The Entertainer! - September 2018

PHX METRO » SEPTEMBER 2018

FALLING FOR ‘U’

KEITH URBAN

talks why he loves Phoenix

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FALL ARTS PREVIEW Boy George is a warmer person now

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SANDERSON LINCOLN

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

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12

ON THE COVER

THE FIGHTER Keith Urban battles the world’s blues at his shows.

18

WINTER IS COMING

‘Game of Thrones’ gets a symphonic translation at Gila River Arena.

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FAMILY AFFAIR

Salt Mine Wine puts its spin on Old World wines. on the cover: Keith Urban courtesy of Mark Seliger

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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

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publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

WELCOME HOME

executive editor Niki D’Andrea

ndandrea@timespublications.com

Read what Brad Ziegler missed while he was away.

editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

designer Len Loria

production manager Courtney Oldham

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 16 The Jesus and Mary Chain • Johnjay Van Es • Game of Thrones

19

Ambassador Chris Spahle • Top 10 • Urban Ale Trail • Melinda’s Alley

THE TOURIST

25

Tour du Jour • Great Train Rides of the Southwest • Salt Mine Wine

THE ARTIST

29

Fall Arts Preview

THE CRITIC

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

9

Top 25 • Keith Urban • Kaley O’Kelley • Because

THE DOWNTOWNER

production@timespublications.com

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aaron@entertainermag.com

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contributing writers

Joseph J. Airdo, Lynette Carrington, Heather Copfer, Evan Desai, Connor Dziawura, Samantha Fuoco, Mckayla Hull, Sherry Jackson, Laura Latzko, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, M.V. Moorhead, Haley Smilow

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

Staff Photographers

The Valley is abloom with great performances this fall. Check out the extensive list of shows.

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Kimberly Carrillo, Pablo Robles

Contributing Photographers

ALICE IN CHAINS UNLINKED

Bassist Mike Inez shares the dirt on the band’s new album.

ONE COPY PER READER

Coming Attractions • Ask Our Experts! • The Report Card • Film Facts • Soundbite Spotlight

THE DINER

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2018 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe.

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Best Food Events in September • Happy Hour Guide • Rockin’ Taco Street Fest • Tomaso’s When in Rome

THE CRAFTMASTER

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Beer Over Here • BeerFinder Directory • Beertender: Twin Peaks • SanTan Oktoberfest • Beer Gear: Bierstick

THE HIGHROLLER

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Boy George and Culture Club • Casino Entertainment Calendar

THE GLADIATOR Best Sports Events in September • Brad Ziegler • Nick Ahmed

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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Giuliano Bekor, Kelsey Grant/Arizona Diamondbacks, Joseph Guay, Steve Gullick, Pamela Littky, Sarah Sachs/ Arizona Diamondbacks, Tim Sealy, Mark Seliger

THE YOUNGSTER

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THE NIGHTOWL

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Best Family Events in September • Queen Creek Founders Day

Best Nightlife Events for September • Flaw • Sunflower Bean • Greg Holden

THE SHOWMAN

THE THINKER

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The Verve Pipe • Live Music Calendar • Collective Soul • Macy Gray • Alice in Chains

For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the September 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:

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE METROPOLITAN

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PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Return to Rosie’s Pub

SEPTEMBER 1 TO SEPTEMBER 15 This show places feminist icon Rosie the Riveter into the forefront as she works as the owner of a pub visited by female leaders from across the ages. The sequel to a Brelby original show from a few years ago, it pays tribute to women like Sacagawea, Eleanor Roosevelt and Bettie Page.

Brelby Playhouse, 7154 N. 58th Drive, Glendale, 623.282.2781, brelby.com, times vary, $20-$25.

Rebelution

SEPTEMBER 7 This reggae group has been bringing the beach vibes from Isla Vista, California, to cities across the world for nearly 14 years. These four alumni of University of California, Santa Barbara, have continued to make a name for themselves in the genre from their breakthrough album, 2007’s Courage to Grow, all the way to last year’s Grammynominated Falling Into Place.

Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480.644.2560, mesaamp. com, 5:30 p.m., $35-$103.

Live and Local: Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra

SEPTEMBER 7 This 16-person jazz, funk, soul and African rhythmic group is a Valley gem and a show not to be missed. Featuring Camille Sledge — daughter of Sister Sledge superstar, Debbie Sledge — Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra is known for melding classic Afrobeat with original

material, creating a unique and funky percussion experience.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdalearts. org, 8 p.m., $12-$19.

Moana at the OdySea

SEPTEMBER 8 OdySea’s “Movies in the Desert” this month features Moana. This free family event begins with a 90-minute pre-movie event with music, games, dancing and prizes.

Grab a spot under the stars and enjoy the movie with food and drink available for purchase.

OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.951.2100, odyseainthedesert. com, 5 p.m., Free

Arizona State vs.

Michigan State Football

SEPTEMBER 8 Nothing says “school is in session” like bumper-to-bumper traffic on Mill Avenue on an ASU game day. Check out what the Tempe team has to offer against the Michigan State Spartans. The usual prekick-off buzz will surround the stadium. Don’t forget to sport your finest maroon or gold.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.727.0000, thesundevils. com, 7:45 p.m., $60-$325.

9/11 Memorial Flag Field

SEPTEMBER 8 TO SEPTEMBER 12 Tempe Town Lake transforms into a space of healing, is awash of red, white and blue flags, each representing a name and a life lost.

Tempe Town Lake, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 866.375.3524, healingfield. org, all day, free.

Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience

SEPTEMBER 12 The mythic world behind the hit HBO series Game of Thrones comes to life with this thrilling, live concert experience. With a live band led by composer Ramin Djawadi, alongside multimedia effects and theatric displays, you’ll feel like you just took a trip to Westeros. Good luck waiting for the final season in 2019!

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 8 p.m., $34.75-$74.75.

Flip Orley

SEPTEMBER 13 TO SEPTEMBER 16 This performer has his audience falling asleep…but only when he commands them to. Part standup comedian, part hypnotist, the UA graduate has performed everywhere from Entertainment Tonight to Comic Strip Live to the Today Show. His oneman show is two hours packed with subconscious exploration you can’t help but laugh at.

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov. com, times vary, $20-$22.

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market

SEPTEMBER 14 TO SEPTEMBER 16 This vintage market has grown beyond a trunk bed and into a threeday celebration, featuring night and early-bird shopping experiences for those looking to dive deep. A regular Scottsdale market fixture, this edition will feature 150-plus cutesy curators and handmade artisans, as well as live music and food trucks.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.6802, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket. com, 5 p.m., $8-$65.

Rockin’ Taco Street Festival SEPTEMBER 15 No one needs an excuse to binge on tacos but it sure is nice to have one! From its humble beginnings in a parking lot, this all-day festival has grown into a full-on food fiesta. The occasion brings

together tacos from 20 local vendors along with margaritas, salsa, eating competitions, low riders and lucha wrestling. Kids 12 and younger get in free.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2727, rockintacoaz. com, noon, $10-$100.

Heather Land: I Ain’t Doin’ It

SEPTEMBER 16 This Nashville mom forged her brand online with her viral videos and blog built around her signature catch phrase, “I ain’t doin’ it.” She will share her Southern brand of humor and love with audiences alongside music and video. VIP tickets include a meet and greet and special gift.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7 p.m., $39-$99.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé

SEPTEMBER 19 The king and queen of hip-hop leave the kids at home for this one, taking turns performing their biggest hits accompanied by a ginormous production. Look for favorites like “99 Problems” and “Crazy in Love,” as well as samplings from their latest foray, Everything is Love.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, universityofphoenixstadium. com, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$320.

Wolfmother

SEPTEMBER 21 You might recognize these hip Australians by their tunes like “Joker and the Thief,” “Woman” or “Vagabond,” the latter of which was prominently featured in (500) Days of Summer. Whether you’re more Zeppelin or Sabbath, you’ll enjoy this heavy rock, neopsychedelic group as it returns to touring after a brief hiatus.

Marquee Theatre, 730 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline. com, 6:30 p.m., $27-$47.

and visually stunning experience for adults and children alike.

OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.362.3466, pangaelandofthedinosaurs. com, 6:30 p.m., $9.95-$39.

Arizona Coyotes vs.

Anaheim Ducks

Mike Super Magic and Illusion

SEPTEMBER 22 With an America’s Got Talent finalist title and a NBC’s Phenomenon win under his belt, it’s no surprise Mike Super earned the title of America’s favorite mystifier. He uses his skillset in magic and illusion to create a show that simultaneously stuns and shocks anyone brave enough to watch.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 7 p.m., $36.

Summer’s End Margarita Mojito Festival

SEPTEMBER 22 It’s all about the booze at this salute to the season, which will feature 20 craft house-inspired margaritas and mojitos, as well as spirits suited to other tastes. Food trucks, live entertainment and vendors will be sprinkled through the park like salt on the brim. Whether you want a shot, a drink to nurse or a taco, this festival has you covered.

Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, 480.668.0500, margaritamojitofestival. com, 4 p.m., $20-$125.

Jurassic Fight Night

SEPTEMBER 22 Just because they’re prehistoric it doesn’t mean they’re friends!

The Land of the Dinosaurs at OdySea in the Desert presents this wrestling-styled fight night between different dinos. Watch as Rex the Tyrannosaurus squares off against Steve “The Spine Crusher” Spinosaurus for real in the ring, in what’s sure to be a memorable

SEPTEMBER 22 Fans are eager to see how the Coyotes will continue to fare in another season without No. 19, Shane Doan, their former captain.

This preseason showdown against Anaheim — one of two games the Coyotes will play against them — will serve as a worthwhile and exciting precursor.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 6 p.m., $21-$36.

Brazilian Day Festival

SEPTEMBER 22 Celebrate a “Carnaval of Culture” with a head-on immersion into Brazil in honor of its Independence Day. This award-winning festival features live dance, DJs, capoeira, jiu jitsu, movies, education workshops, shopping and of course food and drink. You might want to grab some coxinhas for the road.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 2 to 9 p.m., $15 adult and $5 kids under 11.

Movies by Moonlight

Goldrush

The Wiz

Boy George, The B-52's and Tom Bailey

SEPTEMBER 28 This Glendale movie series wants you to take to the field — inch by inch, as it cools down — for a free evening of family camaraderie.

With a screening of Rio 2, food trucks, a kids’ dance party, popup shops, character visits and free chair massages, you’ll hope the sun never goes down. The fun will continue with screenings on October 5 and October 12.

Glendale Heroes Park, 83 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale, 623.930.2820, bit. ly/2M7MeMC, 5 p.m., free.

SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 14 Arizona’s Black Theater Troupe puts its touch on the classic musical that combines the story The Wizard of Oz with a rock, gospel and soul essence. The musical, which won a Tony in 1975, was recently revived in 2015 for NBC’s The Wiz Live!, starring Common, Shanice Williams, Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, bit. ly/2OxggX9, 7:30 p.m., $35.

Dierks Bentley

SEPTEMBER 29 Proud former Arizonan Dierks Bentley never forgets his hometown when he tours, and this summer is no exception. The skillful country rocker behind tracks like “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Sideways” and “Different for Girls,” Bentley will revisit hits and new material from The Mountain. Brothers Osbourne and LANCO open the show.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, livenation. com, 7 p.m., $39.25-$69.

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SEPTEMBER 30 If the oldies station isn’t cutting it for you, take it to the source with this tour-de-force of ’80s legends. Boy George hits the road with Culture Club, bringing the B-52’s for the ride.

Whether you’re looking for some “Karma Chameleon” or to revisit the “Love Shack,” you’re sure to enjoy yourself at the throwback of the year, which will open with a set by Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins.

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, 6:30 p.m., $40-$90.

Serenity in the Desert: Dr. Horrible Screening

Macy Gray

SEPTEMBER 23 It’s easy to recognize a Macy Gray song by the Grammy winner’s signature raspy voice and honest lyrics. Since her massive hit “I Try,” Gray has continued to take the R&B and soul genres to new heights. She shares old favorites along with new cuts like “Sugar Daddy” from the intimate stage at the Chandler Center for the Arts.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7 p.m., $38-$58.

SEPTEMBER 29 AND SEPTEMBER 30 As autumn mosies on down, flock to Rawhide and celebrate with the biggest fall EDM festival in Arizona.

This year’s Goldrush packs a lineup that blows last year’s fest out of the water. Acts like Deadmau5, Illenium, Steve Aoki, Louis the Child and Vince Staples are set to take the stage.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 323.908.0607, goldrushfestaz. com, 4 p.m., $159-$699.

SEPTEMBER 30 The Arizona Browncoats — a local cohort of Joss Whedon fanatics — host an annual charity screening to benefit local charities like Kids Need to Read and Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona.

Their Phoenix outreach event is a screening of the hilarious Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillionled musical Dr. Horrible’s SingAlong Blog. Watch or sing along as Harris plots the world’s demise as an evil super villain — in training.

Studio Movie Grill, 15515 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.712.9183, azbrowncoats. org, 4 p.m., $15-$20.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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SEPTEMBER CONCERTS AT THE MIM MUSIC THEATER ROBBEN FORD

RED MOLLY

Sunday, September 23 | 7 p.m.

Robben Ford is one of the premier electric guitarists today, particularly known for his blues playing and his ability to be comfortable in various musical contexts.

Friday, September 14 | 7:30 p.m.

“Serious harmonizing chops and slick pop savvy” —Time Out New York

LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III

JUANA MOLINA Saturday, September 15 | 7:30 p.m. “[Her] blend of acoustic guitar and purring synths confirms this Argentine as one of underground pop’s most beautifully odd voices.”

—Spin

Monday, September 24 | 7 p.m.

“As good as he’s ever been. Almost forty years into his recording career, he has not only retained his sharpness of wit but has also learned to cut with greater skill.”

—New Yorker

BOBBY MCFERRIN: CIRCLESONGS

MWENSO AND THE SHAKES Tuesday, September 18 | 7 p.m.

“Mwenso & The Shakes, a staple of the New York City jazz scene, are known for their mix of rock, jazz, funk, gospel and blues and a performance style reminiscent of musical theater.”

—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Tue. & Wed., Sep. 25 & 26 | 7 & 9 p.m.

“His innovation in the realm of a cappella is what he is best known for, but beyond the rhythmic body lies a voice so incredibly emotive.”

—PopMatters

MARGARET GLASPY Opening Act: Jenny O. Friday, September 21 | 7:30 p.m.

“Margaret Glaspy is the New York-based songwriter whose expectation-defying approach and empathetic songs are about to turn the world upside down.”

—Noisey

CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO

HAROLD LÓPEZ-NUSSA Thursday, September 27 | 7:30 p.m.

Uniting the Cuban and American jazz scenes, he tells a heartfelt story with his brilliant piano playing.

KANDACE SPRINGS

Saturday, September 22 | 7:30 p.m.

“Thrill with the explosive excitement of one of Italy’s hottest bands.”

—Nationalgeographic.com

Friday, September 28 | 7:30 p.m.

“Kandace has a voice that could melt snow.”

—Prince

FOR TICKETS AND LINEUP, CALL 480.478.6000 OR VISIT MIM.ORG.

2018 Concert Series sponsored by

MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

MAKING MEMORIES Keith Urban fondly recalls Phoenix and the making of ‘Graffiti U’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

K

eith Urban remembers the first time he played the Valley.

It was in 1999, after the release of his debut solo album, and he played a small club outside of Phoenix.

“It was one of the first clubs we played,” Urban says in his Down Under drawl. “There were 800 to 1,000 people there and it was packed, packed, packed all the way to the front of the stage. It was a really euphoric night. Phoenix has a strong place in my heart.”

Urban will be playing to 15 times that capacity on Thursday, October 4, at AkChin Pavilion in Phoenix. The Graffiti U tour, named after the album of the same name, boasts a 93-member crew, and enough cable to carry electricity from

Nashville to St. Louis. Urban is bringing 40 guitars with him.

He’s playing songs from his 5-monthold album as part of the 23-track, twohour-plus set.

“We have a fairly good-sized production,” Urban says with a laugh.

“It’s a really good mixed set. There are a lot of new songs threaded through the setlist, but there are no new songs back to back.

“I think every album has at least a song it in. There are six or so songs from Graffiti U.” Don’t be quick to check setlist websites, either. Urban changes it up each night.

“The setlist gets tweaked each night depending on the feeling of the show,” Urban says. “Friday night is different

than Sunday night. Indoors is different than outdoors. A hot night is different than a cool night. I make a little adjustment, not during the show, but sometimes, I do, actually.

“I’ll look at the venues, get a feel for the weather, get a feel for the vibe, look at the notes from the night before and get a feeling for things.”

Urban’s shows are joyful celebrations of music that makes fans put aside their problems. In previous shows, he made a phone call to a fan’s friend from the stage, and he’s given an onstage pre-wedding first dance performance of “Making Memories of Us” to a Detroit couple.

“We need to get off whatever we’re on just for a couple of hours,” says Urban, as he listens to Frank Sinatra on SiriuxXM on his bus.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

“If we can agree for two hours, that’s an amazing thing. We need to find something we can all connect on and can share. As different as we all are—religiously, politically, every way imaginable—music brings everybody together in this event for a couple hours” The album Graffiti U is filled with feeling itself. Urban worked with a group of songwriters and producers, some of whom he previously hadn’t collaborated with. Veterans included Greg Wells, Dann Huff, Mike Elizondo and JHart.

Julia Michaels, J.R. Rotem, Captain Cuts and Jason Evigan (the son of actor Greg Evigan) were among the newbies.

Urban sequenced the songs as he would a setlist “There were no parameters or preconceived ideas,” Urban says. “I

began this process with a completely blank canvas. Every initial spark is organic and then expanded upon, like the art of graffiti, so the name really fit the music. I also liked the idea of ‘you’ the listener (or the audience), because this is an inclusive experience. And because of my last name we had a little grammatical fun and shortened it to U. You get the idea.”

Working with new collaborators gave the record—and his mindset—an edge.

“It was the unknown,” Urban says.

“I liked not knowing what’s going to happen once I got in the room with these people. I wrote with Captain Cuts.

I heard about them, but I didn’t know them. They’re three collegiate guys in California. I was introduced to them through mutual friends.

“I was out in LA in a rental car and I went to a studio in a funky part of town.

It was in a back alley. It looked like I was entering a place I wouldn’t go to in LA. But it was fantastic. It was the best time.

I love those kinds of moments. It could have been a complete disaster of not working out or it could click. It clicked.”

Urban says the album has resonated with concertgoers. The responses change each night.

“The response has been extremely good live,” Urban says. “It’s interesting which songs on the record people want to hear. They cover the whole gamut, whether it’s ‘Gemini’ or ‘Love the Way It Hurts,’ you can see big pockets of people who want to hear those songs.

“They also want to hear ‘Fighter,’ ‘Coming Home,’ ‘Never Comin’ Down’

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or ‘Texas Time,’ some of the more, dare I say, ‘mod country.’”

“Fighter,” an uplifting track featuring Carrie Underwood, was a dream to write.

“It was a very easy song to write,” he says about the fifth and final single from his 2016 album Ripcord. “Most of the track was done very quickly. The hardest part was trying to find a day when she could record it. I think we finally did it two months after the song was written. I just sat around waiting on the girl.”

Keith Urban w/Kelsea Ballerini Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 4, tickets start at $37.25.

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

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

K

aley O’Kelley is in the middle of a conversation when a coworker knocks on the door in ABC15’s newsroom and hesitantly

enters.

She welcomes O’Kelley back to the Valley after spending several years away.

O’Kelley is moved by every kind gesture because she’s just as thrilled to return to ABC15 as a morning show anchor.

“I feel like I grew up in this building,” she says.

O’Kelley got her Valley TV start on ABC15 Arizona in 2003, becoming one of the Valley’s most popular anchors during her 12 years in the market. Most recently, O’Kelley worked in Dallas as an evening anchor at the CBS station, KTVT. Now was the time to return because her children are young enough to make a fresh start.

“My kids are in kindergarten and first grade and if we were going to make this move now was the time,” she says.

“Where I grew up, I started in kindergarten and went all the way through the fifth grade in the same school. We all went to the same middle school, the same junior high, and graduated from the same high school. I do think people are more mobile now, but I want my kids to grow up in the same community near grandma and grandpa.”

A VALLEY

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O’Kelley graduated from Pepperdine University north of Los Angeles. She landed her first job as a morning news anchor and weather forecaster at KYMA in Yuma, where she won an Associated Press award for investigative journalism.

O’Kelley went on to work in Santa Barbara and San Diego before joining ABC15 in 2003. During her time at the station, she was a regular fill-in for the weekend edition of Good Morning America in New York. Before moving to Dallas, O’Kelley spent five years as an anchor on KTVK in Phoenix.

O’Kelley is originally from East Wenatchee, Washington, and is a member of the Native American Journalists Association. She is a sixtime Emmy Award-winning journalist.

O’Kelley is also an entrepreneur who specializes in mobile app development and creating interactive digital media platforms.

ABC15 touted her return via a massive television campaign. When O’Kelley saw it for the first time, she cried.

“This is more than a job to me,” she says. “This is a lifestyle. We eat, sleep and breathe journalism. I call myself a recovering workaholic. I have kids, but it’s nice to be able to come back and be in my town and be a part of this community. I help share stories that matter to people I know and love. It just means so nice to me.

“When I saw the commercials, it felt like a big, warm, fuzzy hug.”

She didn’t dislike Texas. It just never felt like home.

“Texas was great,” she says. “It was wonderful, especially for our kids because it’s so family oriented. It wasn’t home. It never clicked for me. It never clicked.”

O’Kelley doesn’t regret any of her career decisions, she was just waiting for the right time to come back.

“I actually knew how many days I had been gone,” she says. “I came back here all the time. I had two surgeries here while I was gone. My parents are here.

My family is here. My closest friends are here.

“Then there’s the foodie thing. This has exploded in the last three and a half years. There was great food here before, but now, amazing.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

15

JUST BECAUSE

Phoenix event space helps charities and guests Mckayla Hull >> The Entertainer!

K

athy Sweet was tired of the trouble that went into changing venues for her and her husband Dave’s car event company,

Automätik.

“We always go in and we have to change how the event spaces look and make them look nicer and fit our event,” Sweet says. “The look, the price and the limitations of what we could do caused a lot of pain.”

When Automätik outgrew its office building, the couple created Because: Space for Life, an event center and home for Automätik. Because is celebrating its second anniversary.

The Because side features nine rooms with unique names that create the unified feeling. The first room is Gracious, which is used for receptions.

Sweet features local artists on the walls because, she says, “artists do things and then they don’t necessarily get shown but to a small group.”

Kind comes with the Honest patio, which can be used as a classroom or theater. Guests have access to a kitchen.

The space has a theater room promptly named Fearless, “because in the theater you need to be fearless,” Sweet says.

Humble is an intimate space that can be closed off with shades and has been used as a dressing room for the boys of Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre, Sweet says.

Original is equipped with a projector.

Joyful is the outside space typically used for weddings, says Tesha Taylor, director of operations. To accompany weddings, guests can rent two upstairs rooms called Chill and Smooth. Chill is used as a bride’s room or as a VIP room.

The space is modern and posh, perfect for a bride and her bridesmaids to “chill.”

Smooth is next to Chill and is closed off by a mirrored door. The groomsmen can hang out in the room that oozes class.

Because is a meaningful name. The “B” stands for “beauty,” and the “e” for

WITH HER HUSBAND, DAVE, KATHY SWEET CREATED BECAUSE: SPACE FOR LIFE, AN EVENT CENTER THAT HOUSES THEIR COMPANY, AUTOMÄTIK. THE EVENT CENTER FEATURES VARIOUS ROOMS FOR ACTIVITIES.

events. “Cause” acknowledges the seven local partner charities with which the event space works, Sweet says.

“When our guests come in, they rent out the space,” Sweet says. “Ten percent of what they spend off the top goes to a partner charity of their choice.”

Also, if guests choose any of the five caterers that partner with Because, the

caterer will match the 10 percent, she adds. In its two years, Because has raised $25,000 for local charities.

One of the local charities that works with Because is HustlePHX, a nonprofit organization that support entrepreneurs in south Phoenix and Maryvale. It will soon expand to Mesa, says Crys Waddell, HustlePHX’s development specialist.

“We help the people re-dig their community and their dignity through entrepreneurship,” Waddell says.

HustlePHX offers three workshops to help entrepreneurs start a business and receive mentorship with local business owners.

“It’s a great opportunity for any charity that is a part of Because to get the chance to have a voice,” Waddell says.

Sweet loves HustlePHX and says, “being a certified women’s business, a part of our whole thing is helping the under resourced and getting them to become entrepreneurs and start a business.”

Because just wants to make a difference.

“We’re trying so hard to reach others in the community as well that are operating in the same mindset and being as widespread as we can. We want to make sure we’re offering a space for anybody and everybody,” Taylor adds.

Because: Space for Life 3419 E. University Drive, Phoenix, because.care.

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THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

‘I’M NOT IGGY POP’

The Jesus and Mary Chain’s Jim Reid talks frontman fears

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

T

he year was 1990. The Jesus and Mary Chain was set to tour in support of its third album, 1989’s Automatic.

The Scottish noise-pop pioneers – brothers Jim and William Reid – weren’t the only ones on the heels of a new album, though. Then a fledgling synthpop act, Nine Inch Nails was still hot off its debut album, Pretty Hate Machine, also released in 1989. The Trent Reznorfronted project was in turn selected as The Jesus and Mary Chain’s opening act.

Now 28 years later, the two groups are reuniting for Nine Inch Nails’ Cold and Black and Infinite tour.

“There was already a kind of a buzz about the Nine Inch Nails even at that time,” Jim Reid reflects on the Automatic tour by phone from the U.K. “So, we were kind of aware then that they were a band that weren’t going to be at that level they were at then for very long. I mean they seemed to be going places quick and we spotted that then and we thought it would be good to have them along on that tour with us at that time.”

Nine Inch Nails will kick off the Cold and Black and Infinite tour with The Jesus and Mary Chain and Tobacco

with a pair of shows at Comerica Theatre on Thursday, September 13, and Friday, September 14. The Jesus and Mary Chain will then head south for a headlining show at Tucson’s Rialto Theatre Saturday, September 15.

“It feels pretty good. I mean, what can I say?” Reid ponders of the two bands reuniting for a new tour. “I mean there aren’t that many bands around that have lasted that long. And certainly to go on tour with a band like the Nine Inch Nails is, yeah, it’s great, to be honest. We are very, very happy to do it.”

When asked if he has remained in touch with Reznor over the years, Reid gives an admitted “No.” “I’m terrible at staying in touch with anyone,” he adds honestly. “I’m just the most socially sort of backward character you could imagine. I don’t keep in touch with people. I’m not very good at maintaining relationships or making friends generally.” He lets out a laugh.

“So, it’s not really what I do and I think most people realize that of me and I guess William, too.”

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, Reznor discussed Nine Inch Nails’ new live shows moving away from “immersive,

technological-based production,” inspired in part by memories of seeing The Cure in the ’80s and touring with The Jesus and Mary Chain.

“Touring has always been about the basics for the Mary Chain,” Reid offers on the subject. “I mean we don’t really do show business. That’s not what the Mary Chain have ever been about.

“There have been light shows, occasionally we’ve had movies projected up behind us on stage, but it’s never been over the top. It’s never taken away from the performance of the band on stage. I mean, that’s what it’s all about, about a band to try and make a connection with an audience, and everything else just gets in the way really. But it should be about band on stage plays music to hopefully appreciative audience. I think that that’s probably the blueprint for this tour, and that is great.”

Formed in 1983 in East Kilbride, Scotland, The Jesus and Mary Chain debuted with 1985’s Psychocandy. By 1999, the Reid brothers’ relationship – which had notoriously had its ups and downs – had fractured.

Nearly a decade after the breakup came a reunion at 2007’s Coachella, and another decade later came the band’s

seventh album, 2017’s Damage and Joy. Produced by Killing Joke bassist Youth, Reid admits the album’s recording went better than they had expected, even going as far as to say the support of an outside producer may not have been necessary after all.

Despite recording being like the old days, Reid admits performing has its differences.

“Personally, I mean I have never felt that comfortable as a frontman on stage and it took many years for me to find, you know, a way for that to work for me,” he admits. “It was simpler than I ever realized in as much as that you just go there, you stand in front of a mic and you sing the songs as best you can. And that’s all I can really do.

“When I was back in 1985, I thought that to be a frontman in a band you had to be Iggy Pop or there was no point in doing it. And for many years I got kind of caught up in that,” he continues. “And I would go on stage never feeling good enough and I would drink, I would take drugs to try and be this larger-than-life frontman character that I could never be because it was never me. It was always a lie. I could never live up to that. I love Iggy Pop, but I’m not Iggy Pop. I’m Jim Reid and I’m shy and I feel awkward.

And there’s nothing wrong with those things, and it took me a long time to figure that out.”

Though only a year has elapsed since the release of Damage and Joy, Reid is quick to admit the brothers are already pondering their future – and fans may not have to wait another two decades.

“William came up with an idea to do a four-track EP, which we keep looking for time to get together and record,” he reveals, “and then that’s going to lead on to the recording of a new album, which we hope to have out at the end of next year.”

Nine Inch Nails w/The Jesus and Mary Chain and Tobacco Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7 p.m. Thursday, September 13, and Friday, September 14, $55-$125.

The Jesus and Mary Chain Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson, 520.740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 15, $32-$35.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

17

HIS LOVIN’ WAYS

Johnjay Van Es dedicates career to adoptable dogs, foster children Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

J

ohnjay Van Es paces nervously inside Grimaldi’s in Old Town Scottsdale. He and his 104.7 KISS FM morning show partner, Rich Berra, have interviewed some of the world’s top celebrities. But this time, Van Es is about to chat with a hero: John Travolta.

“When I was in elementary school in Chandler, I wore a Welcome Back Kotter T-shirt for my school pictures,” Van Es says.

He pulls out his cellphone and slides through pictures until he finds it. There are photos of dogs, his family and finally him wearing the Welcome Back Kotter shirt. Van Es isn’t one to get starstruck.

These days he’s more enamored by adoptable dogs and foster children.

Through #LovePup, Van Es, his wife Blake and three sons rescue, love and care for dogs, so when the animals transition to their new families, they have all they need. It’s a family project, indeed.

“I want to teach my kids empathy, compassion and character,” Van Es says.

He travels an unconventional road to help dogs get adopted. To adopt from Van Es, there is no charge, although he’s strict about potential dog parents.

“I have had a blessed life,” he says. “But I think to get a dog adopted from me, I really like to take my time researching the person.” #LovePup will come together with fellow rescues from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, September 28, for a big adoption event at Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. #LovePup Family Fest will feature rescues, food, live music and dog adoptions.

Madison Beer, who was discovered

by Justin Bieber, and Ocean Park Standoff will perform. Admission is free, but donations of dog supplies are requested.

At his last family fest, more than 10,000 people showed up and all the rescue dogs were adopted.

“These rescues were cleaning up and they were all emotional because their dogs were adopted,” he says. “Plus, there were leashes, diapers, bags of dog food, canned food and treats. It’s cool to give back to the rescues.”

Miracle Mile Deli in Phoenix will donate $1 per pastrami sandwich sold from September 6 to September 30 to #LovePup. The kickoff is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, September 6, with a KISS FM appearance, T-shirt sales and adoptable dogs.

Van Es is planning to open an adoption center and bring the model to different states. A Tucson native, he returned to the city to find his former elementary school was for sale.

“I’ve never seen that before,” Van Es says. “It made me want to buy it and put #LovePup Tucson there. Imagine how many dogs we could save if every classroom was a place where we could house/love dogs.”

Van Es uses his celebrity connections to film videos of stars like Charlie Puth and Ed Sheeran with adoptable dogs.

“Ed Sheeran isn’t a dog person, so I went to a cat rescue and I brought a bunch of kittens,” he says. “Do you know how many people wanted to adopt the kittens he was playing with?”

Johnjay Van Es’ career in radio was written in the stars. He lived in Tucson until the fifth grade with his Dutch father, who managed two Taco Bells, and his Mexican mother.

When he was 11, he moved to Chandler, where he attended Knox Elementary, Chandler Junior and Chandler high schools. His mother found a job at Burger King, while his dad was employed by Kings Table. Van Es delivered newspapers.

When he was 14, Van Es won movie passes to see Sixteen Candles from

the very station by which he is now employed.

“My dad would tell me, if you find something you love to do, you don’t have to work a day in your life,” he says.

Van Es agrees with that sentiment. His passion extends beyond music, celebrities and dogs. He and Berra founded the #LoveUp Foundation. They, along with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, recently surprised a group of graduating eighth-grade foster children with brand new Chromebook laptop computers through a new pilot program that aims to put technology in the hands of kids in Arizona’s foster care system.

With a grant from the Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club, #LoveUp purchased $22,000 worth of technology for the DCS pilot program. The 100 laptops were distributed this summer to foster children who have been nominated by their DCS case managers.

“The #LoveUp Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Arizona Department of Child Safety,” Van Es says. “Foster children deserve to have the same advantages as other kids. If we can help make this happen, we are serving our mission to the best of our abilities.”

Pups and Pastrami Kickoff Miracle Mile Deli, 4433 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, lovepupfoundation.org, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, September 6, charge for meals. Miracle Mile will donate $1 per pastrami sandwich sold in September to #LovePup.

#LovePup Family Fest Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa, lovepupfoundation. org, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, September 28, free admission.

DISCOVER A LEGEND 141 YEARS IN THE MAKING

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

WINTER IS COMING ‘Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience’ highlights music of Westeros

Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer

I

n the HBO series Game of Thrones, the music not only helps to drive the plot but tells the characters’ stories. Behind the scenes, composer Ramin Djawadi creates the soundtrack to add drama and evoke emotion during pivotal scenes in the show.

Arizona audiences can experience the show’s music live September 12 as part of the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience. During the musical showcase, Djawadi acts as conductor, leading the choir and orchestra.

The concert experience is in the second leg of its national tour. The show started in the United States in February 2017 and visited Europe in May. Based on the books of George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones recently finished is seventh season. The TV show follows families as they fight for titles and control of lands on the fictitious continents of Westeros and Essos.

The live experience combines music and video footage from the seven seasons of the show, along with special effects such as pyrotechnics.

Djawadi wanted to transport audiences to another world, where

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

dragons, white walkers and long winters exist.

“When they come out, they really feel like they are in Westeros. I wanted to create this whole experience,” Djawadi says.

It took Djawadi and his team three years to develop the live show. He says narrowing down the music was the biggest challenge.

“When I chose the pieces I wanted to perform, I had way too much music. So, I had to pick the right pieces, to do the right storytelling,” Djawadi says.

The concert highlights music from pivotal scenes in the show, such as the Red Wedding and the explosion of the Great Sept of Baelor, as well as themes used for different characters and houses.

Similar to the TV show, the cello is one of the featured instruments in the live experience.

“The cello is definitely one of the most dominant, or maybe the dominant instrument, at the (live) show just because I thought it captured the mood of the show overall, that dark sound that the cello can have,” Djawadi says.

The concert also showcases other instruments from the TV show,

COMPOSER RAMIN DJAWADI’S OTHER CREDITS INCLUDE WESTWORLD, PRISON BREAK AND THE FILM IRON MAN.

including the violin, flute and duduk.

“I think it’s fun for the audience to see some of these instruments they’ve heard on the show for so long. You get to see what they look like. Seeing it live, performed by the musician, just takes it to another level,” Djawadi says.

The show is meant for avid fans as well as series newcomers.

The idea for the series of concerts came from a conversation with show creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.

Also a composer for the TV shows Westworld and Prison Break and the film Iron Man, Djawadi works closely with

the Game of Thrones creators to develop music for the show.

Djawadi says the music is almost like another character in the show.

“It becomes a very powerful tool of storytelling and in leading the audiences in whatever direction you want to lead.

With emotional music, you can enhance a certain scene, or on a chase scene, you can make it more dramatic,” Djawadi says.

Although he has done one-time concerts, being in front of an audience for a concert series has been a new experience for Djawadi.

“I think the biggest thing for me is actually just to have that connection to the audience right there and then, when we perform the music, and really see their reaction,” Djawadi says.

Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gameofthronesconcert.com. 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, tickets start at $34.75.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE DOWNTOWNER

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HIP » AMBASSADORS » MUSEUMS » PRO SPORTS » HIGHRISES

REPPING

DTPHX

Chris Spahle lives in Arizona and wouldn’t have it any other way Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

L

ooking back at age 55, Chris Spahle admits he was a bit lazy after high school. Living in New Jersey and not really finding anything that stuck, Spahle took his older brother’s offer to move near him in Arizona.

“He thought it would light a little fire under me,” he says. “I fell in love with Arizona — even in the summer.”

Now he’s one of Arizona’s biggest cheerleaders as a DTPHX ambassador.

“I didn’t think I was going to be here a year,” he says. “To be blunt, I thought more of myself and less about this job. It turned around. It has defined me.”

As a 17-year DTPHX ambassador, Spahle has seen the city change. It evolved from a businessmen’s downtown, one in which the sidewalks rolled up at 5 p.m., to a bustling entertainment center with clubs like The Van Buren and Crescent Ballroom, and playoff-chasing sports teams.

“We definitely have a much better live music scene downtown than, say, 2001,” Spahle says. “At best, we’d have a place with a DJ or concert here or there. Now there are probably three or four venues with various styles of live music.”

As an ambassador, Spahle dons an orange shirt with an “Ask Me” logo on the back. He and his colleagues are ready to answer questions about restaurants, things to see and do, homeless services and directions. He also provides “What’s Happening” newsletters, directories and maps.

Headquartered in CityScape, the ambassadors can be found seven days a week, 365 days a year in different parts of downtown from Third Avenue to Seventh Street and from Fillmore Street to the railroads tracks near Jackson

If you’re personable and friendly, and you feel like “ meeting more people internationally, this job is for you. ” Street.

Spahle is charged with the outreach program and has undergone crisis intervention training, which is also offered to police officers. He participated in the homeless count and other similar projects.

“Being in daily contact with the transient population, we need a better understanding of what is going on,” he says. “There could be a language barrier.

The person could be mid-mania.”

He’s learned a bit about himself as well.

“Like patience, that I could have it,” he says with a laugh.

Spahle is proud of his job and his downtown.

“The best thing about downtown is

it’s very clean,” he says. “We hear this from people who come internationally.

I jokingly tell people, too, that we have enough coffeeshops for everybody. There are a lot of food trucks, but there isn’t a lot of retail. We have a vibrant art scene in Roosevelt Row. “There is so much to do here. We have the Phoenix Children’s Museum and hidden museums like the Wells Fargo Museum and the Police Museum. We have the Latino Arts and Cultural Center.

We offer a great time. Check it out.”

He encourages anyone who enjoys talking to consider applying for an ambassador job.

“If you’re personable and friendly, and you feel like meeting more people

internationally, this job is for you,” Spahle says. “You can make a difference.

Someone may ask where to have a meal, but that question means the world to that person. It could be a special place for a birthday celebration or an anniversary.

“We help people find their lost cars or we jumpstart cars. It may seem small, but in that person’s day or week, it might mean a lot. Every assist matters.”

To reach the ambassadors Call 602.495.1500 or email ambassadors@dtphx.org.

More information is available at dtphx.org/about/field-services.

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

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

Sweeney Todd

SEPTEMBER 4 TO SEPTEMBER 16 An indisputable masterpiece, Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd takes place on the seedy side streets of 19th century London. An eight-time Tony Award-winning musical, Sweeney Todd tells the story of an exiled barber’s quest to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family by a lecherous judge.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.254.7399, herbergertheater.org, various times, tickets start at $44.

Cut Copy

SEPTEMBER 6 Melbourne’s Cut/Copy celebrates its first album in four years with a tour in support of Haiku from Zero, the follow-up to 2013’s Free Your Mind. The album has been hailed as “magnificently ambitious.” See if Cut/Copy’s show is, too, when it comes to the Crescent Ballroom.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx. com, 8 p.m., $30-$35.

Journey and Def Leppard

SEPTEMBER 7 Fans haven’t stopped believing in either of these legendary rock bands. Hysteria will take over fans when Journey and Def Leppard come to Downtown Phoenix.

Expect Def Leppard to cover

Leon Bridges

SEPTEMBER 4 Fans have heard Leon Bridges’ track “Beyond,” so now hear it live at the Comerica Theatre. The single appears on Good Thing, the follow up to his critically acclaimed, award-winning debut album Coming Home. Bridges has moved in a more “modern R&B direction while staying true to his signature style.” Get ready to boogie.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $46.50.

N !

W U O O T Y N R O W F O G N D AITI IS W

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Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus,” one of its Spotify Singles.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, talkingstickresortarena.com, ticketmaster.com, 7 p.m., verified resale tickets available.

Gin Blossoms and Big Head Todd and the Monsters

SEPTEMBER 8 What is there to say about this remarkable double bill? Gin Blossoms return home to play one of Phoenix’s newest venues, The Van Buren. The hometown heroes join Big Head Todd and the Monsters for a night of melodic rock-, folkand country-inspired music.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 7:30 p.m., $30-$71.

Nine Inch Nails

SEPTEMBER 13 AND SEPTEMBER 14 Nine Inch Nails, with special guests Jesus and Mary Chain and Tobacco, will make 40- and 50-somethings’ hearts rattle when they kick off the fall leg of the Cold and Black and Infinite tour at the Comerica Theatre on September 13. The Trent Reznorled act is promoting Bad Witch, the final volume in the trilogy that began with 2016’s Not the Actual Events and 2017’s Add Violence.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $55.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago Cubs

SEPTEMBER 17 TO SEPTEMBER 19 At this point in the season, the D-backs need to win any game they can. During this three-game series, they’ll face Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and company, so we’ll see how they fare against the 2016 World Series champs.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m., tickets start at $16.

Liz Phair

SEPTEMBER 25 This year marks the 20th anniversary of Liz Phair’s debut album, Exile in Guyville. More than two decades after the release of her debut, Phair’s influence in contemporary music and particularly over female voices in alternative music can be felt. Speedy Ortiz opens.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx. com, 8 p.m., $29-$150.

Phoenix Children’s Festival

SEPTEMBER 22 The Phoenix Children’s Festival invites kids ages 3 to 12 to play, visit characters, eat gourmet food and take part in the diaper derby for tots. This one-day event raises money for children’s charities like a back-to-school clothing drive.

CityScape, 99 E. Virginia Avenue, Phoenix, 602.529.2810, phoenixchildrensfestival. com, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

The Goo Goo Dolls

SEPTEMBER 30 To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dizzy Up the Girl, The Goos start a tour in the intimate confines of The Van Buren. For a mere $1,799.50, one lucky (rich) fan will get a private meet and greet and several other items, including Johnny Rzeznik’s 214 CE Taylor guitar that has been played on stage. All us other peons can buy the regular $55 tickets.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 7:30 p.m., $55-$1,799.50.

DOWNTOWN Corner of 2nd Street and Jefferson, Across from Talking Stick Resort Arena Phone #: (602) 261-7625

#THISISHARDROCK

phoenix

HOPPY TRAILS TO YOU HOPPY TRAILS TO YOU

DOWNTOWN PHOENIX BEER TASTING TOUR

PRESENT E D B Y

DTPHX.ORG/ALETRAIL

Saturday, Sept. 15 1-6 p.m.

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

HOPPY TRAILS TO YOU

Urban Ale Trail celebrates beer tasting in Downtown Phoenix Lynette Carrington >>The Entertainer!

D

owntown Phoenix Inc. is all about attracting folks to the city. The fifth annual Urban Ale Trail, a self-guided walkable beer tasting tour, hopes to once again accomplish that as it invites participants to more than 25 stops downtown and on Roosevelt Row. The excitement brews from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 15.

“Even now, as much publicity and notoriety and headlines that Downtown Phoenix has made, there are still a lot of folks in the Valley who aren’t coming downtown or haven’t come downtown in a while,” explains R.J. Price, vice president of marketing and events for DTPHX. “Somebody told me this a few days ago and I thought this was really good, ‘If you haven’t been downtown lately, you haven’t been there.’ It’s changing at such a dramatic pace. This is a great way to give people an indoctrination into that development upswing.”

Bliss Rebar, Cornish Pasty Co., Squid Ink Sushi, The Arrogant Butcher, Chico Malo, The Whining Pig, Carly’s Bistro, Copper Blues, The Churchill and The Park are just 10 of the locations

If you “ haven’t been downtown lately, you haven’t been there.

”

participating in the 2018 Urban Ale Trail, and more are being added.

Urban Ale Trail is rooted in another event that started 10 years ago, the Urban Wine Walk.

“The core of this is about getting people downtown and getting people into our restaurants and bars, many of which are new,” says R.J. Price, vice president of marketing and events for DTPHX.

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“Since we started Urban Wine Walk 10 years ago, we’ve added 100 restaurants downtown, which is an amazing figure. We’ve doubled the number of restaurants.”

“For the first couple of years, Urban Wine Walk was popular, and we had one in the spring and in fall,” Price says.

“Five years ago, we saw beer drinkers didn’t have an event.”

Each participating location will offer three 4-ounce samples of beer for $1 or $2 each, and each sample will be paired with a complimentary bar nosh, while supplies last. Free snacks include pretzels and fondue, Caprese bruschetta, hummus and pita and edamame.

Before hitting the trail, be sure to visit District American Kitchen and Wine Bar. The first 300 people to belly up to the bar for the Urban Ale Trail event will

receive a free commemorative growler.

Technically, participants can start their possibly tipsy trek at any of the 25-plus stops and printed maps will be available at all participating locations.

Advance registration is not necessary and there is no fee to take part in the pilsner pilgrimage, other than the cost of beer samples.

Whether you stroll, saunter or stumble by the end of the Urban Ale Trail, being responsible is key. To that end, Price suggests taking the light rail or ride share into Downtown Phoenix to maximize the fun experience with a focus on safety.

“We are trying to use the lure of the event to get people more comfortable with transit,” Price says. “We highly encourage people to use their feet or use transit and don’t bring a car. It’s easier to get around downtown without a car, quite honestly.”

For more information, a list of participating restaurants and bars and snack menu, visit dtphx.org/ things-to-do/aletrail/.

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

UNDER THE

RED

LIGHT Melinda’s Alley is the best-kept secret in Downtown Phoenix

Lynette Carrington >> The Entertainer!

B

ehind the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, guests are beckoned by a painting of Malinda Curtis, a wickedly intriguing woman emerging from a fire like a Phoenix from the ashes.

Those in the know open the camouflaged door at the bottom of the massive 70-foot mural in the alley that is curiously lit with a single red light. It leads to Melinda’s Alley, a speakeasy that has been engaging cocktail enthusiasts, historians and the curious since January 2016.

“Part of the ambiance of going to Melinda’s Alley is going in through the alley and then down the stairs,” says Rhonda Benston, bartender and “unofficial official” historian.

The entrance is north of the hotel in the alleyway between Central Avenue and First Street. Just look for Malinda.

You can’t miss her.

To appreciate the appeal of Melinda’s Alley, one must understand the history of the area and the hotel. The Adams Hotel opened in 1896 but was destroyed by a fire in 1910. It was immediately rebuilt then imploded in 1973.

The hotel was rebuilt in 1975 and now houses the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. That was the same year Benston started working at the hotel.

“There was an opening at the hotel and I applied for it,” Benston says. “Now ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

almost 43 years later, I’m still here!”

The bartender has since become the hotel’s unofficially official historian.

Ask her anything about the property and chances are she knows the answer.

She even knows the history and rumors behind Malinda Curtis, the bar’s pseudo namesake.

Melinda’s Alley occupies the basement of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, within the concrete foundation of

the 1910-version Adams Hotel. It has seemingly absorbed the legend, infamy and history of Downtown Phoenix since 1896. Maybe that’s part of its appeal.

Curtis was an African-American woman who lived in the red-light district area of Downtown Phoenix.

“In the 1880 Louisiana census, it said she was a domestic girl,” Benston says. “In the late 1890s, she went to Tucson, and then moved to Bisbee when the mines were going with copper and she became a prostitute.”

Soon thereafter, Curtis wound up in Downtown Phoenix.

“I think she is buried over in Greenwood Cemetery on 27th Avenue,” Benston says. “I don’t know if anyone’s seen her headstone, but that’s what I’ve heard.

“She liked to drink, and her drink of choice was gin. I think alcoholism is what caused her to die, but nobody knows exactly how old she was. In the black community, it was known that she was taken care of. If she would get into a fight, she was always bailed out.

Her house was in the alley area. She would take in strangers who were down on their luck or give them money. She was always taking care of other people. I really think she had a heart of gold. But she would get drunk and get mean and fight.”

When Melinda’s Alley was ramping up to open, the name of the speakeasy was spelled “Melinda.” Shortly after it opened, it was discovered that the woman’s name was spelled “Malinda,” but the original name stood – another fun quirk of one of the coolest spots in Downtown Phoenix.

The speakeasy is open 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, and features four cocktails weekly, plus an old-fashioned.

“Whatever mixologist Tony Escalante decides to make for that weekend, those are his cocktails,” Benston says.

The lure of an ever-changing cocktail menu is just part of why people seek out the destination. The décor is a draw as well, as it houses vintage couches and seating, old-fashioned lights, mirrors and art. Often, patrons will leave dollar bills with notes in the speakeasy, in a sense, creating even more history in the unique spot.

Melinda’s Alley Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 50 E. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.256.3487.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE TOURIST

25

VACATION » SIGHTS » DAY TRIPS » ADVENTURE » EXPLORE » TRAVEL

TOUR DU JOUR Welcome to “The Tourist,” a section for the more than 40 million visitors to our state, as well as the locals.

But we’re not stopping at the border. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-of-a-kind attractions, let us point out the best of the mileposts.

Enjoy!

CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park

The entire family will be entertained at CrackerJax! Experience a variety of attractions including go-karts, 18-hole miniature golf course, 300-yard golf driving range with two levels and 66 bays, bumper boats, batting cages, the Bungee Dome, Alien Invasion Laser Tag, volleyball courts, Water Wars arcade, restaurant and more. Ideal for birthday parties and corporate events of all sizes. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Driving range is open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Desert Botanical Garden

Experience the 140-acre beauty of Arizona that is the Desert Botanical Garden. With more than 50,000 plant displays in outdoor exhibits, the garden has been an inspirational and educational experience to visitors for nearly 80 years. Popular attractions include Flashlight Tours, Butterfly Exhibit and Electric Desert. Times and dates vary for these attractions. Garden is open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org

1601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.998.2800, CrackerJax.com

OdySea Aquarium

Home to 6,000 animals and over 250 species, the OdySea Aquarium welcomes guests of all ages to experience the vast collection of aquatic life. Unique experiences include SeaTREK Helmet Diving, Penguin Encounter and Shark Tours where you can get a closer look and learn more about different animals and their habitats.

Dining and shopping is available inside the aquarium. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday.

9500 E. Via De Ventura, Suite A-100, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium.com

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

GREAT TRAIN RIDES OF THE

SOUTHW

Travel the rails on one of these classic trains Sherry Jackson >> The Entertainer!

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here’s a thrill, an excitement, a nostalgic feeling one gets when riding a train. The slower pace makes us slow down and enjoy the scenery while giving us a glimpse into a bygone era.

Whether it’s a short ride to a mining town in an open-air car or a longer trek up the coast of California in a luxury coach, riding on a train feels like an indulgence. It’s a unique experience providing an appreciation of the engineering of the railways and railcars.

Through valleys, canyons and coastlines, men built those tracks.

Fortunately, in the Southwest, we have several train rides to choose from. So, sit back and enjoy a ride on the rails.

the United States) pulls air-conditioned coaches, open-air cars and first-class seating as it chugs along. Dubbed Arizona’s longest-running nature show, riders are always on the lookout for bald eagles, falcons, hawks, bears, deer, wild burros and other wildlife.

Onboard, first-class guests enjoy a champagne or cider toast upon leaving the depot and an appetizer bar while aboard.

Bottled water is provided. Cocktails and other beverages are available for purchase.

Coach-class passengers can purchase beverages and snacks.

Once reaching Perkinsville, now home to the Perkins family working cattle ranch, there’s a 20-minute stop (no getting off the train though) while the conductors move the engine from one end of the train to the other for the return trip. The round-trip experience takes 3 1/2 to 4 hours. September through December is the busy season with fall color viewing so be sure to make reservations well in advance.

TIP: Plan enough time to peruse the shops and restaurants in the nearby historic town of Cottonwood before or after the train. Reservations: 1-800-2937245 or verdecanyonrr.com

CUMBRES & TOLTEC SCENIC RAILROAD Once ridden by Wyatt Earp and Doc VERDE CANYON RAILROAD Holliday, the Cumbres & Toltec It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.

Railroad is a moving National Historic That’s the tagline of the Verde Canyon Landmark. Passengers can board at Railroad and it sums up this train ride Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New nicely. The 20-mile trek Mexico, the two cities from the small town in which it travels. of Clarkdale to the old Built in 1880, the 64western settlement of mile historic railroad is Perkinsville traverses the longest, highest and alongside the Verde most authentic steam River and through the railroad in America Verde Canyon. Large and is one of the best panoramic windows ways to enjoy the provide guests a great majestic landscape of view of the towering the Rocky Mountains, red rocks, Indian ruins, San Juan Mountains, bridges and a 680the Cumbres Pass TRAVELERS ABOARD foot tunnel as the FP7 and the Conejos GRAND CANYON RAILROAD locomotive (two of Valley. Passengers may CAN CHOOSE FROM SIX only 10 remaining in recognize the railroad CLASSES OF RAIL CARS. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

as its appeared in many Hollywood films including Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid, Indiana Jones, The Shootout starring Gregory Peck and Wyatt Earp with Kevin Costner.

The train chugs along at a top speed of 14 mph, through tunnels and over high trestles, as it passes through groves of colorful aspen trees and alpine meadows.

Along the way, passengers may see deer, elk, antelope and even an occasional bear. Full-day rides include a hot lunch at scenic Osier Station, the midway point of the journey. Combination train/ motor coach and half-day excursions are available.

Victorian-style parlor cars offer lounge-style comfort and panoramic windows. Personal attendants serve a continental breakfast with snacks and soft drinks available. Tourist cars have extra room and individual seating and coach cars offers comfortable bench

seating. Open-air gondola cars are available for all riders for fresh air and photo opportunities.

TIP: In September and October, special dinner trains offer sunset views, murder/ mystery dinners and speakeasy-themed entertainment. Reservations: 1-888-2862737 or cumbrestoltec.com

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY Arguably the best way to explore the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon Railway loads passengers in Williams (30 miles west of Flagstaff) and transports them to the South Rim while traversing through ponderosa pine forests and scenic desert landscapes.

Guests are treated to a Wild West shootout at the depot station. Aboard, roaming musicians, an attempted train robbery and knowledge attendants provide entertainment.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

27

WEST Six classes of railcars are available: bench-style seating in Pullman class; coach class; oversized-seats, bar service and complimentary snacks in first class; glass-enclosed observation dome; the two-tiered luxury dome for ages 15 years and older, and the luxurious parlor class.

The train has daily departures (two during peak periods) from Williams and the 65-mile trip takes a little over two hours each way. Passengers will have about four hours to explore the Grand Canyon before the train departs.

Those looking to stay the night can take advantage of the adjacent 298-room Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, which offers several combination ride/stay packages.

TIP: November through December is the popular evening Polar Express train. Santa makes an appearance and passengers can get into the holiday spirit with hot chocolate, chocolate-chip cookies and caroling. Tickets usually sell out, so buy early. Reservations: 1-800-THE-TRAIN or thetrain.com.

TOP: THE CUMBRES & TOLTEC RAILROAD WAS BUILT IN 1880 AND SPANS 64 MILES OF TRACK. ABOVE: THE VERDE CANYON RAILROAD GOES THROUGH SCENIC VERDE CANYON AND INCLUDES A STOP IN THE SMALL TOWN OF CLARKDALE.

VIRGINIA & TRUCKEE RAILROAD About halfway between Carson City and Reno in western Nevada, the historic, short-line Virginia and Truckee Railroad offers seven daily departures during the summer and weekend tours from its original 1870 depot and museum in Virginia City. Special event and themed trains operate during the fall.

The railroad was originally built in 1869 and was used to haul gold and silver from nearby mines. As many as 45 trains departed daily from the Virginia City depot.

Passengers can ride aboard a 100-yearold caboose or open-air car while listening to the conductor narrate the history of the bonanza Comstock Mining country. Diesel locomotives or 100-year-old steam engines pull the cars along the railways original route.

The 35-minute round-trip journey takes passengers to the historic town of Gold Hill where customers can get off the train, explore the town and then board the next train. Along the way, be

on the lookout for wildlife including hawks, coyotes and even an occasional mountain lion.

TIP: Weekends, May through October, catch a train in Carson City to Virginia City. The 1.5-hour trek each way gives passengers a three-hour layover in Virginia City -- plenty of time to explore the town. Reservations: 775-847-0380 or virginiatruckee.com

AMTRAK’S PACIFIC SURFLINER Experience California via train instead of being stuck in traffic. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner traverses 351 miles along southern California’s rugged coastline from San Diego to San Luis Obispo.

The train offers magnificent views of beaches and oceans along the way. Total time from start to finish is just under six hours for the train ride, but the best way to do this journey is by purchasing a multicity ticket allowing for exploration along the way. There are 11 daily round-trip departures and 29 stations.

Surfboards and bikes are allowed onboard for any activity passengers may want to partake.

Stops in Carlsbad, Oceanside Anaheim, Los Angeles, Burbank and Santa Barbara, among others, provide passengers plenty of opportunities to sightsee southern California’s most popular destinations. Onboard, the train offers reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and power outlets along with a café bar with snacks, sweets, light meals and beverages.

Upgrade to business class and riders get more leg room, a guaranteed seat, a complimentary glass of wine, nonalcoholic beverages, light snacks, a dedicated attendant in the car and priority boarding in San Diego.

TIP: Business class passengers who start or end in LA get special access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge with complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and snacks. Relax on comfy sofas, watch some TV, read a newspaper or use the free WiFi. Reservations: 1-800-USA-RAIL or pacificsurfliner.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Salt Mine Wine recalls trips to Italy in a cozy tasting room Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

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drive down Salt Mine Road in Camp Verde is comforting, with its draping trees, green grass and mountain views. But hidden within them is a slew of pecan groves, homegrown produce stands and Salt Mine Wine.

The Salt Mine Wine driveway takes visitors along part of the vineyard, through a gate and to the cozy building housing the tasting room.

The winery was founded by brothers Chip and Kevin Norton, and their wives, Kathy Davis and Leann. Kevin is the shy one, but the brainchild behind Salt Mine Wine.

The former Phoenix residents retired from the family’s construction business and moved to Camp Verde.

“We really liked the idea of living in a smaller town like Camp Verde,” Chip says. “Kevin was always really into wine.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

He took a wine class at Yavapai College and decided he would like to create a boutique vineyard. After all, the brothers and their wives visited vineyards in Italy.

“He asked if I’d like to do that as well and I agreed. We’re a fairly tight-knit family and so they moved up here, too.

We didn’t want to do anything on a grand scale, something smaller and more intimate. We wanted to meet a lot of people.”

In 2013, the Norton family began planting Italian varietal grapes on their historic farm.

They sourced fruit from other budding wine regions in Arizona like Willcox, while their own vines reached maturity. The vintages are made in Camp Verde.

They produced only 25 to 77 cases of its crisp 2015 Malvasia Bianca (fermented in stainless steel), rich 2016 Malvasia Bianca (aged in oak barrels), bright 2015 Sangiovese, complex Uno (a red blend of Tempranillo and Syrah),

and dry Graciano.

Primitivo, Montepulciano and Aglianico vines are planted in a former pasture where the soils are fertile and winter temperatures cold. Malvasia Bianca, Sangiovese and Barbera vines are planted on the hillside where the soils are well-drained and the summer temperatures are warm.

“Guests have liked the wine, but more than the wine, they just liked the idea,” Kevin says. “They think it’s neat that someone wanted to do something small and personable.

“They can just come in, sit down and chat with us. They’re really interested in our story, too. It’s nice to meet those people and learn from them.”

Visitors have asked the Nortons to carry local products in their tasting room, which features an entry room, kitchen with full refrigerator, and a living room.

“I’d like to be able to sell other products like cheese,” Kevin says.

“It’s fascinating to learn about these different things that would fit well with what we’re doing.”

The labels on the bottles stick

with the family theme. They feature artwork by Chip and Kevin’s artistic mother, Mary Joyce Norton. The Nortons are proud of sharing their family business.

“Kevin and his wife, and my wife and I are the people who are here pouring the wine and chatting with the guests,” Chip says. “We wanted to keep that family feeling throughout.”

The Nortons say they feel Salt Mine Wine also adheres to Camp Verde’s vision.

“You can go next door and buy pecans and fruit or go down the road and pick your own tomatoes and vegetables,” Chip says. “That’s how it works here.

That’s why we really liked this place.

You can buy eggs near here, too. You can probably even grab a chicken.”

Salt Mine Wine 536 Salt Mine Road, Camp Verde, 928.910.2075, saltminewine.com, facebook. com/saltminewine/, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and holidays.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE ARTIST

29

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

Heather Copfer >> The Entertainer!

T

his fall arts season presents wide ranges of artistic talent throughout the Valley of the Sun. Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth makes her Tucson Symphony Orchestra debut, while Penn and Teller appear at the Mesa Arts Center this coming October.

Lineups continue to grow and build but listed here is a sneak peek of what art-loving audiences can look forward to starting this month.

ARIZONA BROADWAY THEATRE ABT approaches its 14th season with numerous mainstage shows, a concert series and its new Encore Series. The theater provides a full dining experience prior to each show with select ticket purchases. Performances take place at 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. For tickets, call 623.776.8400 or visit the website at azbroadway.org. Shows at various times, unless otherwise noted.

2018 FALL ARTS

PREVIEW Performances abound at Valley theaters

A Glenn Miller Christmas 5:30 p.m. December 3 Charlie Brown Christmas 10 a.m. December 8, December 15, December 22 In the Christmas Mood 5:30 p.m. December 17 New Year’s Eve w/December ’63: A Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons 7:30 p.m. December 31

ARIZONA MUSICFEST The Arizona Musicfest fall season features talented artists like Grammy Award-winner Wynonna Judd, and those who pay tribute to such musicians.

To kick off the 28th season, Kenny Metcalf and Patrick Farrell will perform a Billy Joel and Elton John tribute concert in November. For more information, call 480.422.8449 or visit azmusicfest.org. All shows at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

The Everly Brothers Experience 5:30 p.m. September 10 Forbidden Broadway Various times September 20 to September 23

Billy Joel 2 Elton John: A Tribute Concert November 2 Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale

Calendar Girl: A Tribute to Neil Sedaka 5:30 p.m. September 24

The Bronx Wanderers November 8 Highlands Church

Late Night Catechism Various times September 25 to September 30

Anderson & Roe Piano Duo November 13 Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus – Live!

Various times September 27 to September 30

Wynonna & The Big Noise November 17 Highlands Church

Girl’s Night Out Various times October 4 to October 7

Young Musicians Fall Concert 2 p.m. November 18 Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

Titanic the Musical Various times October 12 to November 10 Cash & Lewis: A Tribute to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis 5:30 p.m. October 15

The Ten Tenors: Home for the Holidays December 3 Highlands Church

Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience!

5:30 p.m. October 29 Paperback Writer: A Tribute to the Beatles 5:30 p.m. November 5

Miracle on 34th Street Various times November 23 to December 29

ARIZONA MUSIC FEST: WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE

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

ARIZONA OPERA Founded in 1971, the Arizona Opera has produced fully staged operas and concerts throughout Arizona. The opera is among a handful of U.S. companies that regularly perform in more than one city. Season performances take place at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, and Tucson Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue. For tickets, visit its website at azopera.org.

Maria De Buenos Aires 7:30 p.m. September 28 and September 29; 2 p.m. September 30 Phoenix Herberger Theater Center 7:30 p.m. October 6; 2 p.m. October 7 Tucson Temple of Music and Art Charlie Parker’s Yardbird 7:30 p.m. November 9 and November 10; 2 p.m. November 11 Phoenix Herberger Theater 7:30 p.m. November 17; 2 p.m.

November 18 Tucson Temple of Music and Art

ARIZONA THEATRE COMPANY Arizona Theatre Company displays homegrown productions ranging from musicals to new works to contemporary plays. The ATC has the largest seasonal subscriber base in the state’s performing arts scene and is the only resident U.S. company based in two cities - Phoenix and Tucson.

Tucson performances stage at the Temple of Music and Art, 330 S. Scott Avenue, 520.622.2823. Phoenix shows are held at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, 602.256.6995. For more information, visit arizonatheatre.org.

Dear Evan Hansen November 27 to December 2 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas December 27

BALLET ARIZONA Arizona’s nationally recognized ballet kicks off its fall season this month at Orpheum Theatre showcasing works

by Ib Andersen, Justin Peck and more.

Season tickets are on sale. For more information, visit balletaz.org. All shows are at various times.

New Moves September 27 to September 30 Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix The Sleeping Beauty October 25 to October 28 Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix The Nutcracker December 13 to December 24 Symphony Hall

BLK BOX PHX BLK BOX PHX presents its first season this October. All shows are held at Phoenix Theatre’s Judith Hardes Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. For tickets, visit blkboxphx.com or call the box office at 602.734.5734. All shows are at various times.

Something Wicked This Way Comes October 31 to November 11 S#!tfaced Shakespeare November 30 to December 31

BLACK THEATRE TROUPE As the nation’s longest continually running African-American theater company, the Black Theatre Troupe opens its season in September with its production of The Wiz. Productions are held at the Tempe Center for the Arts and the Helen K Mason Performing Arts Center. For ticket inquiries, call 602.258.8129 or visit blacktheatretroupe.org. All shows have various times.

$6 per ticket. Chandler Center has also developed a new membership program in which donors to the center receive a wide array of benefits.

Tickets, memberships and show details are available through the center’s box office at 480.782.2680 and at chandlercenter.org.

The Chandler Center for the Arts is located at 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler. All shows at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

The Wiz September 28 to October 14 Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

Illusionist Mike Super 7 p.m. September 22

Single Black Female October 26 to November 11 Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington, Phoenix

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

September 29

Black Nativity November 30 to December 16 Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS Chandler Center for the Arts kicks off its 29th season with America’s Got Talent star and winner of NBC’s Phenomenon, magician Mike Super, on September 22.

New this season is Chandler Center for the Arts’ “Pick 5” shows package where patrons can create their own season package by selecting five or more shows from the season and save

Native Gardens Various times October 4 to October 21 Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End Various times November 15 December 2

ASU GAMMAGE ASU Gammage brings the best of Broadway as well as an array of artists from around the world. This season will introduce a waitress and Evan Hansen to Phoenix audiences. Shows are staged at ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe. For more information, call 480.965.3434 or 480.965.5062, or visit asugammage.com.

All shows start at various times.

Ronald K. Brown Evidence September 29 Waitress October 2 to October 7 Barber Shop Chronicles October 13 Anda Union October 27 On Your Feet!

November 6 to November 11 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS: TRAVIS TRITT

Macy Gray 7 p.m. September 23

Get the Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin October 4 Mariachi Folklorico Festival 7 p.m. October 6 Boney James October 11 Don Felder 7 p.m. October 14 Lucia Micarelli October 20 Run Boy Run October 27 Travis Tritt November 2

Mike Super

Macy Gray

Magic and Illusion

The 2018 Ruby Tour

Sep 22 · 7:00 p.m.

Sep 23 · 7:00 p.m.

Winner of NBC’s Phenomenon!

Grammy® Award Winner

Voted “Best New Family Show!”

Boney James

Get The Led Out

Don Felder

Oct 11 · 7:30 p.m.

Oct 4 · 7:30 p.m.

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater Sep 29 · 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Formerly of the Eagles Oct 14 · 7:00 p.m.

Four-time GRAMMY® Nominee

The American Led Zepplin

Legendary Guitarist “Hotel California”

Tickets on sale at

ChandlerCenter.org I n t h e H e a r t o f D ow n t ow n C h a n d l e r

480.782.2680

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

GREASEPAINT Greasepaint Youtheater provides compelling theater performances showcased by child-centered programming. The season continues next month with Footloose. Shows are held at the Stagebrush Theater, 7020 E. Second Street, Scottsdale. For tickets, call 480.330.5918 or visit its website at greasepaint.org. all shows are various times.

MESA ARTS CENTER: OK GO: THE LIVE VIDEO TOUR

Lea DeLaria November 9

Boeing Boeing August 24 to October 7

Sons of Serendip December 14

Young Frankenstein October 5 to November 4 Mainstage

Raul Midón November 17 Drumline Live Holiday Spectacular December 21 Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus Various times December 26 to January 6

DESERT STAGES THEATRE Established in 1995, Desert Stages Theatre has grown to showcase more than 250 performances a year with a various mix of youth and adult productions. The fall season kicks off at its new location in Scottsdale Fashion Square.

All performances take place on the Actors Cafe stage with the exception of Young Frankenstein which takes place on the mainstage The theater is located at 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 586, Scottsdale. Visit desertstages.org for more information. All shows have various times.

Bye Bye Birdie Through September 16 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

A Butterfly’s Day October 13 to October 28 The Bad Seed October 19 to November 18 Mary Poppins Jr. November 16 to December 23 A Christmas Story: The Play November 30 to December 23

Rodney Crowell November 14 Awadagin Pratt November 15 Snap Judgment 8 p.m. November 16

School of Rock October 26 to November 4

Celtic Thunder X Tour November 20

Aladdin Jr. December 7 to December 16

A Magical Cirque Christmas November 25

MESA ARTS CENTER This season, Mesa Arts Center has a diverse and fun line-up of events from the National Geographic Live speaker series to the Emmy-winning duo Penn and Teller. Performances are held at the Mesa Arts Center’s venues, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa. Tickets are available at the box office at 480.644.6500 or online at mesaartscenter.com. All shows at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Emerson String Quartet November 28

Peter Frampton September 4

OK Go: The Live Video Tour 8 p.m. December 14

Australian Pink Floyd September 19

Dave Koz & Friends Christmas 2018 8 p.m. December 15

Gabriel Royal September 21

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 December 18

Luma: Art in Darkness 2 p.m. September 23 John Oates and The Good Road Band September 26

Trey Anastasio December 3 Puddles Pity Party December 7 Holiday Pops December 9 Handel’s Messiah December 13

Jason Mraz and Toca Rivera Live in Stereo December 21

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Spaces, featuring Lil Buck and Jared Grimes October 4

Straight No Chaser December 27

Penn and Teller 8 p.m. October 5

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) is hosting more than 50 diverse artists from around the world this fall season. The shows are held at the MIM’s 300-seat, acoustically noteworthy venue at 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix.

For more information and ticket purchases, call 480.471.8690 or visit MIM.org.

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure Various times October 11 to October 13 Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández 8 p.m. October 13 I’m With Her October 14 Ikeda Theater

Beau Jest Through September 29

Callas in Concert The Hologram Tour 8 p.m. October 20

It’s a Wonderful Life November 16 to December 30

National Geographic Live Dan Buettner And David Mclain: The Search for Longevity November 14

Footloose September 14 to September 23

DON BLUTH FRONT ROW THEATRE Don Bluth Front Row Theatre has three shows this fall, starting with Beau Jest. Shows are staged at 8670 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 103, Scottsdale.

For tickets, call 480.314.0841 or visit donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com. All shows have various times.

The 1940s Radio Hour October 11 to November 24

Whose Live Anyway?

8 p.m. November 2

Serial Killers Live on Stage October 14 National Geographic Live Ami Vitale: Rhinos, Rickshaws, And Revolutions October 17

ASU Symphony Orchestra Music & Film: Frankenstein 3 p.m. October 21

Home Free 8 p.m. December 31

The Dawg Trio Featuring David Grisman, Danny Barnes and Sam Grisman 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. September 1 Stephen Stills and Judy Collins, with Kenny White 7 p.m. September 11 and September 12 Red Molly 7:30 p.m. September 14 Juana Molina 7:30 p.m. September 15

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

Carbon Leaf 7 p.m. September 17

The Lone Bellow 7 p.m. October 1 and October 2

Nobuntu 7 p.m. October 22

Mwenso and the Shakes 7 p.m. September 18

Cyrus Chestnut Trio with Buster Williams and Lenny White 7 p.m. October 3

Jesse Colin Young 7 p.m. October 23

Tower of Power 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. September 19 and September 20

Front Country 7:30 p.m. October 4

Keola Beamer and Jeff Peterson with Moanalani Beamer 7 p.m. October 24

Margaret Glaspy 7:30 p.m. September 21

Fatoumata Diawara 7:30 p.m. October 5

The Steel Wheels 7:30 p.m. October 25

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino 7:30 p.m. September 22

The California Guitar Trio and the Montreal Guitar Trio 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. October 6

Peter Asher and Jeremy Clyde 7:30 p.m. October 26; 8 p.m.

October 28

Led Kaapana and Mike Kaawa 7 p.m. October 7

DHOAD Gypsies of Rajasthan 7:30 p.m. October 27

Michael Miles-From Senegal to Seeger 7:30 p.m. October 13

MusicaNova Orchestra: An Armistice without A Peace 3 p.m. October 28

Paris Chansons 7 p.m. October 14

Karrin Allyson 7 p.m. October 30

Billy Strings 7:30 p.m. October 19

Kathy Mattea 7 p.m. October 31 and November 1

John Scofield’s Combo 66 featuring Gerald Clayton, Vicente Archer and Bill Stewart 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. October 20

Compania Flamenca Eduardo Guerrero 7:30 p.m. November 2

Robben Ford 7 p.m. September 23 Loudon Wainwright III 7 p.m. September 24 Bobby McFerrin: Circlesongs 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. September 25 and September 26 Harold López-Nussa 7:30 p.m. September 27 Kandace Springs 7:30 p.m. September 28 Carmela y Más Presents “Salsariachi” 7:30 p.m. September 29 Marc Broussard 7 p.m. September 30

Skerryvore 7 p.m. October 21

Donna the Buffalo 7 p.m. November 4

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Late Night with Leonard Bernstein: A Multimedia Cabaret with Jamie Bernstein 7 p.m. November 13 StringShot 7:30 p.m. November 17 MIM and Arizona Musicfest Present the Young Musicians Fall Concert 2 p.m. November 18 Jane Monheit 7 p.m. November 25 A Special Holiday Concert with Gypsy Soul 7:30 p.m. December 1 Mike Stern 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. December 6 Over the Rhine 7:30 p.m. December 8 Hawktail 7 p.m. December 9 The Steve Gadd Band 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. December 13 and 14 Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice featuring Will Ackerman, Barbara Higbie and Alex De Grassi with special guest Todd Boston 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. December 15 Irish Christmas in America 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. December 16; 7 p.m. December 17 The Manhattan Transfer 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. December 21 and 22 Jim Brickman 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. December 29 and 30; 7 p.m. December 31

MUSICANOVA ORCHESTRA MusicaNova is a professional symphony orchestra formed in 2003. This year, the symphony performs music from a MusicaNova Composition Fellow at each show.

Its concert season kicks off at 2 p.m.

October 28 with 1918: An Armistice Without a Peace at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, and tickets are available at musicanovaaz.com. For more details, call 480.750.9466.

NORTH VALLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA North Valley Symphony Orchestra is set on bringing a spectacular concert experience at an affordable price. To kick off its seventh season, the NVSO’s October performance features eerie musical selections inspired by movies such as Psycho, Night at Bald Mountain and Sorcerer’s Apprentice.

For tickets, visit northvalleysymphony. org or call 623.980.4628.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM: OVER THE RHINE

Fall Fright Night 7 p.m. October 20 North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

Fun Home October 10 to December 2 Elf: The Musical November 14 to December 30

PROMUSICA ARIZONA AND ORCHESTRA PMAZ was founded 16 years ago and has since performed more than 150 times in front of over 125,000 people. Supported by the Arizona Commission of the Arts, the nonprofit has two performances this fall. For more information, visit pmaz.org or call 623.326.5172.

Broadway, Beatles and Blues 7:30 p.m. November 3 Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 39808 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem 3 p.m. November 4 American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City

PROMUSICA ARIZONA AND ORCHESTRA

Winter Wonderland December 15 Location TBA

PHOENIX CHORALE This 28-voice chorus has been called one of North America’s finest choral ensembles with eight Grammy nominations and two Grammy wins.

The PC kicks off its 60th season with Desert and Rivers, a concert led by guest director Jenny Wong and inspired

by Arizona’s vast desert. For more information, visit phoenixchorale.org or call 602.253.2224 for tickets.

Desert and Rivers 7:30 p.m. September 28 The Church of the Epiphany, 2222 S. Price Road, Tempe 7:30 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix 3 p.m. September 30 Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley Mid-Century Modern 7:30 p.m. October 26 American Lutheran Church, 17200 Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City 7:30 p.m. October 27 Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 3 p.m. October 28 Camelback Bible Church A Chorale Christmas 7:30 p.m. December 14 American Lutheran Church 7:30 p.m. December 15 Trinity Episcopal Church 3 p.m. December 16 La Casa de Cristo, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale 7:30 p.m. December 17 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Camelback Bible Church 7:30 p.m. December 18 Brophy Chapel, 4701 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix

PHOENIX SYMPHONY Each season, the Phoenix Symphony offers a variety of classics and pops concerts in downtown Phoenix and throughout the state. For more information, visit phoenixsymphony.org or call 602.495.1999.

Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 7:30 p.m. September 14 and September 15; 2 p.m. September 16 Sinatra and Friends 7:30 p.m. September 21 and September 22; 2 p.m. September 23 Mozart, Strauss and Tchaikovsky 7:30 p.m. September 28 and September 29 Titanic Scores: The Music of James Horner 7:30 p.m. October 5 and October 6; 2 p.m. October 7 Tchaikovsky’s Fourth and Rachel Barton Pine 7:30 p.m. October 12 and October 13; 2 p.m. October 14 Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas ™ Various times, October 19 to October 21 Hotel California: Music of the Eagles 7:30 p.m. October 27 Elgar’s Enigma Variations 7:30 p.m. November 2 and November 3 The Second City Guide to the Symphony

7:30 p.m. November 9 and November 10; 2 p.m. November 11 Dvorák’s New World Symphony, No. 9 7:30 p.m. November 16 and November 17; 2 p.m. November 18 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert Various times, November 23 to November 25 Holiday Pops Various times, November 30 to December 2 Cirque Holiday Spectacular 7:30 p.m. December 7 and December 8; 2 p.m. December 8 and December 9 Handel’s Messiah Various times, December 12 to December 16 Symphony & Chill: The Music of the Flat Screen 7:30 p.m. December 28 and December 29; 2 p.m. December 30 New Year’s Eve Celebration 7 p.m. December 31

PHOENIX THEATRE Every year, Phoenix Theatre showcases nearly 500 performances on multiple stages. PT is celebrating its 98th season with shows from Avenue Q to the infamous West Side Story. The theater is located at 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. For tickets, visit phoenixtheatre.com. all shows have various times.

Avenue Q Through September 29 West Side Story September 5 to October 14

It’s Christmas!

7:30 p.m. December 7 American Lutheran Church 4 p.m. December 8 Cross of Christ Lutheran Church 4 p.m. December 9 All Saints Lutheran Church, 15649 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix

SCOTTSDALE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts features a series of dance, music, theater and comedy this fall. Artists include members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady to Grammy Award winners like Graham Nash. Performances take place at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale. For more information, call 480.499.8587 or visit scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra 8 p.m. September 7 Pat Roberts and the Heymakers 8:30 p.m. September 7 Hot Tuna 7:30 p.m. September 8 Ryanhood 8 p.m. September 14 AJ Odneal 8:30 p.m. September 14 Vinyl Station 8 p.m. September 21 The Gaines Brothers 8:30 p.m. September 21 Marmalade Skies, A Musical Tribute to the Beatles 8 p.m. September 28 Moonlight Magic 8:30 p.m. September 28 Al Di Meola w/ Jordan Rudess 7:30 p.m. September 30

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

The Fats Waller Musical Show Various times October 11 to October 27 David Bromberg Quintet with special guest John McEuen of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band 7:30 p.m. October 12 Mandy Harvey with special guest Lelea 7:30 p.m. October 13 Graham Nash 7:30 p.m. October 15 Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A TwoWoman Show 8 p.m. October 27 Yekwon Sunwoo 3 p.m. October 28 Martha Graham Dance Company 8 p.m. November 10 David Finckel and Wu Han 3 p.m. November 11 Jessie Mueller 8 p.m. November 17 Big Band Night 7:30 p.m. November 19 The Capitol Steps 8 p.m. November 23; 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. November 24 Matthew Morrison December 1 Sister’s Christmas Catechism Various times, December 7 to December 16 Dianne Reeves 8 p.m. December 8 Scottsdale Philharmonic 4 p.m. December 9 Alan Cumming 7:30 p.m. December 10 Sutton Foster 8 p.m. December 14

A Merry-Achi Christmas 7 p.m. December 15 Rob Kapilow 3 p.m. December 16

SCOTTSDALE MUSICAL THEATER In its eighth year, SMT presents large-scale productions of well-known Broadway musicals along with a full live orchestra at each show.

This Christmas, SMT celebrates with the Broadway musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, A Christmas Carol. Charles Shaughnessy is set to play Ebenezer Scrooge. Shows run at various times from December 6 to December 23 at Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe.

To purchase tickets, visit scottsdalemusicaltheater.com SONORAN DESERT CHORALE The Sonoran Desert Chorale celebrates its 25th season with musical performances ranging from the ancient folk music of Mongolia to modern compositions like “Prelude to Glory” by Russell Wilson. Under the leadership of founder, Jeff Harris, the chorale kicks off its season this October. For more information, visit sonorandesertchorale. org or call 480.305.4538.

Audience Choice - Encore!

7:30 p.m. October 6 First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Avenue, Mesa 3 p.m. October 7 La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale Sing We Now of Christmas 7:30 p.m. December 8 First United Methodist Church 3 p.m. December 9 La Casa De Cristo Lutheran Church

TUCSON SYMPHONY: KRISTIN CHENOWETH

SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE COMPANY With a show filled with pirates, evil queens and shipwrecks, Southwest Shakespeare Company begins its 25th season with the show Pericles. This season, titled Better Strangers!, explores stories of humanity, love and laughter while searching for the answer to the question, “How can we be better to one another?”

Performances take place at the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St, Mesa, and Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale. Visit swshakespeare.org for more details.

Pericles, The Prince of Tyre Various times, October 26 to November 10 Mesa Arts Center Frankenstein Various times, October 26 to November 10 Mesa Arts Center Julius Caesar 7:30 p.m. November 16 and December 14 Taliesin West The Holiday Show 7:30 p.m. November 30 and December 1 6 p.m. December 2 Taliesin West

TEMPE CENTER FOR THE ARTS TCA’s fall season features Grammy Award-winning musicians, TV legends and an array of theater and musical performances. This year the theater partnered with resident art companies like Scottsdale Musical Theater Company and The Bridge Initiative: Women in Theatre. The venue is located at 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe.

For tickets, call 480.350.2822 or visit tempecenterforthearts.com Annie Moses Band 7:30 p.m. September 22 THE SONORAN DESERT CHORALE.

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Ensemble Mik Nawooj (EMN)

7:30 p.m. October 20 Changüí Majadero 7:30 p.m. October 27 Dinner at Five 7:30 p.m. November 3 Dailey & Vincent 7:30 p.m. November 17 A Christmas Carol Various times, December 6 to December 23 The Revolutionists Various times, December 7 to December 15

THEATRE ARTISTS STUDIO Theatre Artists Studio’s fall season is underway with performances of Neil Simon’s Rose and Walsh at 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale. For tickets, call 602.765.0120 or visit thestudiophx.org. All shows are at various times.

Rose and Walsh Through September 2 Rabbit Hole September 28 to October 21 Inherit the Wind November 16 to December 9 We Would Like to Propose a Toast December 15 and December 16

TUCSON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tickets for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra are on sale. See stars like Emmy and Tony award winner Kristin Chenoweth and Jose Luis Gomez make their TSO debuts.

This Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Star Wars: A New Hope projects onto the big screen accompanied by the Tucson Symphony performing John Williams’ score. Former music director Bob Bernhardt returns to conduct a program celebrating the history of film music in part of the SuperPops! series.

For tickets, visit tucsonsymphony.org or call 520.882.8585.

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THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this month?

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

Ask our experts!

Joseph

Christopher Robin

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again Like its 2008 predecessor, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again plasters a smile across your face from its first musical number (“When I Kissed the Teacher”) and leaves you feeling happy and upbeat long after leaving the theater.

The prequel/sequel (or extended encore, if you prefer) is not only joyous but also an emotionally resonant experience, extracting a dynamic mix of laughter and tears from moviegoers. ABBA’s “Waterloo,” “Andante Andante” and “Angel Eyes” are among the best of the new musical numbers, but the “Super Trouper” curtain call steals the show and seals the deal for this being one of the year’s best entertainment events.

Eighth Grade

The studio has been fighting Eighth Grade’s R rating, saying that it prevents the target audience from seeing such an important film. While it’s hardly “required” viewing, director Bo Burnham’s story of a young girl dealing with middle school and the trials and tribulations of such an awkward period in our development is relatable not only to the current generation of teens, but anyone who has already lived through that period of their life. Elsie Fisher should be recognized come award season for her real, raw and natural performance as Kayla.

M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

BlacKkKlansman John David Washington (son of Denzel) plays Ron Stallworth, an African-American undercover police detective in Colorado Springs, Colorado, who, in the late ’70s, made contact with the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. For obvious reasons, he needed to recruit a white detective (Adam Driver) to assume his identity when the time came for Stallworth to meet his new acquaintances face to face. Spike Lee’s retelling (with some embellishments) of this true story is rich in period detail and strong acting, including a subtle turn by Topher Grace as the young David Duke. It’s funny, sad and all too relevant.

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS

Randy

M.V.

B

B

The Darkest Minds

D

C

Dog Days

B

B

Eighth Grade Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

A

The Meg

B

Mission: Impossible - Fallout The Spy Who Dumped Me

A

A

C

B C

B C

Teen Titans Go! to the Movies Unfriended: Dark Web

RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a film critic, producer and onair personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen, who is as opinionated about movies as he is.

Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

The Report Card

B B

C

B

B

C

FILM FACTS SOUNDBITE SPOTLIGHT

The Happytime Murders is the first theatrical film Brian Henson – son of Muppets creator Jim Henson – has directed since 1996’s Muppet Treasure Island. The film’s tagline (“No sesame. All street.”) came under fire when Sesame Workshop sued the movie’s producers, claiming the tagline tarnished classic children’s show Sesame Street’s reputation. However, a judge struck down the lawsuit.

RANDY MONTGOMERY is a Los Angeles-based film critic who lived in, and still loves, Arizona. Living within walking distance of multiple major studios is a dream come true for this long-time movie buff. While not sitting in the dark and munching on popcorn with extra butter, you can find him riding roller coasters and enjoying the arts. Email him at randymwriter@yahoo.com.

“I’ve always loved the films of Jimmy Stewart, and I could imagine Jimmy Stewart playing this role back in the day. I was quite charmed by the script and loved that they made Christopher Robin a man my age and that Winnie the Pooh comes back to him at a difficult time in his life. Reading the script made me feel like this might be my Jimmy Stewart sort of role.”

- Ewan McGregor,

Christopher Robin

M.V. MOORHEAD has won five first-place Arizona Press Club awards for criticism. His reviews and other writings appear in Wrangler News (wranglernews. com), Phoenix Magazine and on his own blog, Less Hat, Moorhead (mvmoorhead.blogspot. com). A native of Pennsylvania, he lives in Phoenix with his wife, kid and three Chihuahuas with five eyeballs between them. Email him at mvmoorhead@cox.net.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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COMING

ATTRACTIONS

Peppermint

The Predator

A Simple Favor

Assassination Nation

Life Itself

The House with a Clock in Its Walls

Hell Fest

Smallfoot

Jennifer Garner plays a mother who awakens from a coma after her husband and daughter are killed in a brutal attack. When the system frustratingly shields the murderers from justice, she methodically delivers her personal brand of justice. Opens September 7.

As a young New York couple goes from college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, the unexpected twists of their journey create reverberations that echo over continents and through lifetimes.

Stars include Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening and Olivia Cooke. Opens September 21.

Having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species, the universe’s most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race. Opens September 14.

Owen Vaccaro plays a boy who goes to live with his uncle (Jack Black) in a creaky old house with a mysterious tick-tocking heart. But his new town’s sleepy façade jolts to life with a secret world of warlocks and witches when he accidentally awakens the dead. Cate Blanchett also stars. Opens September 21.

Anna Kendrick plays a mommy blogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind the sudden disappearance of her best friend (Blake Lively) from their small town.

Joined by her friend’s husband (Henry Golding), she uncovers secrets about love and loyalty and uncovers a tale of murder and revenge. Opens September 14.

Amy Forsythe, Bex Taylor-Klaus and Reign Edwards play college students who visit a horrorthemed amusement park only to be terrorized by a masked serial killer who has turned the sprawling labyrinth of rides, games and mazes into his own personal hunting ground. Opens September 28.

Odessa Young plays a high school senior who lives in a haze of texts, posts, selfies and chats – just like the rest of the world. When an anonymous hacker starts posting details from the private lives of everyone in her small town, the result is absolute madness leaving she and her friends questioning whether they’ll live through the night. Opens September 21.

Channing Tatum voices bright young Yeti whose encounter with a human throws the community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village. Other voice talents include James Corden, Zendaya, Common, LeBron James, Gina Rodriguez and Danny DeVito. Opens September 28.

Email film writer Joseph J. Airdo at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

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THE DINER

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

SEPTEMBER FOOD EVENTS Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

National Cheese Pizza Day at Fired Pie

SEPTEMBER 5 Did you know that Americans eat approximately 350 slices of pizza per second? It’s bound to be more during National Cheese Pizza Day on September 5 at Fired Pie, which is offering a 50-percent discount on plain pizzas with a purchase of any drink.

Locations throughout the Valley, firedpie.com.

Date Nights at Ocean Prime

THURSDAYS IN SEPTEMBER Enjoy Ocean Prime’s new summer date night menu, which includes a shared appetizer, entree and dessert to devour with your significant other.

Try out the Sonoma goat cheese ravioli with golden oak mushrooms, and New York-style cheesecake with graham cracker crust.

Ocean Prime, 5455 E. High Street, Phoenix, 480.347.1313, ocean-prime.com, 5 p.m., $95.

Mesa Food Truck Friday

SEPTEMBER 7 Meander among the food trucks in Las Sendas’ Boulder Mountain Parke the first Friday of each month.

Boulder Mountain Parke at Las Sendas, 3250 N. Red Mountain, Mesa, facebook. com/mesafoodiefridays, 5 to 9 p.m., free admission, food prices may vary.

iBeats and Brunch

SEPTEMBER 8 Want to listen to good music while enjoying one of the best meals of

the week? This foodie event gives you the best of both worlds! Enjoy brunch favorites from around the Valley while exploring the colorful and interactive art pieces around monOrchid. Mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar keep the party going. monOrchid, 214 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602.910.5167, eventbrite. com, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10.

save room for churros, elote, palettas and Mexican candies.

Oh yeah, there are tacos, too.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 602.276.2499, rockintacoaz. com, noon to 9 p.m., $10-$100.

Food Truck Frenzy at AZ International Marketplace

Date Night: Cooking with Wine SEPTEMBER 8 Have you and your partner always wanted to cook with wine but didn’t know how or where to start? Start at Sur la Table in Scottsdale Fashion Square. Learn how to incorporate vino in pasta and poultry.

Sur la Table, Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014-590 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.568.5568, surlatable.com, 7 to 9 p.m., $85.

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest

SEPTEMBER 15 Get ready for the seventh annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest with food, music, wrestling, a lowrider show and a margarita hut. Also,

money raised in this 21st event is distributed to local food banks.

Prescott Courthouse Plaza, 120 S. Cortez Street, Prescott, 928.765.5103, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $15.

Empty Bowls Event of Prescott

SEPTEMBER 16 Guests pick a ceramic or wooden bowl created by local artists to sample any two of 14 soups prepared by Prescott chefs.

Water and bread included. The

Fall Arizona Restaurant Week

SEPTEMBER 21 TO SEPTEMBER 30

Throughout the week, stop by any of the 200 restaurants that are participating in Arizona Restaurant Week. The restaurants will offer a three-course, prixfixe menu for just $33 or $44 a person, not including beverages, tax and gratuity. This gives people the chance to go outside of their comfort zone and try and experience new restaurants.

Locations throughout the Valley, 602.307.9134, arizonarestaurantweek.com, $33-$44.

SEPTEMBER 22 Celebrate the Moon Festival 2018 with the Food Truck Frenzy.

Giveaways, face painting, bounce houses and many activities are happening throughout the evening.

Enjoy the $5 samplers from more than 20 food trucks. Also have fun making lanterns, watching a watermelon-eating contest and other live entertainment.

AZ International Marketplace, 1920 W. Broadway Road, Mesa, 602.633.6296, azinternationalmarketplace. com, 6 to 10 p.m., free.

Chile Pepper Festival

SEPTEMBER 29 Hosted by Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation, the Chile Festival brings local restaurateurs and chefs in Phoenix together to serve chile cuisine and recipes. Watch cooking demos, salsa dancing and how chiles are roasted.

Downtown Phoenix, 128 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602.829.5259, rooseveltrow. org, 5 to 11 p.m., $10.

SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest

SEPTEMBER 29 Join SanTan Brewing Company in the 11th annual Oktoberfest.

Celebrate this event with polka music, brat-eating contest, steinholding competition, and tricycle and wiener dog races while drinking brews. Grab a stein, sit back and watch Arizona legends Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers rock downtown Chandler.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing. com, 3 to 11 p.m., $10- $15.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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Happy Hour Guide Brat Haus

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this Euro-inspired eatery and beer garden just launched its happy hour program from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Food and drink specials include $1 off all draft beers, $5 glasses of wine, $7 Haus cocktails, $4 fried pickles, $6 brat burgers, $15 giant pretzels, and a free brat for dogs. For late-night visitors, reverse happy hour is 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, when there is $2 off all draft beers, $5 glasses of wine, and $5 well drinks. As a new twist on “Sunday Funday,” guests can enjoy Stein Sundays with bottomless steins and mimosas for $20 from noon to 3 p.m.

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.4006, brauthausaz.com.

Buck & Rider

Happy hour is through 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, when patrons can enjoy $6 signature cocktails, house pours and featured glasses of wine and draft beer. Reverse happy hour is from 9:30 p.m. to close Thursday to Saturday.

4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.346.0110, buckandrider.com.

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers lives up to its name, but offers more than that. Check out the menu and see. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and includes domestic pints for $3, domestic alum bottles and Four Peaks pints for $4, and premium wells and house wines at $5.

Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.

Copper Blues

At Copper Blues, headliners don’t just occupy the stage, they surround it in the form of tap handles and inviting service.

Happy hour is offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday.

50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.5005, copperblueslive.com.

Craft 64

Craft 64 specializes in local craft beer and artisan woodfired pizza. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily, when there is $1 off all local beers, five wines for $6, and small plates for $8.

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.946.0542, craft64.com.

CRUjiente Tacos

CRUjiente Tacos offers taco therapy with deals on globally influenced tacos and cocktails. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m.

Monday to Thursday, and the modern taqueria recently launched reverse happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Specials include $3 for the Korean fried chicken, $3 short rib tacos, $3 pork belly tacos, $7 Tex-Mex-style queso, $7 chips and salsa, $5 on any of the tacos CRUjientes (beef, pork or lamb), $5 Premier CRU margaritas, $1 off all draft and bottled beer and $2 off wine by the glass.

3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.687.7777, crutacos.com.

El Chorro

Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience with stunning views of the Valley’s most prominent landmark, Camelback Mountain.

Happy Hour is 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays.

5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 480.948.5170, elchorro.com.

EVO

EVO features recipes true to the Central and Northern regions of Italy, including risotto, alfredo, ragu and carbonara, Chef Steven Fowler strives to perfect a balance of simple yet robust flavors. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily.

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.265.9814, evoscottsdale.com.

Freezer’s Ice House

Freezer’s Ice House is the valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught.

Come see us! Happy hour is Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. $2 Tuesday’s (open to close): $2 Domestic Drafts, $2 Tacos, $2 per hour person pool time. ASU Night Thursdays (6 p.m. to close): free pool for the ladies and $2 drink specials. UFC Fight Night Saturdays: UFC pay per view is offered as scheduled with only a $5 cover charge to attend. $10 Pool Pass Sundays: Play pool all day for only $10.

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe.

“At the corner of Mill & Broadway”

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Gallagher’s Sports Grill loves sports as much as it loves food, so it brings the two together. There are dozens of TVs and inspired dishes. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 p.m. to close Friday and Saturday.

Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.

Hard Rock Café

Take a break from the heat and stroll into the musical oasis that is Hard Rock Café Phoenix. With the Flying V over the door, the Hard Rock Café features a fully loaded bar, food, memorabilia and music. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.

3 S. Second Street, Suite 117, Phoenix, 602.261.7625, hardrock.com.

Hungry Monk

Chandler’s The Hungry Monk pours 27 craft beers, with daily happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food specials run from 3 to 7 p.m.

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, hungrymonkaz.com.

Luxe Lounge

Experience UltraStar’s 21-and-older sports bar, restaurant and lounge that boasts 14 HD flat-screen TVs, four pool tables, Golden Tee Golf, soft tip darts and foosball. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, and all day Sundays. Specials include $3 well drinks, $3 house wines and $3 domestic draft beers. Appetizers are $3 to $6, including cheese crisp, fried pickles, cheese curds, spicy Cajun fries, hoagie bread, cheese pizza and garlic cheese bread.

16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 520.233.2426, ultrastarakchin.com.

Pedal Haus Brewery

Mill Avenue’s resident brewpub and beer garden, Pedal Haus Brewery offers beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

It features $2 off Pedal Haus beers and spirits, and $5 select wines while receiving $2 off all appetizers on the menu. “Sunday Funday” specials run all day and include $3 Pedal Haus beers, $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and $5 margaritas.

730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.314.2337, pedalhausbrewery.com.

Philly’s Sports Grill

Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. daily, and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday, and specials include appetizer discounts.

1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe; 1402 S. Priest Drive Tempe; 4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix, phillyssportsgrill.com.

Pig & Pickle

Pig & Pickle handcrafts cocktails, bakes its own bread, makes its own aioli and grows its own herbs. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily.

2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.990.1407, pigandpickle.com.

Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale

Rack Scottsdale offers fine spirits in a laid-back environment. Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and features half-priced appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks and bacon cheese fries, $1 off beer and $2 off cocktails. It’s more than drinks, though. Pool is half price ($5) for the table.

3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.476.1035, rackscottsdale.com.

Rehab Burger Therapy

Rehab Burger Therapy was founded on the idea that everyone deserves a break from the daily grind. Happy hour is offered from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and 11 a.m. to close Thursdays. This includes $1 off “party starters,” wines by the glass and “rapid relief.”

7210 E. Second Street, Scottsdale; 480.621.5358, rehabburgertherapy.com.

The Stockyards

In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, opened its doors with a menu focused on its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib. Happy hour is 4 tto 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, when house wine, draft beer, saloon snacks, domestic beer and well drinks are discounted. Complimentary tenderloin sliders are also offered.

5009 E. Washington Street, Suite 115, Phoenix, 602.273.7378, stockyardssteakhouse.com.

SunUp Brewing Co.

SunUp offers beer brewed on site, with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily.

322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.8909, sunup.beer.

TapHouse Kitchen

TapHouse Kitchen of Scottsdale offers a menu by Chef Patrick Karvis centered around modern American cuisine, in addition to a respectable selection of craft beers. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. Specials are plenty, with $2 off all draft beer, spirits and wine on tap, and $2 off all beer flights.

Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, 480.656.0012, taphousekitchen.com.

Tutti Santi

Tutti Santi’s menu offers Nina’s original recipes for Italian classics, from antipasti freddi to mozzarella caprese.

Happy hour is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays. The late-night specials include live music.

6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale, 480.951.3775, tuttisantiristorante.com.

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap’s extensive menu includes favorites like garlic parm fries, fried mozzarella, beer cheese soup, Cajun-spiced chicken salad, black and bleu burger, guacamole and prime rib. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 p.m. to close Sunday to Thursday. The kitchen closes at midnight Friday and Saturday at midnight, and at 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday.

9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa; 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, unclebearsbarandgrill.com.

Wasted Grain

Happy Hour is offered 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 4 to 9 p.m.

Friday.

7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.970.0500, wastedgrainscottsdale.com.

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

TACO ‘BOUT A FUN TIME

Street fest brings culture to downtown Chandler

M

etalachi’s “Master of The festival definitely boasts a love Trumpets” El Cucuy of tacos. With 21 vendors – restaurants doesn’t go for any and food trucks – covering a large ordinary taco. variety of taco styles, guests can A musician with likely find something to appease their “The World’s First and Only Heavy individual taste buds. Each vendor – Metal Mariachi Band,” which appeared from Casa Rey’s to Drive Wood Fired on season 10 of America’s Got Talent, Grill, Nando’s Mexican Café, Z’Tejas, El Cucuy has a bit of a sweet tooth, it Pokitrition and Taste of Korea – will seems. bring its own flair to the art of the taco.

“If you get some taco and you put As Pruett puts it, there will be “a pretty some churros inside with a little bit of good range of really different types of chocolate syrup and some ice cream, like tacos.” an ice cream taco, that would be great, Food will be plentiful, with other man,” he says, pauses, and then laughs. snacks set to include churros, elote, El Cucuy and his bandmates in kettle corn, snow cones, ice cream and Metalachi will headline the seventh more. But even with these options annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest in available, Pruett clarifies “tacos are downtown Chandler. obviously the main star of the show.”

“It’s crazy Affordability is because I know it’s key, so each vendor going to be pretty will have at least hot when we get one taco priced there, and I think at $2. Other food an ice cream taco items and beverages would hit the spot range from $2 to for me,” he adds $12. with a laugh.

Food isn’t just The Rockin’ Taco about appeasing Street Fest will an appetite. Brave return to the Dr. guests will use their A.J. Chandler Park EL CUCUY AND HIS BANDMATES talents to face off in IN METALACHI from noon to 9 taco-, burrito- and p.m. Saturday, September 15. elote-eating competitions, for which The Rockin’ Taco Street Fest has there are $100 cash prizes. grown from an understated 200 guests When a thirst arises, adults of age can to 10,000 taco-eating fans, according to purchase alcohol to go with their tacos, Jen Pruett, the festival’s spokeswoman. too. SanTan Brewing Company will be “The event started seven years ago present, and guests can get a little tipsy as a parking lot party at El Palacio with a variety of margaritas, Mexican restaurant in Chandler and it just kept beers and vodka cocktails throughout growing,” Pruett explains. “On year five the festival grounds. Cool, refreshing we decided to move it to the bigger space nonalcoholic beverages will include in downtown Chandler so we could just frescas, horchata and lemonade. make it a big full-sized festival because New this year is the Tequila Tavern, everyone in the southwest loves tacos, a tequila-tasting area. Entry into this right?” exclusive zone is $30 online and is for ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

guests ages 21 or older. These tickets won’t be available at the gate, and space is limited, so interested guests should jump on the opportunity early.

This limited-availability ticket grants purchasers entry into the main festival, access to an unlimited chips-and-salsa bar, and 10 half-ounce tequila samples from a variety of brands.

“For some people, that maybe floats their boat,” Pruett says. “It’s not a very large area; we’re only going to sell 100 tickets to that, so it’s just kind of more just a different experience for people.”

Throughout the day, guests will stay entertained with Lucha Libre Voz wrestling, a custom lowrider car show and dancing from Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli. To show off your own vehicle in the lowrider car show, registration is $50 per car or $25 per bike.

A kids’ zone will bring bouncers, piñatas and other games into the mix.

Aside from Metalachi’s headlining performance, other music will include the Santana tribute band Evil Waze, marking its third year at the festival.

“Besides all the delicious and good stuff to get you drunk there, we look forward to playing for the people of the Phoenix area again,” El Cucuy says. “We have a really good following there and it just feels like every time we go there, we see a lot of familiar faces and people that keep coming back to our shows. I think that’s what we look forward to the most is just how they like to party there.”

El Cucuy says people who see Metalachi live for the first time often leave with a new impression of the group, realizing it’s more than just a funny gimmick. Their unique twist on the two genres – mariachi and metal – attracts fans from both aisles, too.

They will cover anything from Journey and Bon Jovi to Slayer and Iron Maiden.

A crowd favorite, he says, is their

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

interpretation of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“The first thing I would say is it’s not what you’re going to expect; it’s better than what you’re going to expect to see,” he says. “And then, also, just basically get ready to party because that’s what we’re there for. We’re there for people to dance, to move, to feel good, to sing. It’s wonderful, and for everybody.”

Access to a VIP zone including private shaded areas, private restrooms and seating costs $100 during the online presale period. Modern Tortilla will cater the area, and patrons will be allowed six alcoholic beverages with their ticket.

Like the Tequila Tavern, these tickets won’t be available at the gate and the area is limited to patrons ages 21 or older.

To top the festival off, a portion of its proceeds will benefit the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, a nonprofit 501(c) 6 organization.

“All of the events that we do, we always have a nonprofit community partner,” Pruett explains. “For the events that we do in downtown Chandler, we always benefit the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership because that money goes right back into helping the downtown Chandler community, businesses, the park, bringing more events to downtown. We produce four or five events in downtown Chandler every year, so it’s really important for us to give back to that community where we produce our events.”

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 602.276.2499, rockintacoaz.com, noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday, September 15, tickets start at $10, children 12 and younger admitted free.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

T ‘ ITALIAN COWBOY’ REBORN

Take a virtual trip to Italy with chef Tomaso Maggiore Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

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TrendAt51.com ■ (602) 957-0051 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

omaso Maggiore is well known for his fresh approach to authentic Italian cuisine through his namesake restaurants in the Camelback Corridor and North Scottsdale.

He politely asks guests if he can briefly join them at their table at his year-old Tomaso’s When in Rome at Scottsdale and Pinnacle Peak roads to chat about his entrees and his career.

Of course, dishes are delicious like spaghetti cacio and pepe ($18), coarsely ground black pepper and served in a parmesan cup; and the mix grill ($38), filet mignon, double lamb chops and homemade sausage.

What most people don’t expect is Maggiore’s sense of humor, especially when he traces his journey to America.

“I originally came from Sicily in 1971,” he says. “We started in New York and then I came here on vacation in the middle of winter. I fell in love with the place. I should have visited in July, first.

“I’m what you call a ‘reborn Italian cowboy.’ I’ve been here so long sometimes I think I introduced spaghetti to Geronimo.”

Everything about Tomaso’s When in Rome — and Tomaso’s on Camelback, for that matter — is fresh. It’s elegant, with white linen table clothes and napkins. Large windows allow natural light to pour in. Gracious and incredibly polite servers (ask for his nephew Giovanni) and assistants cater to guests.

Artwork depicting hotspots in Italy line the walls.

Maggiore explores Italian dishes with traditional flair.

“I like to try new things,” he says.

“Ultimately, though, what works the best is the traditional Italian cuisine.”

Ask for his favorite dish and Maggiore adds a comedic twist to it.

“It’s like asking me which one of my kids I like the best,” he says with a laugh.

“I like everything.”

There are plenty of options. The rigatoni with grilled chicken and vodka sauce ($19) and linguine with clam sauce

($24) are traditional dishes. But entrees like cavatelli with filet mignon and veal Bolognese ($22) and Scottish salmone ($27) are Tomaso specialties.

Happy hour is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and offers discounts on drinks and beer, bruschetta, eggplant roulade, rigatoni Bolognese, pasta norcina, fried calamari, grilled chicken Caesar salad and Amatriciana meatballs ($7-$10).

Maggiore travels abroad annually for “culinary awareness,” at least that’s what he tells his CPA, Maggiore says for a laugh. He collects recipes when he’s abroad and renews his inspiration.

“I go for three to four weeks a year,” he says. “I go up and down Italy. I love it. I’m always learning new things. I’m always thinking, ‘What can I do to make it better?’ To me, cuisine and cooking, that is the most satisfying.”

At When in Rome, Maggiore arrives at 6 to “do my thing.” He preps the food and the sauces, creates specials and experiments with possible new dishes.

“If you love food like I do, you’re always coming up with new ideas,” he says. “For example, I’m going to do a Sicilian pesto. Unlike the basil, garlic olive oil and pine nuts in Genoa up north. Mine is tomato with blanched almonds, basil and pecorino cheese blended together. It’s awesome.”

His handiwork doesn’t end at Tomaso’s and Tomaso’s When in Rome.

His family is opening a restaurant in Tatum Ranch that will focus on country Italian cuisine, with a “great bar and beautiful patio.”

He’s taking advantage of the very reason he came to America.

“It’s the land of opportunity,” he proclaims with his arms spread. “My first stop was New York and I was very lucky to work with amazing Italian chefs. Why wouldn’t I move here?”

Tomaso’s When in Rome 23655 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 120, Scottsdale, 480.404.6085, tomasoswheninrome.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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THE CRAFTMASTER

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this September Sip & Shop Sundays

SEPTEMBER 2 Spend Sundays in September sipping on $3 mimosas, or grab an $11.95 bottle of champagne while shopping around DeSoto Central Market. Find vintage clothing or handmade crafts and, if the hunger bug bites you, check out the brunch options.

DeSoto Central Market, 915 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.680.7747, desotocentralmarket.com, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free.

Brews, Blues and BBQ

THURSDAYS IN SEPTEMBER The Arizona Blues Project provides the soundtrack to Brews, Blues and BBQ, held Thursdays at Harold’s Cave Creek. Guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue, and $1 off select pints.

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480.488.1906., haroldscorral. com, 4 to 11 p.m., $19.99.

Craft Beer Tasting with Mother Road Brewing Co.

SEPTEMBER 6 Enjoy a reception-style night with Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewing Co. at Farmboy Market, Meats and Sandwiches. Sip and celebrate three of its home-brewed beers that will be paired with hors d’oeuvres with Chef Dennis Bagnasco.

Farmboy Market, Meat and Sandwiches, 1075 W. Queen Creek Road, Suite 1, Chandler, 480.361.2153, eventbrite. com, 5 to 7 p.m., $20.

Sierra Vista Oktoberfest Paint Nite at Blasted Barley Beer Company

SEPTEMBER 11 Paint Nite hosts, well, a paint night, featuring Starry Desert Nite III, at Blasted Barley accompanied by beer. Enjoy excellent food while getting your painting on.

Blasted Barley Beer Company, 404 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.5887, paintnite. com, 7 p.m., $45.

Full Bloom at SunUp Brewing

SEPTEMBER 12 Grab your significant other for a fun date night of floral arranging at SunUp Brewing Company. Learn a few tricks and tips for floral arranging while sipping on cold brews from SunUp Brewing. At the end of the night, you’ll go home with your handmade arrangement and a taste of what SunUp Brewing has to offer. Participants enjoy 10 percent off their tab throughout the evening.

SunUp Brewing Company, 322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.8909, eventbrite. com, 6 to 9 p.m., $65.

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Born & Brewed

SEPTEMBER 15 Tucson breweries compete for the title of best beer and take home the Beer Cup. Judges and the public will make their decisions. General admission tickets include a taste of beer from each competing brewery; commemorative tasting glass; and plate of beer-paired food by Cup Café. VIPs receive the same, along with early entry, VIP glass and access to VIP lounge.

Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress Street, Tucson, 520.622.8848, hotelcongress. com, 7 to 10 p.m., $35-$75.

Ales on Rails

SEPTEMBER 18 TO OCTOBER 31 Try a selection of Arizona-brewed craft beers by the taste or glass at Ales on Rails. An optional lunch with grilled sausages, potato salad and hot pretzels served with gourmet cheeses for dipping will be available.

Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, 800.293.7245, verdecanyonrr. com, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $10-$12.

SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest

SEPTEMBER 29 Join SanTan Brewing Company for the 11th annual Oktoberfest.

Celebrate this event with polka music, brat-eating contest, steinholding competition, and tricycle and wiener dog races while drinking brews. Grab a stein, sit back and watch Arizona legends Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers rock Chandler.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing. com, 3 to 11 p.m., $10-$15.

is just one part of what we do...

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SEPTEMBER 14 Sierra Vista’s largest, two-day fall event gives beer lovers the chance to get out of the heat and relax while sipping at the Der Biergarten.

Local food vendors will be present.

Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, 520.417.6960, sierravistaaz.gov, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., free admission.

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Beer Finder Directory Where to find the best craft beer bars in town

Craft 64

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Craft 64 is proud to offer 36 local Arizona beers on tap in the heart of Scottsdale. Arizona beers only!

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

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

Papago Brewing Company

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

Boulders on Broadway

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale This new brewery is already making waves with their desert inspired brews--and names. Check out their Scotch’Dale Scottish style ale.

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

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

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Quality craft beer made right here in Scottsdale.

Happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and all small bites and starters!

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

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

Freezer’s Ice House

Main Ingredient Ale House

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

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe (At the corner of Mill & Broadway) Freezer’s Ice House is the valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Specials throughout the week including: $2 Tuesday’s, ASU Night Thursdays, UFC Fight Night Saturdays, Pool Pass Sundays.

Pig & Pickle

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

The Casual Pint Central Phoenix

House of Brews Sports Bar

4626 N. 16th Street, Unit 102, Phoenix The Casual Pint Central Phoenix is a fun spot with an upscale yet casual atmosphere. Our expert “beer-tenders” can serve up craft beer by the pint from our tap wall, but the can or by the bottle to enjoy in our store.

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

232 S. Wall Street, Chandler Located in historic Downtown Chandler, this brewery and pub not only has delicious craft brews, but is also home to a collection of beautiful, brightly colored rescue birds!

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

Brat Haus

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

1826 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix Over 20 beers on draft, 15 craft beers on tap plus more selection in cans/bottles. Happy Hour: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Daily and Reverse 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sun-Thurs (excludes UFC, Boxing, ASU events).

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

TapHouse Kitchen

Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Taphouse kitchen has 20 handles of the most sought after craft beers, mostly local brew and 2 THK selection rotating handles that change with the season and taste of what we are craving at the time.

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix Stop by to enjoy some local craft beer including Uncle Bear’s and other guest taps as well as delicious bites and a great happy hour!

INTRODUCING SAPPORO PREMIUM

BLACK

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

BEERTENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer

Heather Copfer >> The Entertainer!

W

hen Brittany McGowan landed her first serving job at Twin Peaks, she knew she found a home.

“I heard about a new up-andcoming restaurant that created a fun environment, where I could be myself and create an experience for guests,” McGowan says.

She worked there for a year, until she moved to California where she learned the bartending trade. She was schooled in mixology, domestic beers and craft beers.

With those skills in hand, McGowan returned to Arizona and worked in sports bars. When Twin Peaks announced it was opening a location near Westgate, she was hooked.

McGowan has been there two months.

“I thought it was great to go back to something I knew and loved a lot, so I started bartending at Twin Peaks.”

our Drop-Dead Redhead, an American pale ale. Not only do we have fun, flirty names to match the characteristics of our beer, but they also taste amazing! It’s creative and unique and really gets the guests interested in our signature beers.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEER CULTURE IN ARIZONA? Beer is always in season! I love that in different parts of Arizona you can walk to four to five breweries that are close to each other. The breweries are constantly learning from one another and we have expanded so much over the years.

It’s only just begun for Arizona craft breweries. Our breweries are constantly working hard to create something different and expanding their beer lists.

There is always something new to try.

TELL US ABOUT THE BEER PROGRAM AT TWIN PEAKS. Besides our three signature beers, we carry local breweries such as SanTan in Chandler, Mother Road in Flagstaff and Four Peaks in Tempe. We constantly have rotators as well, and a great selection of beer for everyone. Our beer is always served at 29 degrees and in a frozen mug. We are known for having the coldest beer in all of Arizona!

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN CRAFT BEER/ BARTENDING? I decided I wanted to educate myself in 2014 about beer and mixology and educate my guests at the bar as well. The relationships I have built working as a bartender over the years have been great.

I love creating an experience for my guests and informing them on what they might not know about different types of beer and helping them find something they love.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES CRAFT BEER SPECIAL? There are way more options. Also, craft beer tastes much better because craft brewers spend their time focusing on the quality of their beer rather than marketing campaigns and stock prices.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEERS? I love IPAs! They are my absolute favorite.

Craft brewers put their heart and soul, as well as lots of amazing ingredients, into every beer they brew and they don’t cut any corners. There’s a craft beer for different seasons and different reasons.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE BREWERIES YOU THINK ARE DOING IT RIGHT? AND WHY? Twin Peaks! We have three signature beers. Our Dirty Blonde, which is an American white ale; our Knotty Brunette, an American brown ale and

JOIN US FOR

Twin Peaks Restaurant 6922 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale, 623.233.5700.

For a list of other locations, visit twinpeaksrestaurant.com.

OKTOBERFEST

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 | 6-9PM | WIGWAM FRONT LAWN LITCHFIELD-PARK.ORG | 623-935-9040

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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48

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

YOUR LEDERHOSEN READY

GET

Grab a stein and celebrate Oktoberfest with SanTan Brewing Mckayla Hull >> The Entertainer!

A

Southwestern-styled Oktoberfest is returning to Chandler with Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, The Black Moods and 2Tone Lizard Kings in tow.

The SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest is happening from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, September 29, at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, but it’s kid-friendly from 3 to 7 p.m. A daylong children’s area will segue into a festival vibe at night as the crowds fill the park for concerts.

“We’ve heard from a lot of people that they will come earlier for a few hours, then take the kids home, get a babysitter and come back for the concerts,” says Jen Pruett, public relations and marketing director for HDE Agency, which produces the event.

The activities are original and meant to be inclusive, she says.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“We have a wiener man race where people dress up in a hot dog costume and race and actual wiener dog races, too,” Pruett says. “We have a brat-eating competition and some open play games, too.”

SanTan Brewing will be on site and vendors will sell authentic German food, pretzels, bratwursts and schnitzel.

Attendees can buy tickets at Bashas’ starting September 1 for $10, or on the Oktoberfest website for $12. Tickets are $15 at the door, and kids 12 and younger are admitted free. General admission doesn’t include food or beverage.

VIP tickets for those 21 and older only are available online for $125.

These include six alcoholic beverages, unlimited soft drinks/water, catered food, private restrooms, front stage access and private seating.

Guests are also allowed re-entry if they leave the festival.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Joseph the Worker, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the homeless, low income and other disadvantaged individuals in their endeavor to become self-sufficient through employment.

SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, santanoktoberfest.com, 3 to 11 p.m., $10-$125, free for kids 12 and younger.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

49

BEER GEAR Bierstick Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

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THE HIGHROLLER

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

B

oy George wants Culture Club fans to know he’s kinder and gentler than he was in the ’80s.

“I’ve become a much warmer human being,” Boy George says.

“In 1984, we went from tiny clubs, where we were being heckled, to stadiums in the course of a few weeks.

We had a lot of extremes to deal with back then. Nowadays, I’m more comfortable with the role I have on stage.

I enjoy it. With this age of the internet, it’s the one place you can be completely authentic and human.”

Still, Boy George loves that fans aren’t sure what to expect from Culture Club’s concerts. The band’s original lineup of Boy George, Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss performs Sunday, September 30, at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort and Sunday, October 7, at Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita.

“They never know what we’re going to do,” Boy George says. “Are we going to do a half an hour of our avant-garde pop period? Are we going to do the songs they know and love? It’s built to surprise people, to show people who we are now and how we’ve grown. I really enjoy it.”

Culture Club is touring ahead of its first album in 20 years, Life, which will be available October 26. In August, it released the single “Let Somebody Love You,” which Boy George describes as “very Culture Club – whatever that means.” Since its inception in 1981, Culture Club has sold more than 150 million records worldwide and had a steady stream of hits, including “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” “Karma Chameleon,” “Church of the Poison Mind” and “It’s A Miracle.”

The new track “Let Somebody Love You” was inspired by some of Boy George’s favorite books.

“I used a little magic realism in the lyrics,” he says. “I wrote it after reading Salman Rushdie books. The magic realism that he does really influenced the way I write.

“It’s about putting yourself into someone else’s character. I talk about how we’re attracted to people who are the worst match for us. I am fire and you are water kind of thing. It’s a love song, but it’s very complex and complicated.

It’s not something you can avoid.”

Boy George also cannot escape being labeled a “trailblazer.” When Boy George and Culture Club stepped on stage for the first time in 1982, the frontman ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BOY NO MYSTERY

Culture Club singer says he’s ‘authentic and human’ on stage Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

changed popular culture by shifting perception in music, fashion and art.

“When I was very young, I had the sense I had the right to be whoever I wanted to be,” Boy George says. “It was part of a rite of passage of being a teenager. I grew up with musicians who definitely changed the world; David Bowie and Bob Dylan in particular.

People who had something to say.

“I wanted to be like them. More than ever now, because of the internet, you do have to struggle more to be different. On today’s pop charts, everyone’s making the same records.”

Boy George adds there is a “lack of soul” in what people do.

“We have a lot of great singers and performers, but who’s really talking about who they are as people?” he asks rhetorically.

“Everything’s very stylized. I’m aware I want to be an individual. I want to say something different. I’m very conscious of that. I don’t know if that makes me a trailblazer or complicated.”

When Culture Club plays Scottsdale, the band will be joined by Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and The B-52’s.

Boy George jokingly says ticketholders will need to have a lot of stamina to withstand the hits. Seriously, he’s happy to be on stage.

“What’s great is when you walk out on stage and there is warmth,” he says. “I just find the more personable I am, the more I engage with the crowd, the more fun we have. I think that’s really important.

“I know we live in an age where we’re bombarded with special effects and big-screen drama. In a way, that detracts from what we’re trying to say. It’s great to have special effects, but it’s more important to have substance, to have something to say, to express emotion and communicate with the crowd.”

Culture Club, The B-52’s and Tom Bailey Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 30, tickets start at $40.

Culture Club Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, 1.866.332.9467, ddcaz.com, 8 p.m. Sunday, October 7, $35-$85.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE GLADIATOR

53

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

SEPTEMBER’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Evan Desai >> The Entertainer!

UA Wildcats vs.

Brigham Young University Cougars SEPTEMBER 1 The Wildcats showed flashes last season but ended it on a rough three-game losing streak.

They have the quarterback and the coach to bounce back, and it all starts week one.

Arizona Stadium, 1 National Championship Drive, Tucson, 520.621.4917, arizonawildcats.com, 7:45 p.m., tickets start at $15.

ASU Sun Devils vs.

University of Texas San Antonio Roadrunners

SEPTEMBER 1 Sun Devil, Wildcat or Lumberjack, everyone wants to see what it’s like with Herm Edwards taking over as the head coach for ASU. Our hometown team has a tough schedule this year, but it should be able to pull this one out.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.3482, thesundevils. com, 7:30 p.m.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves SEPTEMBER 6 TO SEPTEMBER 9 A series full of promotions hits the desert with the series opener being University of Arizona night. Postgame fireworks follow on September 7, and on September 8 it’s Hispanic Heritage Day with a Ketel Marte Luchador bobblehead giveaway. Not only are the experiences at the ballpark going to be memorable, but it will also be exciting

face off to begin their campaigns to prove their worth this year. The Cardinals will play an old division rival in the Redskins and Alex Smith.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 1:25 p.m., tickets start at $31.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria Golf Tournament to see the National League’s top two first basemen clash when Freddie Freeman comes to town.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m.

September 6 and September 7, 5:10 p.m. September 8, 1:10 p.m.

September 9, tickets start at $16.

ASU Sun Devils vs.

Michigan State Spartans

SEPTEMBER 8 Big Ten fans believe PAC-12 football programs are weak opponents. Michigan State is one of the many tough Big Ten teams competing in the NCAA this year, so this will be a tough early season test for the Sun Devils.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.3482, thesundevils.com/ sports/2013/4/17/208252611. aspx, 7:45 p.m.

NAU Lumberjacks vs.

Eastern Washington Eagles

SEPTEMBER 8 The Lumberjacks return after having the same 7-5 record all three Arizona schools had last year. They look to win their home opener, unlike last year, when they fell to Western Illinois.

Walkup Skydome, 1705 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, 928.523.6792, nauathletics.com, 4 p.m., tickets start at $15.

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Washington Redskins SEPTEMBER 9 It’s the Cardinals season opener, and two teams devastated by injuries in 2017

SEPTEMBER 12 In honor of Hunger Awareness Month in September, Grimaldi’s is hosting its first charity golf tournament to benefit No Kid Hungry. The entrance fee is $125 and includes a round of golf, breakfast, lunch and goodie bag.

There will also be a silent auction with proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry. Awards will be given for top tournament finishers.

Westin Kierland Golf Club, 15636 N. Clubgate Drive, Scottsdale, grimaldispizzeria.com/store/ golf.aspx, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., $125.

928.523.6792, nauathletics. com, 4 p.m., tickets start at $15.

WESTMARC Golf Classic 2018

SEPTEMBER 28 This is the 14th time this event has taken place. Spend your Friday on a beautiful golf course for several hours. Last year it hosted 144 players, the capacity for the event.

Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia, 12575 W. Golf Club Drive, Peoria, 623.328.5100, 7 a.m., $250-$750.

UA Wildcats vs.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds

SEPTEMBER 15 Come see a very talented Khalil Tate lead the Wildcats against Southern Utah, who should not be taken lightly. The Roadrunners were one of two winners of the Big Sky conference just last season, and were the lone winners in 2015.

Arizona Stadium, 1 National Championship Drive, Tucson, 520.621.4917, arizonawildcats. com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $11.

Arizona Coyotes vs. LA Kings

SEPTEMBER 18 Get a sneak peek at the new-look Coyotes during this preseason game.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 7 p.m. tickets TBA.

NAU Lumberjacks vs.

Southern Utah Thunderbirds

SEPTEMBER 22 Southern Utah was one of the winners of the Big Sky last year, and Northern Arizona has not been able to do that since 1978. This game is an exciting opportunity to prove NAU can hang with the top teams in their conference.

Walkup Skydome, 1705 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff,

ASU Sun Devils vs.

Oregon State Beavers

SEPTEMBER 29 Week 5 brings the second PAC-12 matchup of the season for the Sun Devils. This one looks to be a bit lesser of an opponent, as there aren’t many high expectations for Oregon State this year. They were able to stay competitive against ASU last year, though, losing by two scores.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.3482, thesundevils. com, pricing and time TBA.

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Seattle Seahawks

SEPTEMBER 30 Two teams who have been heavily questioned about their offseason moves will be playing the first of their two matchups this year. Come see if the Seahawks can bounce back from their horrific collapse last year, and if the Cardinals can prove that they truly are a 2018 dark horse playoff team.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 1:30 p.m., tickets start at $39.

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

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES Brad Ziegler is hoping to be the highlight of this season Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

L

ongtime relief pitcher Brad Ziegler has been an Arizona Diamondbacks favorite since he arrived in the summer of 2011. Traded to the Red Sox in 2016 and then to the Marlins a year later, Ziegler is still so beloved by D-backs fans that they chose him as one of 15 20th Anniversary Team members.

He planned to attend the celebration August 4, but he didn’t know in what capacity. On July 31, he returned to the D-backs after being traded for D-backs minor leaguer Tommy Eveld.

“I didn’t hear the D-backs even mentioned in rumblings prior to the trade deadline,” he says with a wide smile in the team’s clubhouse.

“A lot of other teams were mentioned.

When I found out it was Arizona, I said, ‘Oh my gosh, you have to be kidding me.’”

D-backs fans have taken care of ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Ziegler, who arrives to the field to the sounds of Skillet and Daughtry. He’s flattered the fans voted him for the 20th Anniversary Team.

“It’s an honor because it was chosen by the fans,” he says. “After a guy leaves, a lot of people forget about them. It’s nice to be chosen, nice to not be forgotten.

There were a lot of great teams when I was here: a playoff team and teams that pushed for the playoffs. It was really special, considering some of the other guys who were on the team.”

Standing on the field with the likes of Curt Schilling, Jose Valverde and Randy Johnson was exciting.

“I was with some of the best pitchers to play the game,” Ziegler says. “Papa Grande (Valverde) was an electric reliever himself. It’s surreal to think I have something in common with those guys. It’s a great honor, for sure.”

Ziegler says he believes he was chosen for his consistency.

“I didn’t have a lot of really flashy moments,” he says. “I didn’t have a lot of blow-out moments, either. If you look at my stats, they’re the same. There’s a lot to be said for being the same guy all the time. Even when I had a bad outing, I didn’t let it affect me. I’d go back to the mound and erase that. It doesn’t matter what you did yesterday, you have to be ready to go next time. That’s the mentality I pride myself on having. I think it bodes well for me.”

That’s a relatively new frame of mind for the 38-year-old ballplayer.

“When I was younger, I wasn’t good at it at all,” he says with a laugh. “After one bad outing, I would wonder if I could still do this. Did they figure me out?

I try to stay as even keeled as possible.

There are a lot of ups and down in a long

season. I think I’ll have more of a career out of this game than guys who go too high or too low.”

Returning to the D-backs has been joyful for Ziegler. Many of the faces haven’t changed since he last played for the team.

“I went to Boston for half a season and then Miami for a year and a half,” he says. “A lot has happened in that time.

I walked in Chase Field and there were a lot of familiar faces. I was thinking, ‘Gosh, did I ever even really leave?’”

Ziegler has been dubbed a “rental” because he is a free agent at the end of the season. J.D. Martinez, now on the Boston Red Sox, was considered the same. But he’s looking forward to the future.

“The 20th Anniversary Team recalled a lot of great memories from here,” he says.

“Hopefully, I can make some more.”

THE ROAD TRAVELED

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

Shortstop Nick Ahmed appreciates Arizona Haley Smilow >> The Entertainer!

A

rizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed doesn’t consider donning No. 13 an unlucky move.

He was given the number when he was traded to the Diamondbacks and that’s what he’s sticking with. After all, Ahmed considers himself lucky he landed on the Diamondbacks who traded Justin Upton and Chris Johnson for him. He made his big-league debut on June 29, 2014, and it was then he began his life in Arizona.

“It was the number offered to me when I was called up,” Ahmed says. “I didn’t really care because I was going to the big leagues. If it was a number like 75 or something I might have changed it.

Thirteen is alright,” he says.

After four years in the Grand Canyon State, Ahmed and his family, which includes wife Amanda and 2-year-old

son Jackson, are feeling comfortable.

Ahmed has gelled with his team, too. The D-backs’ undeniable chemistry pushed it into the 2017 postseason run, which he missed after injuring his hand and wrist.

He has renewed drive this season, which has been a rollercoaster ride.

“Scoring 12 runs every day (would be) great, but it’s not going to happen

every day,” says Ahmed from the team’s dugout after beating the Reds 12-5. “We just kept adding on and adding on and that’s what good teams do. We didn’t settle, and we continued to battle and score runs throughout the game.”

Ahmed is willing to do whatever it takes to win. He would even follow in the footsteps of Daniel Descalso or Mark

55

Grace and give pitching a try, if manager Torey Lovullo asked.

“I pitched all throughout high school and college and I am definitely ready if he needs me,” Ahmed says with a smile.

Socially, Ahmed loves Arizona, but the Massachusetts native does miss the chilly New England weather. Arizona’s extreme heat and its topography were initially tough to digest.

“At first it was kind of unreal to see because I am used to seeing all green and hills and valleys and only a little bit in front of me, but in Arizona I can see on and on forever and that was really crazy,” he says.

He’s a fairweather sports fan, though – or he’s playing it safe.

“I’m still a Massachusetts kid at heart, so if the Celtics are playing well in the NBA, I’m rooting for them,” Ahmed says. “I do enjoy rooting for the Arizona teams and watching the Cardinals, especially in the offseason when I’m at home watching football. I would say I like all of them.”

The Ahmeds enjoy hiking Camelback Mountain or visiting the Phoenix Zoo or OdySea Aquarium with Jackson. For date nights, they dine at Talking Stick Resort’s Orange Sky or Kitchen on the Street, a not-for-profit that gives its profits to organizations that help feed kids. Both restaurants are in Scottsdale.

“Orange Sky is a great place to watch the sunset from the roof of the hotel and have a nice dinner,” he says.

Although always a New England kid at heart, Ahmed has started to call Arizona his home.

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56

THE YOUNGSTER

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER scientists while making special slime in the “slime-making factory.”

KidsPark in Scottsdale, 12635 N. 48th Street, 602.788.2445, kidspark.com/scottsdale, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, $9-$14.

Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

KidsPark in Peoria, 7337 W. Bell Road, 623.878.2411, kidspark.com/arrowhead, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, $8-$12.

Camp Christown Reading Fun Fest

PopX Experience! Make-AMega-Mess with Foam

SEPTEMBER 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30 Throughout September, bring the kids to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to experience the MakeA-Mega-Mess wonders. For the foam event, bring an extra set of clothes. The exhibit as a whole runs through November 18.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.253.0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix. org, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., $14.95, $2 additional per child participant for this exhibit.

Hands-On Science Labs: Zombie MD

SEPTEMBER 1 TO SEPTEMBER 30 Have you ever thought of becoming someone who studies infectious diseases and how they’re spread?

Look no further! Join Arizona Science Center every Saturday and Sunday in September for Zombie MD: a simulated experiment that shows how diseases are spread.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.716.2000, 11:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., $18.

SEPTEMBER 8 AND SEPTEMBER 15 At Christown Shopping Center, reading will come alive as characters from famous children’s books entertain kids of all ages. Grab a free book for your child at this event. Visitors include The Cat in the Hat and the Mad Hatter.

Christown Shopping Center, 1703 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, 602.249.0670, christownspectrum.com, noon to 3 p.m., free.

Free Family Sunday at Phoenix Art Museum

SEPTEMBER 9 Thanks to a gift from Discount Tires, guests will be admitted free into the Phoenix Art Museum on the second Sunday of each month. Enjoy special programming and activities.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., free.

Slime-Making Weekend at KidsPark

SEPTEMBER 14 TO SEPTEMBER 16 Join the staff at KidsPark Childcare Centers in Phoenix and Peoria for a few hours of slime-making fun!

Kids ages 2 to 12 can become mini

story of friendship and adventure throughout the seasons. Waking up from hibernation, Frog and Toad grow a garden, swim and learn life lessons along the way.

Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem, 623.336.6001, musicaltheatreofanthem.org, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon and 2 p.m. Sunday, $19.

Brazilian Day Festival

SEPTEMBER 22 Afro Baile and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts bring a taste of Brazil to downtown.

Brazilian Day pays tribute to AfroBrazilian music and dance from the northeast state of Bahia. Celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day with more than 90 musicians, dancers and performers from across Brazil, Mexico and the United States.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, 480.499.8587, braziliandayarizona. com, 2 to 9 p.m., $15.

Phoenix Children’s Festival

Night with the Reptiles and Amphibians

SEPTEMBER 14 Learn about the rainforest’s reptiles and amphibians from one of the reptile staff members.

Get a behind-the-scenes tour and walk through the rainforest reptiles exhibit for more in-depth info. Preregistration required.

Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, ext. 210, butterflywonderland.com, 6 to 7:30 p.m., $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 4 to 12.

A Year with Frog and Toad

SEPTEMBER 20 TO SEPTEMBER 23 Based on Arnold Lobel’s books, A Year with Frog and Toad tells the

SEPTEMBER 22 The Phoenix Children’s Festival invites kids ages 3 to 12 to play, visit characters, eat gourmet food and take part in the diaper derby for tots. This one-day event raises money for children’s charities like back-to-school clothing drive.

CityScape Downtown Phoenix, 99 E. Virginia Avenue, Phoenix, 602.529.2810, phoenixchildrensfestival. com, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Kidz Bop Live

SEPTEMBER 28 Join Kidz Bop at Comerica Theatre and enjoy today’s pop music hits. Dance your pants off while jamming to songs like “End Game” and “Finesse” sung by your favorite kids. This is the perfect first concert for kids.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, ticketmaster. com, 7 p.m., $35.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

57

A LOOK BACK

Queen Creek celebrates history with Founders’ Day Festival Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

T

he town of Queen Creek was officially incorporated in 1989, but it has a much deeper history. Native American communities, homesteaders and immigrants made their home in the area that is now Queen Creek, and the town provided ideal conditions for farming and ranching.

Queen Creek’s annual Founders’ Day Festival will celebrate this history on Saturday, September 22, with activities like relay races, 4-H and FFA areas, eating contests, a children’s zone for kids 5 and younger, lawn games, pig races, a cornhole tournament, food and retail vendors and a sustainability zone.

The Founders’ Day Festival started in 2014 as part of the town’s 25th anniversary.

Queen Creek’s recreation coordinator of special events, Erica Perez, says the event gives a glimpse into what makes the town different.

“When council decided we were going to make this an annual event, we really started to focus in on how we

could bring Queen Creek to the event, focusing on our equestrian heritage and our agricultural heritage,” Perez says.

The festival has grown into a communitywide celebration involving residents, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the fire department, businesses and FFA and 4-H clubs.

Public Information Officer Constance Wilson says the event helps foster community pride.

“That’s definitely one of the main goals of the event, to really have people get excited about the community that they live in,” Wilson says.

At the center of the festival is the Battle of the Badges, a relay-style competition with traditional games such

as potato sack races, progressive dress, giant adult tricycle, tug-of-war, threelegged races and the javelin toss.

As part of the contest, community members become representatives for the fire department or the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and earn points for their teams as they complete relays.

The points are marked on punch cards, which they can redeem for raffle tickets.

For the raffle, vendors donated prizes such as gift baskets and cards.

The competition will end with relays between members of the fire department and sheriff’s office.

Perez says the battle allows for greater engagement between residents and first responders.

“We wanted to create an experience where volunteers from our fire department staff, our MCSO officers could be out there with the community,” Perez says.

Leading up to the event, the fire department and sheriff’s office made videos to try to garner support for their teams.

“It’s all in healthy fun. It’s not in a competitive nature. It’s really about

getting the community involved and the community excited to come out to the event and cheer for them,” Wilson says.

During the festival, attendees can try lawn games such as horseshoes, giant jenga, Connect 4 and cornhole.

The event also offers family-friendly activities such as inflatables, a climbing wall, obstacle courses, a joust arena and a train ride.

In the 4-H Zone, families can interact with animals such as chickens, goats and rabbits. The area also has an obstacle course with roping, barrel activities and dog agility demonstrations. The local 4-H club chapter will talk about Queen Creek’s equestrian offerings.

Queen Creek Founders’ Day Festival Founders’ Park, 22407 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, 480.358.3000, queencreek.org, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, September 22, $10 for relays and inflatables wristband, $40 per team for cornhole tournament.

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

58

THE SHOWMAN

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

HITS A SNAPSHOT OF

The Verve Pipe invites Michiganders to storm the desert Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

W

ith hits like “The I could. I just tried to put out music and Freshmen” and stay true to what the song was.”

“Photograph,” The Verve Pipe continues to tour, The Verve Pipe has performing rock and kids shows made a career out throughout the United States, including of being free of gimmicks. special appearances at Lollapalooza, Hear songs like those on retro and pop Austin City Limits Festival, Hangout stations and they sound just as fresh as Music Festival and SummerStage in when they were released in the 1990s.

Central Park.

The Great Lakes State band will The sole original member, singer Brian perform during an Arizona Spartans Vander Ark, says that’s because The party kicking off “Spartans Storm the Verve Pipe adhered to a traditional popDesert” weekend Friday, September rock mentality. No gimmicks there or 7, at Wasted Grain in on the last two albums, Scottsdale.

Proceeds 2014’s Overboard and last benefit the Arizona year’s Parachute.

Spartans Endowed “I was very conscious Scholarship Fund at of not putting in, say, MSU. The following day, record scratches when MSU plays ASU at Sun (Hanson’s) ‘MmmBop’ Devil Stadium. came out, or have a DJ join the band for an “Because it’s an MSU vibe, we’re going to play album,” Vander Ark says. old-school stuff for the “If for the next 25 graduates or anyone who years, I had to play that was in Michigan in ’93, stupid record scratch ’95 or ’96, songs from sound, it would drive me Pop Smear or Villains. crazy. I avoided all those “We’ll do new ones just sonic pitfalls as much as BRIAN VANDER ARK

to keep our own sanity, plus we’ll do four different versions of ‘The Freshmen,’” he adds with a laugh.

The lead singer of the Grand Rapids band wrote the song in 1990 and released it two years later on The Verve Pipe’s indie album I’ve Suffered a Head Injury. Most fans know the re-released version on the act’s multiplatinum majorlabel debut, Villains, in 1996.

Between recording rock albums, including the most recent release Parachute, and their first live album Villains – Live & Acoustic, featuring an acoustic reimagining of their platinum debut album Villains, The Verve Pipe expanded its repertoire to include writing and recording A Family Album, one of its critically acclaimed children’s albums.

Besides Vander Ark, the current lineup includes Lou Musa (lead guitar), Randy Sly (keyboards, backing vocals), Joel Ferguson (bass, backing vocals), Sam Briggs (drums, percussion), Channing Lee (backing vocals) and Craig Griffith (harmonica, backing vocals).

“Channing is terrific,” says Vander Ark, who starred in the 2001 film Rock

Star with Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston. He also penned the song “Colorful” for it.

“The original idea was we needed somebody to hit the high notes for the harmonies. I’ve been in love with Channing’s voice for six, seven years, when I saw her and her husband perform.

“I thought we would try this out. It worked, and she moved to Michigan from Nashville. She’s a great songwriter and a great lyricist. Her stage presence is amazing. She’s really sweet and fun to be around. Adding her has really made us all step up our game.”

The Verve Pipe is writing new music and, once again, the songs will be on the band’s terms.

“I’m always aware of gimmicks and steering clear of them,” Vander Ark says. “If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to stand it.”

The Verve Pipe Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, eventbrite.com, 7 p.m. Friday, September 7, $40-$125.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

SEPTEMBER 1 Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $51.50-$65

The Dawg Trio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $30-$50

The Greatest Love of All, The Whitney Houston Show Fox Tucson Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $24-$59

HOCO Fest: Afterparty w/ DEBIT, M.E.S.H.

HOCO Fest w/Andrew W.K., Spirit Adrift, Juiceboxxx, Temple of Angels, Prom Body, Realize, Grün Wasser, Tight Fright, Rotting Yellow, No Ring Deathmatch, Dem Ham Boyz Hotel Congress, 6 p.m., $20-$125

Lee K

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $15

Phoenix Blues Society Showcase & Fundraiser

The Rhythm Room, 2 p.m., $10

Tritonal

Maya Day + Nightclub, noon, $10

Belmont

HOCO Fest: Pool Party w/ Will DiMaggio, Soul Ipsum, Dreamcast (DJ Set), PU Stinky

Lionheart

Leon Bridges

HOCO Fest w/ Destruction Unit, GNARFACE, JSNMSK, Tozcos, Get a Grip

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $46.50-$143.72

Peter Frampton

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6:30 p.m., $29.50-$949.50

Connor Carmody

The Rebel Lounge, 1:30 p.m., $8-$10

HOCO Fest: Afterparty w/ BEARCAT, Endgame

Location TBA, midnight, $15-$125

HOCO Fest: Pool Party w/ Jock Club, Diversion Program, Senescence, PEACHFUZZ, Hero Dose, Soft Bloc Hotel McCoy Pool, noon, free with RSVP

Dark Rooms

A Labor Day Weekend Event w/Two Phones, DrewOfGamo, Khaki Boy

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30-$35 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12

Vibe Lane

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

SEPTEMBER 7 Butch Walker

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$38

Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

The Listening Room, 8 p.m., $10-$20

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $12-$19

Psyclon Nine

Club Red, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Rebelution

Mesa Amphitheatre, 5:30 p.m., $35-$103

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $52.50-$325

Rico Nasty

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $27-$30

Bush w/ Stone Temple Pilots, The Cult

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7 p.m., $174.75

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Royce Murray Jazz Ensemble

SEPTEMBER 2

Cut Copy

Courtney Marie Andrews

Pub Rock, 7:30 p.m., $18-$50

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Journey w/Def Leppard

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $19.50-$23

Remo Drive

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

SEPTEMBER 6

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7 p.m., $20, or free for children 2 and under

SEPTEMBER 4

Hotel Congress, 6 p.m., $20-$125

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Guilherme Arantes

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$425

Underground, 6 p.m., $17-$19

Andrew W.K.

The Marcus King Band

Scorpions w/Queensrÿche

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $12-$15

HOCO Fest w/ The Dream Syndicate, Robyn Hitchcock, Giant Sand, Negative Gemini, Sasami, Señor Kino, Patsy’s Rats, Sur Block, Saturdaze

Cans Deli, 6 p.m., $20-$125

The Edisons

The Van Buren, 8:30 p.m., $45-$199

SEPTEMBER 3

Location TBA, midnight, $15-$125

Hotel McCoy Pool, noon, free with RSVP

Residente

59

Tab Benoit

SEPTEMBER 5 Benny the Butcher

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $15-$20

Chris Duarte Group

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Common Kings

Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $20-$23

Dead Sara

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

Gary Numan

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30-$42.50

(hed) p.e.

Club Red, 6 p.m., $18-$20

Nine Inch Nails w/ The Jesus and Mary Chain SEPTEMBER 13 AND SEPTEMBER 14

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $55-$125 Fresh off the release of their latest LP, Bad Witch, also the third installment in a trilogy that began with 2016’s Not the Actual Events and included 2017’s Add Violence, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails will bring their intimate and minimal Cold and Black and Infinite tour to Phoenix for two nights. This trilogy sees the band taking an experimental route and heading down a dark, noisy and rougharound-the-edges path. Scottish noise-pop group The Jesus and Mary Chain is also on the billing, as is the always experimental, psychedelic and warped Tobacco.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

60

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

Slaughter w/Beach, Dog The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $13-$15

The Verve Pipe

Wasted Grain, 7 p.m., $40-$125

SEPTEMBER 8 Dread Mar I

Smile Empty Soul w/Flaw Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $15

SEPTEMBER 12 Alestorm

Club Red, 6 p.m., $22-$25

Chaos Chaos w/Yeek

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

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

Gov’t Mule

The Eagles

O.A.R. w/Matt Nathanson

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 8 p.m., $234-$2,500

Gin Blossoms w/ Big Head Todd and the Monsters

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $30-$71

Great Gig in the Sky performing the music of Pink Floyd Prescott Valley Event Center, 7 p.m., $25.75-$100

Hot Tuna

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’s Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$75

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $35-$55 Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $45.50-$75.50

The Score

SEPTEMBER 13 Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears

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

E-40

The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $25-$150

Club Congress, 7 p.m., $18-$20

Murdered by Death

Miniature Tigers

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $23-$25

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$25

Rock Lobster

Rascal Flatts w/Dan and Shay

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $10

Bishop Briggs

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $24-$74

Jade Bird

Fanna-Fi-Allah Red Molly

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$40

Ronny Chieng

191 Toole, 9:45 p.m., $20-$25

Social Distortion

191 Toole, 7 to 8:45 p.m., $28-$30

The Seldom Scene

SEPTEMBER 15 Alice in Chains

Ceramic Animal

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $45-$65

Lost Dog Street Band

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse, 8 p.m., $8

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

The Mountain Goats

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $26-$34 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Juana Molina

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $10-$40

Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

House of Stairs

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Melissa Etheridge

Fox Tucson Theatre, 7 p.m., $39-$99

Miguel

Mesa Amphitheatre, 6:30 p.m., $47.50-$297.50

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $55.50

SEPTEMBER 17

Soul Power Band

Carbon Leaf

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Stanley Serrano

The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 5 to 7 p.m., free

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35-$40

Wiegedood

Club Red, 7 p.m., $10-$13

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $32-$42

OHMME

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $32-$35

Gringo Star

Ambrosia

Mom Jeans.

SEPTEMBER 11

The Jesus and Mary Chain

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $10-$20

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Stage 2, 8:30 p.m., $12

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

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$175

Green Room, 8 p.m., $12

AJ Odneal

Brothers Gow

Club Congress, 7 p.m., $5

Gene Farris

SEPTEMBER 14

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $20

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Fayuca w/Of Good Nature, Black Bottom Lighters

Club Red, 7 p.m., $16-$18

Laidback Luke

Lvl Up

Doll Skin w/Jacky Vincent of Falling in Reverse

YOB

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

SEPTEMBER 10

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$185

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $35.75-$217.75

Fox Tucson Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27-$69

The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $13-$15

3 Doors Down w/ Collective Soul

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $15-$20

Keyshia Cole w/J. Holiday

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $13-$15

SEPTEMBER 16

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $12-$15

September Mourning

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$60

Arizona Songwriters in the Round w/Eric Ramsey, Walt Richardson, Brian Chartrand

Dreamers

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $40-$45

JJ Grey & Mofro

SEPTEMBER 9

191 Toole, 8:30 p.m., $10

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

Joywave

The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 5 to 7 p.m., free

Black Heart 3 Charity Show w/ Vinney Mendez, Jaca Zulu, Kings Over Squares, Street Blues Family, Y Not w/Funk Row, Tommy Will, EZ Goin

Amber Sweeney

Hinds

SEPTEMBER 24

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

SEPTEMBER 25

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $15-$18 Spanish four-piece Hinds – which consists of Carlotta Cosials, Ana Perrote, Ade Martín and Amber Grimbergen – released its sophomore project, I Don’t Run, back in April. Now the group is readying a supporting U.S. tour, which will stop at Crescent Ballroom Monday, September 24, before heading south to Tucson’s 191 Toole the following day. I Don’t Run continues the fun, lo-fi, indie rock vibes of the group’s 2016 debut album, Leave Me Alone. That fun carries over into Hinds’ live shows, making these must-see performances for any fan of the band. Local group Fairy Bones will provide support at the Crescent Ballroom show.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

SEPTEMBER 18 Chris Robinson Brotherhood

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$249

Future Islands

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$37

Skizzy Mars

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$79

Vinyl Station

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $12-$19

Jack Russell’s Great White w/ BulletBoys, Enuff Znuff

Wolfmother

Mwenso and the Shakes

SEPTEMBER 22

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $20-$35 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $32-$37

Suicidal Tendencies

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $30

SEPTEMBER 19 The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $38-$88

Tower of Power

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $40-$70

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $38.50-$152.43

The Veer Union

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $12-$15

SEPTEMBER 20 The Exploited

Club Red, 5:30 p.m., $22

Lil Debbie

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $27-$57

Annie Moses Band

Kali Uchis

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $32-$99

Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney Fox Tucson Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$44

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Comerica Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $72.50-$428

Parkway Drive

Rialto Theatre, 7 p.m., $35-$37

Pearl Ridge

The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 5 to 7 p.m., free

Re-imagining Neil Young performed by Eric Ramsey and Robby Roberson

Lil Gnar & Germ

Tower of Power

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $22.50-$37.50

Wintersun

Club Red, 7 p.m., $25-$30

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $40-$70

SEPTEMBER 23

SEPTEMBER 21

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., tickets TBA

The Australian Bee Gees

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$40

David Starr

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Gabriel Royal

Ian Ethan Case Kneebody

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $18-$22

Macy Gray

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $38-$58

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $33

NEEDTOBREATHE

Los Temerarios

Robben Ford

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $45-$400

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $52.50-$132.50

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45

Margaret Glaspy

SEPTEMBER 24

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35

#MeToo – A Concert of Contemporary Women in Jazz The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Hearts Like Lions

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Lake Street Drive

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$28

Bullets and Octane

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

Candace Springs

Greta Van Fleet

Musiq Soulchild w/ Raheem DeVaughn

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $45-$65 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $37.50-$67.50

Liz Phair

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$40

SEPTEMBER 28

Bobby McFerrin: Circlesongs

Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino

Thrice

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12

SEPTEMBER 25

Hoodie Allen

Club Red, 7 p.m., $15

Summer Heart

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $32-$42

Tempe Center for the Arts Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $20-$60

Loudon Wainwright III

Club Congress, 6:30 p.m., $30 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $29.50-$150

The New Division

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

No Fun at All

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $18-$20

SEPTEMBER 26 Bobby McFerrin: Circlesongs Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $45-$65

Dark Tranquility w/Amorphis The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $30

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $20-$50

Tom Schneider and Aaron Howard The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

The Voidz

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $29.50-$43

SEPTEMBER 29 The Breeders

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$60

British Invasion

The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, 5 to 7 p.m., free

Come Together 3.0 Benefit w/Xtra Ticket

Fall Out Boy w/ Machine Gun Kelly, L.I.F.T.

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

Greta Van Fleet

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $39.25-$257.25

Tucson Arena, 7 p.m., $48.50-$208 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $37.50-$67.50

John Oates and The Good Road Band

Dierks Bentley w/ Brothers Osborne, LANCO Flogging Molly w/ Dropkick Murphys

Mesa Amphitheatre, 6 p.m., $49.50

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $43-$73

Iron & Wine

Julian Lage Trio

J Balvin

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

Tigers Jaw

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Wild Rivers

Last Exit Live, 7 p.m., $10

SEPTEMBER 27 Amos Lee

Fox Tucson Theatre, 8 p.m., $34-$110

Indigenous

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $18-$20

¡Mayday!

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $28-$42 Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.95-$256.95

Tom Schneider and Aaron Howard The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

SEPTEMBER 30 Al Di Meola

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$75

DeVotchKa

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $15-$20

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25.50-$75.50

Nothing but Thieves

For the Fallen Dreams

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $20-$45

Revocation

Club Red, 6 p.m., $18-$20

Song Swap Hosted by Adam Smith w/Wendy Rule

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $15-$20

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The Nile, 6 p.m., $15-$17

Goo Goo Dolls

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $55-$1,799.50

Johnny Marr

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$65

Marc Broussard

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$50 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

EXPRESS

Consistency is the only world Collective Soul knows Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

S

ome bands have an undeniable sound, where just a few chords allow listeners to identify their music. Collective Soul, a band out of Georgia that started in the 1990s, has that type of distinctive sound.

Collective Soul, who will perform September 16 with 3 Doors Down at the Comerica Theatre, is best known for the songs “The World I Know,” “December,” “Shine” and “Run.” In 1994 and 1995, the band won Billboard Music Awards for Top Rock Song for “Shine” and “December,” respectively.

During the tour, the group is performing new, unreleased tracks along with hit songs. The group released a live album in 2017 and has been continuously working on new music.

A mixture of longtime and newer band members, including three original members, make up Collective Soul. The group consists of lead singer, guitarist and keyboardist Ed Roland, rhythm guitarist Dean Roland, bass player Will Turpin, lead guitarist and backup singer Jesse Triplett and drummer Johnny Rabb.

Rabb, who joined the band in 2012, has 30 years of percussion experience and worked in Nashville for 12 years. He was preceded in the band by drummers Shane Adams and Ryan Hoyle.

Before joining Collective Soul, Rabb was a fan of its music. Playing songs from different periods in the band’s history has been a meaningful experience for him as a musician.

“I get the best of both worlds. I get to play some things I’ve been involved in the process of recording but then also the hits,” Rabb says.

Being the new guy with Collective Soul hasn’t been difficult because the other members have been so welcoming. Over ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

the years, Collective Soul’s musicians have formed a close-knit group.

“It’s the chemistry of friends on and off the stage and at the same time professional musicians,” Rabb says.

Although the band continues to evolve and develop new ’70s and ’80s rock and pop influences, it stays true to its musical roots.

The tour has allowed the band to connect with die-hard fans as well as new listeners. He says more than 20 years later, Collective Soul’s music continues to engage and resonate with fans of all ages.

Many longtime fans are starting to share the music with their children.

“It’s great to see them bringing their kids out so that other generations of people are getting into it,” Rabb says.

The continued passion for making music drives Collective Soul to continue.

Each drummer with Collective Soul professional drummer musical challenge, has brought his own style to the group. is to have that respect and work with it Rabb is best known for his freehand how the guys want it,” Rabb says. “If technique and electronic DJ approach they really want me to do my own thing, for acoustic drumming, which he will I might stretch it out a little different, sometimes bring to the music. but the actual form of the song, Shane’s “My success in the drumming part, I try to lock into what was done industry was trying not to sound like in the past. Same with ‘The World I other folks,” Rabb says.

Know.’”

“You can put the same While playing live, the 3 Doors Down song on 10 drummers, and musicians will often stay and Collective you’d hear the same song, Soul: The Rock & true to the original intent but there’s 10 different Roll Express Tour while improvising in the styles on that song. There is moment.

Comerica Theatre, an individualism in there.”

“We can stretch solos 400 W. Washington When playing popular out.

We can change an Street, Phoenix, hits such as “December,” arrangement on the fly.

602.379.2800, the drummer tries to bring That’s the magic of how comericatheatre. his own flair without we communicate onstage. com. 8 p.m. Sunday, straying too far away from It’s really that musical September 16, tickets the original sound. bond that we have,” start at $38.

“That’s part of the Rabb says.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

M

acy Gray is nervous.

She’s set to release her 10th studio album, Ruby, on September 21 and the wait always kills her.

“I think people are going to love it once they get ahold of it,” Gray says softly. “It’s just nerve-wracking to put something out into the world.”

Ruby has already spawned the single “Sugar Daddy,” one of 12 songs that will also be available on red vinyl. Platinum singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor cowrote the song.

“She’s singing backup,” Gray says.

“She wrote about half the song and she’s playing the piano. She was so cute. She’s so open and wanted to be a part of it.

“It was refreshing. We didn’t have paperwork and stuff. We were in the same studio and she just stopped in. She said, “I have an idea’ and we did it that night. It’s nice to be open and just not care. We just wanted to make a good song.”

On the forthcoming album, Gray also worked with guitarist Gary Clark Jr. on the song “Buddha” and producers Johan Carlsson (Ariana Grande, Maroon 5), Tommy Brown (Jennifer Lopez, Fifth Harmony) and Tommy Parker (Janet

RUBY RED

63

Jackson, Kelly Rowland).

“I hope we can do something together again,” Gray says about Clark. “I ran into him at Afropunk (Fest in Brooklyn).

That’s when I threw it at him. I said, ‘Let’s do something together.’ He came through. Sometimes those things never happen.”

Gray rose to fame thanks to the 1999 hit “I Try” from her multiaward-winning platinum debut. She has since sold more than 25 million record worldwide, and earned Grammy, Billboard, MTV and Brit awards.

The recording of Ruby was one of her more difficult projects. Gray didn’t have a label and was “out in the world looking for people to work with.”

“I was trying to figure out what we needed to do for the album and figure myself out,” she says. “It was a big phase I went through, making this album. I’m glad I did. It’s paying off. It definitely my best record. I was blessed with awesome producers who understood me and where I needed to go as an artist.”

Nervous Macy Gray calls her new album her best work

Macy Gray Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7 p.m. Sunday, September 23, $35-$58.

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

Mike Inez dishes the dirt on Alice in Chains Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

B

assist Mike Inez didn’t fully comprehend how long he had been in Alice in Chains until he dug up equipment for a pop-up museum in Seattle.

“I went into my closet and pulled out the Unplugged bass,” Inez says. “I haven’t played that since we recorded it for MTV in 1995. The strings were all dusty.

I thought, ‘I’m so old. What happened?

How did I get here?’”

The last 25 years have gone quickly for Inez, who replaced Mike Starr in 1993.

Last month, Alice in Chains—which also includes vocalist/guitarist Jerry Cantrell, vocalist/guitarist William DuVall and drummer Sean Kinney— released its first new album in five years, Rainier Fog. Rainier Fog also marks the band’s return to Seattle’s Studio X, where the band tracked 1995’s Alice in Chains.

“It’s way overdue, yes,” Inez says of Rainier Fog. “But a lot of people make ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

a big deal about how it’s been five years since the last one. It’s really not that long ago. You put out the album and you tour it for two years. The third year, you’re decompressing. You want to go home before you start writing a record or else you’re writing about how catering made me sick or the airline lost my luggage.”

In honor of the album, the Seattle Mariners hosted “Alice in Chains Night” on August 20, with ticket packages that included a pregame listening event, a Rainier Fog CD and an Alice in Chains T-shirt.

“I love Safeco Field,” he says about the Seattle Mariners’ home stadium. “Seattle is magical this time of year. There isn’t a more beautiful place than Seattle this time of year. It’s in the middle of winter that we go to places like Phoenix.

“We played halftime shows for the Seahawks. That’s the beautiful thing about the Seattle music community.

Everybody’s rooting for each other.

Whenever something cool is happening, a charity needs attention, all the guys in the bands show up.”

Throughout its career, Alice in Chains has garnered multiple Grammy nominations and sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Time has taught Alice in Chains to not debut songs at concerts.

“We used to do that a lot,” Inez says. “We used to write them on stage.

Everybody has an iPhone now and they can record it before we record it for real.

“In the studio, they grow on their own, depending on the amp and guitar selection, or the way Sean sets up his drums. We allow songs to grow on their own, even though shows. We play it live, sometimes with different amps and different drums in a different environment. They turn into creatures on their own.”

By the time Alice in Chains gets to Phoenix, the act should have four to five

new songs in the set.

“We can play all those songs live,” he says. “I’m excited about that. We can play the new stuff, instead of the old ones over and over.”

Still, Inez acknowledges fans want to hear songs like “Man in a Box” and “Rooster.”

“It’s fun to play anything live,” he says. “It’s going to be different than the studio, when we’re not in a clinical, doctor’s office kind of vibe. Everything there is under a microscope. There’s a different pressure there, too. Hopefully, the songs will just pop.”

Alice in Chains w/Starbender Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 8 p.m. Saturday, September 15, tickets start at $45.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

THE NIGHTOWL

65

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., free admission with RSVP, $10 general admission.

Throttle – Goldrush Expeditions

SEPTEMBER 7 Just weeks ahead of the annual Goldrush festival, Relentless Beats will bring Throttle on a Goldrush expedition to Shady Park. Australian DJ Throttle will bring what he calls “dirty disco” to the Tempe venue. This show is 21 and older.

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $15.

Justin Jay

SEPTEMBER 8 Tech house and deep house DJ/ producer Justin Jay released a collaborative EP with funk-punk band Thumpasaurus earlier this year, aptly self-titled Justin Jay x Thumpasaurus. Now, though, the Los Angeles-based DJ and producer will bring his own Cash Money Tour to Monarch Theatre.

Stop by the Phoenix venue this September to check out Jay in action. This show is 21 and older.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $20.

k?d

SEPTEMBER 14 For his Find Paradise tour, Floridian DJ and producer k?d will make The Van Buren stage his home for one night. This electronic musician has seen a rapid rise in the industry, releasing a steady stream of singles and remixes over the past several years. His collaborations range from artists the likes of Rezz to the oneand-only Wolfgang Gartner, while his remixes cover a diverse array of artists, from pop to electronic music. This show is 18 and older.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, relentlessbeats.com, 8 p.m., $27.

The Glitch Mob

UZ w/Montell2099

SEPTEMBER 15 After stopping by Maya Day + Nightclub in June, trap DJ and producer UZ will once again pass through the Valley. After having made a name for himself with his standout bangers and mysteriously masked image, UZ has established himself as one of the EDM trap scene’s frontrunners.

This show is 18 and older.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.

Brasstracks

SEPTEMBER 21 A play on the future bass of their contemporaries, electronic duo Brasstracks – Conor Rayne and Ivan Jackson – bring in the brass to deliver their own concoction: “future brass.” That blend will be delivered September 21 at Shady Park. This show is 21 and older.

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $15.

Felix Cartal

SEPTEMBER 21 Hailing from the north, this DJ and producer released his third album, Next Season, earlier this year. This Canadian artist in turn has a show set for Maya Day + Nightclub later in September.

This show is 21 and older.

SEPTEMBER 27 Over a decade in, The Glitch Mob – the trio consisting of edIT, Boreta and Ooah – needs no introduction.

Eight years after its debut, Drink the Sea, The Glitch Mob is on its third album, See Without Eyes, which dropped earlier this year.

Special guest Elohim will provide support. This show is 18 and older.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $25-$100.

Jay Hardway

SEPTEMBER 28 In the midst of worldwide touring, Dutch DJ and producer Jay Hardway will trek to the Valley for an appearance at Maya Day + Nightclub on September 28.

And it’s not expensive, so if you’re looking for something to do, Hardway may just have you covered. This show is 21 and older.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., free admission with RSVP, $10 general admission.

Flight Facilities

SEPTEMBER 29 Australian duo Flight Facilities’ All Your Love Tour is coming to a venue near you. That venue?

Crescent Ballroom. Don’t miss this electronic duo – which consists of Hugo Gruzman and James Lyell – when they pass through this downtown Phoenix venue’s stage at the end of September.

This show is 21 and older.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $25-$30.

Goldrush 2018

SEPTEMBER 29 AND SEPTEMBER 30 Set to close out the month of September is the return of the annual two-day Goldrush festival.

Chock full of electronic and hiphop artists, the 2018 iteration of Goldrush will feature the likes of Deadmau5, Deorro, Vince Staples, wifisfuneral and Juice WRLD on Saturday. Sunday sees Illenium, Steve Aoki, Kevin Gates, Rich the Kid, JPEGMAFIA and TOKiMONSTA, among others. Full weekend passes range from $159 to $599, while single-day tickets cost anywhere from $79 to $329 depending on the day and ticket desired. This event is 18 and older.

Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, relentlessbeats. com, various times, $79-$599.

Goldrush 2018 Superstitions Afterparty

SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 1 Attending Goldrush but don’t want the party to stop? Then the festival’s two afterparties are for you. Day one of the Superstitions Afterparty kicks off at 1 a.m. Sunday, September 30. Headlined by Deadmau5, entry is $30. The second after party will take place at midnight Monday, October 1, with artists like Mikey Lion, Lee Reynolds, Marbs and Porky. That one costs $15. Both shows are 18 and older and require the main festival wristband plus an afterparty ticket for entry.

Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, relentlessbeats. com, 1 a.m. September 30, $30, midnight October 1, $15.

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

THE FINAL CRY

Flaw gets a boost, and van, from Stephen Colbert mentions

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

G

uitarist Tommy Gibbons and the rest of the numetal band Flaw didn’t mind being the butt of Stephen Colbert’s jokes most of this year.

In March, Colbert compared the band’s need for a tour van to President Donald Trump’s desire for a border wall.

Flaw started a GoFundMe page for the van and was $1,500 short of its $15,000 goal. Trump supporters have suggested the country’s leader crowdsource to collect funds for the wall.

Colbert’s repeated jokes on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert didn’t boost the total of Flaw’s campaign, so he ended up buying a van for the rockers.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“They’re still $1,500 short,” Colbert says. “How else is Flaw supposed to get to their gig? I bought Flaw a van.”

In his Litchfield Park studio, Gibbons says none of it was planned, as many believe. He was just as surprised as anyone. Colbert appears in Flaw’s video for its new song “Conquer This Climb” as well.

“I run a lot of Flaw’s social media,” explains the Agua Fria High School graduate. “I’m chilling in the hotel room and my phone keeps going off. I thought it was an emergency. The messages said Flaw was mentioned on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

The other band members hadn’t heard, either. Finally, a fan posted a clip and Flaw saw it was real.

“I guess it worked with the joke,” Gibbons says with a laugh. “It just

escalated from there.”

Flaw appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to help the host decorate the van in a comedic skit.

“We had to get up at 4:30 in the morning to film the skit and the music video,” he says. “Their staff was so professional and so cool to us. That same night, we had to go to Clifton, New Jersey, to play a show. It was a lot to take in.”

Keep an eye out for Flaw’s van as the band is playing Pub Rock Live in Scottsdale on Tuesday, September 11.

Gibbons is a relatively new member of Flaw, which was formed in 1996 after Chris Volz answered an ad in a Louisville, Kentucky, art magazine for rock singers. Flaw released a handful of independent albums before signing with Universal Republic Records. The 2001

collection Through the Eyes spawned the singles “Payback” and “Whole.” After 2004’s Endangered Species, Flaw went through personnel changes. Fast forward to 2018 and it is gearing up to release a new album.

Formerly of fellow rockers Tantric, Gibbons landed a gig with Flaw after a referral by the group’s booking agent.

“Flaw’s always working,” says Gibbons, whose band recently toured with fellow Phoenicians Co-Op. “We’re on the road a lot more (than Tantric) and looking to move up. I have to look out for myself, too. Chris wants the band to keep growing.”

Gibbons has wanted to be a musician since his father took him, as an elementary school student, to see the G3 tour, featuring Joe Satriani, John Petrucci and Steve Vai, at the Celebrity Theatre.

“Right there I said, ‘I have to do whatever the heck he’s (Satriani) doing,’” recalls Gibbons, the father of 6-year-old Oliver. “I didn’t really start playing until I was 11 or 12. I didn’t get serious until 14 or 15.”

His first go on guitar wasn’t successful.

It was with an acoustic guitar and he hated it, he admits.

“I wanted loud distortion,” Gibbons says. “I got my first electric amp and started learning Metallica tunes.”

A music veteran, Gibbons doesn’t look back.

“You hear about the ins and outs,” says Gibbons, who endorses Schecter guitars. “It’s really humbling. This isn’t what people think it is. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything, though. I get paid to tour and go to new places. I love what I’m doing. I just want to support my son, Oliver, and make sure he’s taken care of.

I want to ensure my parents don’t have to work anymore. That’s what I want.”

Flaw w/Smile Empty Soul, The Mendenhall Experiment, New Lingo, Throw Logic and Rainy Days Pub Rock Live, 8005 E. Roosevelt Street, Scottsdale, 480.945.4985, pubrocklive.com, 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 11, $15.

To watch the Colbert clips, visit https://bit.ly/2PKAcXL

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2018

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COSMIC VIBES The stars are aligning for New York’s Sunflower Bean

Mckayla Hull >> The Entertainer!

N

ew York rockers Sunflower Bean are getting weird. According to frontwoman and bassist Julia Cumming, that’s not a bad thing.

“Artists and the world need a little bit of space to get weird otherwise everything’s just a bit homogenous,” she says.

The trio, which also includes guitarist/ vocalist Nick Kivlen and drummer Jacob Faber, released its sophomore album Twentytwo in Blue earlier this year. It features the hits “I Was a Fool” and “Twentytwo.”

“I think, on this record especially, we were really focused on songs and doing what’s right for the songs and trying to see the songs through,” Cumming says.

“That’s why you get some of the variation on the record where sometimes it is kind of softer and in the realm of Fleetwood Mac and sometimes it can be a little rougher around the edges.”

Consistency without being consistent

was the goal.

“We really wanted each song to shine and for them to be like a family,” she says Sunflower Bean’s 2016 debut album Human Ceremony tells the story of the band being “very much in space literally and in the clouds dealing with time and existentialism and the future,” Cumming says.

Cumming describes Twentytwo in Blue as “we’ve literally pulled that theory of time down to our age and we’re reflecting on no longer being teenagers, being young adults and a really particular time frame on this planet.”

“Twentytwo in Blue is more grounded in us. Human Ceremony is a little more in space.”

Cumming’s vocal tone changed between the two albums.

“I felt a lot stronger in who I was and what I think we were capable of doing,” she says.

That change didn’t just happen overnight. Sunflower Bean hit the

music scene in 2013. At the time, the three musicians were in different bands. Kivlen told Cumming he was starting a band and Cumming says she had a “cosmic feeling” that she was going to join this band. To achieve that Sunflower Bean sound, Cumming manipulates her bass to sound more like a guitar, so her and Kivlen can play guitar-like solos.

Sunflower Bean isn’t Cumming’s only occupation. She’s an activist and models for Yves Saint Laurent and Anna Sui, among others. Although she walks the

HIS OWN

‘IDOL’

Singer Greg Holden has career-changing moment with ‘Home’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

S

inger/songwriter Greg Holden wasn’t torn about his music career in 2012. Admittedly broke, the Manchester, England, native was questioning his life choices.

Then he and Drew Pearson wrote the coronation song for that year’s American Idol. “Home,” recorded by winner

Phillip Phillips, debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold more than 5 million copies in the United States. It turned his life around. “‘Home’ was given an opportunity to be heard by more people,” says Holden, whose future in-laws live in Cave Creek.

“Certainly, if I released it, a lot less people would have heard it. When Drew

and I had the opportunity to have the song on American Idol, it was a nobrainer, really.

“I’m not a huge fan of those shows by any means, but the opportunity to give it a much louder voice was life-changing for me. I had very little resources to keep going with my career. It came at the right time.”

runway, she spends about 95 percent of her time in the band.

“It’s very modern now to not be defined by so many boxes.”

“I’m invested in my life, I don’t want to be told it has to look a certain way,” she adds.

Sunflower Bean The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m.

Monday, October 1, $28.50.

Holden, who opens for Butch Walker on Friday, September 7, at Crescent Ballroom, recently released his single “The Power Shift,” a political, callto-action song. Earlier in the year, he returned to the music scene after nearly three years with “On the Run,” a 1980s-inspired single produced by Walker.

“Butch is a very hands-off producer, which I enjoy,” he says. “He speaks up when he needs to. He doesn’t micromanage anything. He and I are very similar. He’s just cooler than I am.”

Teaming up for the tour is a dream for Holden, who will play solo acoustic.

“That’s how I began, really,” he says.

“I wanted to strip it back and make it simple and less complicated, basically.

I really enjoy having a more intimate show. I can chat with the audience and have them more involved.”

Butch Walker w/Greg Holden Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Friday, September 7, $25-$38.

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

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

Daisy Finch » The Entertainer!

The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt after he refused to shoot a baby bear during a 1902 hunting trip.

Winnie the Pooh was based on a real bear that a soldier found during World War I and became a pet and a mascot for the troop.

Soon after the teddy bear was made, Theodore Roosevelt made them the official mascot of his political campaigns.

September 9 is

NATIONAL TEDDY BEAR DAY. The correct term for a teddy bear collector is an “arctophile.”

Magellan T Bear was the first bear to go into space.

He boarded Space Shuttle Discovery in 1995 as a school project.

THE SMALLEST STITCHED TEDDY BEAR THAT WAS COMMERCIALLY MADE WAS 0.29 INCHES TALL.

The world’s largest teddy bear that was created was After the Titanic sank in 1912, German toy company Steiff made 5,000 teddy bears to honor the victims.

55 feet.

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e16990 east shea blvd scottsdale

e210155 east via linda scottsdale ranch

•

480.500.5889

•

480.993.3449

www.eggstasyaz.com

FREE ADMISSION

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OKTOBER 12-13-14

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THE 27

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For Reservations, please call

(480) 951-3775

www.tuttisantiristorante.com

6339 E. Greenway Rd., Scottsdale, 85254