The Entertainer! Magazine - September 2022

PHX METRO » SEPTEMBER 2022

Inside

PASSAGE IN TIME

Authority Zero revisits album

M ICHAEL BUBLÉ

IN 3 ACTS

The crooner is ready to take fans ‘Higher’

OKTOBERFEST

CONTENTS

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ON THE COVER

Times Media Group 1900 W. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone 480.348.0343 Fax 480.348.2109 entertainermag.com

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

Vice President

Michael Hiatt mhiatt@timespublications.com

ExecutiveEditor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura

MICHAEL BUBLÉ IN 3 ACTS

cdziawura@timespublications.com

designer

Shannon Mead

production manager Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

The crooner is ready to take fans ‘Higher’

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

ROCK ROYALTY

Duran Duran: From small club to royal stage

writers

16

Summer Aguirre, Zakkary Brog, Allison Brown, Alex Gallagher, Caleb Jones, Abigail LaCombe, Bridgette M. Redman, Jordan Rogers, Annika Tomlin

Photographers

A24, Knight Agency, Steve Bagdasarian, Ryan Clyde, Larry DiMarzio, Aubree Estrella, Phoenix Rising FC, Hollie Fernando, J.C. Hewlett, Gizella Manning, David Minton, Sebastian Mlynarski, David OD, Ashley Orellana, Ashely Osborn, Cynthia Parkhurst, Norman Jean Roy, Eamonn Smith, John Swannell, Kevin J. Thomson ONE COPY PER READER

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SAVING THE MALT SHOP

The ‘Happy Days’ gang returns to the stage

CONTENTS UPFRONT

4

DINING

18

Top 25 • Michael Bublé • “Immersive King Tut” • Duran Duran

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest • Everclear • Dining Calendar

CITY

BREWS & SPIRITS

11

Arabian National Breeder Finals • Oktoberfest • The Thumb • “Daddy Daughter Trip”

ARTS “Happy Days: The New Musical”

25

Phoenix Rising coach Juan Guerra • Football Bars • Sports Calendar

20

Brews & Spirits Calendar

FAMILY

28

Monster Jam’s Bryce Kenny

CASINOS 16

SPORTS

22

Joe Satriani • Prince Again • Casino Entertainment Calendar

MUSIC

29

Live Music Calendar • Dreamers • Upsahl • Authority Zero • Wet Leg • Miss May I • Toadies • Steve Vai • Yächtley Crëw • Judah & the Lion

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

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

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on the cover: Michael Bublé Cover photo courtesy Norman Jean Roy

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TOP25

By Connor Dziawura

Artists Serving Humanity

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28 For First Fridays, the Olney Gallery is holding a special reception for Artists Serving Humanity, a group that represents incarcerated artists who give back by raising money through art sales, from 6 to 9 p.m.

September 2. More than 200 artists in 18 states, the youngest being 18 and the oldest 81, are part of Artists Serving Humanity.

The Olney Gallery’s exhibit opened in August and is on display through September 28.

Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 623.826.9912, artistsservinghumanity. org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, free admission

Saboten Con

SEPTEMBER 2 TO SEPTEMBER 5 Spend your Labor Day weekend celebrating anime and manga with this massive convention. Taking place Downtown and having drawn more than 23,000 attendees last year, this convention features vendors, workshops, evening raves, maid and anime cafes, and plenty of programming. Special guests include the likes of illustrators, voice actors, costume designers and cosplayers.

Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, 340 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 623.232.0580, sabotencon. conmagick.com, various dates and times, $20-$450

“Seinfeld” Trivia

SEPTEMBER 7 Test your knowledge of the iconic ’90s show about nothing with host Jack Trivia. Think you can win this contest? The craft beer taproom will be giving away prizes, plus there will be plenty of brews, bites, yada yada yada.

Tap That Downtown, 909 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, 602.812.3222, tapthatbeer. com, 7 to 9 p.m., free admission

“Barbarian”

OPENS SEPTEMBER 9 Directed by Zach Cregger, this horror film stars Georgina Campbell as a woman who travels to Detroit for a job interview but finds her rental home double-booked by a strange man. Bill Skarsgård and Justin Long are also among the cast. Rated R. In theaters

9/11 Tower Challenge

SEPTEMBER 10 Pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, with this annual benefit for the 100 Club of Arizona. The challenge allows participants to climb the equivalent of the 110 floor and 2,071 steps of the Twin Towers, viewing photographs of the fallen along the way. The 100 Club of Arizona outlines its mission as being “to provide financial assistance to families of first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty and provide resources to enhance their safety and welfare.”

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 602.485.0100, 100club.org/911tc2022, 8 to 10 a.m., $40-$45

Emo Nite

SEPTEMBER 10 Since the first one nearly a decade ago, Emo Nite has become something of a phenomenon. An emo-focused touring club night, it welcomes guests to different cities to curate playlists of the classics its audiences grew up on. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to Living the Dream Foundation, which supports children and young adults living with life-threatening illnesses.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, emonite.com, 9 p.m., $17

Kendrick Lamar

SEPTEMBER 10 It’s been a long five years, but

UPFRONT

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE Kendrick Lamar (or Oklama, as he has now been referring to himself) is back — and his latest release, “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” immediately entered into the pantheon of great hiphop double albums. Cue The Big Steppers Tour. This Phoenix show will be supported by up-andcomers Baby Keem and Tanna Leone, both of whom are signed to Lamar’s new pgLang venture and also have recent projects.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter. com, 7:30 p.m., $144-$475

ingredient is back for more than a week of festivities. Last year’s event featured everything from cooking demos and garlic-growing classes to live music and a vendor alley, so not only are cooks of varying skill levels welcome, but so is anyone else who wants to partake in some fall fun, really. Central to it all is the Tavolo Dinner on September 21, which costs a pricey $124.99 but includes five courses of garlic-based feasting.

Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 South Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 480.888.9290, queencreekolivemill.com, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, free admission

Phoenix Rising vs.

Oakland Roots SC

“Moonage Daydream”

SEPTEMBER 10 The Phoenix Rising Football Club only has one home game this month, so don’t miss your chance to catch a game before the season comes to a wrap. The Rising will face off against the Oakland Roots Sports Club at Wild Horse Pass in the middle of a month that will see the team traveling to go up against Colorado, San Diego, Monterey Bay and Sacramento.

Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., see website for tickets

OPENS SEPTEMBER 16 Written and directed by Brett Morgen, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Kurt Cobain documentary “Montage of Heck,” this film is described by distributor Neon as a “feature-length experiential cinematic odyssey (that) explores David Bowie’s creative, musical and spiritual journey.” With narration from the late Bowie himself, the film — which will be shown in IMAX — uses “sublime, kaleidoscopic, neverbefore-seen footage, performances and music.” Rated PG-13.

In theaters, moonagedaydream.film

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

San Diego Padres

SEPTEMBER 15 TO SEPTEMBER 18 After a matchup for Roberto Clemente Day on Thursday, the D-backs will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Weekend with three more games against the Padres on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, presented

by Estrella Jalisco. On Saturday, 10,000 fans will receive a Serpientes replica jersey courtesy of Pepsi, too.

All four games will be broadcast on TV via Bally Sports Arizona and radio via 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station and KHOV Univision 105.1.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, dbacks.com, 6:40 p.m. September 15 and September 16, 5:10 p.m. September 17, 1:10 p.m.

September 18, $15-$180

Garlic Fest

SEPTEMBER 16 TO SEPTEMBER 25 Queen Creek’s annual celebration of everyone’s favorite anti-vampire

“Pearl”

OPENS SEPTEMBER 16 Just six months after the release of his ’70s throwback slasher film “X,” writer-director Ti West is already returning to cinemas with this Technicolor-inspired prequel that tells the origin story of its

NOV 4 - 5

Based on actual accounts of slave escapes through the Underground Railroad network, as well as the author’s personal family history of overcoming slavery in Louisiana.

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The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE! | SEP 23

Get The Led Out

CCA and C.A.L.L.E de Arizona present 23 rd Annual

Grace Kelly

Las Cafeteras presents Hasta La Muerte | OCT 28

Marc Broussard

Naturally 7 and Hiroshima | NOV 13

The Doo Wop Project

DRUMLine Live!

OCT 2

chandlercenter.org

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ON SALE NOW!

Mariachi and Folklórico Festival | OCT 1

NOV 12

JAN 20

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

villain. Both starring Mia Goth, together the two films are sure to make the perfect grindhouseinspired double feature. Rated R. In theaters, a24films. com/films/pearl

vendors, complemented with live music, kids activities and more.

Bell Bank Park, 1 Legacy Drive, Mesa, 480.353.7058, bellbankpark.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5

Arizona State Fair

SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 30 Fall is almost upon us, and so is the Arizona State Fair. “Turn on the fair fun” with thrilling rides, tasty fair food and plenty more activities that return in the cooler months each year, from livestock shows to a variety of entertainment stages.

Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.252.6771, azstatefair.com, various dates and times, $15 or free for kids 5 and younger

“Don’t Worry, Darling”

OPENS SEPTEMBER 23 Olivia Wilde makes her directorial follow-up to the acclaimed 2019 coming-of-age comedy “Booksmart” with this psychological thriller starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Chris Pine and herself.

Set during the 1950s in the experimental company town Victory, and sounding like a sort of new take on “The Stepford Wives” formula, the husbands spend their days working on the top-secret Victory Project while the wives enjoy life’s luxuries back home, until something sinister is revealed beneath the community’s utopian surface, causing their lifestyle to come to question. Rated R. In theaters, dontworrydarling. movie

Bell Bank Park Fall Fest

SEPTEMBER 24 Celebrate the end of summer and the start of fall with this East Valley festival, which will emphasize shopping from more than 100 local ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

discog for live performances.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, livenation. com, 8 p.m., $29.50-$809

Somos Peoria

CHVRCHES

SEPTEMBER 24 After the Scottish synth-pop trio’s horror-inspired 2021 album “Screen Violence,” which could be argued as a return to form after a more accessible turn on 2018’s “Love is Dead,” Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty are returning to the Valley with all the great songs and lighting they’ve come to be known for. No word on if there’s an opening act.

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, marqueetheatreaz. com, 8 p.m., $42

Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque and a Band

SEPTEMBER 24 Beer. Bourbon. Barbecue. Those three words should be all that’s needed to spark an interest in this SanTan Brewing Company event. Musician Nick Moody will open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with Trey Odum following on the main stage from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Despite the brews and spirits, the event is fun for the whole family, with a pig roast and food available from the SanTan Brewing food truck.

SanTan Gardens, 495 E. Warner Road, Suite 101, Chandler, 480.534.7041, santanbrewing. com, 4 to 10 p.m., $12-$30 or free standing room admission for children 12 and younger

with friends. Tickets to this event include a dozen sangria tastings per person, plus VIP updates and discounts on future events. And don’t miss out on the giveaways and whatever else Wasted Grain has in store. This event is 21 and older.

Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, scottsdalesangriafest.weebly. com, 2 to 5:30 p.m., $25-$35

Pumpkin Patch

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 31 Get into the fall spirit with this family-owned and -operated farm. Shop Maneau’s Market for decorations and accessories; grab a bite to eat, from hot dogs to snacks like popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones; and pick a fresh pumpkin from the patch. Entry includes an oz pumpkin, hayride and spider web crawl, plus ticket holders can feed the animals and enter Alexander’s Adventure Maze.

Mother Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, 480.892.5874, mothernaturesfarm.com, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, $12

Scottsdale Sangria Fest

SEPTEMBER 24 Spend your afternoon in Old Town Scottsdale, sipping sangria

SEPTEMBER 24 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this family-friendly, multicultural festival featuring live music and entertainment including El Chicano, Latin Breed, Mariachi Divas, Ballet Folklorico, lucha libre, a classic and lowrider car show, arts and crafts shopping, food and beverages.

Old Town Peoria at 83rd and Grand avenues, 623.773.7133, peoriaaz. gov, 4 to 10:30 p.m., $10-$35

Gorillaz

SEPTEMBER 26 It’s been a long wait for fans of the virtual band Gorillaz, as Damon Albarn’s heavily collaborative musical project (behind such hits as “Clint Eastwood” and “Feel Good Inc.”) hasn’t stopped in the Valley since 2010’s “Plastic Beach” tour.

In the time since, even considering a lengthy hiatus, fans have been treated to a wealth of new music — four new albums’ worth, plus another on the way. Special guest duo and Dreamville signee EARTHGANG will be in tow.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, footprintcenter. com, 7:30 p.m., $65-$424

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas

SEPTEMBER 29 Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are linking up to bring the “NY state of mind” to Phoenix. Legendary Queens emcee Nas is on a hot streak, having recently linked up with producer HitBoy for a prolific run of well-received new records (2020’s “King’s Disease” and 2021’s “King’s Disease II” and “Magic,” not to mention reports of a forthcoming “King’s Disease III”).

The Wu-Tang Clan, on the other hand, may not have a new project — but the Staten Island legends always bring the ruckus with a deep

“Immersive King Tut”

SEPTEMBER 30 TO NOVEMBER 13 After “Immersive Van Gogh” and “Immersive Monet,” Lighthouse Artspace is continuing to immerse its audiences in the worlds of the past, this time that of Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun — coinciding with the 100-year anniversary of the discovery of his tomb.

Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, immersive-kingtut.com, various dates and times, $30-$40

“Mala”

SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 15 Order Chaos Theater Company presents this one-woman show (which stars Ángela Kabasan González) described as “an irreverent exploration of how we live through, cope, and survive in the last moments of our loved one’s lives.” Performed on The Kax Stage and directed by Jean Paoul C. Clemente, Herberger’s website also notes author Melinda Lopez’s knack for “distinctive emotional language and sharp humor.”

Recommended for ages 12 and older.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, 7 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays, $27

“Matilda the Musical”

SEPTEMBER 30 TO OCTOBER 16 This musical is based on the Roald Dahl classic about “an extraordinary girl … with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind,” as Theater Works describes her. Audiences of all ages are welcome to the show, which takes place in the Gyder Theater.

Theater Works, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks. org, 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, $40-$48

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FUN & FESTIVITIES

Photo: Christian de Araujo

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MICHAEL BUBLÉ IN 3 ACTS UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

The crooner is ready to take fans ‘Higher’ at Footprint Center

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

M

ichael Bublé has a knack for making cavernous venues feel intimate.

That’s exactly what he plans when he brings his Higher Tour 2022 to Footprint Center on Tuesday, September 20. And that intimacy is especially poignant now as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I, along with everyone else in the world, wondered if this world was ever going to get to where we are right now and for us to all get back together,” Bublé says during a Zoom interview.

“I share that with my musicians, my crew, my local crew, your buildings. I think everybody feels this, and I think there’s just this great, this wonderful energy.”

To say the “Higher” shows are well thought out is an understatement.

“I spent two and a half years daydreaming every day, sitting up every night, thinking about how I could make this the greatest show in the world,” Bublé says.

“I wanted to change it and make it new for me, and give people who have seen me before something completely fresh.”

Wearing a burgundy suit and sitting on a black sofa at a rehearsal space, Bublé says he did it. He had a taste of it while on his recent England tour.

“I’m about to go in and start to make sure that all the pieces are fitting perfectly,” he adds about rehearsals.

“I knew it worked, though. I just came from England, where I had these massive outdoor shows. I didn’t have all the production I will have here, but I had the bones of the set.

“I just watched the people lose it — like literally losing it. It’s high energy.”

The show, he says, is essentially three acts. The venues will be transformed into a sophisticated, dramatic massive club.

“It’s explosive,” he says. “There’s this great sense of ‘drama.’ That’s the best way to say it.”

The middle part of the concert ramps up until it explodes in production surprises, which he’s quick to reveal.

“It’s like going to see the Stones or Coldplay,” he says. “You’re going to see a rock show, and it’s in the third act that you have this massive, goosebumpinducing finale. That’s my whole goal. I kept saying to my lighting designers, to my production team, I want people to feel like they’ve come into three different buildings in the same night.

“I want the environment to change.

I don’t need pyro. I don’t need massive ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

confetti cannons. I don’t need all the lights,” he says before scooting closer to the camera.

“But I have them anyway.”

These three acts will give Bublé fans exactly what they want, he says. As much as he loves the songs on “Higher,” his 11th full-length album, he knows that fans long to hear hits like “Home,” “Save the Last Dance for Me,” “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Feeling Good.”

“They need to have those core songs that they want to hear,” Bublé says.

“I’m really proud of this set list. When you walk away, no one’s going to say, ‘Ah, I wish he would have done… I wish he would have done…’ I don’t ever want to be so self-indulgent where I go, ‘And this is a new one. And this is a new one.

And this is a new one.’ It’s a really clever mix, I think, of giving them some of the new stuff, but making sure that they get to hear their favorite hits.”

And others’ favorite hits. With the BBC Concert Orchestra, he covered Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License” on a recommendation from a longtime friend, and it’s become such a radio hit abroad, he’s considering adding it to his set list.

“That’s a huge, huge hit in England right now for me,” he says. “That’s the No. 1 most-added record on radio — and it’s not mine. Olivia Rodrigo: I want some money from you.”

Bublé recorded the song with the help

of musical director Nicholas JacobsonLarson, a prodigy of John Williams.

“You can hear that in many of his arrangements,” he says. “This is very cinematic. You can hear that in many of his arrangements. He arranged ‘Higher.’

He arranged ‘Smile.’ He arranged ‘Crazy,’ the Willie Nelson duet. He’s had his fingerprints all over it.”

He and Larson were in a hotel room in England when Bublé sang how he would perform “Drivers License.”

“It had this ‘Eleanor Rigby’ feel with this really percussive string stuff,” he adds. “He always just kills it. We showed up. I sang it. I did it. I didn’t think another thing about it. Then my manager started to call me and say, ‘You need to put this out.’ And I said, ‘I’m not putting this out.’ I had two singles I was working.”

“Then I had taken my kids to see ‘Matilda’ on the West End in London,” he adds. “My manager sent me a note and said, ‘Listen, you just need to listen to it.’ So, I begrudgingly put in my earphones, and I sat in the theater about to watch the show. And I went, ‘Oh, this is good. Maybe I should release this.’ I just didn’t expect it to be a hit.”

While “Drivers License” is a strong “maybe” for the shows, fan TikTok videos are a must for them. He’s encouraging fans to submit their clips for inclusion at the concerts.

“I really love that platform,” he says.

“It’s really a community, and I love that I get to be part of a community.

I get to see kids sitting in their mom’s basement, playing the piano and showing off these amazing talents, or people being creative and making funny videos.

“There are people who have touching stories, and you actually get to connect with them and talk with them and write to them. It’s the first time in my career or my life that I ever felt there was really a way to have that real connection.”

Users of other social media outlets show off their morning breakfast or their workout routine. But TikTok is about relationships, he says.

“I can tell people in Albuquerque or South Africa, ‘You have a beautiful voice. You’re amazing,’” he says. “‘You just brightened my day.’ ‘Thank you for sharing your mother’s cancer battle.’ It’s remarkable.”

Michael Bublé WHEN: 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 20 WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $65 INFO: 602.379.2000, footprintcenter.com

BOY. KING. HERO. THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

9

‘Immersive King Tut’ is a journey to ancient Egypt

By Summer Aguirre

L

overs of ancient Egypt will be able to step back in time with the debut of “Immersive King Tut: Magic Journey to the Light.”

A leading producer of immersive digital art galleries, Lighthouse Immersive’s newest exhibition will feature one of ancient Egypt’s most notable and youngest rulers, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, as a centennial commemoration of his tomb’s unearthing in November 1922. The launch of “Immersive King Tut” on September 30 at Lighthouse ArtSpace Phoenix will allow guests to experience the magic of ancient Egypt through advanced technology.

“It’s kind of a transforming experience, so I want people to enjoy it,” says Richard Ouzounian, the creative consultant for Lighthouse Immersive.

“But I do want them to also walk away with knowledge that King Tut is more than that famous mask you’ve always seen.”

Ross and fellow producer Svetlana Dvoretsky established Lighthouse Immersive in 2019 in Toronto. The pair and its team have been trailblazing immersive art exhibits to great success since then, producing “Immersive Monet & the Impressionists,” “Immersive Frida Kahlo” and “Immersive Van Gogh” in cities throughout North America.

In its first exhibit dedicated to a historical figure instead of an artist, Lighthouse Immersive collaborated with the United Exhibits Group (UEG) and International Foundation for Fine and Decorative Arts (IFFDA) under the auspices of the Egyptian Council for Tourism Affairs to bring King Tut to life across the continent.

The pharaoh, who took the throne when he was only 9 years old, had a short reign from around 1332 to 1323 B.C. His story prompted a worldwide fascination with ancient Egyptian culture, spurred by the unearthing of his tomb a century ago by acclaimed archaeologist Howard Carter.

According to Ouzounian, the pharaoh’s tomb was found untouched.

This was uncommon considering most tombs had been robbed of their artifacts and gold over the centuries.

“What people first saw was all this wealth, all these riches, all the Egyptian masks, the gods’ statues, but they saw the externals and they didn’t really get to what it all meant,” Ouzounian says.

In contrast to when the tomb was

opened, he hopes that those who visit the Immersive exhibit can take away the significance of Egyptian civilization.

“This is really something completely different,” he says. “This is like history and religion and a whole culture, and you’re in the middle of it.”

The foundation for “Immersive King Tut” was inspired by the ancient Egypt exhibition “Quest for Immortality,” which premiered at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., before touring internationally for 15 years.

It is a retelling of the Amduat, a noteworthy ancient Egyptian funerary text, which were often found preserved in the tombs of pharaohs. Believed to be the oldest-known illustrated story, the Amduat depicts the sun god Ra as he travels through the underworld from sundown to sunrise.

The Immersive experience sets itself apart from past King Tut exhibitions by highlighting the pharaoh’s story and the magnificence of ancient Egypt through detailed visuals.

The exhibit’s design is the product of Cocolab, a Mexico City-based company with over a decade of experience in the development of innovative projects. Its creative team utilized a combination of animation and video mappings to capture a variety of thrilling sensations, such as a sinking boat and a giant serpent wrapping around the room.

“Audiences will experience a much more cinematic experience than other immersive shows,” César Moheno-Pla of Cocolab says in a statement. “We’ve developed groundbreaking animation techniques that will give the feeling of a true immersive experience; visitors will feel like they’re walking the halls and exploring the tombs of ancient Egypt.”

To educate guests about ancient Egyptian civilization, Ouzounian says the screens and pillars around the room display fun facts organized by an Egyptologist, a discovery timeline and information about the religion and culture.

“I think they (guests) will be surprised about how they get caught up in it.

You may think, oh, this is just an old Egyptian story. But as the images start…

As everything is surrounding you…

There are times when the light is all around you, or when you think the boat King Tut is on is going to sink and you think the waves are all around you,” Ouzounian says. “It has very state-ofthe-art animation. The fact that it is on all these screens, 360 degrees, and there are images projected on the ceiling and stuff projected on the floor — it just takes you away.”

“Immersive King Tut: Magic Journey to the Light” WHEN: Various times Friday, September 30, to Sunday, November 13 WHERE: Lighthouse Artspace Phoenix, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $29.99; group discounts available INFO: immersive-kingtut.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ROCK ROYALTY

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Duran Duran goes from a small club to the royal stage

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

D

uran Duran has had plenty of “pinch-me” moments in the last 44 years. But drummer Roger Taylor says performing at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June was near the top.

“It was a huge event for us,” Taylor says. “To be chosen for an event that is put on by the royal family is a pinchyourself moment.

“We’re this little band that was created in this little club in Birmingham in a back room all those years ago. Fast forward and we’re playing for the royal family. It’s an incredible honor. Also, we have an emotional attachment because (Princess) Diana was a big fan of the band. So, it felt natural for us to be there.”

Fans who saw the concert in person or on U.S. television saw a sneak peek of Duran Duran’s tour, which comes to the Footprint Center at 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 7. The title of Duran Duran’s newest album, “Future Past,” tells the whole story.

For its 15th collection, Duran Duran hearkened back to the Roger Taylorbassist John Taylor heavy rhythm section. Producer Erol Alkan instigated that, he says.

“The new album was about reclaiming our old sound a little bit more,” Taylor says.

“We’ve been down quite a few different avenues over the years. We’ve gone down the electronic avenue. We’ve gone down the avenue where we programmed a lot more. This is definitely more about organic playing.”

Alkan is a fan of Duran Duran’s early 12-inch records where John and Roger laid down grooves organically.

“He’s a great DJ, and he wanted to capture that groove that John and I have,” Taylor says of Alkan.

The decision is a rarity in Duran Duran’s record-making world that is more spontaneous than planned.

“We literally just go into the room, and we let the universe take us down whichever path it wants to take us,” Taylor says.

“I think it’s because, when we started, we had so many different influences. We were listening to Kraftwerk, New York disco, the New York Dolls, Sex Pistols and Chic. We were very lucky to be forming at a time when there was a lot of great, different forms of music.

“I think that worked its way into the DNA of the band. So, when we sit down

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and write, we can really go down any of those paths.”

Duran Duran has never been absolutely success driven either, Taylor adds. The mainstay quartet — Taylor, singer Simon LeBon, bassist John Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes — doesn’t feel the need to remake “Rio” to return to Top 40 radio either.

“We’ve always done what we’ve felt like doing,” Taylor says. “If it’s commercially successful, amazing. But that’s never been the driving factor behind us.”

Along with Alkan, “Future Past” was produced by Italian film composer, songwriter and the “Father of Disco” Giorgio Moroder, while former Blur guitarist Graham Coxon played guitars on each song.

“It was great working with Graham,” Taylor says.

“God bless (former guitarists) Andy

(Taylor) and Warren (Cuccurullo) and Dom Brown, who plays with us now.

But it was really interesting to have somebody come into the room from the get-go, from the start of the writing sessions, because we’ve not had that for a while. It was really creative, and it changed the shape of the record as well.”

Coxon was great to work with, but Taylor calls Moroder “the real legend.”

“We’re huge fans of his, so it was wonderful to work with him. He’s such a big part of our DNA. I think it was great to have the original article in the room with us. It was great to work with Mike Gaston. He’s another legend who played on great Bowie records.”

“Future Past” was recorded and written during the lockdown and, with “very little else going on in our world, we couldn’t travel, we couldn’t even go

out for dinner together.” The energy was focused on making the record.

“It was a tough time, but I think it really helped us deliver a great record,” Taylor adds.

That record will be reflected in the live show as well. But Taylor says Duran Duran is cognizant of fans’ request of a hit-driven set.

“The album seems to be really well accepted,” he says. “We’re going to showcase some of the songs from the new record, obviously. But we’re going to play all of the classics that people still love all these years later. It’s a brand-new live show with new screen footage. It’s a really great show.”

After the tour ends, on November 5, Duran Duran will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Taylor is looking forward to it. The ceremony is “rumored” — according to Taylor — to include Andy Taylor and Cuccurullo.

“They’re inductees, so we thought it would be right and proper to invite them to come and play with us,” he says. “So that’s going to be interesting.”

Duran Duran w/Nile Rodgers and Chic WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 7 WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $24.50 INFO: footprintcenter.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

CITY

11

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

PRANCING INTO TOWN Arabian National Breeders Finals returns to WestWorld

By Alex Gallagher

H

orse season is set to kick off in Scottsdale on Wednesday, September 14, when the Arabian National Breeders Finals returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale through Saturday, September 17.

The show, which is a small sampling of the grand Arabian Horse show that comes to Scottsdale every February, is one of the few shows in the world where fans can see the weanlings — or infant horses — trot around a stadium with the finest horses from around the globe.

“It’s a boutique show that we started, and our vision was to host a highend horse show that attracted the best Arabian horses from around the country to Scottsdale,” Arabian Horse Association of Arizona Executive Director Taryl O’Shea says. “We wanted it to be a boutique show, because we wanted it to be intimate and people to have a good time.”

O’Shea has seen the show grow in its quality and prestige over the past decade-plus since its debut in 2011.

“We’ve also grown in our efforts to make the show elegant and beautiful; through that, we’ve attracted, you know, the top-end horses to compete at this show,” O’Shea says.

Not only does the show attract some of the shiniest equines from across

the world, but the show’s setup also complements the coats and other features of the horses competing.

“We set it up to look like a stage in that we black curtains along the whole back of the arena and the horses compete in this beautiful venue where there’s a red carpet and lighting,” O’Shea says.

At the show, horses will compete in classes based on their age — from

month-old equines to 15-year-old animals.

In the mornings, the horses show off how well they can ride in different disciplines.

“So, the people ride the horses in different disciplines like hunter pleasure, Western pleasure and English pleasure — where they lift their legs really high when they trot,” O’Shea says.

Following the elegant morning fanfare will be a show where horses will be judged once again, but this time on their beauty and conformation in comparison to the standard of the Arabian horse.

As the horses trot through the sandy pastures inside of WestWorld, fans can indulge in activities around the stadium.

Food and drinks and an array of locally made products and crafts will be available for purchase.

“We have a small selection, but a high-end selection of artists, jewelers and clothing that our horse exhibitors buy things from, and so we’ve kept it small and allowed hand-picked vendors to come that fit the ambiance of the horse show to vend here,” O’Shea says.

O’Shea admits that her favorite part of the three-day competition is glancing at the future of the Arabian horse scene when the starry-eyed weanlings trot

through the grounds of the stadium and the conversations that emerge from the spectators during the show.

“My favorite part, personally, is seeing the babies compete,” she says.

“It is just such a fun thing to see them in the showroom together. This show also has a lot of really good camaraderie, and people take time to visit and get to know one another better.”

Whether people come out to shop, sip or enjoy a unique show, O’Shea says there is one thing to be expected from the three days of competition and fanfare.

“Expect a well-put-together horse show that has some of the best horses, a cool ambiance and then just some good camaraderie,” she says. “Expect an Arabian extravaganza with a lot of fun.

Arabian National Breeders Finals WHEN: Various times Wednesday, September 14, to Saturday, September 17 WHERE: Equidome, WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale COST: Free admission INFO: scottsdaleshow.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CHEERS TO BEER SEASON

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Oktoberfest celebrations planned throughout the state this fall

By Allison Brown

I

t’s time to pull on the lederhosen, lace up the dirndl and throw back a pint, because Oktoberfest season is just around the corner.

According to census data, more than 40 million Americans claim German ancestry — that’s roughly 16% of the U.S. population. And, while there aren’t any hard statistics on the subject, it’s safe to bet that at least a few million Americans also just love a good beer.

Maybe that’s why the United States is the country ranked fourth for the most Oktoberfest celebrations, with Germany obviously taking first place.

For many, when Oktoberfest is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is beer. But in Arizona, it’s also a celebration of the turn of the season. It’s the first peek of fall and one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors, which is one reason why so many cities across the state opt to participate in the traditional Bavarian holiday. Here are a few of the Oktoberfest events happening across the state this year.

will be a variety of classic Oktoberfest games and contests, including stein holding, wiener toss and sausage eating contests. And, in keeping with the theme, a full lineup of live music is scheduled, including a German polka band.

“We are stoked to be joining forces with our friends at SanTan to throw one of the best Oktoberfest events in the Valley this year,” Wright says. “I’ll be emceeing the stein holding and sausageeating competitions, so grab your friends and lederhosen. This is going to be a fun event.”

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.656.1639, pedalhausbrewery.com, 3 to 11 p.m., $15-$25

LITCHFIELD PARK OKTOBERFEST AT THE WIGWAM OCTOBER 1 In partnership with the city of Litchfield Park, The Wigwam is celebrating Oktoberfest with live music, lawn games, German-inspired cuisine and, of course, beer. Those who preorder

Four Peaks Oktoberfest

Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 866.976.6894, wigwamarizona.com/ events, 6 to 9 p.m., ticket price TBD

WICKENBURG OKTOBERFEST OCTOBER 1 At the Wickenburg Oktoberfest, attendees can enjoy historic Stone Park, sample beers from more than 15 Arizona breweries, and munch on food from

DOWNTOWN CHANDLER OKTOBERFEST OCTOBER 1 For the first time, Pedal Haus Brewery and SanTan Brewing Company are joining together to host an epic Oktoberfest event in Downtown Chandler Saturday, October 1.

Julian Wright, CEO and founder of Pedal Haus Brewery, says both of the Downtown Chandler companies decided to collaborate instead of competing.

The Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest will feature beer and food from both SanTan and Pedal Haus breweries plus canned craft cocktails. The breweries will serve a range of beers including German-style Oktoberfests. German fare, including Bavarian-style soft pretzels and brats, will be served.

In addition to the food and drinks, there

Flagstaff Oktoberfest

tickets through Eventbrite will receive a commemorative Oktoberfest glass.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. This event is for ages 21 and older.

The Wigwam Front Lawn, 300 E.

Oktoberfest

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German food trucks. There will also be live music and lawn games to keep the crowd entertained.

The event is organized by and is a fundraiser for the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with independent brewers to promote the virtues and raise the profile of the state’s locally crafted beers. Rob Fullmer, executive director of the guild, says the Oktoberfest season is a great exposure and business for breweries, which is why he wanted to do an event in a smaller market. He says Wickenburg is about halfway in between Tempe and Prescott, so the festival draws in a good variety of brewers.

Admission to the Wickenburg Oktoberfest comes with 15 tasting tickets.

One ticket can be handed in to the brewery of choice for a 4-ounce beer tasting.

Stone Park, 164 E. Apache Street,

Wickenburg, wickenburgoktoberfest. com, 3 to 8 p.m., $40-$60

FLAGSTAFF OKTOBERFEST OCTOBER 1 Flagstaff will host its 13th annual Oktoberfest this year, complete with drinks, food, live music, contests and even bounce houses for the kids. Beer will be aplenty, as will other typical Oktoberfest eats such as pretzels and bratwurst.

Beer may take the center stage, but Jennifer Grogan, event producer, says the contests are “hilarious,” which is why a side stage is set up for five events throughout the day.

First up is the wiener man race, where people put on hot dog costumes and race to navigate through an obstacle course. New this year is the chicken dance contest. There is also a brat-eating contest, which Grogan says is both a “fan favorite and absolutely disgusting.”

Then there is the traditional Bavarian stein contest for men and women, separately. In this contest, participants hold a liter of beer in a heavy-duty glass with their arms in front of them.

The last competition of the day is the frozen T-shirt contest. Grogan says T-shirts are folded, tied and frozen, and teams of two compete to try to be the first to get the

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shirt undone and on a body. She adds that, because this is the last competition of the day, participants are usually “feeling the alcohol … so it’s pretty funny.”

A percentage of all alcohol sales will benefit the Flagstaff Alpine Ski and Snowboard team, specifically its scholarship programs for families who can’t afford the sport.

Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.606.7600, flagstaffoktoberfest.com, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., $5-$7, kids under 12 free

HAUS MURPHY’S FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER Haus Murphy is a German restaurant that offers beer, brats, pretzels and Polka year-round. But during October, it ramps up.

Guests can enjoy seasonal imported German beer specifically brewed for this time in Germany while sitting back in the biergarten listening to live Polka music.

The restaurant has been serving German food for 26 years, so while the Oktoberfest fan favorites of soft pretzels and bratwursts are available, there is a whole menu of authentic German cuisine to try.

Limited seating is available, and spots tend to fill up fast, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Haus Murphy’s, 5739 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 623.939.2480, hausmurphys.com, 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays throughout October

FOUR PEAKS OKTOBERFEST OCTOBER 7 TO OCTOBER 9 The Four Peak Oktoberfest in Tempe is the largest in the state, drawing 75,000 to 100,000 people over the three-day period. This is the 49th year the Four Peaks Oktoberfest has been held, and the first year back after a three-year pandemic-dictated break, according to Paul Sheard, co-event organizer.

“We have a lot of fun with this event … and we’re excited to see everybody again,” he says.

To celebrate its return, the festival will feature its typical Bavarian-themed food, drinks, games and music, along with new attractions.

Sheard says food is provided by

Denmark Foods, with the featured menu item being a Kilt Lifter brat in partnership with Four Peaks. New this year, there will also be vegetarian empanadas. And, while there will be beer ranging from a lager to a pumpkin porter, it will also sell wine and canned cocktails.

As for entertainment, there’s no shortage of that either. The festival has a carnival with 15 to 20 rides and games.

Live music will be played each night, including a performance from a German polka band. There will also be classic Oktoberfest competitions, such as stein holding, brat eating, a wiener dog race and a wiener dog fashion show — which features dog and owner in costume.

Four Peaks Oktoberfest is produced by and was started by the nonprofit organization Tempe Sister Cities as a fundraiser. Proceeds from the event help send Tempe high school students to 10 of Tempe’s sister cities.

Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.625.3493, fourpeaksoktoberfest.com, various times Friday, October 7, to Sunday, October 9, $20, Sunday free

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In true Oktoberfest spirit, there will also be a brat eating contest and stein holding contest. There’s also a kids zone, and children can enter for free.

Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, gilbertoktoberfest.com, 2 to 9 p.m., ticket price TBD

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Posse Grounds Park, 550 Posse Grounds Road, Sedona, 9/2 - 9/5 9/9 - 9/11 9/16 - 9/18 9/23 - 9/25 redrocksoktoberfest.com, 3 to 8 p.m., $25-$30

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Pedal Haus Oktoberfest

brewmasters has been sitting together and they all come up with their own recipe,” O’Donnell says. “We will have that available at every outlet at the event, and it will only be available there at the event.”

The event also features the selfproclaimed Queen of Oktoberfest and her band, the Oktoburlesques. They perform traditional polka blended with

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In its third year, the Gilbert Oktoberfest is ramping things up “100%,” according to event director Mike O’Donnell. He says there will be more beer, more food and more entertainment.

The event is teaming with breweries in the East Valley, which will create something completely new.

“They’re creating a collaborative beer for this event, where each one of the Forest

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HITCHHIKING BACK TO THE TOP UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Scottsdale’s The Thumb rebounds with weekly market, music

By Alex Gallagher

I

t’s been a long road to get back to 100% for a Scottsdale business that is much more than a gas station.

Established in 2012, The Thumb immediately began turning heads by offering a gift shop with creative Southwestern products and décor in addition to being one of the few stations to offer 95 gasoline — a blend of 91 and 100 octanes gasoline that is infused underneath the gas station.

It also developed a big reputation for award-winning barbecue.

However, the pandemic threw The Thumb for a loop after people stopped traveling, going to car washes, and eating out.

Because of this, general manager Joe Berman lost most of his staff.

“We have worked desperately since the pandemic to try to get our staff up to a level where we could bring it back and introduce new menu items,” he says.

“We’ve been working for a year to get this place staffed. We’ve just built our menu back up to almost where it was before the COVID-19 pandemic and getting our hours back up.”

Every corner of The Thumb was short on bodies.

“There are so many different facets to this business, from gas pumps with 95 and 100 octane gas, carwash bays, a handcrafted bakery, a worldrenowned barbecue, our fish tank has super high maintenance, our retail shop requires three full-time employees, we needed wine buyers, and there was just a lot of

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moving parts here,” he says.

“In a place like this, we rely on a lot of people, and it’s been a challenge for us.”

However, Berman has found a way to keep The Thumb rolling onward even as staffing shortages and a backlog of supplies continue to plague his business and others.

“Staffing is the new epidemic, but we’re trying to circumvent that by creating a cool culture and paying a little bit above average,” Berman says.

“But even supplies, we have signs that we only do prime beef and we only use prime meats, and there have been times when we can’t get prime meats so we just didn’t serve prime meat.”

Berman cites apt planning as the reason for The Thumb’s ability to return to a full menu and offer events to call the community back through his doors.

His first event is an outdoor public market, one of the first farmers markets to return in North Scottsdale.

“There had been some markets up there, and they kind of popped up and closed,” Berman says.

“But when you walk into them, it has this small-town general store feeling, so it makes sense that we bring that smalltown farm feeling to our parking lot and do something good for the community, do something good for ourselves and have some fun while we’re doing it.”

Berman reached out to his friends Ovi Carabas and Caroline Pimienta, who own Wellzona CBD and have been veterans of the farmers market scene for nearly three decades. The two jumped on board as partners of the outdoor public market.

Wellzona CBD was one of nearly 30 vendors that signed on for the market, which debuted on August 21.

The market includes items like juices, honey, teas, baked goods, cheeses, tortilla chips, hummus, yogurts and sauces. The Thumb sells its breakfast burritos, and, once harvesting resumes, Berman expects to get more fresh produce.

An outdoor public market is not the only exciting new thing happening at The Thumb, as free live music will hit the stage from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Berman also teased that The Thumb could be expanding in the next two years with the addition of a drive-thru, a brewery, a separate coffee shop, and more seating for dining patrons.

His goal, in short, is to keep building on his regrowing business.

The Thumb 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale 480.513.8186 thethumb.com

‘DADDY DAUGHTER TRIP’ Rob Schneider’s new film is a love letter to Arizona THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

15

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

ctor Rob Schneider has a love affair with the Valley, where he now resides. Because of this, he’s bringing a taste of Hollywood to the Grand Canyon State.

His forthcoming movie “Daddy Daughter Trip” — which he produced, directed and stars in — will be shown exclusively in Harkins Theatres. Its world premiere is Tuesday, September 27, at Camelview at Fashion Square in Scottsdale, and rolls out in the 15 Harkins Theatres on Friday, September 30.

Shot in Arizona, the film is a family affair. His wife, Patricia Maya Schneider, co-wrote the script, and it stars his daughters, singer-songwriter Elle King and Miranda Scarlett Schneider. “Daddy Daughter Trip” also features the legendary John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda,” “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”) and introduces Gavin Guerrero.

“We hope people love it,” he says. “I hope people get the love. My daughter is fantastic. She’s young, and she never made a movie before, of course. She just turned 8. It was her idea.”

She took multiple takes well, too, once she understood.

“I had to explain that it’s not that easy.

It’s work,” he says.

“It’s fun and it’s exciting and it’s glamorous, with camera and makeup.

It’s long hours. It was so hot in the back of the car. We had an old car, and it was repainted a beautiful blue. That’s the theme of the movie. The color of the car is the color of the sky that I see in Arizona.”

Rob and Cleese appeared at comedy clubs around town during the filming.

The actor, often paired with friend Adam Sandler, says it was an honor to work with Cleese.

“He’s my hero,” he says. “He really is a wonderful man. He has a lot to say, and God bless him. It’s OK to have opinions.

He’s to the left of where I am, but we both agree it’s about making the human

condition better. He won’t call himself a conservative, but we do bridge the gap.

Free speech is everything.

“But ‘Life of Brian’ is the greatest British comedy of all time. I love British humor. Monty Python is the high watermark of comedy in the 20th century. If you think otherwise, you’re not educated about comedy, and you can’t argue it. They changed comedy.

Without Monty Python, we wouldn’t have had ‘Saturday Night Live.’”

A blend of live action and animation, “Daddy Daughter Trip” tells the story of a second grader (Miranda) who dreams of a fun-filled spring break vacation her family can’t afford. Against the better judgment of her mom (Jackie Sandler, Adam’s wife) and with only coins in their pockets, her dreamer father (Rob) decides to take her on a spring break trip anyway.

After a series of misfortunate adventures, their vacation is saved when the duo meets a couple of famous travel bloggers.

“It’s about dreams,” Rob says. “If you don’t have money, it doesn’t mean you can’t figure out how to have a dream.

It’s about family and hanging on to your dreams.

“In a way, it’s a universal truth that we’re dealing with in the movie that I’m really, really happy with. Besides all the jokes and the physical comedy, this is about love and family and that’s something I really wanted to show.”

The film is also a love letter to Arizona, where the Schneiders moved two years ago.

“My family, we are California refugees,” he says. “Arizona was nice enough to take us in. This is my thankyou letter to the people in Arizona. We feel very welcome here. I’m grateful.

“It’s my love letter to the state and the people who were unbelievably helpful to get this movie made. I show some pretty

cool places here and how beautiful the state is. The differences are incredible between Flagstaff and Sedona. It just goes to show how gorgeous the state is. I love it here.”

Now he’s hoping to bring more films here, thanks to the state’s tax incentives.

“I was asked to make this movie in other states for a tax rebate,” he says.

“I’m glad we did it here. I think we’re looking to open a studio here, but we need to see how this movie does and how it’s received and then we’ll take it from there.

“We want to support other filmmakers. I’ll produce the movies and make a few more. I don’t know how many more I’ll do.

“I’ll make more films here and have them made here. As a matter of fact, I’m flying to meet some investors to produce more films here.”

“Daddy Daughter Trip” Opens: Friday, September 30, at Harkins Theatres Trailer: https://bit.ly/DaddyDaughterTrip Web: daddydaughtertripmovie.com Rob Schneider WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, October 16 WHERE: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: rialtotheatre.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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ARTS

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

SAVING THE MALT SHOP

The ‘Happy Days’ gang returns to the stage at ABT in Peoria

By Bridgette M. Redman

T

he Fonz is back in town, and this time he’ll be singing and dancing his way into the hearts of audiences at the Arizona Broadway Theatre.

Running through Sunday, September 18, “Happy Days: The New Musical” rekindles memories of the ’50s and the sitcom “Happy Days,” which ran for 11 seasons — 1974 to 1984.

Actors Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Scott Baio, Marion Ross and Tom Bosley made their way into family rooms, while the show spawned “Laverne and Shirley,” “Mork and Mindy” and “Joanie Loves Chachi.”

The musical version brings back many of the favorite characters including the Cunningham family, Fonzie, Pinkie, Potsie and Ralph.

It takes the audience back to 1959 Milwaukee. The drive-in malt shop, Arnold’s, is in danger of being demolished, so the “Happy Days” gang hosts a dance contest and wrestling match to save the beloved hangout.

With all-new music, “Happy Days” captures the jukebox feel of the 1950s, a time of sock hops and hoop skirts.

ABT favorite Stephen Hohendorf plays the part of Richie Cunningham, the innocent teenager who is always looking out for his friends.

“It’s the nostalgia of the ’50s,” Hohendorf says. “I was very close with my grandmother, so seeing the era that she grew up in (made the show memorable). The characters are just fun, and who didn’t want to be the Fonz when they were growing up?”

Hohendorf says the musical captures the feel of the sitcom because the book is written by the TV series’ creator, Garry Marshall, with music by Oscar winner Paul Williams.

“It’s all your favorite characters from the series in it,” Hohendorf says. “But they also sing and dance because it is a musical. There are lots of fun dance numbers, including the dance concert.

It reads a lot like an episode of the TV show that never aired.”

Hohendorf has enjoyed digging into the character of Richie, the sometimes-

middle child, sometimes-oldest child in the Cunningham family. (His older brother, Chuck, disappeared after two seasons with no explanation ever given in the TV series.)

Richie was created as a wholesome teenager of the ’50s who often had a wide-eyed approach to the world.

“He looks out for his friends,” Hohendorf says. “He’s goal oriented.

He aspires see the world and to be a journalist and to report about what he finds.”

Songwriter Williams has had a storied career writing some of the biggest hits of the 1970s, including “An Old-Fashioned Love Song” for Three Dog Night, “You and Me Against the World” for Helen Reddy, “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” for the Carpenters, “Evergreen” for Barbra Streisand, and “Rainbow Connection” for “The Muppet Movie.”

Hohendorf describes Williams’ music for “Happy Days: The New Musical” as being very catchy and in the style of the ’50s and ’60s, but with modern twists.

Richie and his friends are part of a singing group called the Dial Tones, who sing four-part ’50s harmonies.

ABT’s technical artists have created a set that looks like the soundstage of the TV show, which was shot on Studio 19.

The main set is Arnold’s malt shop, and then pieces fly in and out throughout the musical.

“It’s a total replica from the TV show,” Hohendorf says. “Looking at these pictures of the Cunningham kitchen and then going to see what’s in the scene shop is incredible. It’s an exact replica.”

While the show directly appeals to its fans and those who grew up in the ’50s and ’60s, Hohendorf says the younger set is equally likely to enjoy it.

“The reason that the TV show was so successful is that that the characters are so realistic, down to earth and relatable for really anyone, even in today’s society,” Hohendorf says. “It’s just a lot of fun. The world is crazy right now, so why not come and see a show and reminisce about a simpler time and be transported back in time.”

While there were many restrictions during the pandemic at ABT, Hohendorf said they are pretty much back to full capacity and full dinner service.

“It’s really just a quality dining experience and an exceptional Broadway quality show as well,” Hohendorf says.

“Happy Days: The New Musical” ends a season that started with “Chicago” and continued with an eclectic mix of shows that included “Game Show,” “Flashdance,” “Ghost” and “Gypsy.”

“That’s why ABT is so great, because not every musical is for every person, but there is a musical out there for everyone,” Hohendorf says.

The coming season launches with “Monty Python’s Spamalot” and continues with “A Christmas Carol: The Musical,” “Mame,” “Escape to Margaritaville,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “Disaster!”

“We’d love to see you at ‘Happy Days,’” Hohendorf says, issuing an invitation to Phoenix audiences. “And if not ‘Happy Days,’ we’ve got a really incredible season coming up. ABT is a staple in the Peoria community. If you haven’t checked it out before, what are you waiting for?”

“Happy Days: The New Musical” WHEN: Various times Friday, Aug. 26, to Sunday, Sept. 18 WHERE: Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria COST: Visit website for ticket information INFO: azbroadway.org

18

DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

ROCKIN’ TACO STREET FEST

Food, wrestling and music return to Chandler park

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

R

ockin’ Taco Street Fest’s organizers are pumped about the Downtown Chandler event’s 11th iteration on Saturday, September 24.

“We’re fired up,” says Mike O’Donnell, director of partnerships for Forty8 Live!, the event’s producer.

A food, music and cultural celebration, Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will feature creative tacos from more than 20 local restaurants and food trucks.

Accompanying drinks include fresh fruit

fresca, cerveza, handcrafted margaritas and micheladas.

Providing the soundtrack are Ozomatli and Everclear, with other featured entertainment to include luche libre wrestling, hot chili pepper and taco-eating competitions, mariachi, a mechanical taco ride, margarita and michelada master tent and little amigos play area.

“We always work on different things to expand the events,” O’Donnell says.

“We wanted to keep some of the staples like lucha libre wrestling. The wrestling is always a hit with families.

We listened to our fans, and they wanted

more shade. It’s still an end-of-summerbefore-fall event. We have massive shade structures being built in front of the stage and all the way back just to make sure everybody is comfortable and cool.”

The margarita and michelada seminar tent will keep guests cool as well. There, celebrity bartenders will share the secrets behind their success.

“They’ll show the different variations of making your own micheladas and the many ways of making regular margaritas to Cadillac margaritas and everything in between. They’ll learn how to take those recipes and enjoy it by the pool listening to Everclear and Ozomatli afterward.”

Rockin’ Taco Street Fest WHEN: Noon to 9 p.m.

Saturday, September 24 WHERE: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler COST: Event admission is $25 plus fees; does not include food and drink INFO: forty8live.com/ rockintacoaz

FUELED BY ADVERSITY

Art Alexakis and Everclear continue to beat the odds

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

dversity has played a role in the success of Everclear’s Art Alexakis.

The 60-year-old singer battled drug problems and a rocky relationship with his father.

Lately, he’s battled multiple sclerosis and spinal problems. But he wouldn’t change a thing. He looks back on Everclear’s 30 years and understands what made the “Santa Monica” band successful.

“My adversity helped me,” Alexakis says. “I wouldn’t be able to do it without that adversity. I needed it to get the fire in my belly.”

Alexakis and Everclear will cover their three-decade career at the Rockin’ Taco Street Fest in Chandler on Saturday, September 24. He appreciates laidback gigs like these.

“I can eat Mexican food maybe once or twice a week every week and I won’t get tired of it,” says Alexakis, whose wife, Vanessa, is a Tucson native. “I made tacos the other night. They’re really good. I make my own shells, hot out of the oil. They’re not like taco truck tacos. They’re crunchy tacos.

“I like food a lot. That’s all I got left. I don’t chase girls. I don’t drink. I

play rock ’n’ roll and eat, which is fine.

Eating and playing rock ’n’ roll won’t get you in jail or divorced — most of the time.”

Everclear is celebrating its anniversary throughout the year with tours, videos and new music. Also, it reissued its debut, “World of Noise,” which the band made for $400 in 1992. The deluxe edition includes the

12 original tracks plus six bonus songs, including the previously unreleased “Drunk Again” and “Nervous & Weird 2001 Remix.” The album will also be available on vinyl later this year.

“It was the perfect representation of where we were at the time,” he says. “I wanted to find the originals and remaster it. It’s exciting that people are going to hear it the way it

needs to be heard. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

A new single is in the offing, too. “‘The Year of the Tiger’ is a single that we’ll put out this year, hopefully in October/November,” he says. “It’s under 3 minutes. It’s power pop and sounds like (1995’s) ‘Heroin Girl.’ It’s a melodic, power-pop-punk Everclear song.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

DINING

CALENDAR

By Annika Tomlin

50 Years of Pizza and Pipes

ALL MONTH As one of the two remaining restaurants that provides organ entertainment with a side of pizza, Organ Stop Pizza is celebrating 50 years with 50 days of specials.

Through October 8, customers can enjoy the $50 meal deal with two large pizzas with unlimited toppings (excluding extra cheese), two appetizers (combo basket excluded) and two pitchers of soft drink. Nightly giveaways of food and merchandise will also be available.

Organ Stop Pizza, 1149 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480.813.5700, organstoppizza.com

Outdoor Public Market at The Thumb

SUNDAYS Start Sunday mornings by leisurely shopping, strolling and eating at The Thumb, a market that features local vendors selling items like pasta, baked goods, vegan pies, glutenfree cookies, popsicles, kombucha, honey, salsas, hummus, cold-press juices and dog treats. The Thumb is best known for its award-winning barbeque and bakery, car wash and service, beautiful artisan gift market, and for being featured in “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The Thumb, 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, 8 a.m. to noon, 480.513.8186, thethumb.com

Dinner and a Movie: Marcellino Ristorante

SEPTEMBER 6 AND SEPTEMBER 7 Dinner and a movie at Marcellino Ristorante is a great opportunity to have a fun night out with a date or the girls. Tuesday, September 6, watch “The Big Night” with “When in Rome” taking center stage the next night. Choose items from the regular menu or try out the three-course prix-fixe summer supper menu for $49. Reservations are required.

Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 5:30 p.m., 480.990.9500, marcellinoristorante.com

item that best represents their establishment and all things vegan.

Capped at $15, breakfast offerings will feature an entrée and drink.

Lunch showcases an appetizer, entrée and drink for no more than $20. For dinner, a three-course option is available for a max of $33 or a five-course meal with a cap of $44. Participating restaurants include Beaut Burger, Dilla Libre, Early Bird Vegan, Giving Tree Café, Gooder Goods, Nana’s Kitchen, Trash Panda Vegan and The Vegan Taste.

Various locations, various times, phoenixvegan.com, $15-$44

Various locations, various times, arizonarestaurantweek. com, $33-$55

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Rockin’ Taco Street Fest

Garlic Fest at Queen Creek Olive Mill

SEPTEMBER 16 TO SEPTEMBER 25 Queen Creek Olive Mill is hosting its ninth Garlic Fest, featuring a variety of organically grown garlic, cooking demos, fun and games in the grove, Garlic 101 classes and live music. Shop everything garlic from accessories, olive oils and other garlic-flavored packaged foods like pasta, sauces and seasonings. A special garlic-inspired menu by del Piero Kitchen will be available daily that includes garlic fries, sweet garlic gelato and sweet garlic cupcakes.

Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., queencreekolivemill. com, free admission

SEPTEMBER 24 The 11th annual Rockin’ Taco Street Fest will be held in Downtown Chandler. A food, music and cultural celebration, this event features creative tacos from 20 local restaurants and food trucks. Wash it all down with fresh fruit fresca, beer and handcrafted margaritas and Micheladas. Entertainment includes sets by Everclear and Ozomatli, hot chili pepper and taco eating competitions, mariachi, mechanical taco ride, and activities for children.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, noon to 9 p.m., forty8live. com/rockintacoaz, $25

Rosh Hashana at Miracle Mile Deli

SEPTEMBER 26 & 27 Celebrate Rosh Hashana at Miracle Mile Deli with a special of a plate of brisket or beef, potato pancake with applesauce and sour cream, and a cup of matzo ball soup.

Miracle Mile Deli, 4433 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.776.0992, miraclemiledeli.com, $17

Follow the Fork Fall Arizona Restaurant Week Everything Lobster at STK Steakhouse

ALL MONTH National Lobster Day falls on September 25, but rather than one day of specials, STK Steakhouse is celebrating all month long. Take a pick and indulge in a lobster roll ($49), lobster caviar salad ($45), Maine lobster ravioli ($42) and spicy lobster rigatoni ($62).

STK Steakhouse, 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.581.5171, stksteakhouse.com, $42-$62

Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week

SEPTEMBER 11 TO SEPTEMBER 18 After a successful launch last year, Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week returns. During the week, restaurants and food purveyors offer an exclusive multicourse prix-fixe menu or showcase a specially priced

SEPTEMBER 16 TO SEPTEMBER 25 Arizona restaurants feature threecourse menus at a trio of price points — $33, $44 and $55. During ARW, many restaurants present new items on their prix-fixe menus that are not normally offered at the restaurant. This lets the chefs flex their culinary muscles while giving diners a chance to get adventurous.

Participating restaurants include Stockyards, Arrowhead Grill, Etta, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap, Liberty Market, Obon Sushi Ramen Bar, Sante and Zinburger.

OCTOBER 1 The Peoria Education Foundation hosts its fundraiser, Follow the Fork, which features complimentary samplings from 12 of Park West’s dining destinations and tenants, a live performance from Rock Lobster, 50/50 raffle and interactive art. A few of the participating restaurants and tenants include Candle Chemistry, Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, Jalapeno Inferno, Rolling Back Boutique and Yama Sushi.

Various locations in Park West, 9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria, 6 to 9 p.m., shopparkwest.com, $35-$60 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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BREWS & SPIRITS

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

BREWS & SPIRITS

CALENDAR

By Annika Tomlin

The Ultimate Underachievers “Run”

SEPTEMBER 10 The Ultimate Underachievers Color “Run!” is unlike any other run, and more like a walk to the finish line, which is another bar.

Starting at Wasted Grain, “runners” will begin with a slice of pizza, a house shot and a beer before limbering up for the 5K. Finish the run with a glass of champagne and a commemorative fanny pack.

Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., eventbrite.com, $52.05-$60

Bottle & Bean’s private dining room.

Guests are treated to wine tastings paired with light bites, along with lively discussion about each wine.

The September Tastings with Tom event showcases pinot grigio.

Bottle & Bean, 2577 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler, 5:30 p.m., 480.265.9996, bottle-bean.com, $25

Sedona Winefest

SEPTEMBER 13 TO SEPTEMBER 30 The first sign of autumn isn’t always the changing of the leaves, but rather the changing of the kegs, according to Verde Canyon Railroads, which runs Ales on Rails. A variety of craft beers are available by the glass prior to the train ride. Once on the train, guests can drink Verde Canyon Railroad-customized brews and enjoy the open-air viewing cars.

Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, verdecanyonrr.com, $123-$138

SEPTEMBER 17 Presented by WorldClass, the Sip + Shop Summer Market Series features local chefs, purveyors, and some of Hotel Valley Ho’s favorite wines and spirits. The event is free to attend, with each guest receiving a wristband for six tastings of wine, beer and spirits. This event will focus on bourbon and big reds.

Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., hotelvalleyho.com

Summer Wine Series @ Bottle & Bean

SEPTEMBER 15 Bottle & Bean Coffee House & Wine Shop is hosting its Tastings with Tom Summer Wine Series.

Longtime restaurateur and advanced sommelier Tom Kaufman leads these monthly tasting events in ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

SEPTEMBER 23 Enjoy Friday night with a welcome drink, live music by Wheelwright and Tullis, and Desert Botanical Garden strolls. Nonalcoholic drinks will be available, as will water refill stations.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. Phoenix, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 480.941.1225, dbg.org, $9.95-$29.95

SEPTEMBER 24 AND SEPTEMBER 25 Wine lovers will be treated to the cooler weather while sipping a plethora of wine options at Sedona Winefest. This two-day event boasts a variety of wineries from across Arizona, including Tantrum Wines, Copper Horse Vineyard and Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Tickets include six wine tastings, a commemorative wine glass, live music, food trucks and artisan vendors.

Posse Grounds Park, 525 Posse Ground Road, Sedona, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., sedonawinefest.com, $35-$40

Fountain Hills Oktoberfest

Downtown Chandler Oktoberfest

Sonoran Sippin’

Sip + Shop Summer Market Series

Ales on Rails

the incredible world of mezcal and Mexican craft spirits. More than 40 brands will share 150plus expressions of agave and Mexican craft spirits. Restaurants will provide bites and sips, art, music and special programs.

Walter Studia, 747 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 4 to 7 p.m., mezcalistas.com/ mexico-in-bottle, $60-$75

Mexico in a Bottle

SEPTEMBER 18 Taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, Mexico in a Bottle is the largest tasting event for

SEPTEMBER 23 AND SEPTEMBER 24 Organizers of the Fountain Hills Oktoberfest say it’s an authentic Bavarian-style celebration.

Come donning traditional attire and participate in the bestdressed contest. Down a variety of beers while munching on traditional German food, including pretzels, strudel, schnitzel, sauerkraut and sausage.

Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce, 16837 E. Palisades Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 5 to 10 p.m., bit.ly/fountainhills-oktoberfest, $5

OCTOBER 1 Pedal Haus Brewery and SanTan Brewing Company are joining forces for Oktoberfest in Downtown Chandler. This event will feature beer and food from breweries plus canned craft cocktails. The breweries will pour a range of beers, including German-style Oktoberfests. German fare wil be center stage, like Bavarian-style soft pretzels and brats. Join in on the Oktoberfest games and contests.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 3 to 11 p.m., oktoberfest2022. eventbrite.com, $15-$20

22

CASINOS

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

LET’S BOOGIE

Guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani returns to the stage

By Alex Gallagher

I

t’s been nearly three years since famed legato-style guitarist Joe Satriani has treated fans to a major tour.

Although the string slayer played a small show in Tennessee to show off some guitars he painted prior to the jaunt, he admits he has missed being on a big stage traveling from city to city.

“It’s the interaction that I miss the most,” Satriani says. “I think most musicians will tell you that the traveling part is the worst because there’s a lot of planes, trains, automobiles, boats and ferries. It’s maddening even in the best of times.

“The best part is when you finally walk onstage and you forget about the missed flights and the missing luggage and the fact that you haven’t slept for days. It all fades because you’re there to celebrate the music with your best friends.”

Although Satriani is anxious to jump back out in front of a live audience, he admits that he struggled early on to determine his set list. He is trying to somehow incorporate two new albums that have yet to receive any stage time — “The Elephants of Mars,” which hit the airwaves in April, and 2020’s “Shapeshifting” — into the mix.

“Even though we play the whole night, it’s really hard to fit in more than 25 songs (in the set) — and that’s if you breeze through them really quickly,” Satriani says with a laugh. “We have two brand-new albums that we’ve never toured behind before, and then we have the hits and the fan favorites that we always love playing that we need to work into the set, too.”

Because of this, Satriani took a creative approach to write his set list by filling a whiteboard in his home studio with 50 songs to choose from and practicing the tunes to see how they felt until he could whittle his list down to 25.

However, that wasn’t the only whiteboard he filled up and filed down.

Next to the song board was a guitar board where he determined which guitars he would need for the tour.

“It’s hard because there are guitars that feel right and then there are guitars that look amazing. And then there are the factors of how many songs I need on a guitar that has this pickup. How many songs do I need the 24-fret guitars for?

How many songs need six- or sevenstring guitars for?” Satriani says. “If I could do the set with three guitars, I would, but it almost always winds up being about seven or eight guitars.”

Eight is the usual sweet spot for Satriani, as it allows him to rotate guitars about every three songs.

Of the guitars that he plans to break out on his upcoming jaunt — which stops at the Salt River Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday, September 24 — Satriani will haul a seven-string guitar, a brand-new custom gold guitar, his famous muscle car orange guitar and, of course, his well-known custom chrome guitar that is situated onto his body with his “Surfing With The Alien” guitar strap — an ode to his second album and biggest hit.

With some of his axes chosen and his set list fine-tuned, Satriani began rehearsing the set list twice a day.

“I like to walk onstage and not think about remembering anything. I’m just playing every song through muscle memory and mental memory,” Satriani says.

“The thing is that if you put in all that work and you did the right amount of repetition, you can forget about it and you can just open your heart to the audience, which is what you need to do. “(The audience) sacrificed a lot to come see you this one evening and to be able to create a memorable experience, and that’s so much more important than just this note here and that chord there.”

Because of this, Satriani says with a laugh that fans can expect to see a show with high energy and no singing.

Joe Satriani WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, September 24 WHERE: Salt River Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: satriani.com, talkingstickresort.com

HE’S GOT THE LOOK THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

‘Idol’ finalist recalls The Purple One

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

singer, dancer and actor, Bettis Richardson is bringing his triple-threat talents to the stage as Prince Again, a tribute to The Purple One. The band comes to Casino Arizona Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1.

“I had been singing Prince songs in a few other cover bands,” he says. “I was told I looked like him or sounded like him, but I never paid attention. It was just another song.

“Then I had the opportunity to dig a little further into the catalog when Nick (McDonald, guitarist/manager) approached me. I had been asked like 20 times to be in a Prince tribute band, but I thought it would be gimmicky. This one just worked.”

Born in Glen Cove, New York, Richardson was raised in South Florida by a Puerto Rican mother and a Sicilian/ African American father.

Early on, he became interested in singing and dancing, and went on to choreograph school productions, cheerleaders and dancers. He opened a cheer and dance studio at age 17.

Two years later, he was a finalist on the second season of “American Idol,” which

23

he parlayed into a singing and acting career.

Since then, he has appeared on “Dancing with the Stars,” “Academy Awards,” “America’s Got Talent” and “The Muppets.” He made his Broadway debut in “Bring It On: The Musical.”

Now he’s bringing it onstage as Prince.

The set runs the gamut of his career.

“We touch on the majority of his hits and do a medley of deeper cuts,” Richardson says.

“We play a lot of fan favorites.

We really go there with the vocal performances, and the music is tight.

We do a lot of live renditions of our own, inspired by his live performances.

Sometimes we go off a little. We try and surprise them a little bit. We want the fans to groove and remember and be nostalgic.”

McDonald, who previously worked with Meat Loaf, says he’s impressed with Richardson.

“He’s such a phenomenal performer,” he says. “He hits the stage and he’s in it.

He doesn’t give 100%, but 200%. The dance moves will knock your socks off alone.”

Prince Again: A Tribute to Prince WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1 WHERE: Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $10 INFO: 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

24

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINO | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Britain’s Finest: Tribute to the Beatles

Way, Fort McDowell, tickets start at $30, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Mariachi Vegas

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $15, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $45, 1.800.WIN.GILA, playatgila.com

Silhouette

Still Alright: An Intimate Evening of Stories and Songs with Kenny Loggins

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Michael Carbonaro

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $55, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Release After Dark: Steve Aoki

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $25, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Amy Bruni

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $35, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Radio Dayz

Alejandro Fernandez

Selena Super Show

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $60, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com 8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, tickets start at $51.50, 480.802.5000, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Chad Freeman & Redline

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Conference Center, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa

Little River Band

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

5 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $40, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, releasevip.com

Shania Twin: Tribute to Shania Twain

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $49, 1.800.WIN.GILA, playatgila.com

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $60, 1.800.WIN.GILA, playatgila.com

Caifanes

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Kansas

Quantum

Superhero

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

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7:30 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Ron White

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Desert Diamond Sahuarita Diamond Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, tickets start at $49.50, ddcaz.com

Los Tigres Del Norte

7 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $35, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com

Uncorked the Band

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Staind

8 P.M. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $40, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com

Boyz II Men

8 P.M. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, sold out, 1.800.

WIN.GILA, playatgila.com

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7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, AND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street,

Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Tracy Morgan

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, tickets start at $31.50, 480.802.5000, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Andrea & Gemini

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Christopher Cross

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $30, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Arizona Blacktop

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 WKP Sports & Entertainment, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Falynne Lewing

7 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $30, 1.800.WIN.GILA, playatgila.com

Joe Satriani

8 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $35, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

LeAnn Rimes w/Walker County

7 P.M. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, tickets start at $50, ticketmaster.com

Prince Again: A Tribute to Prince

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Banda MS

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Casino Del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets start at $45, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com

Daughtry

8 P.M. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 Desert Diamond Sahuarita Diamond Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, visit website for ticket information

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

SPORTS

25

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

FEARLESS LEADER

Rising coach Guerra ready to return to championship contention

By Caleb Jones

P

hoenix Rising looks to return to its championship contending ways with head coach Juan Guerra at the helm.

According to general manager Bobby Dulle, Guerra’s midseason hiring was made with the intent to win now and in the future.

“There were a lot of things we looked at when identifying our next head coach, and Juan checked all those boxes,” Dulle says.

One of those boxes was familiarity, as Guerra is a former Rising assistant coach. He’s familiar with not only the team but the goals and expectations of the organization as a whole.

“It feels great,” Guerra says about coming back. I’m super excited to be back, and I’m super excited to see familiar faces in that locker room that I know very well.”

For Guerra, this familiarity extends not only to the club but also to the fans.

He knows the culture, and he desires to bring a style of play that the crowd has connected with.

Guerra describes his coaching style as a possession-based, offensive-minded approach. However, Guerra believes it is important for him to be flexible with his

coaching style.

“It’s not so much about what I want to do, it is also a lot about what is in the locker room and who are the pieces at a given moment can give me their best. …

We will adjust, adapt and transform to do whatever is necessary to try to win,” he says.

Guerra is no stranger to coaching for title-contending clubs. He was assistant coach in 2021 when the team finished atop the Pacific Division. He also served

as an assistant with the Indy Eleven, who made a run to the Eastern Conference Final.

Guerra understands that leading a team to a championship is no small feat, and the road to the top is oftentimes filled with obstacles. He’s prepared for that.

“Good things take time. You have to make sure that you believe in your idea.

The idea has to be clear,” he says.

“You have to make sure that you fight

adversity, because adversity will come.”

Guerra says he believes it takes everyone in the organization to help the Rising succeed.

“I understand the responsibility that I have, but at the end of the day that responsibility is not just on me. It’s on absolutely everybody that represents the organization,” he says.

Guerra inherited the manager position in the middle of a heated playoff race.

At the time, the Rising sat at a record of 8-5-11, five points back from a playoff spot with 10 matches left to go. Guerra says he’s focusing on each day, one by one, instead of instilling stress into his team.

The Rising provides him with the tools necessary to build a contender.

“I know the resources Phoenix Rising provides to the technical staff in order to put something on the field that can be successful, and I know I am going to have that.

“I identify and I feel close to the way the ownership thinks and how this organization thinks, about being ambitious and about always trying to get better. … All of us are obsessed with growth and development and that is what Phoenix Rising represents.”

Phoenix Rising phxrisingfc.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

26

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?

Regardless of your team, there is a place to watch the game

By Jordan Rogers

T

he 2021 NFL season was chock-full of excitement.

The 102nd season of the National Football League was the first to feature a 17-game schedule. It also saw Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers win his third MVP and second in as many years, the Joe Burrow-led Cincinnati Bengals make an improbable run to the Super Bowl, and the Los Angeles Rams win its first Super Bowl since the 19992000 season.

Despite having to follow all of that up, the 2022 season, however, is certainly looking like it will hold its own, as it is filled with eye-grabbing headlines.

Tom Brady retired, then unretired this offseason, and is back for another Super Bowl run with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This season could be the last one for the five-time Super Bowl champion and three-time MVP. Many stars were traded this offseason and will certainly impact their new teams. Among them were Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos, Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans to the Cleveland Browns (though he won’t play the first 11 games of the season), Davante Adams from the Packers to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Miami Dolphins.

And for the first time in recent memory, there isn’t a clear-cut Super Bowl favorite.

A third of the league, give or take, has at least an outsider’s shot to win Super Bowl LVII — which will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

All of that to be said, numerous spots around the Valley are ready to host fans of America’s Game to watch the season play out. Depending on who you root for, pay these bars a visit on Sundays to root for your favorite team with likeminded fans.

CARDINALS Bambino’s Sports Grill Bambino’s offers a game day vibe for Cardinals fans, with 13 60-inch flatscreen televisions. In addition to the interior seating, Bambino’s features a patio seating area with a roll-up garage door.

Putting an emphasis on supporting local breweries, the beer menu features craft beers on draft and in a can from Four Peaks Brewery and San Tan Brewery.

3860 W. Happy Valley Road, Glendale, 623.516.2300, bambinossportsgrill.com The Nest Sports Grill AZ The Nest offers a spacious, easygoing ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

game day gathering spot for Cardinals fans. Serving typical bar fare, The Nest has 28 televisions and five super screens.

That’s not all, however, as it also features dart boards, pool tables and off-track betting. On top of that, it resides just 2 miles from State Farm Stadium.

5134 N. 95th Avenue, Glendale, 623.594.0900, thenestsportsbarglendale.com

CHIEFS Pub Rock Live Pub Rock Live, which typically welcomes live music, transforms into a massive fan base for the Chiefs and their fans. Dubbed “Arrowhead West,” Pub Rock brings in food trucks on game day.

It also offers discounted beer prices and a $6 Kingdom Shot whenever the Chiefs score a touchdown. For fans’ viewership pleasure, there are nine 55-inch-or-larger televisions and two projector big screens.

8005 E. Roosevelt Street, Scottsdale, 480.945.4985, pubrocklive.com

GIANTS Social Tap Scottsdale Social Tap Scottsdale is the official home of the local Giants fan club, Big Blue of Arizona. This two-story bar features seating on its first floor and on its second rooftop floor. When Big Blue of Arizona is in to watch Giants games, Social Tap offers Jell-O shots whenever the team scores a touchdown. In addition, raffles take place throughout the game.

4312 N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, 602.432.6719, socialtapscottsdaleaz. com

LIONS Detroit Coney Grill From authentic Detroit coneys and made-from-scratch burgers to hand-cut Idaho potato French fries, Detroit Coney Grill pairs comfort food with a great environment with ample televisions and a full bar featuring some of Michigan’s beers. The bar runs a daily special that features two coney dogs, a side order of French fries, and a fountain drink for $13.85. On game days, Detroit Coney Grill has beer specials on its rotating Michigan-based beers.

6953 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.597.4300, detroitconeygrill.com

PACKERS Casey Jones Grill Casey Jones Grill opened back in 1993 and has been loyal to the Green Bay Packers from the start. It has a bar specializing in craft beer, but also a diverse menu that features cheesesteaks, pizza, barbecue and Mexican food. On game days, Casey Jones offers a Green Bay Burrito, priced at $13.99. In addition,

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

it offers drink specials that include a $7 Packers Sangria and Packers Mule.

2848 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, 602.493.9930, caseyjonesgrill.com Clancy’s Pub Pizza & Grill An official watch site for the Packers, Clancy’s advertises a big screen from every angle inside the pub. The menu is geared toward a more Midwestern vibe with cheese curds and a dish featuring walleye on game days. The pub also runs giveaways at halftime.

4432 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale, 480.990.8797, clancyspubscottsdale.com

PATRIOTS Bevvy OldTown Bevvy welcomes Patriots fans to its pub-style hangout with an expansive drink menu and bar fare-style food.

Though it doesn’t have any specific game day specials, Bevvy runs brunch specials on Saturdays and Sundays, and offers a happy hour during the week from 4 to 7 p.m.

4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, 480.525.9300, bevvyaz.com

RAMS Max’s Sports Bar Established in 1979, Max’s features more than 100 flatscreen televisions and a recently redeveloped smoking patio. It broadcasts almost every major sporting event for fans to watch and follow their favorite teams. For the Rams, however, the sports bar houses a massive room decked out in Rams gear and sits 80 people. As far as specials are concerned, fans can expect specials on beer buckets, pizza and chicken wings.

6727 N. 47th Avenue, Glendale, 623.937.1671, americangreyhoundracing.com

STEELERS Harold’s Cave Creek Corral Harold’s Cave Creek Corral is one of the most well-known Steelers bars in the Steeler Nation. Aside from eats and drinks, it has Steelers newsletters that date back to 2000. Harold’s seats a whopping 600 potential Steelers fans inside, and another 200 in its outside seating. Dubbed “Heinz Field West,” if you’re looking for a Steelers-focused game day experience Harold’s is the place for you. In addition, Harold’s is partnered up with UNIBET, allowing its guests to experience a Vegas-like betting experience where games can be bet on live, or upcoming sporting events and in-game betting can be bet on as well.

A specific game day food and drink menu is available as well.

6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480.488.1906, haroldscorral.com

SEAHAWKS AND CARDINALS Wicked Rain Wicked Rain opened its doors back on March 23, and ever since has been showing love toward its roots in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and now Arizona. With 40 beers on tap and another 70-plus in bottles and cans, Wicked Rain offers beers from the PNW area, Arizona, Oregon and Idaho. This Seahawks — and Cardinals — hangout spot features nine televisions and a 100-plus-inch big screen for viewership pleasure. It also does Blue/Red Fridays, where guests wearing either a Seahawks or Cardinals jersey can receive $1 off their draft beer.

For game days, it offers $4 pub beer and $16 pitchers.

1817 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert, 480.530.6870, wickedrain.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

27

SPORTS

CALENDAR

By Zakkary Brog

ASU Sun Devils vs.

NAU Lumberjacks

SEPTEMBER 1 The Arizona State Sun Devils open their 2022 football season at home against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. When the teams last met in 2016, ASU claimed victory by a score of 4413. Faculty and Staff Appreciation Night will also be celebrated.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 7 p.m., tickets start at $18, thesundevils.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

Milwaukee Brewers

SEPTEMBER 1 TO SEPTEMBER 4 The Arizona Diamondbacks kick off the final month of the Major League Baseball regular season with a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Likely to appear for the Brewers are left fielder Christian Yelich, first baseman Rowdy Tellez and shortstop Willy Adames. The first 10,000 fans in attendance for the September 3 game will receive a Ketel Marte cap.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m.

September 1, 6:40 p.m. September 2, 5:10 p.m. September 3, 1:10 p.m. September 4, tickets start at $15, mlb.com/dbacks

Phoenix Rising FC vs.

Oakland Roots SC

SEPTEMBER 10 Phoenix Rising FC takes on Oakland Roots SC in United Soccer League action. It is the second meeting between the two teams this season.

The previous game resulted in a 0-0 draw. The occasion will also serve as Childhood Cancer Awareness Night.

Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex at Wild Horse Pass, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $22, phxrisingfc.com

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Kansas City Chiefs

SEPTEMBER 11 The Arizona Cardinals kick off their 2022 National Football League regular season with a matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Likely taking the field for the Chiefs are quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelece and wide receiver JuJu SmithSchuster. When the two teams last met in November 2018, Kansas City won by a score of 26-14.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 5 p.m., tickets start at $99, azcardinals.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

SEPTEMBER 12 TO SEPTEMBER 14 Arizona will look to “Beat LA” when the Dodgers come to town for a series with the Diamondbacks. Likely to appear for the Dodgers are right fielder Mookie Betts, first baseman Freddie Freeman and shortstop Trea Turner. When the clubs last played in July, the Dodgers

swept the Diamondbacks in a four-game series. The September 14 game will also serve as UA Night.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m.

September 12, 6:40 p.m. September 13, 6:40 p.m. September 14, tickets start at $25, mlb.com/dbacks

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

San Diego Padres

SEPTEMBER 15 TO SEPTEMBER 18 The San Diego Padres come to town for an NL West division series with the Diamondbacks. Likely to appear for the Padres are third baseman Manny Machado, right fielder Juan Soto and first baseman Josh Bell.

When the clubs last met in July, the Padres won two out of the three games in the series. The September 16, September 17 and September 18 games are part of Hispanic Heritage Weekend. The first 10,000 fans in attendance on September 17 will receive a Serpientes replica jersey.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m.

September 15, 6:40 p.m.

September 16, 5:10 p.m.

September 17, 1:10 p.m.

September 18, tickets start at $15, mlb.com/dback

Arizona State Sun Devils vs.

Eastern Michigan Eagles

SEPTEMBER 17 The Eastern Michigan Eagles will descend upon the Valley for a game against the Arizona State Sun Devils. It will be the first time that the two schools have played one another on the football field. City of Tempe Night will also be observed.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 8 p.m., tickets start at

$17, thesundevils.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

San Francisco Giants

SEPTEMBER 23 TO SEPTEMBER 25 The Diamondbacks welcome the Giants to town for the final regular season series at Chase Field in 2022. Likely to appear for the Giants are left fielder Joc Pederson, third baseman Evan Longoria and first baseman Brandon Belt. When the teams last met, they split a fourgame series with two wins each.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m.

September 23, 5:10 p.m.

September 24, 12:40 p.m.

September 25, tickets start at $19, mlb.com/dbacks

Arizona State Sun Devils vs.

Utah Utes SEPTEMBER 24 The Arizona State Sun Devils kick off Pac-12 conference play against the Utah Utes. When the teams met last season, Utah won by a score of 35-21.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E Veterans Way, Tempe, time TBD, tickets start at $35, thesundevils.com

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Los Angeles Rams

SEPTEMBER 25 The Los Angeles Rams, the defending Super Bowl champions, come to town to take on the Arizona Cardinals in an NFC West matchup.

Likely to appear for the Rams are defensive end Aaron Donald, quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

The teams split last year’s season series with one win a piece.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 5 p.m., tickets start at $48, azcardinals.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

28

FAMILY

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

NO REGRETS Mohawk Warrior driver is doing what he loves

By Abigail LaCombe

R

eturning to Glendale to compete in Monster Jam is especially exciting for the Great Clips Mohawk Warrior driver, Bryce

Kenny.

“Glendale is the biggest floor we run on,” Kenny says.

“I like coming out to Arizona because it enables us to go our fastest speeds, do the coolest tricks, and have the craziest crashes.”

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Monster Jam, Kenny and 11 other athletes will compete for the championship title on Saturday, October 1, at State Farm Stadium.

Unlike many monster truck drivers, Kenny isn’t following in a family member’s footsteps. Finding an interest in drag racing and then moving into corporate America, Kenny wanted more.

Grave Digger driver Morgan Kane introduced Kenny to the monster truck world when they met playing soccer in college. After leaving his previous positions, Monster Jam contacted Kenny and asked if he would attend Monster Jam University.

“When they asked me, I was like, ‘What is that?’” Kenny says. He then confirmed that yes, it’s a real place, and it’s not like “Monsters University,” the 2013 animated film.

“That all snowballed to now, I’m in my seventh season, getting to do this for a living,” he says.

His favorite thing about the job is

working with his nonprofit has been working with his nonprofit, Live Like Warriors, livelikewarriors.com.

“I’ve had this privilege of being the Great Clips Mohawk Warrior, and so I get to wear the title of warrior on my chest. Because of this I’ve gotten to meet a lot of real-life warriors,” he says.

His heart opened to service about six years ago after he met a young Monster Jam fan. The boy’s hair started falling out due to chemotherapy. He told his parents, “Before I have to cut all of my hair, can we shave it into a mohawk because I want to be like the Mohawk Warrior?”

“You can’t experience that and your heart not explode,” says Kenny, getting choked up.

“These young kids have chosen to fight through these really tough battles, and it’s so inspiring to me.”

Kenny hopes to inspire others to keep fighting their battles.

“I want to be a megaphone for these kids whose stories deserve to be heard,” he says.

He also aims to develop servant hearts within his children. “I think if I can get them to understand the value of servant leadership, I will have done my job as a dad. We’re doing this together as a family,” Kenny says.

As a family man, it’s important to Kenny that his daughter feels represented. Monster Jam does it right when it comes to equality, he describes.

“Whether it’s regarding race, gender, religion … no matter who is in the audience, we want them to know that

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they can be out here, too. Doesn’t matter background color, age, gender, anyone can do it,” he adds.

“My daughter likes Monster Jam because dad does it. But, when she’s at the events, she’s all about it. It’s amazing getting to see men and women competing at the same level, with the same equipment. Me and my family were at a local race recently and there was a driver named Amber. When it started, my daughter asked me who the girl driver was, and it turned out that’s who my daughter was cheering for.”

Kenny says it’s important that his daughter knows she can compete with the boys. Whether it be riding horseback, her favorite hobby, or following in dad’s footsteps, he wants her to feel empowered.

He encourages all his children to embrace their passions.

“At some point in high school, people stop asking what you want to be and instead ask where you want to go to school,” Kenny says.

“You don’t want to give up on what’s in your heart and then get to 60 years old and have regrets.”

Taking his own advice, Kenny won’t

have regrets at 60, as he followed his heart with drag racing.

“It started out as a hobby. But the fan base is so special and so unique, they made me realize we could create a movement that will help a lot of people,” he says.

And that fan base is what drew him in.

“Our fans are loyal. They go through the battle with us, and they’re part of the team.”

They can see the team during the popular pit parties.

“We love meeting the fans,” he says.

“It’s not often you get to meet the stars of a show, so it’s a unique opportunity to come meet us and then go watch me to do a crazy backflip. It’s a great way to maximize your experience and create another memory.”

Monster Jam WHEN: Pit party from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.; show 7 p.m. Saturday, October 1 WHERE: State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: statefarmstadium.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

MUSIC

29

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Duran Duran

SEPTEMBER 10

Miles to Nowhere

Alice in Chains and Breaking Benjamin w/Bush

Footprint Center, 7 p.m., $24.50-$649 Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10-$15

The Prevail All-Star Sextet

The Nash, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., $18.80-$65

Robbie Fulks Bluegrass Trio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

By Connor Dziawura

Flume

SEPTEMBER 1

Fourbanger

Sammy Hagar & the Circle w/George Thorogood

Gloria Trevi

Triathalon

Armand Hammer

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$23

The Dales

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $15-$18

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

The Irie

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $17-$20

JigJam

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

Lost ’80s Live w/A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Missing Persons, Naked Eyes, Stacey Q, Dramarama and Musical Youth

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45-$125

Michelle

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $18-$23

SEPTEMBER 2

Phoenix Raceway, 8 p.m., $49-$120 Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $25-$485

Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $43-$428.50

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $17-$20

Jazz Con Alma

The Underground, 7 p.m., $20-$22

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

Phoenix Blues Women Showcase hosted by Rocket 88s The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Vein.FM

SEPTEMBER 8 Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin The Nash, 4 p.m., free

Dwight Yoakam

Revolucion De Amor (Tributo a Maná)

Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix, 8 p.m., $108-$334

Trash Can Romeos

Keith Urban

Marquee Theatre, $18-$40

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 5:30 p.m., $25-$329.50

Alicia Keys

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $268.50-$1,188.50

BAYNK

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $23

Billy Cobham

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

Buck-O-Nine and Mustard Plug The Nile Theater, 7:30 p.m., $18

The Higgs

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

Jakob Nowell

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $12

Jam Fest featuring Jam Now, Prezence and Sophie Dorsten Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Jeezy

Celebrity Theatre, 9 p.m., $40-$625

O.W.T.H. featuring Seth Anderson

The Jimi Primetime Smith/ Bob Corritore Blues Band

Alien Boy

Popa Chubby

Johnny A

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

The Rhythm Room, 5 p.m., $25

Beth Lederman

SEPTEMBER 9

Footprint Center, 7:30 p.m., $144-$475

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Footprint Center, 7 p.m., $30.50-$274.50

SEPTEMBER 4

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $15-$18

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $14-$16 The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10 or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

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

Kendrick Lamar

Arsen Nalbandian Quintet

Klingande

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

Authority Zero

Martina McBride

Hanson

Autograf

Hiatus Kaiyote

Banda MS

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Moonspell

Captured by Robots

The Underground, 7 p.m., $10

Smoakland

Chief Keef w/Lil Gnar

Phoenix Raceway, 8 p.m., $50-$125

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

SEPTEMBER 5

Cults

Victor Caldee w/Josiel Perez and the MambAZ All-Stars

Maddie Poppe

NO SHOWS SCHEDULED

Eli Brown

Yächtley Crëw

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $18

Marquee Theatre, 9 p.m., $31-$65

Flo Rida

SEPTEMBER 11

24K Magic – The No. 1 Tribute to Bruno Mars

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $12.50-$35

Banda World

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $20-$35

Devault

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $18

Fayuca

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$23

Kadim Al Sahir

Celebrity Theatre, 9 p.m., $85-$275

Los Dug Dug’s

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$49.50

Michael Powers Group The Nash, 7 p.m., free

Carvin Jones

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $39.50-$45 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$65 The Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $25 Sunbar, 9 p.m., $20-$1,500

SEPTEMBER 6 Miss May I

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

Pop Punk Nightmare

Some Hearts

Sam Feldt

Tessa Violet

Sebastián Yatra

Tuxedo Gleam

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10 Sunbar, 9 p.m., $33-$1,500 Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.50-$378.50

Sunn Rays

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

SEPTEMBER 3 Anarbor

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

Benefit Show for Anna Bojorquez w/ Bullet Babe, Night of the Spiders, Trashcan, Dogyard and I Play to Forfeit The Underground, 7 p.m., $10

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $26-$29 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

SEPTEMBER 7

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35 The Nile Theater, 7:30 p.m., $20 Sunbar, 9 p.m., $19.50-$1,500 Footprint Center, 8 p.m., $59-$675.75 Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., price TBA Celebrity Theatre, 9 p.m., $45-$60 Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $24-$26

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $55-$85

The Higgs

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

The Kid Laroi

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$453.50

LANY

Mesa Amphitheatre, 6 p.m., $55-$339

Level Up

Agnostic Front and Sick of It All

Aura, 9 p.m., $18-$28

Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and Dashboard Confessional

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

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $27.50-$30

Arizona Financial Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39.50-$98.50

Brooks Nielsen

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $32.50-$45

Paper Foxes

Testament, Exodus and Death Angel The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$35

Will Wood

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $35-$45

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $22-$1,500 Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $68-$128

Phoenix Funkeros Six Million Dead Slander

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

Chris Finet

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

Conway the Machine

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30-$35

Francine Reed

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

The Head and the Heart

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.50-$79.50

Jason Eady

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $15

Josh Ritter

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

Limbeck

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Sun-Dried Vibes w/Skyler Lutes Band, Jahlos and The Rebels Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

30

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

“Weird Al” Yankovic

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7 p.m., $59-$89

SEPTEMBER 12

Stop Light Observations Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Wet Leg

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$30

Preliminary Rounds

The Rhythm Room, noon, tickets available at the door

Emmaline

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

Eddie 9V

SEPTEMBER 16

Fallujah and Psycroptic

Bear Grillz, Oddprophet, OG Nixin and Muerte

The Gaslight Anthem

GIVĒON

Black Mountain Moonshine Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $5

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., tickets available at the door

Lauv w/Hayley Kiyoko

The Contortionist

Little Jesus and Divino Niño

Dreamers and The Score

Mike Ozuna

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15 The Underground, 6 p.m., $10 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., sold out Arizona Financial Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$75

Missio

Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $27-$30

The Veldt

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

SEPTEMBER 13 Autopilot

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $8

Crossfaith

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $20-$23

DaniLeigh

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

Foreign Air

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

Jack Harlow

Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., sold out

of Montreal

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$28

Palaye Royale

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $29.99-$104.99

UB40 and The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain Celebrity Theatre, 6 p.m., $35-$250

SEPTEMBER 14 Dave Matthews Band

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$95

The Freeks

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

GA-20

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

Hiromi (Solo Piano)

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

iDKHOW and Joywave

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $29-$33

Kehlani

Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.50-$153

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $22-$32

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$149 The Nile Theater, 8 p.m., $29.99

Hiromi: The Piano Quintet

SEPTEMBER 15 Creature Canyon

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

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

The Hooten Hallers

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $14

Let Me Downs

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Music of Cowboy Bebop featuring 8-Bit Mammoth

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$20

Stephen Kellogg

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$38.50 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

AZ’s Alt Scene w/Megaflower, Chad Kowal, the Vagus, Trevor Blinn and Bryant Powell

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $13-$15

Bijou and Marten Hørger Sunbar, 9 p.m., $24-$1,500

Friday Night Rendezvous w/the Soul Power Band

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

Dennis Rowland and Diana Lee The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

Johnny Rawls Kyle Smith

Pitbull

Kyle Watson

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $23.50

SEPTEMBER 19

The Lagoons

Dragged Under

The Underground, 6 p.m., $15

Open Hand Quartet

Eyehategod

Red Not Chili Peppers (RHCP Tribute)

Kenny Hoopla

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Twenty One Pilots

Remi Wolf

Mesa Amphitheatre, 6:30 p.m., $85

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$33

SubDocta

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $22

SEPTEMBER 17

The Toadies and Reverend Horton Heat

SEPTEMBER 24

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15 Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $15-$20

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$18 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8.80-$30 Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $20-$40

Footprint Center, 8 p.m., $124.50-$554.50

Amanda Miguel w/Ana Victoria Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix, 8 p.m., $86-$171

The Underground, 7 p.m., $14 The Nash, 3 p.m., $8.80-$30 Ak-Chin Pavilion, 8 p.m., $29.95-$2,508

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $20 The Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $29.50-$100

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$53

SEPTEMBER 20

Hearts on Fire w/the All-American Rejects, Boys Like Girls, Mayday Parade, Set It Off and Cray Phoenix Raceway, 6:30 p.m., $55-$125

Janis Ian

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$64.50

Maren Morris

Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.75-$248.50

The Maybe Next Years Natanael Cano

Bob Corritore’s Chicago Blues Birthday Party

Damage, Inc. (Tribute to Metallica)

Good Kid

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

Flashback Party Jam w/Treach of Naughty by Nature, Sir Mix-A-Lot, 112, Hi-Five, Kid ’N Play, Digital Underground, the Sugarhill Gang, Tag Team and 69 Boyz

Joel Ross’s Good Vibes

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $19

Johnny Zapp

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Judah & the Lion and Smallpools

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $22-$42

Footprint Center, 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$75.50 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $35-$40

Junior H

Arizona Financial Theatre, 7:45 p.m., $29.50-$303

Mariachi Herencia de México

The Underground, 7 p.m., $15

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16-$20

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

Angelus Apatrida

Pam Morita & Friends

Nascar Aloe Riz La Vie

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $23-$35

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $50.50-$56

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

Laufey

The Nile Theater, 8 p.m., $16

Laurie Morvan Band

Andrew Bird and Iron & Wine

Nox Novacula

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $25-$45

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., sold out

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$55

SEPTEMBER 23

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $17-$52 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Michael Bublé

Footprint Center, 8 p.m., $65-$930

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

SEPTEMBER 21

Get the Led Out

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $28-$44

The Glenn Davis Quintet

Dead Poet Society

Jauz

Hojean

John Cleary

The Nash, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., $18.80-$65 The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $17-$20

Rare Americans

The Underground, 6 p.m., $18

Sarah McKenzie

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

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

French Cassettes

The Cookers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Sugar Thieves

CHVRCHES

Robert John & the Wreck

Pasquale Grasso Trio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$44.50

Grand Canyon University Arena, 7 p.m., $29.50-$95.00 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $42

Mars Red Sky

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$95

Casting Crowns

Kikagaku Moyo

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., sold out

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

Carlo Lio

The M.F.A. Oceano

Tinariwen Two Feet

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$30

SEPTEMBER 22

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8.80-$30 Downtown Tempe, 4 p.m., $35 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$44.50

The Music of Cream

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $35-$55

Red Wanting Blue

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $17-$20

Sabaton

Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $32.50-$334

Xtra Ticket

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $18-$25

Teo Gonzalez and Jorge Falcon

Deathcave

Young Bae

TVBOO

The Dirty Licks

SEPTEMBER 25

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $19-$2,000

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin

Arizona Blues Showdown Final Round

SEPTEMBER 18

Grabbitz

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $20-$100 Darkstar, 9 p.m., $18

Volac

Arizona Blues Showdown

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door The Nash, 4 p.m., free

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $29.50-$33

The Rhythm Room, 1 p.m., tickets available at the door

The Collection

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

EMERGING FROM THE VOID THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

Dreamers’ Nick Wold sees a positive year

ick Wold is in “crazy prep mode.”

The singer is hustling to prepare for his upcoming tour — the “No More Bad Days” jaunt — with his band Dreamers.

“It’s been three years since our last tour,” Wold says. “We toured nonstop for five years. This is our first one back.

We’re getting all our equipment to work again. We have a new van. We’re starting from scratch.”

He doesn’t think it’s all that bad, though. By the time Dreamers hits the Nile Theater on Friday, September 16, with The Score, the run will be a welloiled machine.

“During the pandemic, I was just at home, putting stuff out and shouting into the void a lot,” Wold says.

“A lot of the same people come out to shows and make loud sounds together in a place. That’s what music is for. We see the people we need to see. It’s a different world than it was three years ago. Live music is about transcending normal mental states.”

Wold has traveled from clubs to arenas and festivals and back since Dreamers

released its debut full-length collection, “This Album Does Not Exist,” in 2016.

It spawned the top 10 alternative radio hit “Sweet Disaster.”

Three other songs also charted nationally: the ’90s throwback “Drugs,” the crooning “Wolves (You Got Me),” and power-pop of “Painkiller.”

Dreamers’ success has allowed it to share stages with the likes of X Ambassadors, The 1975, Bleachers, Atlas Genius, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Weezer, and appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

In 2019, Dreamers released “Launch Fly Land,” its sophomore effort that featured “Die Happy.” It moved to collaborations with “Heat Seeker” featuring Grandson, and “True Crime” featuring DeathByRomy.

“Palm Reader” was a partnership with Big Boi and Phoenix-bred alt-pop rocker Upsahl.

Earlier this year, the band released “Black Confetti,” which garnered 24 million collective views on TikTok, followed by “Body Language.” “‘Body Language’ is a song I wrote while I was having trouble communicating with my girlfriend,” the singer says.

“There’s so much that we say without saying anything, sending each other messages from the heart, with just a look or a gesture. Sometimes the gesture is missed completely; other times, we understand each other almost telepathically. This song is about that dance.”

In late August, Dreamers sent to

girl in red

SEPTEMBER 27

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

N

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

John Summit

Downtown Tempe, 4 p.m., $45

Local H

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $22.50-$25

Stan Sorenson

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

Tommy Vext (formerly of Bad Wolves) Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $20-$35

Wild Rivers

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $26-$28

Yamma Ensemble

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$46.50

SEPTEMBER 26

Actors

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $15

Channel Tres

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$40

Cimafunk

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

The Knocks and Cannons

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $28-$97

Lil Lotus and Cemetery Sun

The Underground, 7 p.m., $18-$20

Momma

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

Revocation

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

Warbringer and Heathen

Addison Grace

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $18

Gorillaz

The Arcadian Wild

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $18-$22 Footprint Center, 7:30 p.m., $65-$424

Le Vent du Nord

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$44.50

The Obsessed

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $14-$17

Russian Circles

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $22-$25

SEPTEMBER 28 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

Bad Bunny

Chase Field, 7 p.m., $380.25-$993.50

Foxy Shazam

Crescent Ballroom, 7:45 p.m., $25-$30

Hed PE

The Underground, 7 p.m., $18

Kolohe Kai

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$35

31

streaming services the relentlessly hookladen “Robbery” with Sueco.

“We’re putting out ‘Robbery’ in the middle of the tour,” says Wold, who lives in LA’s Echo Park.

“We’re going to be playing that live. We’re going to have special merch for it, too.”

Wold is especially looking forward to the show at The Nile.

“Phoenix has been one of our best places,” he says. “We had the most people come to a Dreamers show, which,

to us, was 1,300 people. We’re a pretty humble alternative band.”

Masters of Hawaiian Music featuring George Kahumoku Jr., Daniel Ho and Tia Carrere

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 8 p.m., $29.50-$1,056.25

Dreamers and The Void WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, September 16 WHERE: Nile Theater, 105 W. Main Street, Mesa COST: Tickets start at $29.99 INFO: theniletheater.com, ticketmaster.com

SEPTEMBER 30

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

Alan Jackson

Mauskovic Dance Band

Burning Bush

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $13-$15

SEPTEMBER 29 Behold! The Monolith

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Daniel Habif

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $58-$128

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

Forever Came Calling

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

Heilung

Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix, 8 p.m., $244-$456

Julian Lage

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $34.50-$50.50

Luna Luna

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Philip Sayce

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15-$40

Sad Park and Heart to Gold

The Underground, 6:30 p.m., $16

Wu-Tang Clan and Nas

Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., sold out The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Getter

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $30-$1,500

Jeffrey Osborne

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 8 p.m., $45-$135

The King Khan & BBQ Show Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $22-$25

Lake Street Dive

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $36-$39

Sacha Robotti

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $16.50

Samara Joy

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$54.50

Snailmate

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Stick to Your Guns

The Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $22

St. Vincent

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $49.50-$79.50

Willie Jones III

The Nash, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., $18.80-$55 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

FEELS LIKE COMING HOME

Upsahl excited to return to Valley Bar

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

T

aylor Upsahl remembers her last hometown headlining show. She was a senior at Arizona School for the Arts and hosted an album release at Valley Bar. “It was one of the most fun nights ever,” recalls the singer, who performs under the moniker Upsahl.

She’s returning there for a proper headlining show on October 1.

“For me, the Phoenix music scene was so supportive of me throughout my childhood. From the time I was 13, people were playing my songs at local radio stations, allowing me to play opening slots at festivals. I’ve had so many rad opportunities.”

This time, she’s promoting her single “Monica Lewinsky.”

“It started as a joke, honestly,” she ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

says. “I was in the studio with my friend.

We couldn’t think of anything to write about. We had this Monica Lewinsky idea and we turned it into this half-joke, pop culture song.

“Even though it is funny and playful, it’s about badass women being dragged by the media for having basic human emotions. It’s an ode to all those women.

I shamelessly tweeted at Monica Lewinsky, and she said, ‘Thanks.’”

She’s previewed the song live and quickly learned that her fan base in Europe wasn’t that familiar with the storyline of Lewinsky and President Bill Clinton.

“Some people have no clue who this girl is,” she says with a laugh.

“There are all these badass women throughout history. I turned it into this whole thing and then I watched the lightbulbs go off in people’s heads when I spoke about it.”

Her success has been a long time coming. When she was 17, Upsahl wrote and released a self-titled EP, which gained recognition throughout the Valley. A graduate of the Arizona School for the Arts, a performing arts middle/ high school, Upsahl continued to hone

her craft, while being classically trained on piano, guitar and choir.

“I started going to the Arizona School for the Arts when I was 10 years old,” she says. “I graduated high school there.

Every morning we’d do our academics, and after lunch we would just have arts classes all day long. It was great to be surrounded by a bunch of people who were studying dance, theater or music. It was a very supportive place to grow.”

Her first show was a 93.9 gig at the Salty Senorita as a freshman in high school.

“My dad helped me put together a live show,” she says with a laugh.

“It was great. Then I was slowly introduced to the Crescent Ballroom and Valley Bar.” She moved to Los Angeles after graduation and quickly signed with David Gray of Universal Music Publishing Group as an artist. Her goal was to work with several writers and producers to up her game.

The plan worked, as she was the first artist signed to Arista Records, which was resurrected by music exec David Massey. She calls it “the craziest opportunity ever.”

Her songwriting credits include songs for Dua Lipa and Madison Beer.

Coming full circle to Phoenix is just as gratifying. She recalls gigs with Decker and others who were equally as supportive.

“All the bands and artists in Phoenix are so amazing. Let’s say there were three bands on a show. Somehow, everyone would find a way to collaborate on one song,” she says.

Nevertheless, she’s looking forward to seeing everybody at home after successful tours with Fletcher, Yungblud, K. Flay and Olivia O’Brien. Those tours proved to be educational.

“I learned a lot especially from watching Fletcher’s show,” she says. “I watched it literally every night, how she was able to rock out and connect on a very intimate level.”

Upsahl w/King Mala WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 1 WHERE: Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $15 INFO: valleybarphx.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

33

A PASSAGE IN TIME

Mesa’s Authority Zero revisits its debut album with special show

By Alex Gallagher

A

uthority Zero frontman Jason DeVore finds it hard to believe that 20 years ago his band was roaming Downtown Mesa, envying headlining acts at the Nile Theater.

That time inspired Authority Zero’s full-length debut album, “A Passage in Time” — which creatively meshed punk music with elements of reggae and surf punk.

It only made sense to celebrate the emerald anniversary of “A Passage in Time” with a one-off show at the Nile Theater on Friday, September 9.

“It’s going to be cool to see a lot of old faces in the audience who we haven’t seen in a long time and a lot of new faces,” he says. “It’s going to be a big celebration.”

“A Passage in Time” will also be special for DeVore, as he often changes the line “I’m 21 today, how many more?

How should I know?” to reflect his actual age. September 9 is his birthday.

“Every time I sing that line, it makes me automatically think of how long the road we’ve been on has been and what

a crazy, cool one it has been on top of that,” DeVore says.

Although the past 20 years have flown by and DeVore admits that the anniversary snuck up on him, he sees this show as a tribute to the legacy of one of Arizona’s pioneering punk acts.

“It has been quite a victory for us to be around as long as we have,” he says.

“This show is kind of a tribute to that and the legacy of it all.”

That legacy shares DeVore’s penchant for angsty lyrics and fun stories.

“A lot of the songs I wrote were with the buddies back in the day when we were all just starting and it was when this band was at its purest form,” DeVore says. “(The album) is full of life, full of curiosity and full of excitement and all of these songs hit hard in that memory bank.”

They recall the shenanigans that he and his pals indulged in back in their late teens/early 20s along with the heartache he experienced in his youth.

“It has a very special place in our hearts because of how organic the music was at that time,” he says. “Some of the crap I talked about was a girlfriend hurt my feelings or I was getting drunk with

my buddies in the park.

“It’s honest childhood, teenage heartbreak and also the genuinely good times of being a youth, ditching school, smoking cigarettes and being a bunch of young punks enjoying friendships.”

The album also reminds the Westwood High School alumnus of the early days of the Mesa punk scene and the venue where he and his band once dreamed of playing the big stage.

“The Nile Theater is where our stomping grounds originated. It’s right there in the heart of (Downtown) Mesa where we all grew up and formed,” DeVore says. “The Nile Theater was cool in that (it) had five bands for $5 that would play the underground stage and we’d always go down there to support bands and we were a part of that whole camaraderie. From there, we started growing more.”

DeVore recalls eventually being called to the Nile Theater’s main stage to open for acts like Less Than Jake and the Vandals.

“The show is a fun way for us to pay homage to our hometown, the roots of where we grew up and the roots of where a lot of those songs were written,” he

says.

Because of this, DeVore expects to show to feel nostalgic not only for himself but for fans. Some of the songs that DeVore is excited to revisit are the titular track off of “A Passage in Time” and a ditty about the town the band got its start in.

“I’m excited to play ‘Mesa Town,’ because it’s a hometown song about all the debauchery we used to get into and it explains where our band was founded,” DeVore says. “‘A Passage in Time’ is the one (song) that I have carried with me throughout the years because of the electricity it holds to kick off events, as old as it is.”

Authority Zero celebrates 20 years of “A Passage in Time” w/The Venomous Pinks WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, September 9 WHERE: The Nile Theater, 105 W. Main Street, Mesa COST: $20 INFO: theniletheater.com, authorityzeromusic.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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RAGE

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ALL THE

“But it is really nice when weird, good Wet Leg shakes things happen. I’ll look at Hester and just laugh. She’ll laugh back at me. It’s off ‘buzz band’ really nice that the album has been well received.” notion Still, that’s a Catch-22 to Teasdale.

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

R

hian Teasdale and Hester Chambers — collectively known as Wet Leg — have performed on U.S. television multiple times, been crowned No. 2 in BBC’s Sound of 2022, and garnered 40 million global streams and 9 million YouTube views.

The Isle of Wight duo seem uncomfortable when approached about the hype and success of their debut selftitled album.

“I don’t really know,” Teasdale says with a shy giggle about the hype. “We only think about it when we’ve been doing interviews and we’re asked about it. I’m a little bit stumped of what to say.

“It’s funny that with some of the ‘successes’ — what does that even mean?” she says.

“When the album went to No. 1, that should feel really good. But now someone’s saying the (expletive) that we’re doing is worth something?”

That’s when they feel pressured, but the duo are quick to dismiss that as unhealthy.

“We swiftly acknowledge that this is not good for us,” she says. “Let’s get on with having fun. That’s why we are doing this.”

Earlier this year, the duo completed an extensive round of North American touring, including SXSW showcases and an Academy Awards preparty for YSL. Now they’re coming to Phoenix to play The Van Buren on Thursday, September 15.

The band will perform songs off “Wet Leg,” which was produced, in part, by Dan Curry of Speedy Underground.

Chambers said Curry served as a mentor.

“For us, never having made an album before, having someone who has made one is really cool because they know it’s possible for us — who thinks everything’s a bit overwhelming — and it gives me an opportunity to make an album that’s great. I think Dan brought a lot of belief to us and enthusiasm.

“He has his own unique way of

creating music, and he thinks out of the box. He’s just so passionate about music in general, and no matter what you’re doing, it’s going to sound good.”

having uplifting metal songs, but when I went into the studio, I wasn’t thinking about how the song was written because I was just pissed off,” Benton says.

“This record has a lot to do with the fact that everyone goes through those trials or struggles, and it feels isolating going through them like being a father and having to work multiple jobs.”

These struggles inspired the album’s title.

“Everybody goes through those things.

What a curse of existence,” Benton says.

Although Benton entered the studio hotheaded, album producer Will Putney calmed him and reminded him his anger is in the past.

“The cool thing was (Will) said, ‘You’re here now, and that’s not what it is now.

Write the album from that perspective,’” Benton recalls. “That was therapeutic, because I had to spend a week or two rewriting everything I’d been writing for a year, but in a positive outlook, and it helped me honestly get through a lot of what I was going through.”

After rewriting a year’s worth of material, Miss May I returned to the studio, where Benton experimented with his vocals, as displayed on the song “Earth Shaker.”

“It’s my take on Swedish metal and melodic screaming similar to In Flames, Darkest Hour and At the Gates — bands I’ve always liked,” Benton says.

When recording wrapped, Miss May I returned to refine the songs to have bouncier tempos to keep the crowd moving.

The record hit airwaves on September 2, and Miss May I plans to include the five singles released before the album in its set list on its upcoming jaunt, which includes a Nile Theater stop on September 6. Benton has high expectations for the new tunes.

“I think ‘Into Oblivion’ is going to be such a crowd pleaser and also ‘Unconquered’ — which we played on our last tour with All That Remains — has trumped any other song we’ve played,” Benton says.

“Our whole thing is just to show people that there’s there is an entirely positive community within metal and it doesn’t always have to be fire, brimstone, black metal and pentagrams,” he adds with a laugh.

Wet Leg WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, September 15 WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: thevanburenphx.com

THE CURSE OF EXISTENCE

Miss May I find positivity through dark times

By Alex Gallagher

A

fter Miss May I played its hometown of Dayton, Ohio, in 2019, the road warriors found themselves in unfamiliar territory: stuck at home in the height of a pandemic.

“All we’d really known was touring, and we’d never really stopped,” vocalist

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Levi Benton says. “We got a record deal in high school and then we went straight out on tour for 10-plus years. When that was taken away, we started thinking about stuff.

“I think a lot of the stresses or anxieties that we had as younger adults that we didn’t focus on eventually hit us like a brick house. Every single member of the band went through something personal.”

Benton says Miss May I bonded through this time, writing out of the box. Known for offering glimmers of hope and positivity through bouncy beats and heavy riffs, the band entered the studio feeling helpless.

“Our band has always been known for

Miss May I w/Currents, Kingdom of Giants and LANDMVRKS WHEN: 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 6 WHERE: The Nile Theater, 105 W. Main Street, Mesa COST: $20 INFO: missmayimusic.com, theniletheater.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

35

REVISITING A CLASSIC

Toadies bring ‘Rubberneck’ around the lake with a Marquee stop

By Alex Gallagher

T

oadies were excited to give their 1994 debut album, “Rubberneck,” a proper celebration for its silver anniversary in 2020.

Then came the great interrupter: the COVID-19 pandemic.

They tried again in late 2021, but, alas, had to postpone again. Third time’s a charm, and drummer Mark Reznicek says it’s better late than never.

“It has been a long time coming, and it’s almost surreal that it’s happening this time,” he says.

Although Reznicek has played drums to those 11 songs — including Toadies’ trademark song, “Possum Kingdom” — for 28 years, he hasn’t grown wary of them yet.

“I get asked sometimes if (playing) the songs off that album ever get old, and it doesn’t, because those might be the songs that some people are most excited for each night,” he says.

Reznicek also says most “Rubberneck” songs are easy.

“I’ve played those songs enough times

to where I don’t have to concentrate on what I’m doing and have them down to muscle memory,” he says.

However, he admits some tracks are a bit of a drag to keep up with.

“There are a couple (of songs) that I always get a little freaked out about it just because I’m almost 30 years older now than I was when I recorded them, like ‘Mister Love’ and ‘Velvet,’ since those are both faster, harder songs than most of the other ones on the album,” Reznicek says. “I remember how they go.

It’s just a matter of my body physically holding up to the punishment of playing those songs.”

Despite the tough physicality of the songs, they trigger fond memories of the mid-’90s.

“There have been times when I’ve either played one song or another and my mind will flash back to when we were recording the album or on that initial tour,” he says.

“Rubberneck” has been called one of the biggest albums in the decade filled with emerging rock subgenres including grunge. Reznicek does not consider the Fort Worth act a grunge band.

“I feel like we get lumped in with grunge music a lot, and that’s fair, given that was popular when we came out,” he says.

“Most of the songs were written before grunge was a thing and wasn’t an inf luence on what we were trying to do. If you wanted to point out our three main inf luences, it would be like if you put Pixies, ZZ Top and Talking Heads in a blender. It would come out sounding something like the Toadies.”

Pixies weren’t the only band who impacted the young Toadies. Fellow Texans The Reverend Horton Heat are joining them on tour.

“We all came up in the same scene,” Reznicek says. “He was around a little before us, and we looked up to him a lot early in our career.”

Though the tour will serve as somewhat of a reunion, it will also give Reznicek and Co. a chance to jam each track off “Rubberneck” in order from “Mexican Hairless” to “I Burn” and all the hits that fall in between.

Because of this, Reznicek expects the crowd to be rowdy.

“You could almost name any song on rubberneck and people tend to freak out but, obviously, ‘Possum Kingdom’ and ‘Tyler’ are crowd favorites,” Reznicek says. “People also really like when we do ‘I Burn’ because, a lot of times, we bring out extra drummers to augment the sound on that one.”

In addition to “Rubberneck,” Toadies plan to treat fans to new tracks off an upcoming EP as well as unreleased material.

“It’s pretty eclectic, and each song has its own little world,” he says. “But it all still sounds like the Toadies, and it’s all kind of just to let people know that we’re still around and we’re still putting out music.”

Toadies and Reverend Horton Heat WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 19 WHERE: The Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: $25 INFO: thetoadies.com, marqueetheatreaz.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ROAD TO RECOVERY

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Steve Vai slings back to tour life after a shoulder injury

By Alex Gallagher

G

uitar virtuoso Steve Vai dealt with a nagging shoulder injury for nearly four years before having surgery in early 2021.

The procedure repaired three of his tendons. Vai felt the surgery put him in a good place to hit the road in early 2022 for a North American tour that superseded a world tour.

However, it wasn’t meant to be, as Vai ruptured another tendon and required another surgery.

Although Vai was initially disappointed to postpone the first leg of the tour to the fall 2022, he squeaked through his European jaunt without incident. He says he feels confident heading into his long-awaited North American run.

“When you’re onstage, everything changes I slipped into my conventional performance mode, and I just started doing things I shouldn’t have been doing and I had to tone it down,” he says.

Vai noticed during his initial run in Europe that he concentrated harder on shredding the strings as opposed to galivanting around the stage, which was different for the veteran string plucker.

“One of the things I discovered on the last tour was, as a musician, you’re concerned about where you’re heading with your physical abilities because virtuoso-style musicians can be confronted with issues the older that ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

they get, much like athletes,” Vai says.

Because of this, Vai says his shows are toned down.

“The shows are a little more refined than my past shows, where I used to do like three-and-a-half, four-hour shows where I would change my clothes and incorporate elements of theater into the show,” Vai says. “But on my previous tour, I limited (the show) to two hours just to see what it would be like, and I felt nice.”

Although Vai’s show will be more condensed, he says he feels that fans will still enjoy the intimate show, especially at the Celebrity Theatre — the same venue he played at during his first tour with Frank Zappa in 1980.

“For those that follow what I do and like what I do, I think they’re going to be pretty excited because with my last record, ‘Inviolate,’ it was all just inyour-face melody, and melody is king,” Vai says. “If you have melody, you can seduce people that don’t know who you are, don’t care who you are and don’t even really like what you do. But if it has a melody that they can resonate with, that’s usually the thing that is the most touching.”

Though Vai plans to melodiously float his way into the hearts of the entire audience, guitar gear heads can rejoice, as Vai plans to bring up to 10 guitars on tour. He teases that, if his shoulder can withstand it, he could bring a guitar that was famously used to record the tune “Teeth of the Hydra.”

“I still have to bring probably about 10

(guitars), because if I go out there and I do a song that requires a seven-string guitar, I have to bring a spare, and if I do a song that has acoustic, I have to bring two, etc.,” Vai says.

In addition to the excitement of shredding on myriad guitars, Vai is thrilled to play his most recent record, “Inviolate,” which hit the airwaves in January.

“It always feels good when you’re playing fresh material from your newest record, and I’ve been noticing that there are certain songs, like ‘Little Pretty’ and ‘Zeus in Chains,’ from the record that the fans are loving that have gotten great reactions,” he says.

Whether fans go to hear Vai solo his way through his latest tracks or classics, Vai hopes that the audience harmonizes

over a shared enjoyment of jamming to his melodies.

“Different people take away different things from my show. Some people take away the enjoyment of hearing the melodies; some people love the fascination of just the way my fingers move; and some people like the music, the band, and the energy of going out and seeing a live show,” he says.

Steve Vai: Inviolate Tour WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 2 WHERE: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $40 INFO: celebritytheatre.com, vai.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2022

CAPTAINS OF COOL

Yächtley Crëw sails into the Marquee Theatre for tribute show

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Y

ächtley Crëw may be seen a merely a tribute band to soft rock, but singer Phillip Daniel (Philly Ocean) says it is much more.

“It’s kind of a dream for a lot of us,” Daniel says.

“We’ve been musicians all of our lives, and it’s really incredible to see how in this moment in time so many people

are remembering and rediscovering this music.”

Daniel — an actor who once played a bartender on “9-1-1” — describes “yacht rock” as songs after 1976 comprised of “big vocals, even bigger hair and smooth, captivating melodies.” Think Christopher Cross, Hall & Oates, Toto and Rupert Holmes.

The term comes from the YouTube “mockumentary” of the same name that serialized the lives of the original singers, musicians and session musicians.

The production had a “bad-on-purpose aesthetic.”

“It’s totally just made up, fabricated,” he says about the genre name. “So many people have learned about yacht rock in the last six, seven, 10 years. You already know what it is, but you didn’t know it was called yacht rock.

“There’s such a love in our culture for these incredible songs, hits of the ’70s and ’80s. Everybody knows the words. A lot of the songs that we play are not songs you hear all that much, but they’re songs that people know. They still remember them. The songs were so iconic. It’s impossible to not smile when you hear this music.”

Singing since he was 6 years old, Daniel calls himself an artist “through and through.” He and his fellow sailors started the band with no expectations.

“We didn’t know if we would do three shows or 3,000 shows, for six months or six years,” he says with a laugh. “Here we are, most than six years later, and it feels like it’s just taking off.”

Now, donning captain’s gear, Yächtley Crëw is getting in on it with its first original song, “Sex on a Beach,” which fits in perfectly with the genre. They’re well versed. Daniel calls himself an “’80s kid” whose parents listened to yacht rock

in the car.

“A lot of the guys in the band grew up the same way,” he says. “It’s like guilty pleasure music. It comes on, you know the words to the chorus, and you start singing along. These songs are geniuslevel songs. Jackson Browne, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Steve Lukather, these are the best musicians of the last 100 years. They’re true masters of their craft.

“They have themes that everyone can relate to — love, good times and partying. Every one of our audience members and fans, they know what they’re coming to see, and they know what to expect. We put on a show.

We consider ourselves — and we try to live up to this — the Kiss of Soft Rock. If you’ve ever been to a Kiss show, there are a lot of production and high-energy performances. We just do it smooth.”

Yächtley Crëw WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 10 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $31 INFO: luckymanonline.com

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a Entertainmen

uide to Arizon The Insider’s G

.com

entertainermag

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PRIMAL SCREAM

Judah Akers talks the meaning behind ‘Revival’

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

B

efore the pandemic, Judah & the Lion was on the road nonstop. Now feeling “show deprived,” singer Judah Akers is ready to launch its

offensive.

The band — complete with Scottsdalebred guitarist Dylan Oglesby — will come to Phoenix’s The Van Buren on Saturday, September 17, in support of its new album, “Revival.”

“We’re really excited about the show,” Akers says.

“This is our favorite record our band has made. We can’t help but make records for our live shows. We’re really excited of the journey of where we’ve been since the pandemic. During the pandemic, we never thought we were going to play a show again, not to sound dramatic. Once it gets taken away from you, you never know if anyone is going to show up.”

The live performance is where Judah & the Lion got its start, playing house ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

shows and festivals to introduce fans to the music.

Because of this, Akers takes into account how songs will sound live while writing and recording them.

“This one is very spiritual, not to sound too ‘hippy,’” he says. “There’s a lot of depth to the sounds we were trying to make on this record. Obviously, with a name like ‘Revival,’ we’re hopeful people feel really happy and rejuvenated in the show.”

“Revival” was penned during the pandemic, when the band had plenty of time to focus on the recorded works.

“Traditionally, we were used to coming back from the road and having three weeks to record, having to fit it all in the surrounding tours,” Akers says.

“For this one, we said, ‘Let’s take our time and write about things we’re experiencing at this moment for us in the band. How can we be more creative?’”

Akers’ musical partner, mandolin player/vocalist Brian Macdonald, was living in Sweden during the pandemic.

Akers was in Nashville, so they didn’t really connect on the records until he

returned from abroad.

“We’d gone through very similar interpersonal growth during the pandemic,” Akers says.

“I had gone through a whole lot with my mental health and figuring out how to go through things. When you’re living on the road, there are so many distractions — hopping onstage, going to the meet and greet. You’re denying what’s going on in your personal life.

“I was forced to be at home with my thoughts, and that proved to be a little more difficult. When he came back, we were discovering what we wanted the record to be. We came up with the name ‘Revival.’”

Judah & the Lion recorded the album in North Carolina, marking the first time it had worked on a collection of music outside of Nashville. This allowed them to immerse themselves in the sound and what they longed to accomplish.

One of those songs is “Scream.”

“I was in a moment where my friend committed suicide during the pandemic,

and I started really suffering from anxiety attacks pretty frequently after it,” he says.

“I was home alone with my thoughts for the first time. Literally anything would trigger it. I went to see my therapist about it, who said, ‘I feel like you need to go home and scream into a pillow. You’re used to getting all this energy out onstage. You can’t get it out anymore. It would be really good for you to just go home and scream. Cuss at everything you’re mad at.’”

Akers says he looked like a “psycho person,” but it helped. He hopes listeners can feel his emotions and be encouraged to get their rage out as well.

Judah & the Lion w/Smallpools WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, September 17 WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: thevanburenphx.com

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