from the band to the promoters to the venue — are responsible for ensuring these shows happen safely in and outside of a pandemic,” he says.

Walters continues it felt weird yet natural to be back on stage during the band’s few shows in 2021.

“It’s hella weird because this is a

moment that I have looked forward to and missed terribly then during the show I went back onto autopilot again,” he says. “Then, at any moment, I will realize that just months ago I was locked inside my home playing Animal Crossing and now I’m back to doing what I love.”

Amid his excitement to tour, Walters and his bandmates—guitarist Ish and bassist Alistair Testo — had to adapt to two unique challenges.

“We all live in different cities and countries, and we are also changing up who plays drums for us from tour to tour,” Walters says.

Despite these challenges, Walters is confident that he and his bandmates will wow audiences when they return to the road this month.

“We have a mutual understanding, and we feel that we have arranged a really strong setlist for this tour,” he says.

Walters says the setlist will highlight two singles that the band released in the latter half of 2021 — “IDGAF” and “I Lie To Me.” Walters is also anxious to play the band’s latest single “I Miss 2003” for the second time when the band hits the stage at The Van Buren.

Walters teases that fans may get a sneak peek of an unreleased song, and tracks from three previous records.

“We’ll try to find a balance between our older records and the new songs,” Walters says. “We want to figure out what people want to hear along with what we enjoy playing.”

Tracks that Walters still enjoys treating listeners to live are the band’s flagship song “Dial Tones,” “Hey Rachel,” a nod to his family, “The Wounded World” and “The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry).”

“Those songs were singles for a reason and we’re extremely proud of them and they’re extremely well written,” Walters says.

Additionally, Walters admits that every song he writes is finished with the sole purpose of being played live.

“When we and I write a song, it is written with its ultimate home being on stage,” he says. “There are moments in the structure, the music and the lyrics that are built to exist most effectively in that environment.”

He also feels that having a supporting slot in the tour puts his band and its tunes in a new position.

“The beauty and the joy of being

a support act is that you are there to impress fans and leave the stage with new ones,” Walters says.

“If fans have not heard of us before, I hope that the show will prompt them to do their research and see what we’re all about. If fans have, I hope that they are impressed with what we’ve been cooking up throughout the pandemic and the lockdowns.”

Set It Off with Stand Atlantic, As It Is and No Love For The Middle Child WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

Friday, January 14 WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: $27-$30 INFO: thevanburenphx.com

A TABLE FOR TWO?

Phind it ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

‘IT FEELS GREAT’ THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

Palomas cash in on NFT to produce single

By Jordan Houston

N

onfungible tokens are revolutionizing the way music sells — and a local rock band is tapping in, following in the footsteps of Our Lady Peace and Kings of Leon.

The Palomas, a Tempe-based five-piece, recently sold several singles as digital assets to raise funds for its Christmas single “Missing Mistletoe,” released via Spotify and iTunes on December 3. The holiday tune, which has since amassed over 11,000 streams, was created with the help of Grammy-winning, multiplatinum producer Mikal Blue.

Known for its genre-blending grooves, The Palomas partnered with Nifty Gateway to create crypto art through its music, according to guitarist Josh Browning, generating “a lot of cash” in a “relatively short amount of time.”

“It feels great,” the guitarist says. “It’s nice to see an actual return on our art.”

In a span of roughly six hours, Browning says consumers purchased the band’s NFTs at a rate that raised revenue equating to the take of 4 million streams. The funds were then used to back “Missing Mistletoe” with producer Michael Beck, who worked on the band’s previous singles “Cards” and “Brown.”

“The response, in my eyes, was great. It was as good as a small-time local band could get,” Browning says.

“I am very happy about it. I think it’s a strong indicator of our ability to project ourselves in the future as we exponentially gain more followers and listeners.”

A form of cryptocurrency, NFTs, digital assets, represent real-world objects that operate on a blockchain. Because it is a publicly accessible network, all NFT transaction details are transparent.

However, NFTs can be used to hold assets like art and music instead of “money.”

Computers used in NFT transactions “become part of the network,” and the subjective value of NFTs fluctuate similarly to stocks.

“Say you had the original copy of the Mona Lisa,” Browning explains.

“An argument people say is, ‘What is the difference from this (NFTs) and streaming a song on Spotify?’ Well the equivalent is always like, ‘Well you could print a picture of the Mona Lisa off of Google images, but it doesn’t hold as much value because it’s readily available.’

NFTs are the digital version of this concept.”

Since rebranding several years ago, the Palomas has offered a new take on rock.

The musicians — who have known each other since elementary school — blend sounds of classic rock, blues, alternative rock and Latin influences. In addition to Browning, Palomas is comprised of singer Joe Gonzalez, co-lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Otterson, drummer Victor Sese and bassist Dane Hess.

“The way I like to look at it is I

consider us like a mosaic, an eclectic blending of all of the genres that each individual member is specifically very into,” Browning explains. “For myself, I’m into classic rock, having grown up with older parents and that’s what I listen to. Some of the other members are into more punkish sounds, like Blink-182, or the more rhythmic Red Hot Chili Peppers.”

After playing together sparingly, Palomas found its footing in 2019 when it won recording time as a finalist in Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding Competition. The group recorded “Cards,” boasting over 13,000 streams on Spotify, and has performed at prominent Valley venues such as Last Exit Live, Rebel Lounge and CB Live.

Always eager to evolve, the Palomas is banking on the success of “Missing

35

Mistletoe” and the NFTs. They have another single set for spring.

“We want to connect with the audience in a vibrant way on stage.

That’s our goal as a band overall,” the guitarist says. “As far as what’s next, we have plans to take on the biggest venues around Phoenix for the short term, and eventually graduate to a southwest tour maybe through California, Colorado and Nevada.”

Local Band Showcase with Double Blind, Palomas and others WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, January 14 WHERE: The Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $15 INFO: luckymanonline.com

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Guitarist Steve Vai finds peace on tour

By Alex Gallagher

S

teve Vai admits he did not have plans to return to the road when the pandemic hit in March 2020.

However, after a year away from the stage, the renowned shredder was ready to take his show back on the road.

“I was itching to get on tour,” he says.

“Touring has so many advantages for me.”

His “Inviolate Tour” comes to the Celebrity Theatre on Sunday, January 30. Touring hasn’t always been easy for Vai, he confesses.

“When I started 41 years ago, we were doing tours where we flew every day including show days,” he says. “But once those days passed, I started to really enjoy touring.”

Vai enjoys touring because it allows him to see the world in a way others do not. It also calls for routine.

“Experiencing the great diversity of the world has really stimulated me tremendously,” he says. “When I travel the world, I really look at all of the great diversity, architecture, food and people.

“Oddly enough, I get a lot more time because I get into a routine where I will sleep as late as I want and I will either get on my bike or jog around rural areas to see how people live.”

After 15 to 20 years of touring, Vai recognized that a city isn’t just a destination. Phoenix, he says, is one of his favorites.

“It’s not the same city as the next city,” Vai says. “Each city offers a different kind of culture, history and collective

sensibilities.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for Phoenix because when I first toured there with Frank (Zappa), we would play the Celebrity Theatre and it’s a fantastic theatre. Phoenix is a very still community that has little conflict in the air. It’s more centered.”

Regardless of the tour stop, the moment he hits the stage, Vai unleashes his full potential.

“I always approach every audience as if they’re there to have a good time and see me perform so I give them everything that I can,” he says.

He bonds with his guitar, which translates to the fans. He prefers to call his concerts an “experience.”

“I like delivering melodies that

enchant the audience, gets them riled up or relaxes them,” Vai says. “Frankly, I like when the audience members feel like they’ve been taken to another dimension in what they’re seeing and hearing.”

The setlist will combine songs from his upcoming record, “Inviolate,” which is due January 28, with tracks he has never played live and fan favorites.

“I’m trying to do all of the songs off the new record, but this is going to be a very long tour,” Vai says. “I’ll introduce new songs into the set so that we can really hone them.”

However, Vai is looking forward to playing the three singles he released in the past year and a half — “Candle Power,” “Knapsack” and “Little Pretty.”

Vai performs “Knapsack” with only his ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

left hand.

“For people who know what I do, there’s going to be stuff that they’re expecting and there’s going to be stuff that they’re not expecting,” Vai says.

“They’re going to get the best of me.”

Vai does not take all the credit for putting on a good show. He’s proud of his touring band, which includes guitarist/keyboardist Dave Weiner, bassist Philip Bynoe and drummer Jeremy Colson.

“The audience can expect to see a great band,” Vai says. “We’ve been together for a couple of decades and we’re constantly in connection with each other.

“I like when people look at me performing and think, ‘What is that’ and ‘How is that happening,’” Vai says. “I’ve got some odd talent that I’ve honed my whole life and I’m here to show it to those who are interested in it.”

Overall, Vai hopes to leave the audience pleased.

“I want the audience to leave feeling that they were fulfilled, that’s my job,” he says. “Everybody enjoys a show differently, so I don’t judge the audience. Everybody in the audience is my friend.”

Steve Vai “Inviolate Tour” WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 30 WHERE: Celebrity Theatre 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $40 INFO: celebritytheatre.com, vai.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022

37

CELEBRATING FANS

The Maine makes America emo again

By Mia Andrea

O

n Hardy Drive in Tempe, the tallest story of one parking garage overlooks a business building adorned with four numbers: 8123. Some don’t think much about the address.

However, their high school hang means something to the Tempe alternative band The Maine. To their fans, those four numbers are worth celebrating.

Since in 2017, The Maine has hosted 8123 Fest, a curated music festival meant to commemorate its anniversary and highlight its label, 8123. Now the festival is returning to Phoenix for its third and biggest year yet.

While the 8123 Festival is officially just on Saturday, the festivities start as early as Thursday, January 20, and run through Monday, January 24, with events ranging from after parties to community service. Tickets for Saturday’s festival start at $55, but bundles that include admission to additional events are also on sale.

The weekend kicks off at the Rebel Lounge on Thursday, with a headlining show by indie-pop group Beach Weather, one of the supporting bands on Saturday’s all-day festival.

On Friday, The Maine will formally welcome fans to its home state and celebrate 15 years with a concert at

Arizona Federal Theatre. The band is also set to play its 2021 album “XOXO: From Love and Anxiety in Real Time” in its entirety live for the first time.

The weekend’s focal point, the Saturday music festival, encapsulates everything the band creates and stands for in one weekend, according to Pat Kirch, The Maine’s drummer and selfidentified super fan.

“This is kind of like Comic Con but for The Maine fans,” he says.

Attendees at 8123 Fest can expect a day filled with good music and even better friends at Downtown Phoenix’s Margaret T. Hance Park. The performances take place on two stages, one of which will host local bands, such as Breakup Shoes and Doll Skin, throughout the day.

Artists taking the main stage include pop punk group State Champs; indie-pop singer-songwriter Tessa Violet; 3OH!3, the dance-punk band best known for its 2008 hit “DONTTRUSTME” and, of course, The Maine.

Almost all the performers have toured with The Maine, which Kirch says, was meant to create an ideal environment for attendees.

“I hope that it feels like a sense of community and family,” he says. “There are people from all around the world, all walks of life… everybody may be different, but they have the same common love for music.”

If fans crave more music from the official festival’s opening acts, they can attend one last concert of the weekend on Sunday. The Crescent Ballroom will host a reunion headlining show

by Valley-based The Summer Set, who hasn’t performed since 2016.

The weekend also showcases an exclusive merchandise store, an 8123 club and bar with custom cocktails, after parties at Downtown Phoenix venues each night and a day of community service to wrap it all up.

During what The Maine refers to as “8123 Impact Day,” fans are encouraged to join the band in volunteering with the nonprofit Welcome to America, which creates an accessible community for refugees.

According to Kirch, this engaging festival should be the band’s “footprint.”

The strong community behind 8123 is a constant for many, and he hopes the weekend can be an escape.

“No matter what was happening on the outside, it was always like a home,” Kirch says. “It’s always something that I can come back to and always there to support what we do as a band and what I do as a person. I think that’s like a rare thing to have so many people involved in a community that can be like a home.”

8123 Fest WHEN: Noon Saturday, January 22 WHERE: Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix COST: $55 INFO: fest.81-23.com

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

LOOKING ‘INSIDE’ Introspection is key to Mother Mother’s recent album

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

V

ancouver alt rockers Mother Mother will celebrate each chapter of their storied history on its 2022 global tour.

“We’re on our ‘Inside’ tour, promoting our new album of the same name,” says vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Ryan Guldemond.

“But overall, the tour is an honoring of all the music, all the chapters of this book. An attendee can expect a

very well-represented Mother Mother experience.”

Mother Mother will bring that energy to The Van Buren on Tuesday, January 11.

Two weeks later, on January 28, Mother Mother will release an expanded edition with seven new recordings, including the new single “Life.” The album is a rollercoaster of emotions lyrically, which made the songwriting process a tad difficult.

“Initially getting the theme off the ground during what was a very grave moment in the world was the biggest challenge,” he says.

“I wasn’t sure if any of our ideas deserved to be presented to the world with regard to what the world was going through. It had to have some grit and

it couldn’t be trite. That was the most important thing for us. We wanted to make a record in 2020 that had some emotional kick.”

“Inside” tells the story of going within to address the “various knots of the soul.”

“To write songs about that success, I endeavored to do that myself during the lockdown and isolation so that the songs may be as authentic as possible,” Guldemond says.

“It was a joint effort in songwriting and sentiment.”

Writing the album was a learning experience for Guldemond, whose band hails from Quadra Island, British Columbia.

“I learned, I think, my softness is more powerful than I thought,” he says.

“That’s a good thing. I think being soft

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and sensitive—when those traits don’t inhibit your full expression and your full power—can be really helpful in the world.

“It’s at a disservice when shy people are trapped under the weight of their social anxiety. If you can channel it and use it to heighten your power of observation and intuition and empathy, then it becomes a superpower. I learned I wasn’t using those traits as effectively as I could.”

Mother Mother w/Dylyn WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 11 WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: thevanburenphx.com

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