The Entertainer! Magazine - December

PHX METRO » DECEMBER 2018

All the

RAGE TOM MORELLO

brings guitar solos back to radio

+

Ajo Al’s

TAKE A BOW

Where to see the Nutcracker this season

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Under The Streetlamp

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Friday, Dec 14

The Showroom

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Jerry Riopelle

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

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12 ON THE COVER

THE SONIC CONSPIRATOR

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Guitarist Tom Morello melds rock and EDM on his latest collection.

TUNES FOR TEACHERS

Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band is supporting educators on his latest jaunt.

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MOTOWN MISSION

Detroit is like a phoenix rising with a downtown facelift. on the cover: Tom Morello courtesy of PMK*BNC

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

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

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publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

CROSSING PARTY LINES

executive editor Niki D’Andrea

ndandrea@timespublications.com

editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

The votes are in: Ajo Al’s entrees are local favorites.

designer

Len Loria, Veronica Thurman

production manager

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

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Top 25 • Tom Morello • Christmas at the Princess • Maurice Benard • Authority Zero

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 18 Jackson Galaxy • Drumline • Jim Brickman • Steven Van Zandt

THE DOWNTOWNER

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Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

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circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

contributing writers

Joseph J. Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Heather Copfer, Connor Dziawura, Griffin Fabits, Samantha Fuoco, Mckayla Hull, Sherry Jackson, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, Eric Newman, Noah Weinberg

THE NEW GARTH?

Country singer Austin Burke has high expectations.

Staff Photographer Kimberly Carrillo

Contributing Photographers

Top 10 • Phoestivus • Record Show • Phoenix Festival of the Arts

THE TOURIST

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Detroit • Tour du Jour

THE ARTIST

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The Nutcracker • Arts Calendar • A Christmas Carol: The Musical

THE CRITIC

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Holly Beaupre, Bill Bowen, Nikolay Ivanov, Jim Louvau, Craig Sjodin/ABC, David LaChapelle, Stephanie Masters, Vido Palmisano, Tim Sealy, XJJohnson/ jpistudios.com

KEEPING IT FRESH

San Holo turns music on its head.

ONE COPY PER READER

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

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

THE DINER

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Best Food Events in December • Happy Hour Guide • Ajo Al’s • Mora

THE CRAFTMASTER

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Beer Over Here • BeerFinder Directory • Beertender: Angels Trumpet • Beer Pairing: Macintosh

THE HIGHROLLER

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Daughtry • Casino Entertainment Calendar • Jerry Riopelle

THE GLADIATOR

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Best Sports Events in December • Kym Adair

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THE YOUNGSTER

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THE NIGHTOWL

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Best Family Events in December • Animal Attractions • Peppa Pig

Best Nightlife Events in December • Mad Mixologist: Thirsty Lion • San Holo

THE SHOWMAN

THE THINKER

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OK Go • Live Music Calendar • Austin Burke • The Black Moods • Baseline

For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the DECEMBER 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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Tickets: ShenYun.com/AZ 800-880-0188

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

THE METROPOLITAN

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PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

TOP25

from 52nd to 58th avenues.

Historic Downtown Glendale, hcparade.org, 11. a.m., free.

Holiday Lights Run

Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Ultimate Game Night

Las Noches de las Luminarias

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 30 More than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags light up every twist and turn of the Desert Botanical Garden.

In addition to its stunning visual beauty, each evening offers dining options, entertainment ensembles and engaging experiences.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., $34.95-$39.95.

DECEMBER 6 Recruit your brainiest family members and friends for this game night, featuring LED-screen trivia, games and a beer garden. Not only do bragging rights await, but Desert Ridge Marketplace will provide a donation to the charity of triumphant team’s choice in honor of its win.

The District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com, 6:30 p.m., free.

Arizona Coyotes vs.

Washington Capitals

DECEMBER 6 The Arizona Coyotes take on the 2018 Stanley Cup champions Washington Capitals and future Hall of Famer Alexander Ovechkin.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, nhl.com/coyotes, 7 p.m., tickets start at $23.

Under the Streetlamp: Hip to the Holidays

DECEMBER 7 Salute to classic Christmas canon with this special concert by retro vocal group, Under the Streetlamp.

Known for its PBS specials, the group will also touch on tracks from the American Radio Songbook. If you’re not dancing in the aisles, you’ll be tapping your toes to tracks like “Ave Maria,” “Someday at Christmas” and “White Christmas.”

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., $45-$85.

DECEMBER 12 This running and walking course takes participants on a near 3-mile tour of the nicest holiday lights in Glendale. Grab your safety vest, ugly sweater and get there fast— the event is capped at 400 runners.

Proceeds will go toward shoes for Arizona kids in Title 1 schools.

Tortoise & Hare Sports, 17570 N. 75th Avenue, Suite 605, Glendale, 623.792.7900, bit. ly/2OWgpYK, 6 to 8 p.m., $10.

Dana Carvey

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 15 This Saturday Night Live alum — Wayne’s World, anyone? — took some time away from the limelight to raise his family. After appearances in movies like Sandy Wexler and The Secret Life of Pets, he returns to his sweet spot with this special stand-up engagement.

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov. com, times vary, $25.

Artisan Festival

Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K

DECEMBER 2 It doesn’t matter if you’re naughty or nice because in this race, you get chocolate either way. In a 5K or 15K course, runners will traverse Scottsdale, treating themselves to chocolate along the way at marshmallow and M&M stations.

While hot chocolate awaits all, a chocolate bar finisher medal sweetens the deal for those brave enough to tackle the 15K. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, hotchocolate15k. com, 7 to 11 a.m., $49-$74.

David Archuleta

DECEMBER 6 This American Idol season seven runner-up has become a fixture at Mesa Arts Center, returning for another intimate show just in time for the holidays. David Archuleta will dazzle the crowd with cuts from Winter in the Air, his latest album and second Christmas collection, featuring songs like “Christmas Every Day.” Fans can splurge on meet-and-greet packages, too.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $45-$235.

DECEMBER 8 OdySea in the Desert’s free bimonthly celebration of arts showcases nearly 50 top local artists, designers and creators in its courtyard. It isn’t just about crafts, though. A Kids Art Zone, musicians, yoga classes and food will offer other types of fun.

OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.362.3466, bit.ly/2OZvgli, 9 a.m., free.

Hometown Christmas Parade DECEMBER 8 This homegrown parade celebrates the holidays and Glendale’s spirit.

In its sixth year, the parade features floats, music, dancers and cars.

Viewers can catch the festivities as it travels down Glendale Avenue

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 24 This production showcases the Valley’s finest talent: Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony. Watch this holiday spectacular come alive with 30 world-class ballet dancers, 150 child performers and larger-than-life costumes.

Kids can enjoy a ballet class, storybook reading and a coloring book station at select performances.

Ballet Arizona, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.381.0184, balletaz.org, times vary, $43-$177.

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

Front Porch Pickins Vintage and Handmade Market

Sutton Foster

DECEMBER 14 Join the two-time Tony Awardwinning singer, actress and dancer for an intimate evening dedicated to Broadway and the tunes she took to the top. Touching on shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie and Anything Goes, you can hear the Georgia-born performer’s voice soar alongside musical direction by host Seth Rudetsky.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdsalearts. org, 8 p.m., $59-$89.

OK Go: The Live Video Tour

DECEMBER 14 This rock band revisits the elaborate and quirky music videos that took them to viral fame — from treadmill dances to single-takes.

In a family-friendly atmosphere, the band will also take questions.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $30-$50.

Breathe Carolina

DECEMBER 14 This electronic dance music duo rose to fame from their bedrooms in Denver to recording songs on GarageBand and uploading them to their MySpace page. A few lineup and style changes later, they’re more rave than they are Warped Tour but are just as fun to watch.

Fans can expect them to spin tracks like “Sweet Dreams” and “Rhythm is a Dancer” throughout the night.

Maya Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, bit.ly/2EqeIay, 10 p.m., $10.

DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 15 This antique and artisan market is a haven for treasure hunters and crafters as it sells handmade and unique goods. You’ll find yourself leaving with gifts for loved ones – and yourself – thanks to garden and farmhouse-style furniture, crafty items and nostalgia-inspired canvas prints. Admission to this special fan-appreciation showcase is free.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, frontporchpickins.com, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

12 Bars of Charity

DECEMBER 15 Giving back for the holidays has never been so inebriating! Participants pick a charity of their choice, donate to it, and receive a special shirt dedicated to their cause. There will be drink specials at places like Bottled Blonde, Wasted Grain and Old Town Gringos.

Old Town Scottsdale, 4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale, 480.423.3800, 12barsofcharity. com/scottsdale-2, 2 to 6 p.m., $30.

Art of Salsa: Art Exhibition and Salsa Social

DECEMBER 15 This elegant evening celebrates cultural exchange through art with salsa lessons, social dancing, a live band and a fashion and art exhibition.

Focusing on the communicative and uniting aspects of salsa dancing, community members across the city are invited to take a step together with this unique artform.

F.A.B.R.I.C., 132 E. Sixth Street, Tempe, 602.743.4638, bit. ly/2RfaZ7C, 8 p.m., tickets TBA.

Elf Academy

DECEMBER 15 You can’t transport your kids to the world of Lord of the Rings or book a trip to the North Pole, but with this family-friendly event, you can turn them into academy-certified elves!

Explore Desert Ridge Marketplace and interact with 10 character elves of 10 different trades. Kids will receive an official Elf Academy Certificate.

The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N.

Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

Childish Gambino

DECEMBER 15 After injuring his foot and postponing his Gila River Arena date, Donald Glover is back with his highly anticipated rescheduled concert.

With tracks like “Redbone,” “Sober” and “This is America,” he presents a multimedia experience for concertgoers, taking them on a sonic and, at times, political journey via his hip-hop-soul music moniker.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 8 p.m., $44.75-$124.75.

Jason Mraz

DECEMBER 21 Pop, reggae, acoustic singersongwriter Jason Mraz has always found a way to make the beat work for him, with eclectic songs ranging from “The Remedy (I Won’t Worry)” to “I’m Yours.” Part of his secret is band member and percussionist Toca Rivera, who will join him and special guest Gregory Page for this acoustic show.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $40-$125.

Mazelpalooza

DECEMBER 24 In its 20th year, this celebration prides itself on bringing together Jews, booze and schmooze for a party of epic proportions. This year Mazelpalooza turns it up a notch with three rooms, including a garden party and throwback live band, as well as patio games, a photo booth and hourly drink specials.

Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.634.4900, mazelpalooza. org, 9 p.m., $36 in advance.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

DECEMBER 27 Chip Davis’ new age, progressive rock project has sold 28 million albums in the United States alone. Davis’ modern takes on Christmas songs like “Deck the Halls” and “Carol of the

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Bells” are regulars on holiday radio stations worldwide. Accompanying Mannheim Steamroller’s program of holiday songs are multimedia effects.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 7:30 p.m., $40.50-$125.50.

The Blues Brothers Holiday Hangover

DECEMBER 28 AND DECEMBER 29 Drink away the holiday blues or revel in the buzz of its hangover with this intimate Blues Brothers tribute show. The beloved blues and soul band Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi forged on Saturday Night Live comes to life with spot-on impersonations and musical performances.

Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona. com, 7:30 p.m., $10-$15.

Decadence

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 Dance 2018 away and beckon the new year with this late-night dance party, featuring the who’s who in EDM. With acts like Porter Robinson, Alison Wonderland and Marshmello set to the take the stage, it just might be the coolest show of this year – and next.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, decadencearizona. com, 5 p.m., $199-$749.

Rob Schneider

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 When Rob Schneider started doing stand-up in high school, he probably would’ve never guessed he’d be an actor, comedian, screenwriter and director, with a stint on Saturday Night Live and starring roles to. boot. Whether it be in Grown Ups or The Hot Chick, Schneider has a way of making people laugh.

He’ll accomplish that during a two-night stand in Tempe.

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com, times vary, $40.

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

A SONIC

CONSPIRATOR Tom Morello brings soaring guitar solos back to radio Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

T

om Morello is a revered guitarist, having made his innovative mark on the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave and Prophets of Rage.

But some people know him best as an avatar on Guitar Hero.

“I have the funniest story,” Morello says with a laugh. “I was coming out of a store and this nice lady was holding the hand of maybe a 6-year-old. She said, ‘Um, are you Tom Morello?’ like they’re meeting the Easter Bunny. She asked, ‘Do they make a stuffed animal of you?’”

He’s been called a lot of things, but a “stuffed animal” isn’t one of them. Now Morello is dubbing himself a “sonic conspirator,” though, for his latest project The Atlas Underground, a rock-EDM mashup with acts like Knife Party, Bassnectar, Portugal. The Man, Marcus Mumford, Steve Aoki and Gary Clark Jr. “On this record, I really wanted a sonic conspiracy, bringing together diverse artists of different genres to create a new, powerful rock ‘n’ roll,” Morello says.

“I wanted to blend my Marshall stacks riff-rock with the huge EDM drops and electronic wizardry of 2018. The cast of characters on this is pretty special from Wu-Tang to Mumford and Sons, Rise Against and Steve Aoki. This record was a labor of love and challenging as well.”

Morello says on the album he serves as guitar player, songwriter and curator,

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

using the electric guitar as a “trojan horse.”

“I am flying the flag proudly for Marshall stack firepower and to collaborate with these artists, all of whom have a foot in different worlds, was amazing,” says Morello, whose wife attended ASU. “The latest single, ‘Every Step that I Take,’ is the first time in many years where a song with a soaring guitar solo has been on the radio anywhere.

Mission accomplished.”

To promote the collection, Morello is bringing The Atlas Underground Experience to the Crescent Ballroom on Sunday, December 16. The seated event gives fans the chance to hang with Morello as he tells behind-the-scenes stories about the making of his record.

This intimate event also promises live guitar demonstrations and exclusive signed copies of his 19th studio record.

“In part, it’s discussion and storytelling of tales from my first garage band to Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave and it’s also a lot of guitar demonstration,” he says. “I shred my ass off. It’s something that’s been fun to do, exploring The Atlas Underground record. It’s been great to go into these venues that are more intimate in nature and play a lot of guitar and reveal facts and amusing talents from my career.”

Besides his musical prowess, the Illinois native is known for his leftist political views and activism. Morello’s political leanings go as far back as 1980 when he was in high school, from which he

graduated in 1982 with honors. Four years later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies from Harvard.

Morello, with fellow members of Rage Against the Machine, protested the “parental advisory” sticker on explicit albums and singles by refusing to perform at Lollapalooza 1993. They, instead, took the stage naked, mouths covered in duct tape, and bodies painted with a protest message. Their instruments resonated feedback for 14 minutes.

His instruments are just as controversial. He owns a Mongrel Custom “Arm the Homeless” guitar.

Morello has been involved with music almost as long as politics. He joined a Led Zeppelin cover band at age 13, when he purchased his first guitar. In 1984, he and a classmate, future Tool guitarist Adam Jones, formed the politically charged Electric Sheep, which was influenced by Run-D.M.C. In 1991, Morello formed Rage Against the Machine with vocalist Zack de la Rocha, drummer Brad Wilk and de la Rocha’s childhood friend Tim Commerford. The following year, they were signed to Epic Records and success followed.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

Morello – who also played with Audioslave, Street Sweeper Social Club, Prophets of Rage, and Bruce Springsteen and as The Nightwatchman – intertwines his unconventional guitarplaying prowess with his political views.

“Bad presidents make for great music,” Morello says bluntly. “When our country and our world are at historic crossroads where we’re looking down on one path that is an immediate environmental disaster and another that’s a just and humane planet.

“I’ve been told, ‘shut up and play guitar.’ I didn’t give up my First

Amendment rights when I picked up my electric guitar. I shouldn’t have to leave behind who I am and what I believe.”

The state of the United States is leading the way to a new record by Prophets of Rage, a hip-hop band with Rage’s Commerford and Wilk, Public Enemy’s Chuck D and DJ Lord and Cypress Hill’s B-Real.

He’s also working with Sean Evans, Roger Waters’ artistic director, for a proper Atlas Underground tour.

“It’s going to be mind blowing,” Morello says.

His comments go along with critics’

thoughts on The Atlas Underground. The project has been a learning experience for Morello.

“I learned from each of these songs because they were made in different ways,” he says. “Sometimes I sat down with an acoustic guitar with Marcus Mumford or I jammed for three hours with Gary Clark Jr. while traditionally writing songs.

“With the EDM act Knife Party, I sent them a riff tape with a bunch of riffs and noises. I asked them to use their production techniques and replace their synthesizers with these electric

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guitar building blocks. Like I said, this is my 19th studio album and it was great to let go of the traditional ways in which I made records previously. It’s unapologetically a rock record, but it has a sonic imprint.”

The Atlas Underground Experience The Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Sunday, December 16, $49.50-$54.50.

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

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS The annual celebration is the biggest, brightest yet Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

I

t’s the most wonderful time of the year!

And, making the season more wonderful, is the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The AAA Five Diamond resort is hosting Christmas at the Princess, a celebration of the season through December 31 dedicated to helping families make memories and create new holiday traditions.

Open nightly, the celebration features several new elements, including a Santa Suite VIP Experience and 250,000 additional LED lights. Here is an insider’s guide to making the most of your visit this year:

ENCHANTED PLAZA SHOWS Don’t miss this 5-minute video show projected against the resort’s facade.

The Princess’ Christmas tree has 70,000 LED lights that twinkle and dance to 17 classic holiday songs in the Enchanted Plaza. During the day, the four-story tree is decorated with dozens of glistening snowflakes and a 5-foot snowflake tree topper.

S’MORES LAND Travel through La Hacienda Plaza to an enchanting land. Join the resort’s newest friend, Graham, a squishable s’more, at his home where patrons can roast marshmallows around a campfire in a Christmas Tree Forest, take a glittering whirl on the Christmas carousel and ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Frosty’s Ferris Wheel, and adopt a cuddly friend at the new Build-A-Bear experience. Before sliding down the fourlane Polar Glide Ice Slide, they can say hello to Shivers the Yeti.

LAGOON LIGHTS & PRINCESS EXPRESS TRAINS Enjoy more than 4.5 million LED lights as you stroll through the resort’s majestic lagoons. Displays include swans, a buccaneer pirate ship, a mermaid, a 14-foot poinsettia, a Teddy bear, toy soldiers, fishing Santa, leaping arches, Nessie the 30-foot Loch Ness Monster, menorah, dreidels, 3D whale, skating penguins and a candy cane forest. Hitch a ride on the Princess Express Trains, offering rides around the resort’s lagoons to spectators of all ages.

HOLIDAY CHARACTER APPEARANCES Santa has invited his delightful holiday friends from the North Pole to visit the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess again this year. Meet Graham, Shivers, Princess Noel, Angelica, Selfie Elfie and Peppermint Penguin as you stroll through the property.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING & GIFT CARDS The Christmas Shoppe at Kringle’s Korner offers items like wintery wear, seasonal decor, collectible ornaments, snow globes, train whistles, Selfie Elfie and Elf on the Shelf toys, gourmet chocolates and pet toys.

SANTA SUITE VIP EXPERIENCE Santa unveiled his secret Scottsdale headquarters just last Christmas (still operating and detailed below), and now he and Mrs. Claus are inviting guests to stay overnight in their new luxurious home away from home. Savor the holiday spirit in an elegant suite adorned with all the finest trimmings, including a full-size Christmas tree, personalized stockings hung by the chimney for each guest, tea and hot cocoa set, opulent holiday décor throughout – including special holiday bedding, Santa’s turntable with a private selection of Christmas classics on vinyl, sweet treats aplenty and story books from Mrs. Claus.

SANTA’S SECRET HEADQUARTERS Join Santa inside his magical new Secret Headquarters, where the young and young-at-heart can have family photos taken with Kris Kringle while meeting

a few of his favorite friends along the way. Stop by and meet Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick every night through December 24.

Photo packages available for purchase.

DESERT ICE SKATING RINK Made with real ice, the resort’s 6,000-square-foot Desert Ice Skating Rink provides skaters the opportunity to experience a classic winter tradition surrounded by the beauty of the Scottsdale desert and starry night sky, along with magical rink side snowfalls nightly.

BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP This winter, Build-A-Bear Workshop fans can find the beloved brand’s one-of-a-kind holiday experience right on property. Here, guests of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to build their beary own stuffed animal at the workshop. Choose from an assortment of cheery clothing, accessories, scents and sounds, each sold separately.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.585.4848, scottsdaleprincess.com, Various times through December 31.

General admission starts at $55 and includes up to six attraction wristbands per vehicle (equal to number of occupants) and gives each guest access to Princess express trains, the Copper Canyon Village light show, the Enchanted Plaza Experience, 4.5 million holiday lights, holiday characters, a nativity garden, s’mores land family campfires, a Christmas carousel, an ice slide and the ferris wheel. Walk-in single wristbands are $25/guest. There are additional fees for photos with Santa, Santa’s VIP Experience, the Desert Ice Skating Rink, Build-A-Bear Workshop and rink-side VIP fire pit rentals.

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At Gila River Hotels & Casinos, you can do things your way. So, You Do You. WinGilaRiver.com | 800-WIN-GILA Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community

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

GENUINELY

FUNNY Maurice Benard plays a mob boss, but he has a sense of humor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

A

s morose mob boss Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital, Maurice Benard doesn’t often have the chance to show off his comedic chops.

A lead actor on the daytime drama, Benard has the occasional chance to perform at comedy clubs like Stand Up Live in Phoenix’s CityScape. Despite his large fanbase, he isn’t always the main attraction. His father, Humberto Morales, steals the show, Benard says.

“I had a whole show about myself, first,” Benard explains. “It’s me riffing about goats, llamas, my mom and dad and my life. Then I go into GH. There’s ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

quite a bit about GH and Steve Burton, who plays Jason. It’s easy to poke fun at GH and Steve.

“Then, I bring my dad out. I’m telling you, my dad, if he had been an actor or comedian, he’d been right at the top.

That’s how much charisma he has.”

Besides performances by Benard and Morales, the Saturday, December 8, show will feature a question-and-answer session with the audience.

“I’m pretty honest – without getting fired,” he says with a laugh.

Seriously, though, he’s frequently asked questions about being bipolar, a disorder he was diagnosed with at age 22. His character suffers from it as well.

“During the Q&A, I talk about mental illness, like I have on talk shows,” he says.

Benard’s multicultural upbringing began in San Francisco. After high school, he went straight to the job market.

“I got into modeling, but I was very unsuccessful,” he says. “I was too short.

I lied and said I was taller. I went from modeling to acting and, as everybody knows, I had a nervous breakdown. It was difficult.

“But then I got All My Children, playing Nico Kelly, and the rest is what it is.”

He moved from New York to Los Angeles two years later and was cast as Desi Arnaz in Lucy and Desi: Before the Laughter. Benard will star as John Gotti in a forthcoming Lifetime movie, The Victoria Gotti Story.

“It was very difficult and very

exhilarating at the same time,” he says.

“I only had 48 hours to prepare and I had to age from 20 to 60 and do a Bronx accent. It was tough, but I think it was worth it.”

He is also starring in the upcoming Mickey Rourke film Nightmare Cinema, as Father Benedict. In the movie, five strangers converge at a haunted movie theater owned by The Projectionist (Rourke). Once inside, the audience members witness a series of screenings that shows them their deepest fears and darkest secrets over five tales.

“It’s really gory – especially my part,” he says. “It’s very gory but fun. That comes out in February. It’s been reviewed as 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Emmy Award-winning actor joined the cast of General Hospital in August 1993. He briefly left the show for a year-long hiatus due to a nervous breakdown in December 1998.

“This role is what I do best,” he says.

“Sonny is unpredictable. You never know from one second to the next what he is thinking, feeling or planning. He’s a man in personal conflict who maintains an outward appearance of calm at all times, at any cost.”

Benard says he does have other things in common with Corinthos. They both have an intense side, but fans enjoy witnessing Benard’s sense of humor.

“I hear all the time, ‘I didn’t know you had that side,’” he says. “I love doing standup but being on GH is like a family.

The job is incredible.”

Maurice Benard

Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, phoenix.standuplive.com, 1 p.m.

Saturday, December 8, $49 and $99.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

17

‘ONE

HELL OF A RIDE’

Authority Zero continues its legacy with ‘Persona Non Grata’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

A

uthority Zero will release its new album, Persona Non Grata, but after 24 years together, the band is still embraced by fans and

musicians.

“I always wanted to be in a group who was respected and looked up to by the people I admired as well as the fans,” says lead singer Jason DeVore.

“I wanted my peers to acknowledge us as musicians or singer-songwriters, whatever you call us. Since that point, we’ve played with so many bands we’ve looked up to as well.”

Available on December 7, Persona Non Grata will be Authority Zero’s first self-released studio album. The band will celebrate the release on Saturday, December 8, at the Marquee Theater in Tempe, followed by an early spring European tour and a summer U.S. headlining jaunt.

For Persona Non Grata, Authority Zero returned to the Blasting Room studio to

work with legendary punk drummer Bill Stevenson of All and The Descendents.

“Bill makes you feel like you’re not working at all,” DeVore says. “He knew when I was having vocal problems, which is interesting. He’s a great drummer, but

“We just had a good time with it. It was fun and comfortable to record. It felt natural.” his forte is really vocals. He gets the best out of us.

“He definitely opened our minds to different ideas and sounds and everyone’s influences. Dan Aid from Denver is fully on guitar. It’s a really fast-paced album.

We just had a good time with it. It was fun and comfortable to record. It felt natural.”

DeVore and his bassist Mike Spero are such fans of Stevenson they drove to Tucson to watch The Descendents play.

“It was fun,” DeVore says. “He’s brilliant.”

Since 1994, Authority Zero has brought its blend of anthemic, melodic, punk, ska and reggae tones to fans. A lot has changed in its 20-plus years, but the band has persisted.

Authority Zero was formed in Mesa by high school friends who had the mission of bringing good music to listeners. Its debut album was 2002’s A Passage in Time, released on Lava Records. The band toured extensively with the likes of Pennywise, Sum 41, Flogging Molly and H2O. Authority Zero, which also includes drummer Chris Dalley, has since released six full-length studio albums, many landing on the Billboard charts, videogames, TV shows and movie soundtracks. It’s been an up and down two decades, with a low point being the

theft of its van, trailer and equipment in Texas.

Many musicians move out of their hometowns when they find success.

DeVore has remained in the Valley.

“It’s home base,” he says. “We love the city. We love the town. Mike and I still live here.

“We’re all creatures of our own environment. I’ve been here since I was 14 years old. There was talk about us moving back to Indiana, but we stuck around here because we love it.”

That’s why Authority Zero is sharing its new album’s music with fans at home.

“Our fans are the best fans out there.

It’s been one hell of a ride.”

Authority Zero Persona Non Grata Album Release Party w/ Runaway Kids, Good Boy Daisy, Nomada, Madd Dog Tannen, Torn at the Seam Marquee Theater, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 8, $20-$35.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

IL DIVO IS

‘TIMELESS’ The tenors have excelled with Simon Cowell’s help Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

I

l Divo has made its mark performing timeless classics on stages worldwide with dancers and acrobats. The Simon Cowellmentored tenors have sold more than 30 million albums, and earned 160 gold and platinum albums in 33 countries.

The group was the first classical crossover artists to have an album debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.

But if there’s anything the men of Il Divo have to say it’s younger music fans should give them a chance.

“Two nights ago in Auckland (New Zealand), we spoke to the promoter and he introduced Il Divo to friends of his and their teenage daughters,” says Swiss

tenor Urs Buhler.

“The teenage daughters heard Il Divo was opera and they weren’t interested.

Then they heard our version of John Legend’s ‘All of Me’ and they absolutely loved it. They couldn’t wait to go to the show.”

Buhler says there’s a misconception that Il Divo is just classical.

“We’ve always been a cross between classical music and popular music,” he says. “I think a lot of people don’t know what to expect. It’s hard, but we manage.

We open their minds. That’s the most important thing for us these days.”

Il Divo, which also includes Spaniard Carlos Marin, Frenchman Sebastien Izambard and American David Miller, comes to the Comerica Theatre on December 16.

In celebration of its 15th anniversary,

Il Divo released its seventh album, Timeless, on August 10 marking its first recording for Decca Gold, an imprint of Universal’s Verve Label Group.

“We self-produced Timeless, which incorporates the best songs of the ’30s to now, from ‘Smile’ to ‘Hello’ and ‘All of Me,’” Izambard says. “It’s a really wide, amazing repertoire. It’s all the big classics.”

Buhler says the task of producing the record themselves was difficult. Decca came on board after the album was finished.

“We completely arranged everything ourselves,” Buhler says. “Once we had the concept, we wanted to call it Timeless. We’re making the statement that we can take a song from no matter what period of popular music and make it an Il Divo song.

“We started with ‘Hello’ by Adele.

We made the translation and we received her permission to record our own version.”

Performing songs by the likes of Adele and Legend helps attract the variety of fans they year.

“We seem to have a younger audience now,” Izambard says. “The younger audience comes with their family or kids. Some are very young and some grew up with Il Divo. Any way, it’s great.”

Il Divo Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 8 p.m. Sunday, December 16, $99.50-$200.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

19

MARCHING TO A

HOLIDAY

BEAT

‘Drumline Live’ brings Christmas spirit to Chandler Heather Copfer >> The Entertainer!

T

he Drumline Live Holiday Spectacular marches its way into Chandler later this month and percussion director Larry Allen calls it a “magical masterpiece.”

“We’re performing on a theatrical stage, so there’s a lot more we can do on the stage than an actual field,” he says. “You get all the elements of HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) plus the glitz and glam of going to a Beyoncé or P!nk show.”

Drumline Live is a theatrical, international tour based on the marching bands at the historically black colleges and universities. The show incorporates a mix of percussionists, vocalists and choreography.

This winter, the Drumline Live Holiday Spectacular will showcase modern holiday hits like “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Rudolph.” The show comes to the Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 21.

“The kids love it,” Allen says. “It’s neon lights and the whole mystery of being pitch black in the theater and you

see all these drums lit up and sticks glowing and twirling. It’s a real great experience.”

Aside from the role as percussion director, he is also a drummer, vocalist and trumpeter in the show.

“Not only do we all play instruments in the cast, but we also double as vocalists or dancers as well,” he explains. “Every cast member has two or three talents they provide for the show.”

Allen has been a part of Drumline for nine years. A Houston native, he attended Prairie View A&M University from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music and a master’s in sociology. Shortly after grad school, he was introduced to the CEO and director of

Drumline, Don Roberts. Allen sent in an audition tape and the rest is history.

“I started as a cast member playing trumpet and percussion and each year I’ve moved up on the creative staff of creating what the show will be about.

It’s been a dream come true,” he says.

This month, Allen says showgoers can expect high intensity and great musicianship from instrumentalists to percussionists and vocalists. The holiday show taps into genres like hip-hop, jazz, soul and Motown.

“Music is a universal language and we bring funk, jazz, classical, every element of music into one show and we put it on the stage and give it all we got.

150 percent every night.”

Drumline Live Holiday Spectacular Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 21, $38-$48.

DISCOVER A LEGEND 141 YEARS IN THE MAKING

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

IT’S A BASH! Ring in the new year with Jim Brickman at the MIM Sherry Jackson >> The Entertainer!

F

rom writing commercial jingles in the 1980s to touring with Olivia Newton-John to a hit song collaboration, “Valentine,” with Martina McBride, songwriter, pianist and radio show host Jim Brickman crosses genres and continues to expand his musical empire.

This year, Brickman is bringing his annual Brickman Bash to the Musical Instrument Museum. The three-day event, from December 29 to December 31, features five performances by Brickman and the chance to sightsee in Sedona and Scottsdale.

After successful cruise ship gigs, Brickman says the idea came to make Brickman Bash an alternative for people who didn’t want to go on a cruise.

“I wanted to create a three-day experience in cities where there could be a core inspiration and thought it would be fun to have people in a more intimate setting.”

He’s taken his Brickman Bash to locales such as Chicago, Niagara Falls, his hometown of Cleveland and now Phoenix.

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In building his brand, Brickman says it all works together.

“Everything has to reflect the core of who I am and what I do. Everything is spokes on a hub. Most things relate to the other things I’m doing, and they all complement each other. The radio show will mention the concerts or guests I’m interviewing will lead to a collaboration.”

Brickman has played the Valley 15 to 20 times, he says, and the MIM is his favorite venue. “It’s a beautiful building and so well run. It’s a curated, perfect experience. I’m just a huge fan,” he says. “It’s such a great, immersive experience.”

His Midwest values and upbringing gave him a strong work ethic that helped shape his 30-plus-year career, he says. Growing up in suburban Cleveland with a nonmusical family helped steer him toward more mainstream pop music.

“There’s an authenticity and honesty toward my music,” he says. “I never had anyone telling me who I was supposed to be or how to be. When people come to my concerts, its like hanging out at my house for a concert. The music is so emotional and honest, it creates a whole package, so to speak.”

For the MIM concerts, Brickman says there’s “always a surprise or two because there’s really no set list.”

Concert-goers can expect to hear the hits, ones that people maybe married to or fell in love to at Christmas.

“We’ll also do a live-by-request and Q&A section of the show. It’s extremely popular. Not only do you get impromptu songs, but you also get a lot of lighthearted comic relief that way.

People know its very fun along with a very emotional type of music.”

The setlist choices are aplenty. The award-winning songwriter has earned three Grammy nominations, 21 No.1 albums and 32 top radio singles, according to Billboard Magazine.

His first album release was 1995’s No Words, and he’s gone on to sell 8 million albums worldwide. Whether it’s country, gospel, instrumental or pop, Brickman has topped both U.S. and Canadian charts.

In addition to McBride, Brickman has collaborated with many iconic artists including Carly Simon, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Herb Alpert, Michael Bolton, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis, Kenny Loggins, Jane Krakowski and a host

of country, R&B, Broadway, pop and jazz musicians. He’s written three best-selling books, starred in four TV concert specials, and is in the 20th season of hosting his syndicated radio show The Jim Brickman Show.

Brickman says he’s looking forward to his end of December concerts and visits to Arizona. “During the holidays it’s great to have a more intimate escape. It’s also a great way to give thanks to the year behind us and look forward to the year ahead. It’s a full experience.”

Looking ahead to 2019, Brickman says he is diligently working on a 25th anniversary tour and album with dates to be announced soon.

“It’s the first time I’ll doing my own vocals for the hit songs,” he says. “It’s a little scary, but it’s good as you always want to challenge yourself.”

Jim Brickman Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 29, 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday, December 30, and 7 p.m. Monday, December 31, $48.50-$68.50.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

TUNES FOR TEACHERS

Steven Van Zandt stands strong with educators

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

S

teven Van Zandt has a problem with the education system.

Hard-working teachers are paid very little and music disappeared from school

curricula.

His band, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, is standing strong with educators on the Soulfire Teacher Solidarity Tour. Besides supporting teachers, Van Zandt is introducing TeachRock, the Rock and Roll Forever

Foundation’s free, multimedia, K-12 interdisciplinary curriculum that meets standards in English language arts, social studies/history and the fine and performing arts.

So far, 8,000 teachers have signed up for the curriculum.

“We’ve been working on this curriculum for 10 years. We’re just going public with it now,” Van Zandt says. “I didn’t want to go public until we had 100 lessons at least.

“TeachRock.org is a music history curriculum we wrote for schools. We’re already reaching out to administrators.

We wanted to reach out from the bottom up and let them get a sense of what this curriculum is.”

The Soulfire Teacher Solidarity Tour concerts are free for educators of all types and a guest via teachrock.org/tour.

Each show, including the Sunday, December 16, gig at The Van Buren, will also see Little Steven and his TeachRock staff hosting free professional development workshops designed to engage educators with techniques and content through which they can use music to inspire students.

In many locations, the workshop will

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also count toward continuing education hours and license renewal.

“Teachers are underappreciated and underpaid,” he says. “We found out they have to do professional development every year to certify, which they have to pay for out of their already-meager salaries.

“This is a little different than the professional development experience they may be used to. This is a rock ‘n’ roll experience. They come to the show for free. The curriculum is free and the showcase is free.”

The spots on the tour itinerary align with states whose teachers went on strike or are considering it.

“We thought, ‘Let’s go to those states and just shore up the support in the local community for the teachers,” Van Zandt says. “That’s what we’ve decided to do. We’re going to every place where they were having problems or went on strike. We always hope they don’t have to go on strike and the community will support them.”

Van Zandt, the longtime guitarist of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, is pushing his first solo album in 20 years. Soulfire has 12 songs, including the title track, “St. Valentine’s Day” and “Love on the Wrong Side of Town,” written by Van Zandt and Springsteen.

It was followed by Soulfire Live! featuring songs like “Standing in the Line of Fire” and “I Don’t Want to Go Home,” along with covers such as The Electric Flag’s “Groovin’ is Easy,” Etta James’ “Blues is My Business” and James Brown’s “Down and Out in New York City.”

“The live album is an entire show plus an hour of extra songs,” Van Zandt says. He is working on a new album, the details of which he was not ready to divulge. Right now, he’s focused on helping teachers.

“Once they canceled all the arts classes, it became more important than ever to have a music presence in the system,” he says. “I wanted to make sure, in the heart of the system, there was some kind of music being discussed, heard and talked about.

“I wanted to make sure the teachers had an opportunity to be creative.”

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 16, free to $299.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE DOWNTOWNER

HIP » AMBASSADORS » MUSEUMS » PRO SPORTS » HIGHRISES

TOP10

Carson Mlnarik >> The Entertainer!

Jim Gaffigan

Elf The Musical

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 29 This musical puts a tune to the Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel film of the same name – after all, “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” When Buddy the Elf realizes he’s a human, he abandons his job as a North Pole toymaker to seek out his father in the wild world of New York City.

Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, times vary, $36-$86.

DECEMBER 8 You probably recognize this deadpan comedian from somewhere. He’s been on the silver screen in Super Troopers, on television in The Jim Gaffigan Show and in stand-up specials. He takes on fatherhood, the world and most importantly, food in his two performances.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7 and 9:30 p.m., $39-$260.

City Lights Movie Nights: Elf and Home Alone

DECEMBER 14 Get your holiday movie marathon in early with this free double feature in CityScape. Guests can bring their lawn chairs and blankets to stake their claim in front of the big screen.

With themed activities and CitySkate ice skating rink hours, there’s plenty of holiday cheer to go around.

CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, 602.772.3900, cityscapephoenix. com, times TBA, free.

Jared & The Mill’s Holiday Extravaganza

DECEMBER 15 Arizona’s go-to for folk rock is Jared & the Mill, and the band’s annual holiday extravaganza — now in its fourth year — always brings out the best of the best in its local musician friends. This year’s lineup is no exception with bands like Playboy Manbaby, Bodie and Sundressed set to play.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 7 p.m., $17.

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul

Kung Food Fest

DECEMBER 1 Leave the Carl Douglas song at home — this festival is more “kung food and chill” than it is “Kung Fu Fighting.” Featuring 20 local restaurants and food trucks, Asian cuisine foodies can revel in more pho, stir fry, dumplings, sushi and pad Thai than can you shake an egg roll at.

Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, 602.276.2499, kungfoodfest.com, noon to 6 p.m., $10 in advance and $15 day of.

The Nutcracker makes use of gigantic playful puppets, colorful handprinted backdrops and hundreds of ornate costumes in a show you must see to believe.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7 p.m., $18-$85.

The Great Russian Ballet’s Nutcracker

DECEMBER 12 The Moscow Ballet has made a name for itself in the dance world with its larger-than-life theatrical productions and highcaliber ballerinas. Its take on

DECEMBER 16 Steven Van Zandt has been busy.

When he isn’t acting, he’s backing Bruce Springsteen on tour. Following last year’s Soulfire and a successful live album, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer takes to road once more with his Disciples of Soul.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 7:30 p.m., $37-$299.

Travis Scott

DECEMBER 18 This 26-year-old rapper shook up the hip-hop scene this year when he released his third album, the platinum-certified Astroworld, which threw elements of psychedelic and trap music into the mix. He tours the album with his Wish You Were Here Tour, which also brings Virgil Abloh, Sheck Wes, Trippie Redd and Gunna along for the ride.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena. com, time TBA, $34-$230.

This Week Sucks Tonight

DECEMBER 27 Crack the work week blues with this weekly comedy show featuring hosts Anwar Newton, Michael Turner and their pals. With their weekly roundup of current events — from entertainment and music to politics — and plenty of drinks, they’ll always remind you why this week sucks, that night.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8:30 p.m., $9 in advance and $25 day of show.

Flannel Ball

DECEMBER 31 Party like it’s 1999 with this New Year’s Eve celebration in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. With beer, live music, an art show, food trucks, lawn games and a midnight countdown piñata drop, it’s the perfect place to let your inner lumberjack loose — or just sport your old ’90s punk clothing.

Roosevelt Growhouse, 1025 N. Second Street, 480.788.4318, flannelball.com, 9 p.m., $15-$25.

Events to be jolly about this season.

11/23-1/6

CITYSKATE HOLIDAY ICE RINK CITYSCAPE PHOENIX

11/23-12/23

SELFIES WITH SANTA

11/30-12/23

A WINNIE THE POOH CHRISTMAS TAIL

12/1

CITYSCAPE PHOENIX

VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE

PJS IN THE PARK HOLIDAY MOVIES CIVIC SPACE PARK

12/1-16

SNOW QUEEN HERBERGER THEATER

12/13-24

THE NUTCRACKER SYMPHONY HALL

12/13 & 20

PHOESTIVUS HOLIDAY MARKET PHOENIX PUBLIC MARKET

12/26-1/1 12/31

SNOW WEEK ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER

FLANNEL BALL NYE PARTY + ART SHOW ROOSEVELT GROWHOUSE

12/31

NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOCK PARTY CRESCENT BALLROOM

D T P H X . O R G / H O L I D AY S PRESENTED BY

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

PHOESTIVUS FOR THE

REST OF US Phoenix Public Market hosts a time-honored holiday tradition Madison Rutherford >> The Entertainer!

P

opularized by the ’90s sitcom Seinfeld, Festivus is a madeup holiday that combats the commercialism and stress of the Christmas season with absurd traditions such as an airing of grievances, feats of strength and a Festivus pole in place of a tree.

Valley residents can observe these seasonal customs with a local twist at the ninth annual Phoestivus celebration from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays December 13 and December 20 at Phoenix Public Market’s Open Air Market. The event will also feature locally grown and produced goods from more than 150 vendors and handcrafted jewelry, art and decorations.

The celebration is also inspired by traditional German Christmas markets, or Weihnachtsmarkt, which Phoestivus founder Ken Clark fondly recalls.

“My family was stationed in Germany.

I was a military brat and I got to experience the German Christmas markets, which are an absolute treasure,” Clark says. “The sights and sounds and the smell of mulled wine and bread and

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

all these great gifts in this crisp, cold air, it’s just an amazing thing.”

Clark brought the tradition to Downtown Phoenix one night nine years ago with 20 vendors and a few food trucks. The event has gotten bigger every year.

“I want to expand a little bit every year. I’m not trying to shoot for the moon but in the end, I want this to be here 30 years from now. Just like with the German holiday markets, I want people to think, ‘Oh, they’ve always been here,’” he says.

“It just creates this wonderful tradition – everybody comes out and there’s a sense of community. We’re going to do it our own way and call it our own thing and have our own silly games and traditions. People won’t even know what Seinfeld is 30 years from now, but they’ll be like, ‘Yeah! Whatever, they’ve got a Festivus pole. I don’t know why, but they’ve got it.’ I’m down for that. I love the idea of starting a tradition.”

Proceeds from events at the Open Air Market go to Community Food

Connections, a local nonprofit that supports small farmers and sustainable food systems.

“The tone of the whole thing is silly and absurd but in the end it’s a fundraiser because we fundamentally believe you’ve got to find a way to get more locally sourced food in the mouths of people,” Clark says. “(We want to) support local businesses but also try and encourage people to eat differently.”

This year, Phoestivus is collaborating with the International Rescue Committee and spotlighting businesses started by refugees. In addition to expanding its footprint, Phoestivus aims to diversify its offerings.

“We’re really going for that diversity.

We’re getting food from different parts of the world. To me, that’s the spirit of what this should be about,” Clark says.

That spirit also includes an airing of grievances from the Phoenix Storytellers Project, a revamped Phoestivus pole and Phoenix Ale Brewery’s annual Phoestivus Ale, which Clark says is a festive spiced brown ale with hints of nutmeg. “It’s not the kind of beer you would drink in the summer, that’s for sure,” he says with a laugh.

Phoestivus will also offer photo ops with the famous Phoestivus yeti and hipster Santa. In the weeks leading up to the event, they will post photos of the

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

yeti at local businesses on social media.

“Our mascot is a big abominable snowman, which is perfectly absurd because we don’t have snow in Phoenix,” Clark says. “People get excited about it because they start seeing the yeti at local bars. One of our sponsors is an optometrist and (the yeti) is in there getting his eye exam which is great because he has these big googly eyes.”

Clark, who is an elected state representative, says Phoestivus is his legacy of sorts.

“I’m just finishing up my term. At the end of December, I’ll be a washedup politician,” he jokes. “But what I really love is the feeling that of all the years I’ve been in office, I may have not done anything as significant there as I have making the Phoestivus market

and that’s OK with me.

Phoestivus is a wonderful event that makes everybody feel really, really good and people talk about it the whole year.”

Phoestivus gives attendees the opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from local vendors like Clay Madness, Arizona Mantel Works, Lotus & Lava and Strawberry Hedgehog. Clark insists it’s “not just a bunch of wind chimes and dream catchers.”

“The idea is that people get to really explore that sense of community. We

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want to create our own sense of space and our own sense of identity and that’s a very fulfilling thing,” he explains. “It still has kind of a quaint feel to it where you get to say hi to all your friends that you run into there. That’s kind of the spirit of the season.”

Phoestivus Phoenix Public Market’s Open Air Market, 721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.625.6736, phoestivus.com, 5 to 10 p.m.

Thursdays December 13 and December 20, free admission and parking.

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IN THE GROOVE

Record shop owner puts his spin on new show Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

G

rand Avenue Records owner Konstadinos “Cocoe” Tsimahidis wants the upcoming first DTPHX Record Show to be a building block for bigger and better things.

Though not Tsimahidis’ first go at a vinyl meet up – he has worked with other record swaps such as Beat Swap Meet and Discogs’ traveling Crate Diggers record fair – this one has his stamp on it.

“We wanted to keep the momentum going. We were going to keep the show going, so we just renamed it for Downtown Phoenix, because Downtown Phoenix doesn’t really have its own record show,” he says.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 8, at Crescent Ballroom, the event offers a gathering space for vendors, private dealers, record stores and indie labels to sell from their collections – and for guests to score collection-filling 12-inch LPs, 7-inch singles and more.

Though he says this year’s meet is still being fine tuned, also notable are raffles, door prizes, food and drinks. Six DJs – Edward Navarro, Hats Off, Hi-Dreams, Dela, Gila Man and Drea – will spin tunes.

Admission is $3 and includes three raffle tickets. Though some of the items may not seem like a big deal, to a record collector, it’s like striking gold.

“Basically we’re going to raffle off a turntable and then raffle off some stabilizers and stuff from our sponsors like record supplies, like plastic sleeves for 12

inches and 7 inches and paper sleeves and record cleaners. We’re going to give away some T-shirts and hats, the basic swag stuff,” Tsimahidis says. There will also be a crate compiled of vendor donations to be blindly selected by raffle winners.

Despite its community focus, record hunting tends to draw interest from a much larger radius, he says.

“It is a local show, but I also have a couple people coming from outside to vend and sell records, which is nice because that really kind of adds to it,” Tsimahidis says, citing guests from Tucson, Los Angeles and San Diego. “It’s nice to see a familiar face, but it’s also nice to see a new face because they have different treasures.”

A free, 21-and-older after party marking the two-year anniversary of Grand Avenue Records and its monthly Loose Joints event will kick off at 10

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p.m. at Valley Bar. It will feature special guest Zernell alongside resident DJs Cocoe and Santos.

But DTPHX Record Show isn’t really meant to be a party in the same way, according to Tsimahidis and Aaron Lim, who work together on various projects.

“When people come in, they dig all day, they hang out, they grab a coffee, whatever, they talk with their record buddies,” Tsimahidis says. “You get to business and then you also kind of have your little soiree, which is one of the reasons why we’re doing the show, is for people to kind of connect. From last year alone there (were) people I barely knew and now we’re friends.”

Off to what Tsimahidis calls a grassroots start, he and Lim are open to seeing where the DTPHX Record Show – and their various endeavors – go.

“We’re trying to give back in our own

way and at the same time put some roots in the ground to kind of keep the record community sustained,” Tsimahidis explains. “There’s a lot of people doing great stuff. There are great record stores; there’s new stores opening up; we obviously own a record store.

“All we’re doing is we’re just trying to connect the dots. It’s not really a money maker. We’ll make money selling records, but everything else is really just to keep it sustained and try to cultivate something that will maybe down the road have a little bit of fame.”

DTPHX Record Show Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, facebook. com/events/191781708382380, 602.716.2222, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, December 8, $3.

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CLOSE TO SUCCESS

76th Street inches toward popularity with forthcoming EP

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

H

aley Gold and Spencer Bryant of the pop band 76th Street have kept their shows intimate and personable since they began singing together in a Scottsdale elementary school.

That all changed this year. Their personalities are shining through even more, and the venues are growing.

Earlier this year, the duo released its single “Close” and it helped the ladies earn a spot at the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo. The California event provides aspiring songwriters and composers with networking opportunities, one-on-one feedback and real-world advice from hitmaking songwriters.

“It was definitely a highlight for us, to be around a ton of world-renowned writers and performers like Jason Mraz and Marc Cohn,” Bryant says. “We performed in Los Angeles and had great music industry experiences.”

Gold explains the day after their expo performance, they learned the event was worth the car ride.

“We went to all the workshops and nobody knew who we were,” she says.

“After our performance, everywhere we were going, people were stopping us to comment on our performance. We met a ton of people there and now they’re following us (on social media) and keeping in touch.”

Not only did “Close” provide that opportunity, the women, who regularly play the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, say the band’s recent “refresh” did so as well.

“We rebooted who we are as artists,” Gold says. “We amped up what we were doing already. We made our show bigger.

The show we’re performing now was inspired by that (ASCAP) performance.

“Our sound is evolving. Before, we would consider our music indie, almost indie folk rock. Now we’re more pop. We have choreography in our performance and the tracks are definitely more danceable. We don’t have a full band, or a history of dance lessons. It’s still great, though.”

The act will show off its new sound on the Phoenix Festival of the Arts main stage for the first time. The expected audience is 11,000. Bryant sees the 1

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p.m. Sunday, December 9, gig as an opportunity to introduce “who we are now to a bigger audience.”

“Some listeners are surprised that two people can create such a big sound,” Bryant says. “That’s been one of our goals.”

Gold adds, “We want people to listen, but to watch as well. It’s really, really

helped with our fanbase.”

Gold and Bryant met in the fifth grade at Grayhawk Elementary School in Scottsdale. It was musical magic.

“I was singing and we started singing together,” Gold says. “The rest is history.

We never stopped after that day.”

The 2017 ASU graduates – with

Bryant on guitar and Gold on piano and percussion – were told they had “wombto-tomb” appeal by an entertainment executive.

The duo who attended Pinnacle High School have worked with heavy hitters.

The single “You and I” was produced by Grammy winner Robb Vallier. Rami

“Our sound is evolving. Before, we would consider our music indie, almost indie folk rock. Now we’re more pop.”

Jaffee, formerly of the Wallflowers and the Foo Fighters, played organ on the song, which is available on iTunes and Amazon.

The women are adamant about writing songs together – mostly at night. Bryant wants fans to know that she and Gold’s tunes are more meaningful than “mushy love songs.”

“We write about self-empowerment and being independent,” she says. “It’s different. That’s really what ‘You and I’ is about – not settling for less than you deserve and really remembering your worth. I think we have a great message with our music.”

This month, 76th Street is planning to release a self-titled EP and they’ll spend 2019 promoting it. Gold and Bryant hope to release videos for each of the songs by the end of that year, too.

“We’re trying to spread that throughout Arizona and everywhere else,” Bryant says. “We have a lot of plans.”

Among those plans is to visit their alma mater in 50 years. Sounds ambitious, but 76th Street put two of its CDs in a time capsule that ASU officials buried in the new student pavilion.

“I already put the date they’re going to open the time capsule in my calendar,” Gold says.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org, noon to 5 p.m. Friday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 8, and Sunday, December 9, free. 76th Street performs at 1 p.m. Sunday, December 9, on the main stage.

For a complete list of 76th Street shows, visit 76thstreet.net.

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THE TOURIST

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

MOTOR CITY

REVIVAL The ‘spirit of Detroit’ returns after economic downturn Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

I

’m Michigan’s biggest cheerleader.

I lived in the Great Lakes State for 36 years before moving to Arizona on Thanksgiving 2002 to be closer to family. It was heartbreaking, but a necessity.

My past with Detroit is storied. I interned for Olympia Entertainment when it was renovating the bejeweled Fox Theatre. My fellow intern and I found gems within the theater – original Gone with the Wind posters, autographed pictures of Elvis Presley, and black-and-white pictures of the legend in the gold-encrusted lobby. It was a sign of what Detroit was.

When I left, Detroit was bereft of abandoned buildings and dirty streets.

A new football stadium, Ford Field, and baseball stadium, Comerica Park,

offered a glimmer of hope across the street from the glorious Fox and Fillmore theaters.

I recently returned to my beloved state to see what I had heard through the grapevine, to quote a Motown hit.

Detroit was resuscitated and magical.

People rushing through the rain to get to restaurants like Dime Store, a brunch spot that, on a slow day, has a twohour wait, or The Foundation Hotel’s restaurant, The Apparatus Room. Little Caesars Arena (or LCA) brought new hope to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.

Hopeful fans gathered outside of Ford Field for the Detroit Lions’ season kickoff, a Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets. The result was abysmal. The night before,

THE FOUNDATION HOTEL

the Detroit Tigers celebrated the 50th anniversary of its 1968 World Series win with a ceremony and national anthem

by Jose Feliciano. Nearby, folks jogged and walked along the RiverWalk, despite the scattered showers.

Downtown Detroit is beautiful, once again.

When we headed to Ford Field, our taxi driver, an African immigrant, shared his thoughts about the Detroit revival. When he moved to the city, he saw a beat down and broken Detroit.

Now he’s dazzled by its magic.

I stayed at The Foundation Hotel, which Time Magazine called one of 2018’s 100 Greatest Places, along with locales like Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Vietnam; Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco; and Conrad Maldives

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Rangali Island, Maldives.

As I approached the Detroit Foundation Hotel, I was greeted by oversized, red wood doors that once welcomed fire apparatus, as it’s a repurposed fire headquarters. The friendly staff, polished concrete floors and lighting by Michiganders Alexander Porbe and Kim Harty created a warmth that welcomed me home. Many of the elements within the Detroit Foundation Hotel are locally sourced, including wallpaper and snacks. The Detroit Foundation Hotel’s staff is so great that when we were shafted by Lyft, a valet driver picked us up at 11 p.m. near Ford Field.

Fodor’s Travel found Detroit attractive enough to include it on its Go List of 52 recommended destinations. My favorite hotspots have grown along with the city.

The Detroit Institute of Arts, which was hosting Star Wars and the Power of Costume while we were there, boasts incredible Diego Rivera murals sharing

Detroit’s industrial past.

Nearby is a cultural and musical gem: the Motown Museum, Hitsville, U.S.A. The Motown Museum is filled to the brim with historical artifacts like Michael Jackson’s jeweled glove and the Temptations’ clothing, as well as original posters from Motown revues and platinum albums. Dance on the floor that held the Temptations, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and others. Take the guided tour and sing along with hosts and guests to Motown classics.

I can never get enough reminders of the music that came out of the quaint home, which is seemingly frozen in time. The vending machine still holds candy bars like Baby Ruth, which were Stevie Wonder’s favorite. (The Baby Ruth bars were put in the same slot each time so little Stevie would know where they were.) The gift shop is to die for, so don’t forget to “Shop Around.”

A trip to Detroit isn’t complete

without a visit to South Detroit (otherwise known as Windsor, Ontario).

Even on the drizzliest days, Detroit’s skyline is a beautiful sight from Dieppe Gardens, just a quick trip across the Ambassador Bridge or Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation isn’t in Detroit either, but it offers a detailed look at the area’s history. See the beloved 1952 Wienermobile and somber reminders of U.S. history like the Rosa Parks bus and various presidents’ cars.

The museum highlights the evolution of technology with a “futuristic” home, a celebration of the ’80s with a bedroom filled with memorabilia like The Cure and Depeche Mode posters. Those who have the travel bug will enjoy the Airstream, and vintage Holiday Inn McDonald’s signs. The Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the facility’s robots are definitely must-sees.

Get a taste of the Great Lakes State at the Michigan Café with goodies like Faygo Pop; the Dearborn Cubano with Dearborn ham; local rainbow trout and Michigan craft beers and draft wines.

Midwesterners: You know what I’m saying.

More than 1.7 million visitors annually experience its four venues: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and the Benson Ford Research Center.

Fodor’s says, “Detroit has had several false starts, but it looks like America’s favorite comeback city is finally making a legit comeback.” Indeed.

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THE ARTIST

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

CURTAIN CALL Where to see ‘The Nutcracker’ this Winter

By Madison Rutherford >> The Entertainer!

holiday tradition in Arizona.

Here are a few in Phoenix and Tucson:

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker 2018

Tis the season for life-size toys, pirouetting sugar plums, rodent armies and waltzing flowers. The Nutcracker is a holiday institution that’s synonymous with the Christmas spirit for decades.

The timeless two-act ballet, famously scored by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, opens with a lavish Christmas party, where the young protagonist, Clara, is gifted a wooden nutcracker by the toymakermagician, Drosselmeyer. She then falls into a dream where the nutcracker grows into a life-size soldier and battles an infantry of giant mice lead by the Mouse King. The nutcracker defeats the mice and transforms into a handsome prince, who then transports Clara to a magical kingdom where they are entertained with dazzling dances by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier, Mother Ginger and her gaggle of children, snowflakes, flowers, dewdrops, angels and personified treats from around the world.

From classic to innovative interpretations, there are endless opportunities to catch the whimsical

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker

Helmed by Danish dancer and choreographer Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona’s rendition of the classic Russian production is often regarded as one of the best performances in the country.

‘

Moscow Ballet’s touring troupe of talented dancers puts a spellbinding twist on the classic tale with colorful, handcrafted costumes, Russian influences and a powerful message told through mesmerizing choreography. Highlights of this unique take on The Nutcracker include Masha instead of Clara as the main character, the “Land of Peace and Harmony” instead of the traditional “Land of Sweets,” and the “Dove of Peace,” a transfixing pas de deux that features Masha and the Nutcracker Prince wearing 20-foot white wings. The Great Russian Nutcracker will waltz into Phoenix and Tucson this holiday season, but be sure to snag tickets soon — sugar plum visions will only dance across the stage for one night in each city.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, nutcracker.com, 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, $23.50-$147.50.

Andersen is known for going over the top, spending nearly $2 million on largerthan-life lighting, costumes, sets and special effects in his 12 years as artistic director. Audiences will be awed by 30 world-class professional ballet dancers and 150 children in the roles of angels, soldiers, mice and more, while the Phoenix Symphony plays Tchaikovsky’s famous score live. On select dates, face painting, a coloring station, storybook reading of The Nutcracker and ballet classes will be available for children an hour before the performance. Attendees can also opt to upgrade their experience with a VIP package that includes a photo with the Sugar Plum Fairy, complimentary hot chocolate and signed ballerina pointe shoes.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.381.1096, balletaz.org, various times Thursday, December 13, to Monday, December 24, $33-$193.

The Nutcracker with Southwest Ballet Theatre For the fourth year, Southwest Ballet Theatre will perform Tchaikovsky’s fulllength ballet under the artistic direction of Melissa Zervas Hahne with choreography and staging by Daniel Baudendistel.

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The Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet

Southwest Ballet Theatre is nonprofit program that provides dance training for students of varying skill levels, from preschool to pre-professional. Attendees can opt to include a small bouquet of mixed flowers to their admission for $8, while Estrella Mountain Community College students can take advantage of free entry.

Estrella Mountain Community College’s Performing Arts Center, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, southwestballettheatre.org, 7 p.m. Thursday, December 13, to Saturday, December 15, 2 p.m.

Sunday, December 16, $18-$32.

If you’re looking for a performance of The Nutcracker with local flare, check out this one-of-a-kind production of the holiday classic. It’s the Valley’s only version of The Nutcracker performed entirely by dancers ages 3 to 21. Now in its 19th year, the Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet once again brings seasonal music to an intimate venue at an affordable price. Kids will love an appearance by Santa Claus and the cast after the matinee performances.

Desert Vista Fine Arts Theatre, 16440 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2 p.m. Sunday, December 16, afnutcracker.com, $20-$40.

The Phoenix Ballet & Master Ballet Academy Presents The Nutcracker Held at the historic Orpheum Theatre and starring internationally recognized professional dancers from the Phoenix Ballet and top students from Scottsdale’s award-winning Master Ballet Academy, Slawomir Wozniak’s The Nutcracker will captivate and inspire audiences of all ages. The ballet company’s passion for performance shines in everything from the intricate choreography to the ornate costumes, blending innovation and tradition.

Those looking for a behind-the-scenes experience can purchase a Nutcracker Backstage Pass, which includes an exclusive backstage tour and meet-andgreet with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Clara and the Nutcracker.

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Jataba Dance Troupe’s The Nutcracker Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.534.5600, phoenixballet.org, various times Friday, December 14, to Sunday, December 16, and Thursday, December 20 to Sunday, December 23, $12.50-$85.

Southwest Youth Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Help Southwest Youth Ballet — an East Valley pre-professional training program for students ages 13 to 18 — celebrate its 12th season with this family-friendly Christmas

classic. Under the artistic guidance of renowned principal dancer YenLi Chen and accompanied by live music performed by the Alex Zhangconducted Chandler Symphony Orchestra, this authentic Victorian version of The Nutcracker is sure to dazzle kids and adults.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, higleycenter.org, 7 p.m.

Friday, December 14, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 3 p.m. Sunday, December 16, higleycenter.org, $10-$30.

Join Jataba Dance Troupe as it presents its 39th annual production of this Valley holiday favorite. The carefully curated cast, chosen by audition every August, consists of the Spisak Dance Academy Performance Company and Combo and K-1 ballet students. Glendale’s Spisak Dance Academy prides itself on being Arizona’s oldest and most established dance school. No cameras of any kind will be allowed during the performance, so audiences can enjoy this timeless classic free of technology.

Deer Valley High School Auditorium, 18424 N. 51st Avenue, Glendale, 602.547.0547, tututix.com, 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, December 22, $20.

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Carnival of Illusion

ARTS

CALENDAR

By Randy Montgomery >> The Entertainer!

Las Noches de las Luminarias

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Strolling through the Desert Botanical Garden to see the 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags has become a tradition for Valley residents and visitors alike. This year the garden will be even more magical.

In addition to the usual offerings, Electric Desert: A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective uses the desert as a living canvas, through light and original music in seven site-specific locations.

Each experience is inspired by and related to the garden.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, starts 5:30 p.m., $29.95-$39.95.

Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 16 Center Dance Ensemble’s production of the Hans Christian Andersen tale is a staple in the Valley arts scene during the holiday season.

Set to Prokofiev’s lush score, Snow Queen whisks families away to the magical world of sprites, gypsies and ice maidens. Presented

by Center Dance Ensemble.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, centerdance. com, times vary, $14-$28.

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DECEMBER 8 Join Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed for their popular vaudeville-style show featuring magic and more.

The intimate, parlor-style venue offers seats a few feet from the action. Audience participation is a part of every show. Come see why sell-outs are frequent and audiences keep coming back for more.

Mesa Arts Center’s Farnsworth Studio, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.359.

SHOW, carnivalofillusion. com, mesaartscenter. com, times vary, $56.

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold

DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 16 In an unusually jolly mood, Sister, the tart-tongued, ruler-wielding nun, teaches her students the story of the Nativity and asks for their help to solve the greatest Christmas caper ever: Who swiped the gold the Three Wise Men gave to baby Jesus? Using the latest forensic technology and her uncanny ability to detect guilt, Sister creates a living Nativity with her students to expose the culprit. Each performance is unique and will appeal to people of all ages and faiths.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, times vary, $31-$39.

12 Days of Christmas

DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 23 Head to Fountain Hills for a merry, magical, funny and touching musical. The 12 Days of Christmas cast weaves together 12 delightful, funny and touching holiday tales with music of the season.

Whether it’s finding the perfect gift, visiting Santa or spending time with “them.” everyone has memories they cherish or dread.

Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661, fhtaz. org, times vary, $12-$30.

DECEMBER 11 Be transported to the western front during a time when the world was at war and the sound of artillery filled the air. Based on inspiring true event set that took place December 25, 1914, All is Calm tells the story of the 100,000 British, French and German soldiers who briefly put aside their weapons and met one another in noman’s land. The 10-member cast tells the story of the men who lived it.

Del E. Webb Center, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, 928.684.6624, dewpac. org, 7:30 p.m., $5-$57.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.258.9184, times vary, $12-$30.

Irish Christmas in America

DECEMBER 16 AND DECEMBER 17 Irish ballads, dancing and instrumental tunes take center stage as photographic images provide the backdrop. The award-winning group Téada welcomes to its 2018 tour Séamus Begley, who has been dubbed “Traditional Singer of the Year,” and the immense vocal talents of Sligo’s Niamh Farrell.

Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard Phoenix, 480.478.6000, themim.org, 3 and 7 p.m. December 16, 7 p.m.

December 17, $35.50-$40.50.

Ballet Arizona’s The Nutcracker 2018

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 24 Ib Andersen’s production of the holiday classic is performed by Ballet Arizona, with music by the Phoenix Symphony. Rated among the top three renditions in the country by The New York Times, this Nutcracker comes alive with 30 world-class professional ballet dancers, 150 children performing as angels, dancers and soldiers, alongside larger-than-life dancing mice. Enhance the experience with your family by selecting ticket packages with additional activities.

Presented by Ballet Arizona with the Phoenix Symphony.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.381.1096, balletaz.org, times vary, $63-$97.

Ella Enchanted: The Musical

DECEMBER 15 TO DECEMBER 30 Grab the kids and head to the Herberger Theater Center as Childsplay brings to life the charming musical based on the Newbery-winning book. Ella is a princess who is given the “gift” of obedience at birth. As she grows up, she must battle her evil stepmother, an ogre, and a curse to live happily ever after. Presented by Childsplay.

Drumline Live Holiday Spectacular

DECEMBER 21 Enjoy the sights and sounds of a full marching band performing holiday classics to energetic choreography.

Dazzling vocalists and talented musicians round out the show.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlerarts. org, 7:30 p.m., $38-$48.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

DECEMBER 27 Manheim Steamroller’s music has been part of the holidays for more than 30 years, as the group’s album releases are synonymous with Christmas. This year’s program celebrates Mannheim Steamroller’s recent anniversary and includes dazzling multimedia effects.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 7:30 p.m., $31-$126.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

WHAT THE DICKENS! Charles Shaughnessy returns to the TCA to play Scrooge Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

T

elevision, film and Broadway star Charles Shaughnessy likes to have a little variety in his career.

So instead of returning to the snowy East Coast to play Scrooge in A Christmas Carol this holiday season, he is traveling to the desert to star in the Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s musical rendition.

The star of Days of Our Lives and The Nanny recently played Julian Marsh in SMTC’s 42nd Street opposite Debby Boone and Eloise Kropp. A Christmas Carol runs Monday, December 3, to Sunday, December 23, at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

“When I signed up to play Julian Marsh in 42nd Street at SMTC, I

thought it would be a chance to add another role to my repertoire, for a short time commitment in a new place and, maybe, have a bit of fun in the process,” Shaughnessy says.

“Who knew it would be so much more?

I found myself having a blast, working with a bunch of talented, charming people, in one of the most stunning theaters I have worked in and making some great, new friends.”

This musical version of A Christmas Carol features music by Alan Menken (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical). SMTC’s production will be directed and staged by David Hock, with dance choreography by Hock and Hillary Conrad. Musical direction will be by Joni

37

Van Rossum with live accompaniment by a 20-piece orchestra conducted by Kevin Hayward.

“I really like David,” Shaughnessy says. “David’s great. The kids are great.

The people who work for him are terrific.

It was fun doing 42nd Street. We talked about Scrooge and A Christmas Carol. I told him there was always the chance I may be doing it elsewhere.

“But, I felt it was a long way to go and I had already done it there last time and it may not be best to repeat.”

Plus, Shaughnessy, who visited Sedona with his wife on his last visit, needed the challenge of a new Scrooge.

“Scrooge is an interesting character to play,” Shaughnessy says. “There’s a lot of watching. He spends a lot of time watching the action. You can’t switch it off. You have to be actively involved as Scrooge watching what’s going on.

“It’s obviously relevant for him. He has stakes in the game. It’s interesting to be on stage, reacting like an audience to what’s going on on stage and adding his bits. He makes a 180-degree change from a miserable curmudgeon to the happiest man on Earth.”

While Shaughnessy is in Arizona, he will appear in the big screen in the holiday musical film Buttons with Dick Van Dyke, Jane Seymour and Katie McGrath. (Visit fathomevents.com for more information.) Shaughnessy loves film and TV, but he’s a big proponent of theater.

“Theater is terribly important to a society moving forward and understanding itself,” says Shaughnessy, who has appeared in SYFY’s The Magicians. “More people should be willing to see new plays with tough ideas and things that are a little controversial or uncomfortable.

“It’s important for us, as a society, to constantly question ourselves and our values. That’s what Shakespeare’s writing about. You can see a classic and it’s dealing with the same stuff. It should be available on a community level. I encourage audiences to take a chance and experience live theater.”

A Christmas Carol Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.909.4215, scottsdalemusicaltheater.com, various times Monday, December 3, to Sunday, December 23, $42-$58.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this

DECEMBER?

BEHIND THE SCREENS

Ask our experts!

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

The Holiday Calendar Christmas isn’t complete without an Advent calendar.

Netflix brings the time-honored tradition to life with The Holiday Calendar, a movie in which Kat Graham plays a photographer who, stuck in a dead-end job, inherits an antique Advent calendar that may not only be predicting the future but also point her in the right direction when it comes to love and life. The flick is as festive and fluffy as falling snow, taking viewers on a sleigh ride through holiday staples to a heartwarming destination. You simply cannot help but feel holly jolly while watching this merry gem.

RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

El Angel

The Argentinean entry for Best Foreign Language film at next year’s Academy Awards was on my most anticipated list for November, and it did not disappoint.

The autobiographical feature film chronicles the life of Carlos Eduardo Robledo Puch, convicted in 1973 of 11 murders, numerous robberies and a host of other heinous crimes. The baby-faced criminal is serving a life sentence. The performances are top notch and the time period is perfectly cast through set direction and cinematography. You never quite like the character presented onscreen, and see right through his jealousy, but in some way – much like the real case – his looks and charm confuse the viewer as much as his family and close friends.

FLICK FACT

SOUNDBITE SPOTLIGHT

In a nod to the Nutcracker tradition of a magical growing Christmas tree, filmmakers deliberately contrasted the look and size of the Christmas trees in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

The 8-foot-tall Victorian-style tree in the family’s home reflects the family’s state of mourning. The tree at the holiday party stands 18 feet tall.

And the tree in the world of the Four Realms is the most spectacular and magical of all, measuring a total of 21 feet tall.

“It was important to me that we told the story of someone who had a reason for his behavior, before his conversion. Once you understand why Christmas is painful for him, you kind of root for him a little. I think everyone gets a vicarious thrill out of how the Grinch behaves, the curmudgeon-liness of the guy. His heart may be two sizes too small, but there’s a very strong beating heart to this film.” —Benedict Cumberbatch (The Grinch)

Magic, Kurt Russell key to the charisma of ‘Christmas Chronicles’ Joseph J. Airdo >> The Entertainer!

D

irector Clay Kaytis knows his way around family films. In addition to growing up on the movies of Steven Spielberg, Chris Columbus and Robert Zemeckis, he spent several years working for Walt Disney Animation Studios before making his directorial debut with 2016’s The Angry Birds.

The new holiday flick The Christmas Chronicles marks the filmmaker’s first foray into a live-action project. And he has brought all the magic of his cinematic upbringing and his animated projects with him to create something exceptional.

“This film is pretty much exactly the kind of film I want to make,” Kaytis says. “It’s got comedy, a great family, tons of heart and adventure – and magic.

Magic is key. It’s got that magic element wrapped around this world that’s really believable.”

The Christmas Chronicles, which is streaming on Netflix, tells the story of a brother and sister whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera comes close to completely derailing Christmas. As a result, the siblings must work together with Santa and his elves to save the holiday.

Despite the obvious trappings of a

film featuring Santa Claus, the movie is purposely grounded in the real world.

Kaytis explains this grounding was particularly important to the project because it helps the magic element explode on the screen and become even more special. One of the ways he achieved that perfect combination was through casting.

“No one is better suited than Kurt Russell to bring our version of a rugged, charismatic and hilarious Santa Claus to life,” Kaytis says. “From our first meeting, he completely threw himself into this iconic role – and grew an impressive beard in the process. It has been a dream come true to work with Kurt in creating what I believe will be the new definition of Santa Claus for generations to come.”

One of Kaytis’ role models – Columbus – produced the movie and agrees with his sentiments tenfold.

Having had experience with holiday films as director of 1990’s Home Alone – the highest-grossing Christmas flick of all time in the United States and worldwide – he may be one of the foremost authorities on the genre.

“Kurt is the definitive Santa Claus,” Columbus says. “Charismatic, tough when needed with a wicked sense of humor. We’re really excited for audiences to see his performance onscreen and hope The Christmas Chronicles becomes a timeless classic.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

39

COMING

ATTRACTIONS Joseph’s Most Anticipated New Releases Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle

Mary Poppins Returns

DECEMBER 7

DECEMBER 7

DECEMBER 19

We’ve seen countless Christmas musicals.

We’ve even seen holiday horror flicks.

And Disney has somehow cornered the market on zombie musicals. But never has a zombie Christmas musical graced the big screen – until now, that is. Fresh (or decaying, actually) off the festival circuit comes Anna and the Apocalypse, a comedy about a group of friends whose sleepy town is threatened by a zombie outbreak during the holidays. The indie import from the United Kingdom promises festive singing and dancing as well as a lot of bloody gore – a bizarre-yet-unique combination that is certain to stuff your stockings and deck your halls.

Initially set for theatrical release by Warner Bros. Pictures and later acquired by Netflix for streaming distribution, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle looks incredibly interesting – especially if you were underwhelmed by Disney’s recent liveaction adaptation of The Jungle Book. You won’t find Bill Murray singing “The Bare Necessities” in this version. Instead, director Andy Serkis takes a far darker and more mature approach to Rudyard Kipling’s novel. However, there are still plenty of talking animals, with Christian Bale, Benedict Cumberbatch and Cate Blanchett lending their voices. Hopefully Serkis succeeds so we can see darker adaptations of other stories Disney has served with a spoonful of sugar.

Speaking of Disney and spoonfuls of sugar, Emily Blunt takes the reins... er... umbrella from Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins Returns — a sequel to the classic 1964 musical that taught us the meaning of supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. In addition to Blunt, the film – which was directed by Chicago helmer Rob Marshall – stars Hamilton playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda and Mama Mia co-stars Meryl Streep and Colin Firth and features cameos by some of the original movie’s cast members including Dick Van Dyke.

Just a single glance at its various sneak peeks online suggest this will be the most magnificent and magical motion picture of the holiday season.

Anna and the Apocalypse

Randy’s Most Anticipated New Releases Ben is Back

The Mule

Second Act

DECEMBER 7

DECEMBER 14

DECEMBER 21

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 2 million people in the United States are battling opioid addiction. Julia Roberts, a favorite at the Toronto Film Festival, could be a strong contender in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category at next year’s Academy Awards. Here, she plays a mother dealing with her son’s addition alongside Lucas Hedges, whose character returns home suddenly from rehab just in time for Christmas. Timely and emotional, this is one to watch.

Clint Eastwood’s directorial features have been hit or miss as of late. Therefore, despite a holiday release and awards season positioning, his latest about a 90-year-old horticulturist caught smuggling cocaine for a Mexican drug cartel could go either way. We shall wait and see, but the strong cast – including Eastwood himself, Bradley Cooper, Vera Farmiga, Andy Garcia, Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne and a host of others – could save this film from being overlooked by the masses. The true-story drama is positioned to be a player at the box office.

Jennifer Lopez’s romantic comedy films are hardly classics or Oscar contenders, yet they always entertain and are good for a twohour mind clearing.

Such will be the case with her latest, where she plays Maya, a 40-year-old who gets a chance to prove to Madison Avenue that her street smarts are as important as book smarts. This seems highly unoriginal, but with a year filled with tragedies and nonstop political strife, this is exactly what we need to finish off on a lighter note.

Aboout the Film Writers JOSEPH J. AIRDO has written news, performing arts and entertainment content for several print and digital publications, appeared in a big screen commercial for National CineMedia and spent nearly five years producing and co-hosting an entertainment-themed talk radio show. He resides in New River with his pet duck named Frozen, who is as opinionated about movies as he is. Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

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

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

40

THE DINER

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

DECEMBER FOOD EVENTS Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Arizona Asian Festival

DECEMBER 1 Celebrate Asia at this festival filled with souvenirs, food, cultural performances and poetry contests.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 310.500.7256, aaaa-az.org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission.

Kung Food Festival

DECEMBER 1 This Asian street food festival brings the spice, heat and creativity to satisfy hungry foodies. More than 20 local restaurants and food trucks will offer a wide variety of Asian cuisine, cooking demonstrations, entertainment and games.

Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, 602.262.5070, kungfoodfest. com, noon to 6 p.m., $15.

Mesa Feastival Forest

SATURDAYS About 12 food trucks from around the Valley converge weekly on Pioneer Park Saturday to share their top dishes with foodies.

The recently renovated park also has a new playground and splash pad for the kiddos.

Musicians provide the backdrop.

Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main Street, Mesa, azfeastivals.com, 5:30 to 9 p.m., free admission.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts

DECEMBER 7 The Phoenix Festival of the Arts shares the 150 best musicians, artists and food vendors in the Valley with guests. In its seventh year, the event has three stages with local bands, solo artists, dancers, choral groups, spoken word artists, comedians and art demonstrations.

The food vendor lineup is available at the festival’s website.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org, noon to 5 p.m., free admission.

Bison Bites Under the Christmas Lights

DECEMBER 7 Adams Natural Meats hosts a holiday dinner with bison prime rib, green beans with bison bacon, loaded mashed potatoes, roll with local cinnamon honey butter, homemade chocolate Texas sheet cake with salted caramel buttercream frosting, and pâté with crackers and cheese.

Adams Natural Meats, 20715 W. Beloat Road, Buckeye, 623.386.1314, https://bit. ly/2PxggLw, 6:30 p.m., $50.

Gilbert Feastival

FRIDAYS IN DECEMBER Sam’s Club is known for its food samples, but check this out: it’s a weekly food truck festival in its parking lot. Like its sister events in Queen Creek and Mesa, the Gilbert Feastival brings food trucks from around the Valley. Enjoy live entertainment while grubbing out on more than 15 gourmet food trucks.

Seating is limited, so bring your own.

Sam’s Club, 1225 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, azfeastivals.com, 5:30 to 9 p.m., free admission.

weekly to see which mobile culinary creators are bringing their goodies.

Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, azfeastivals.com, 5:30 to 9 p.m., free admission.

Edible-Medicinal Desert Plants Walk

DECEMBER 8 Talk a one-hour stroll to see prickly pear cactus, the agave chrysantha’s towering stalks as well as mesquite trees. The catch is guests will get to try a few desert edibles like prickly pear jelly to nopalitos (a dish made with the pads of prickly pear), mesquite flour and agave nectar.

Jim Shepherd leads this tour.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E. U.S. Highway 60, Superior, 602.827.3000, btarboretum. org, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., $5.

Journaling: Art & Observation DECEMBER 8 Mimosas and pastries will be served to artists who join illustrator Devon Meyer in the Hermosa Inn’s gardens.

Sit among the festive decorations and unlock your creativity.

Hermosa Inn, 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, 602.955.8614, hermosainn. com, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., $85.

Voila French Bistro Christmas Dinner

DECEMBER 16 Voila French Bistro is hosting a special Christmas wine-paired, three-course prix fixe dinner on December 16. Chef Jean-Christophe Gros is serving salade landaise with gizzards, smoked duck breast, homemade foie gras, asparagus and pine nuts; steamed dover sole and Scottish salmon weave, served with organic quinoa tossed with tomato micro-brunoise and champagne sabayon; and La Bûche de Noël, a traditional Christmas log cake.

Voila French Bistro, 10135 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480.614.6400, voilafrenchbistro.com, 5 to 7 p.m., $69, reservations required.

Rawhide Holiday Buffet

Queen Creek Feastival

FRIDAYS IN DECEMBER The Queen Creek Feastival gives foodies a chance to hang out in the Queen Creek Library’s parking lot.

Join the group for 15 to 25 food trucks, live music and a boutique market for this free event. Check the website

hosts a meal on the beautiful grounds of Stonebridge Manor in Northeast Mesa. Call for the menu.

Board & Batten, 4012 E. Palm Street, Mesa, 480.641.4148, bbdining.com, 6 p.m., $45, or $65 with wine paring.

Dinner Party at the Manor DECEMBER 10 The 1-year-old Board & Batten

DECEMBER 23 Rawhide is hosting its annual holiday buffet December 23, just in time for Christmas. Fill up with thymerubbed prime rib with au jus and mashed red potatoes with pan gravy.

Save room for dessert of cranberry white chocolate cheesecake or dark chocolate fudge brownies.

Rawhide Event Center, 5244 N. 48th Street, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide.com, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $28.95.

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Appearing through March 31, 2019 Call today for tickets!

Tickets Start at $15!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Tickets at market pricing.

Purchase tickets at venue box office, ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

STATE FARM STADIUM JAN 19 Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2018 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

MonsterJam.com

VER 1 BILLI N S LD! SINCE 1910

KOSHER BAKERY INSIDE! WE CATER! nybbaz.com

The Dutton Family Theater, MESA

At 7 4th and Main 7 420 East Main Street, Mesa, Arizona 85207 480-840-6874 www.theduttons.com www.facebook.com/theduttons

BREAKFAST!

LUNCH! Secret Menu Item!

10320 N. Scottsdale Rd. | (480) 483-NYBB | 1455 N. Scottsdale Rd. (@ SkySong) | (480) 664-4200 | Every Day 6:30am – 3pm

42

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

Happy Hour Guide Brat Haus

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

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

Buck & Rider

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

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

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

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

Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.

Copper Blues

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

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

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

Craft 64

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

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

CRUjiente Tacos

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

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

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

El Chorro

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

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

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

EVO

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

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

Freezer’s Ice House

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

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

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe.

“At the corner of Mill & Broadway”

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

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

Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.

Hard Rock Café

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

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

Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale

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

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

Rehab Burger Therapy

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

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

The Stockyards

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

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

SunUp Brewing Co.

Hungry Monk

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

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

Luxe Lounge

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

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

Pedal Haus Brewery

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

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

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

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

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

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

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

Tutti Santi

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

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

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

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

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

INTRODUCING SAPPORO PREMIUM

BLACK

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

Wasted Grain

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

Friday.

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

43

CROSSING Party LINES The votes are in: Ajo Al’s entrees are local favorites

By Noah Weinberg >> The Entertainer!

I

n a divided country, it becomes harder to find common ground, but one restaurant in Phoenix says otherwise.

Ajo Al’s Mexican Café is a staple in Sonoran-style Mexican food and a shared commonplace for politicians on both sides of the aisle. David Garcia and Doug Ducey, a Democrat and Republican, respectively, frequent the restaurant.

During his time as an Arizona senator, Republican John McCain called Ajo Al’s one of his favorite restaurants.

“You can say we are bipartisan,” says Daniel Dains, owner of Ajo Al’s owner.

“I might even have called John McCain a regular. He would just keep coming in.”

Dains learned his restaurant’s reputation spread to Washington, D.C., when he received a call in 2017 from Vice President Mike Pence’s advance team informing him that that Pence wanted to dine there.

“When they came and looked at the place, they immediately thought it was a perfect location and the perfect ambiance for the occasion,” Dains says.

“He liked our food so much that in May of 2018, while the vice president was in

Phoenix, we catered Air Force Two.” Dains is confident in his abilities. For 33 years, Ajo Al’s has served Sonoranstyle feasts, many of which are based on his mother’s recipes, and offered a family-friendly atmosphere.

His parents, Pat and Karen Dains, met after the Vietnam War when Pat moved to Phoenix and started bartending where Karen was working as a cocktail waitress.

When they started Ajo Al’s in 1986, “it was a shared loved of Mexican food and each other that compelled them to open the restaurant,” Dains says.

“Just about all the recipes are my mom’s original cooking. My mom was born and raised here.”

Ajo Al’s has four locations Valleywide – Phoenix, two in Scottsdale and one in Glendale – with an additional one coming to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 3 in about a year.

No matter the location, when guests arrive, they know they’re eating quality food in a timely manner, Dains says.

“They can come in for lunch and get a quality bite to eat and be out of there in 40 minutes.”

Among Ajo Al’s most popular dishes is the shredded beef taco ($7), a featured item at the 2018 Arizona Taco Festival, and the pollo con queso ($13), a chicken burrito with cream cheese and cheddar cheese on top.

“We sell over 100,000 shredded beef tacos a year at our locations, and over 3,000 of those were sold at Taco Fest,” he says.

Dains, however, cites the shrimp and pork belly taco ($16) as a standout item.

After smoking the pork belly in house for three hours, the taco is topped with shrimp, a mango salsa, cilantro and cheese.

Papa chowder – a hearty potato soup with jalapeños and corn, topped with bacon, onions and cheese – is the December special for $7.

“People start calling in July to see when they can get the chowder,” Dains says about the favorite item. “We’ve been

doing this dish for about 20 years and it’s pretty much the same recipe that my mom used to make for us when we were younger.”

Diners, no matter which side of the aisle they sit, come together for Ajo Al’s food regardless of location. After seeing the success of Ajo Al’s at the 2018 Taco Festival, Dains expects they will be back.

Over the two-day festival at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, patrons gave it the

El Neato Meato Taco award, along with prizes for its veggie, seafood and pork tacos and its salsa.

“I don’t know which tacos we will bring, but we’ll definitely return.”

Ajo Al’s Mexican Café’s 5101 N 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.222.9902, visit ajoals.com for additional locations.

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Family

TRADITION Mora Italian’s recipes come via Scott Conant’s Italian mother

By Noah Weinberg >> The Entertainer!

S

prezzatura” is Italian for the art of making the elegant look easy.

For celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and Chopped judge Chef Scott Conant, the concept of “Sprezzatura” is reflected in what he brings to the table at Mora Italian.

“I learned all the basics from my Italian mother, but the base for my cooking started in Connecticut,” he says.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Conant traveled extensively throughout Italy so he could learn, understand and experience cuisine from regions like

Sicily and Calabria with an East Coast perspective.

In 2013, Conant won the cookingbased reality TV show, Chopped All-Stars, and has been improving his dishes since, saying “it’s a cutting-edge industry, but you could say I chopped it.”

As a Chopped judge and food connoisseur, “I have cooked Italian food for years, but my intention is to never cook authentic Italian cuisine, but I’m inspired by those regional foods and I put my own twist on them,” he says.

Conant is the creative mastermind behind Mora Italian’s menu as well as others at a variety of restaurants around the country.

With Italian cookery running through his veins, Conant has contributed to

entrees at The Ponte in Los Angeles, Masso Osteria in Las Vegas and Cellaio Steak in Monticello, New York, all of which have an Italian palate to complement the themes.

Conant has also published three books on Italian food titled New Italian Cooking, Bold Italian and The Scarpetta Cookbook.

Best known for his Italian restaurant Scarpetta in New York City, Conant opened Mora Italian in Phoenix in 2016. He creates a unique dining affair that feels elegant with a simple Italian concept. Pizzas ($14-$15), salads ($12$16) and entrees like wood-fire roasted chicken ($24), Meyer lemon dusted lamb loin ($35) and roasted striped bass ($38) are on the menu. The homemade

pasta, however, is the star of the show.

Pasta al pomodoro ($19) is the Conant’s signature dish and is joined on the pasta menu by creative dishes like lobster gnudi ($26), fettuccine ($19) and torchio ($21).

Instead of cooking traditional Italian cuisine, he figures out the flavors of the region and adds his personal touch, along with his chef de cuisine Matt Taylor.

“We put all the flavors on the table and say, ‘How can we get inspired by this,’” he says.

Mora Italian 5651 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.795.9943, moraitalian.com.

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THE CRAFTMASTER

45

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this DECEMBER Scottsdale Santa Crawl

Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

DECEMBER 8 Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you’ll enjoy the Scottsdale Santa Crawl. Don your ugly Christmas sweater or Santa suit and get your crawl on throughout Old Town. Featured bars include Wasted Grain, Goodwood Tavern and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Old Town Scottsdale, scottsdalebarcrawls.weebly. com, noon to 6 p.m., $20.

Brews, Blues and BBQ

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

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

Bikes & Brews

Yoga + Beer in the District

SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER Enjoy a one-hour yoga class taught by experienced instructors while cracking a cold one with your closest friends.

Barnes and Noble Courtyard, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com, 10 to 11 a.m., free.

Cruise the Canals

DECEMBER 1 Ride a bike, take in the scenic views, get fit and learn about the Arizona Canal during this event sponsored by Watershed Management Group and Local First Arizona. OHSO Brewery

Santa Paws

DECEMBER 8 Dogs can share their wish lists during a photo opportunity with Santa at Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen. The photos are free, but donations are accepted for Arizona Small Dog Rescue. All dogs must be leashed or restrained in pet carriers or pet strollers at all times.

Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen, 5813 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, centralkitchenaz. com, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, donations accepted.

Crescent Community Bike Ride

THURSDAYS IN DECEMBER The Crescent Ballroom is known for its stellar concerts in an intimate atmosphere, but on Thursdays it hosts the Crescent Community Bike Ride. All levels of riders are welcome for this 45- to 60-minute ride, and afterward enjoy discounted brews and hot burritos.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx. com, 8 to 9:30 p.m., free.

will share its beer made with Sinagua Malt, a water-conserving malt grown in the Verde Valley, and talk about water in the beer-making process.

South Bridge along Arizona Canal and Marshall Way, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 602.956.0909, localfirstaz. com, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free.

DECEMBER 8 Bicycling and partying are the things to do this winter. Join PHX Girls Night Out when they hop on the Arizona Party Bike to visit three Old Town bars. Onboard music will keep the party going.

Arizona Party Bike, 7037 E. Sixth Street, Scottsdale, 844.654.5544, phxgirlsnightout. com, 8 to 11 p.m., $35.

Center and learn a few things about birds and other wildlife while enjoying a cold beer by Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. and other drinks for purchase. Enjoy this happy hourinspired event after work.

Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.468.6470, riosalado.audubon.org, 5:30 to 7:40 p.m., free.

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DECEMBER 20 Stop by the Rio Salado Audubon

GOT AN OLDER CAR, VAN OR SUV? Do the humane thing.

Donate it to the Humane Society.

You’ll be supporting the nation’s largest and most effective animal protection organization, seeking a humane world for people and animals alike.

Call 1-855-602-1315 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

46

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

Craft 64

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

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

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

Papago Brewing Company

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

Boulders on Broadway

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

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

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

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

Scottsdale Beer Company

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

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

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

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

Freezer’s Ice House

Main Ingredient Ale House

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe (At the corner of Mill & Broadway) Freezer’s Ice House is the Valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy Hour is 3 to 7 p.m.

Monday through Friday. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specials throughout the week include $2 Tuesdays, ASU Night Thursdays, UFC Fight Night Saturdays and Pool Pass Sundays.

The Casual Pint Central Phoenix

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

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

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

Brat Haus

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix Over 20 beers on draft, 15 craft beers on tap plus more selection in cans/bottles. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily, and reverse 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday (excludes UFC, Boxing, ASU events).

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

House of Brews Sports Bar

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

47

BEERTENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

S

ince 2012, Angels Trumpet Ale House has been a staple of Downtown Phoenix. But, owners/avid beer enthusiasts Sharry and Mat Englehorn always had bigger plans.

The Arcadia-area residents knew they eventually wanted to open a location near their home. They realized their dream, opening Angels Trumpet Arcadia inside the Arcadia Crossing Shopping Center on Thomas Road and 44th Street, in August.

Angels Trumpet Arcadia, formerly a 10,000-square-foot Sears Auto Center, has been completely restored and revitalized with a mid-century modern motif, but still has a bit of a garage – albeit stylish – feel. At sunset, guests can catch views of Camelback Mountain thanks to the ample glass doors that adorn the building and inside-outside patio. Altogether, the venue seats 240 guests and boasts a fully private 46-person dining room with TV and audio capabilities.

And then there’s the beer. Like at the downtown location, they offer their signature and ever-changing selection of local, European and national craft beers on tap, with the day’s offerings written on an oversized slate chalkboard. The craft beer selection constantly rotates between 32 handles.

We recently had the chance to sit down with Mat to learn more about their passion for brews, and get some recommendations on what to order when we visit.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN CRAFT BEER? TELL US YOUR STORY. We have always been into good beer and tend to lean toward the Belgians, Germans and Czech beer styles. We got our start in Arizona partaking in great beer joints, like Papago Brewing, Coyote Springs Brewing, Bandersnatch Brew Pub and Four Peaks Brewing.

Additionally, we loved to travel all the time to California, Washington and Oregon to visit all their great breweries and ale houses. Our passion for craft beer was becoming more than just a

hobby, it was a culture we wanted to be a bigger part of. It was a fun decision; we jumped in with both feet and converted our office building into Angels Trumpet Ale House. We both enjoy bringing so many great varieties of beers to the Valley and seeing patrons find new favorite ale, looking back there are no regrets.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES CRAFT BEER SPECIAL? Taste, independence, fun and community.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL BREWERIES DOING IT RIGHT – AND WHY YOU LOVE THEM. Thankfully, our opinion in this has no relevance. We love them all.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEER CULTURE IN ARIZONA? Community! The friendships created by people appreciating the time and care that goes into brewing a great ale.

TELL US ABOUT THE BEER PROGRAM AT ANGELS TRUMPET. Very simple. We rotate through as many beer styles as we can, and we make sure there is something for everyone! To give you an idea, we have more than 30 beers at any given time, as well as some ciders.

There is a good mix of local, regional and even some from Alaska, Belgium and Massachusetts.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEERS? Our palates change with the weather, by the day, mood, time. We enjoy so many styles and have fun tasting all the fun hybrid ales out there.

Angels Trumpet Ale House 810 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.252.2630, angelstrumpetalehouse.com.

Angels Trumpet Arcadia, 2339 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, 602.698.1234.

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Over 300+ Unique Craft Beers Pints & Singles for Here Growlers, Crowlers & Packaged to go

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(623) 398-3636 4626 N 16th St. Unit 102, Phoenix, AZ 85016 @theCasualPintCentralPhoenix Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2018 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

OUR BEERS HAVE EARNED THEIR GOLD STARS

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

GREAT BEER PAIRINGS

49

THE MACINTOSH BEER

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

“In October, I decided to reimagine my Grassroots Restaurant located in the Town & Country shopping center as The Macintosh, aiming to pair bold, brassy and energetic décor with a hearty yet approachable menu of modern comfort classics all under $24. Think neighborhood hangout for the vibe. We have a new 21-foot, 22-seat community table perfect for hosting friends for a few beers after work. The central bar has also been redesigned to feature soaring library shelves brimming with 30-plus different whiskeys, more than 20 domestic beers and a smaller, more refined domestic wine program,

BREWERY: DESCHUTES STYLE: PORTER NAME: BLACK BUTTE PORTER About: This specific offering helped to put Deschutes on the beer map, just as we hope our food helps continue to put us on the culinary map. It is creamy and chocolatey with roasty notes that are perfect for the holiday season. It’s full of flavor, but still easy to drink.

DISH

accented with house barrelaged and Mason jar-infused cocktails. As for the food menu, we’ve kept several favorites from Grassroots (and all of the favorites are still available at Grassroots Scottsdale, of course) such as the shrimp grits and braised short rib, but added tasty new offerings such as

Mason jar burrata, bacon steak with spicy apple cider gastrique, fried green tomato po’boy and hand-battered fish and chips. We carry local beer brands including Huss, Four Peaks and SanTan as well as regional favorites from Oregon, California and Colorado.”

NAME OF DISH: COWBOY BARBECUE BEEF RIBS WITH CRISPY ONION RINGS AND CRACK SAUCE COST OF DISH: $18 Our beef ribs are slow smoked for eight hours then allowed to simmer in our secret “cowboy” barbecue sauce, allowing the beef to take on layers of smoke, honey and savory chilis. The Black Butte Porter is a full-bodied beer that needs a dish with substance to complement its layers. When combining the two, it’s all about the layers and how perfectly the two complement each other.

Chris Collins, The Macintosh

The Macintosh 2119 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.368.8766, themacintoshaz.com.

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THE HIGHROLLER

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

RUSTY ‘CAGE’

Daughtry brushes off the dust to release new album

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

C

hris Daughtry sold 8 million albums, 16 million singles and received four Grammy Award nominations.

But the former American Idol contestant still gets nervous on the eve of an album release. Cage to Rattle by his eponymously named band was released July 27. Although he’s happy with his first new album in five years, the work to promote it is daunting.

“I always forget how much work is involved: the interviews, the shows, the promo,” Daughtry says. “But it’s all worth it.”

The songs took about five years to write and Daughtry says he doubted his ability to craft great songs.

“It was taking forever,” he says. “It was a frustrating process and I was wondering if what we were doing was good, if this was the right record and if we were taking the right approach.

“But it turned out exactly how it should have. I rattled my own cage, for

lack of a better term. It was hard, but it was a rewarding process.”

Cage to Rattle was produced by Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Tom Waits, Niall Horan, Norah Jones) in Nashville. The album echoes past releases, but King encouraged Daughtry and his band to explore new sounds. “Backbone” has a bluesy stomp, while “Deep End,” the latest single, is led by piano.

“This is a really special time for us. We feel like we bottled the spirit and energy from our early days and refined it over the last decade together on the road and

making records. We didn’t take the easy way out.

“Instead, Jacquire really pushed us in the studio, and we worked really hard to make the album we’ve always wanted to make. It’s everything a Daughtry record should be.”

Daughtry admits he was a little intimidated by King initially.

“I was kind of afraid that he was going be ‘too cool for school’ for us,” Daughtry says.

“I even told him, ‘You probably don’t want to work with a pop rock band like us. And he said, ‘I actually think you guys are cooler than you think. It would be really cool to make a record with you guys.’”

There were times, though, when morale collapsed during the writing of Cage to Rattle. Daughtry had someone nearby to lean on.

“My wife certainly helps with that,” he says. “My manager helps as well. I think, though, it just gets to the point where you have to just give yourself up to the process and allow it to be. I think I made it harder than it needed to be.”

Fans who saw Daughtry open for Nickelback at Ak-Chin Pavilion in 2017 heard one of the new songs, “Backbone.”

“It was good for us to play that song because it was the catalyst for where I stand,” Daughtry says. “That was the sound we were going for on the record we wanted to make. I wanted to get that out there and see what the fans thought.

They responded better than any other time we’ve played a new song. That was a good sign for us and that gave me a little more confidence.”

Daughtry enjoyed the September 2017 Ak-Chin show for more than that, though.

“I remember, in the past, it was so hot and dry there. I always thought we sounded like crap,” he says with a laugh.

“I remember walking off going, ‘That actually wasn’t bad. I liked that.’ We were pretty stoked about that.”

Daughtry Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m. Thursday, December 14, tickets start at $30.

51

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

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DECEMBER 7 Granger Smith

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Skid Row and Great White

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52

THE HIGHROLLER

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

‘THE TIME HAS COME’

Jerry Riopelle celebrates his retirement at Talking Stick Resort Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

J

erry Riopelle feels he has one job: to make fans feel good for a couple hours.

He intends to do that on Friday, December 28, and Saturday, December 29, when he plays his farewell shows at Talking Stick

Resort.

“I’m bringing a pretty big band: a sixpiece rhythm section and singers and so on,” says Riopelle, who lives in Scottsdale.

“I think we’ll probably play most of the well-liked songs because it’s my final shows. I don’t want to leave anything out that people really hope to hear.”

Born in Detroit, where his family was involved in the Democratic Party, and raised in Tampa, Riopelle began his music career in Los Angeles in the 1960s by learning independent record production.

After playing drums for the Hollywood Argyles, he signed as a staff writer for Screen Gems. Upon hearing a single Riopelle had written and produced with Clydie King entitled “The Thrill is Gone,” Phil Spector hired him as a staff writer and producer for Philles Records.

Soon thereafter, Riopelle produced the Top 20 hit “Home of the Brave” by Bonnie and The Treasures. Two more top 40 hits by April Stevens and Nino Tempo and The Parade landed him a job as an A&M Records producer and as a staff writer for Irving Music.

He released his self-titled debut for Capitol Records and it quickly caught on in Arizona. After his third album, Saving Grace, Riopelle opened for Dr. John at the Celebrity Theatre on New Year’s Eve. Riopelle soon scored the hits “Walkin’ on Water,” “Blues on My Table,” “Red Ball Texas Flyer” and “Naomi’s Song.” He played nearly every New Year’s Eve here since 1974.

“I always write more songs than I need,” Riopelle says about his songwriting process. “I pick the best songs. I have a certain level that a song has to reach so it pleases me enough to include it on an album.

“I can’t really describe the feeling. I do

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Jerry Riopelle Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m. Friday, December 28, and Saturday, December 29, tickets start at $25.

know when it’s not finished.”

His songs have been covered by numerous artists including Herb Alpert, Joan Baez, Leon Russell, Kenny Loggins, Rita Coolidge and Meat Loaf.

“I love that I have the respect of my peers,” he says. “Rita Coolidge did a cover of ‘A Man and a Woman.’ It’s very lyrical. It’s warm and it had a lot of airplay in L.A. Boy, I loved it. As a matter of fact, I should consider it for my shows.”

In 2005, then-Phoenix mayor Phil Gordon proclaimed December 31 Jerry Riopelle Day in Phoenix. In 2007,

Riopelle was inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Retirement is bittersweet for the 77-year-old musician. He’s writing another record, and hasn’t completely written off live performances.

“I’ve been playing shows for a long time, since ’74,” he explains. “It’s hard to give up. There are several places in town where I can go and sit in if I really want to play, like Handlebar J. “I decided my career has been so great and gone on for so long. I’ve been playing sold-out shows here for 40 years.

The time has come.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

THE GLADIATOR

53

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

7:05 p.m., all-you-can-eat packages start at $45.

DECEMBER’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

AIA Football 5A and 6A Championship

DECEMBER 1 Sun Devil Stadium hosts the top four teams in Arizona high school football, as the best two teams from 5A and 6A battle it out to determine the 2018 champions. Chandler High and Centennial High are the defending 5A and 6A champions, respectively. Both schools will likely be in attendance this day.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.3482, azpreps365. com, 12:30 and 4:30 p.m., tickets prices vary.

Arizona Coyotes vs.

Washington Capitals

DECEMBER 6 The Coyotes take on defending NHL champion Washington for the first time in the 2018-19 season. Led by star forward Alexander Ovechkin, the Capitals are attempting to once again hoist the Stanley Cup. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, nhl.com/coyotes, 7 p.m., tickets start at $23.

ASU Sun Devils vs.

Kansas Jayhawks

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl

Cheez-It Bowl

DECEMBER 22 The Sun Devils men’s basketball team takes on preseason No.1 Kansas at Wells Fargo Arena. The Jayhawks will feature another high-level recruiting class, but ASU was able to beat them in Kansas last season.

Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.727.0000, thesundevils. com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $65.

DECEMBER 26 A baseball diamond will turn to football for an evening, as members of the Big 12 vs. Pac-12 face off for a season-ending win and bragging rights as the CheezIt Bowl champions. This was formerly called the Cactus Bowl.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, cheezitbowl.com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $31.

Arizona Wildcats vs.

UC Davis Aggies

Desert Hockey Classic

DECEMBER 22 The Wildcats men’s basketball team, after losing top draft pick DeAndre Ayton to the Suns, looks to have another successful season.

Arizona plays its final tune-up game against the Aggies before competing in conference play.

McKale Memorial Center, 1721 E. Enke Drive, Tucson, 520.621.2211, arizonawildcats. com, 5 p.m., tickets start at $15.

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Los Angeles Rams

DECEMBER 23 The Cardinals, who will likely be in contention for the top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, host the Rams in their final home game of the 2018 season. L.A. could be playing for the top seed and a firstround bye in the NFC playoffs State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 2:05 p.m., tickets start at $21.

DECEMBER 28 The ASU hockey team hosts two Minnesota schools and New York’s Clarkson University in a heated four-team tournament at Gila River Arena. The Sun Devils have grown their hockey program over the years and will have a chance to show their power against some of the best in the country.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, pac-12.com, 4:30 p.m., tickets start at $50.

Tucson Roadrunners vs.

Stockton Heat

DECEMBER 28 Tucson takes on area rival Stockton in AHL play, and fans are encouraged to come hungry. Spectators can indulge in unlimited popcorn, soda, nachos, water and hot dogs for a special price for all-you-can-eat night.

Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, 520.791.4101, tucsonroadrunners.com,

DECEMBER 29 A member of the Mountain West and Sun Belt Conferences play in the 3-year-old Arizona Bowl, known as “Tucson’s Official Football Festival.”

Arizona Stadium, 147 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, 520.292.6951, novaarizonabowl.com, 11:15 a.m., tickets start at $25.

The Wigwam’s Patriot All-America Invitational

DECEMBER 29 TO DECEMBER 31 The Wigwam is hosting the eighth annual Patriot All-America Invitational featuring 84 amateur golfers from all three NCAA Divisions, NAIA and NJCAA rankings as well as universities outside of the United States.

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 623.935.3811, wigwamarizona. com, various times and pricing.

Phoenix Suns vs.

Golden State Warriors

DECEMBER 31 Watch the Suns as they test their young core against the best in the NBA. Golden State boasts four 201718 All-Stars and are the back-to-back NBA champions. Phoenix will look to avenge its October 22 loss in the Bay. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, nba.com/suns/ tickets, 7 p.m., tickets start at $68.

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

CENTER Kym Adair eager for first bowl season as executive director

STAGE

Griffin Fabits >> The Entertainer!

S

omehow, someway, Kym Adair was going to end up in the sports world.

Who knew how, but it was evident during her childhood how the dice would roll.

She was raised in a Scottsdale household immersed in sports.

Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays were designated for football, where she recalls fond memories of watching her beloved Minnesota Vikings with her family.

Well, and her uncle was Viktor the Viking, one of the first Vikings mascots at Metropolitan Stadium.

Factor it all into play, and Adair’s future was laid out right in front of her.

“It just really happened organically,” she says.

In July, she was named the executive director of the NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl in Tucson, one of college football’s 41 bowl games played at the end of December.

“The executive director oversees operations and execution of the NCAA bowl game,” she says. “I work directly with our conference partners, which is the Mountain West and Sunbelt. I work with the NCAA to ensure all of the compliance and security and contracts around our bowl are updated and executed.”

The game will be played on December 29 at the University of Arizona.

Prior to her new role, Adair served as the senior vice president of marketing for NOVA Home Loans for 10 years.

When the company became the title sponsor of the bowl game in 2015, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

she was nominated to the executive committee.

“When our executive director decided to retire in July, the rest of the board asked me if I’d be interested in stepping in. This was a really wonderful opportunity and something I was really excited about, so I took it.”

Adair brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the bowl game.

Spanning nearly two decades, she’s worked in the marketing and business development fields negotiating contracts with sports franchises like the Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche.

She’s also struck sports marketing deals with ASU and UA athletics.

What makes this bowl game so unique, she stressed, is the benefit it has on its surrounding community.

“We give 100 percent of our net proceeds to charity,” she says. “All of our decisions and all of the things we do to

make this bowl a success is through the lens of, how can we give more money to charity?”

In the past, several charities, typically aimed toward helping children and families in need, have received hearty donations from NOVA Home Loans. In the past, they have rewarded 50 teachers with $1,000, as well as the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson.

The NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl will donate over $200,000 this year to Tucson school districts to “help fund special initiatives in their schools,” according to a press release from the bowl.

The 4-year-old bowl is still in its infancy, but Adair urged that it should be an experience all Arizona residents seek because of the game’s sole purpose to give back to the community.

Because of the promotion she received, Adair joined Missy Setters as the only female executive directors of a college

football bowl game in the country.

Setters spearheads the Independence Bowl played in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The two haven’t had the chance to speak, but Adair is already eyeing the opportunity to meet Setters.

“The Football Bowl Association has a national meeting in April every year and I’m looking forward to meeting her for sure in April, if not before.”

Other than meeting Setters, Adair hasn’t set any goals. Nothing weighing on her shoulders, nothing to check off of a bucket list in the future.

The reason? She absolutely loves her job now.

“I haven’t even had the time to think about that,” she says with a laugh. “I’m so entrenched here and enjoying what I’m doing here that I haven’t thought about what the future would hold. I’m happily content right where I’m at.”

In a male-dominated industry, Adair has taken great pride in making a splash and changing the pace.

“Frankly, I’ve been very impressed by so many other women executives in sports in athletic conferences and universities that I have been introduced to along the way now who are at those top levels, just waiting for their next opportunity to take on a higher role.

“I think there’s a tipping point coming. I think you’ll start to see more women in those executive director, athletic director type roles soon.”

For aspiring young women who are looking to crack into this business, look no further for a role model than Adair.

“I would tell them to go for it,” she says. “Don’t let anything hold you back.

Take risks. Be prepared to travel and move, and just work hard.”

56

THE YOUNGSTER

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN DECEMBER Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

ZooLights

TO JANUARY 13 The holiday tradition is back featuring millions of lights and a 200-foot-long Polar Slide.

New this year are live reindeer, Stingray Bay and a 4-D Theater, included with admission.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo.org, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., starts at $17.95.

Snowy Christmas

TO DECEMBER 23 Get a head start on your seasonal activities with opening weekend at Rawhide’s signature Christmas takeover. Enjoy a nightly snowfall down Main Street, family photos, thousands of lights and a special drop off for letters to the North Pole. You can even catch Santa for a nightly tree lighting ceremony on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide.com, 5 to 10 p.m.

Fridays to Sundays, free.

Polar Express

THROUGHOUT DECEMBER During the one-hour evening train journey, families can enjoy treats and a reading of Polar Express on their way to the North Pole.

Santa boards the train at the North Pole and presents young passengers with bells representing the spirit of Christmas.

Grand Canyon Railway, 233 N. Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, 800.843.8724, thetrain.com, 5:30 to 7 p.m., $33.

and Sled Day is December 8.

Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, 480.987.3100, schnepffarms.com, check website for days, prices vary.

APS Electric Light Parade

Merry Main Street

TO JANUARY 5 Get into the holiday spirit with this winter wonderland extravaganza.

There will be an ice rink at City Plaza, Food Truck Forest at Pioneer Park and Santa’s marketplace on Macdonald with a tall, holiday tree. Admission includes one hour of skate time and skate rental.

Downtown Mesa, North Center Street and West Main Street, merrymainst. com, various times, $10.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting Ceremony

DECEMBER 1 The city of Chandler started building its well-known Tumbleweed Tree in November, but December 1 is when the magic happens. Join city officials and families from around the Valley to watch it come alive. Besides the lighting, visit with Santa in his house, make ornaments in his workshops or pen a note to the jolly man.

Downtown Chandler, 480.782.2665, chandleraz. gov, 4:30 to 9 p.m., free.

Winter Wonderland

SELECT DAYS IN DECEMBER Schnepf Farms is celebrating the holidays with a variety of events throughout December. Purchase tickets for ice skating, breakfast with Santa, and illuminated train rides throughout the farm. Snow

DECEMBER 1 For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has entertained family and friends.

Themed “Magic of the Holidays,” the parade always has great grand marshals. Who will it be this year?

Parade starts at Central and Montebello avenues, and ends at Seventh Street and Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.262.6011, phoenix.gov/elp, 7 p.m., free.

Kids Eat Free Everyday

TO DECEMBER 31 Daily through December 31, kids can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal at all Ahipoki’s locations.

Kids bowls are one scoop of fish and a choice of fresh toppings over a base of rice. Additional kids’ bowls can be purchased for $4.95.

Ahipoki locations throughout the state, ahipokibowl.com, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free.

Winterfest

DECEMBER 7 Experience Tempe’s annual holiday celebration with interactive storytime, musical performances, make-and-take art projects, letters to Santa, snow making and visits with Santa.

Tempe Community Complex, 3340 S. Rural Road, Tempe,

480.350.5200, tempe.gov/ familyfun, 5 to 7:30 p.m., free.

Breakfast with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus

DECEMBER 8 The Horny Toad is hosting breakfast and photo opportunities with the holiday twosome – Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The Horny Toad, 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480.488.9542, thehornytoad. com, 8 to 10 a.m., $14 for children and $19 for adults in advance, $17 and $22 at the event.

Arizona Big Train Operators Christmas Open Houses

DECEMBER 8 AND DECEMBER 9 DECEMBER 15 AND DECEMBER 16 This holiday season, the Arizona Big Train Operators’ club members will host open houses of G-Scale Garden Railroad layouts at 17 locations throughout the Valley, including Cardon Children’s Medical Center and homes in Mesa, Sun Lakes, San Tan Valley and Apache Junction.

Locations available at azbigtrains.org, 480.412.5437, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., free.

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori’s Winter Festival DECEMBER 8 This family-friendly event is open to the public and features a snow slide and snow play area; cookie decorating; face painting; games; contests; prizes; a toy drive and raffle to benefit the Salvation Army. Santa Claus will visit from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The “Queso Good” food truck will sell food.

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori, 3221 E. Chandler Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.759.3810, ahwatukeefoothillsmontessori. com, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

57

WILD TIMES Animal encounters in Arizona

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

D

espite being a desert, Arizona has some of the most unique ways to interact with animals around the world – no matter what age you are.

Here are some not to be missed:

BEARIZONA Though founded less than a decade ago, this 160-acre park just over two hours north of the Valley allows visitors to drive their own cars through more than 3 miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest.

During the drive, guests can view North American animals in natural habitats up close and personal. But, the fun doesn’t stop there. More animals are exhibited in Fort Bearizona, a beautiful 20-acre walking area, which also provides snacks and drinks. Tickets are reasonable, ranging in price from $11 for a child to $120 for an entire carload of people, which can hold in excess of 10 people.

Insider tip: go when there are baby bears!

Bearizona, 1500 W. Historic Route 66, Williams, bearizona.com.

ODYSEA AQUARIUM OdySea – the largest aquarium in the Southwest – features more than 65 exhibits, 500 species and over 30,000 animals. Taking advantage of one or more of its enhanced park tickets, however, makes the 200,000-squarefoot space feel intimate. There are three VIP experiences: SeaTREK underwater walking, a charismatic Penguin Interaction Program and a general behind-the-scenes tour. The penguin program ($49.95 plus cost of admission) is unlike most enhanced experiences at any other aquarium in the country, bringing a small group of guests into the actual enclosure to play with the penguins, as well as teaching participants about their life cycle, favorite foods and even dating rituals (it’s like an episode of the Bachelorette when there is a single lady penguin on the market!). The tour also allows for ample photos, all taken by their professional photographer.

OdySea Aquarium, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, odyseaaquarium.com.

OUT OF AFRICA Just an over an hour north of the Valley, Out of Africa is a wildlife park and preserve featuring animals from across the globe, from rhinos and bears to snakes and lions. The park is set up so the animals – many of them rescued from homes or from abuse – can live much like they would in the wild.

There are several tour options, ranging from bus tours to more authentic safari options, but nothing is as spectacular as the VIP behind-the-scenes option ($175). This three-hour experience is limited to small groups who reserve in advance and takes guests deep into its Serengeti to learn about the animals on a deeper level as well as interact with them. You even get to walk into some of the (noncarnivorous) enclosures before enjoying a private, shaded lunch surrounded by snakes and reptiles – all available for holding and touching – and getting reserved seating for some of the day’s main stage shows. You also get to feed a tiger.

Out of Africa, 3505 W. State Route 260, Camp Verde, outofafricapark. com.

PHOENIX ZOO The granddaddy of all the animal sanctuaries and research centers in Arizona, the Phoenix Zoo is the largest privately owned, nonprofit zoo in the country. Taking advantage of the

Backstage Adventures Tour ($99) is a must to help determine the high points of the park and to get a little one-on-one time with animals and their keepers. The tour is one hour and gives an insider’s glimpse into several of the animal habitats directly with zookeepers. While the animals you will see vary by day, there are opportunities to get up close and personal with elephants, reptiles, African Painted Dogs and even cheetahs.

For those looking for something even more lux, consider the Premium Adventure Tour ($300), a 90-minute fully customizable experience for your group.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, phoenixzoo.org.

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO Wildlife World Zoo boasts more than 600 species, including a rare white alligator, between its zoo and on-site aquarium, Safari Park and Adventureland. In addition to seeing so many animals up close, there are rides for the entire family throughout the park, including a wet and wild flume ride, a carousel and even a sky ride across the park. Start looking into its Safari Camp for 2019 now, as it takes place each summer and almost always sells out early ($500 per child).

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park, 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, wildlifeworld.com.

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

‘PEPPA PIG’S

SURPRISE!’

Get ready for unexpected guests and lesson during live show Mckayla Hull >> The Entertainer!

T

he beloved animated British TV show Peppa Pig is stepping out of the television and onto the Mesa Arts Center stage for Peppa Pig’s Surprise! on Tuesday, December 11.

Peppa is a loveable, cheeky little piggy who lives with her little brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig. Peppa enjoys playing games, dressing up, days out and jumping in mud puddles.

“The show brings their favorite characters to life,” says Daniel Hersh, who plays Daddy Pig in Peppa Pig’s Surprise!

“It’s insane to see these packed houses full of kids. Every kid is so excited to see their favorite character on stage. It’s become a real thing for them.”

As an actor, Hersh loves seeing the kids sing along and participate in calland-response action with the audience, he says. Ticketholders will see sea creatures who go to the beach.

“Creatures swim across the stage and it really looks like they’re floating,” he says. “It just looks so cool.”

The “surprise” in the show is twofold. Peppa goes on an adventure (we won’t spoil it here) and a TV character makes a surprise appearance at the end of the show.

Hersh wouldn’t even hint as to who that may be.

Hersh wasn’t reserved while talking about Daddy Pig, a character he loves playing.

“I saw him as a bumbling idiot who was very lovable,” he says. “My doctor, though, gave me the perfect note: Daddy Pig is always trying his best to parent his kids.

“I think that’s so brilliant because it shows that he’s never trying to show off. He’s always just trying to

DANIEL JARED HERSH Current hometown? Currently I live in Thousand Oaks, CA City Born/Grew Up In? I was born in Westlake Village, CA Other Cities Lived In? I grew up in Agoura Hills, CA until I was 14, then moved to Henderson, NV (right next to Las Vegas, the strip was 20 minutes from my house) High School? Went to high school at Coronado High School in Henderson, NV College? Moved to Hollywood, CA for college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, got my BFA in musical theatre City Parents/Other Family Lives? My parents live in Thousand Oaks, CA My sister lives in Seattle, WA My brother, sister-in-law and nephew live in Wappinger Falls, NY ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

be the best parent that he can be.”

If there’s anything to be learned here, it’s about happiness.

“Peppa has a great time and she teaches the audience that you can fi nd joy and happiness anywhere,” he says.

Peppa Pig Live!

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 11, $45, VIP packages available.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

THE SHOWMAN

59

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

C RaZy AND

Creative

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

S

ince OK Go formed 20 years ago, the band has produced elaborate music videos to go with its smart, melodic pop songs.

When its 2006 video for “Here It Goes Again” went viral, it became a thing to dance on treadmills. To celebrate its two decades in music, OK Go is taking its video tour and live concert experience on the road. The guys will perform a live soundtrack to their pioneering videos.

“For years, we have been highly involved in making visual stuff,” says lead singer/video director Damian Kulash.

“It’s time to put on a different kind of show. The videos that we’re famous for take center stage. We play along with them. We’re live-scoring the videos. We’re performing the songs, but somehow the experience is really, really different from the crowd perspective.

They’re sit-down events in theaters and they’re family friendly.”

Guitarist Andy Ross created an app that allows fans to play along with the songs on handbells, Kulash says.

“It’s a really, really fun show,” he says.

The challenge with touring a show like this is telling enough people ahead of time that this isn’t the typical concert.

“The mega fans, the people who are following us on social media and are dialed into what we do as a rock band, they show up and have a great time,” Kulash says.

“It’s reaching out to the people who don’t check what’s happening at the rock club this week. The people who are 18 to 35 are the ones who are going to rock shows, mostly in sweaty, loud bars. We love those kinds of shows, but as a culture, we’re so used to putting someone in a particular category. The truth is, those boundaries are getting blurred. This shouldn’t be filed under

‘rock band comes to town.’”

These diverse performances are punctuated by casual Q&A sessions, and it all adds up to a totally new type of event: part rock show, part film screening, part Blue Man Group, part pop-up magazine and all OK Go. OK Go’s work has been honored with a Grammy, three VMAs, 21 Cannes Lions and The Smithsonian Ingenuity Award. They’ve written op-eds for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and Rolling Stone, they’ve testified before the U.S. Congress, and they’ve collaborated with Google and The Muppets. They’ve, too, worked with UCLA biochemists to encode their work in strands of DNA. At okgosandbox.org, OK Go is teaching students through the fun of its music videos. For example, kids can learn algebra, principles of gravity and how a 4-second shot becomes an amazing 4-minute video in “The One Moment.” Check out how to make music from anything you can get your hands on, just like OK Go in “Needing/ Getting.”

“We have an educational nonprofit we launched at okgosandbox.org,” he says.

“We’ve been contacted by teachers who use videos to teach math, science, art and music. We tried to make materials to make that easier for teachers to join in.

It’s a website of teaching materials.”

Kulash just wants to make things different.

“We love the energy and the catharsis of a rock show, but after doing a few of these, we realize it’s such a different thing,” Kulash says.

“We’re adding a new branch onto what we do. There’s an intermission.

It’s that kind of show. It’s nice to see people enjoying themselves in a different way. We’re so used to people dancing, crowding together and doing what they do at a rock show. They’re enjoying things in a more comfortable way.”

OK Go celebrates 20th anniversary with family-friendly show

OK Go: The Live Video Tour Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m. Friday, December 14, $30-$50. Get a sneak peek at The Live Video Tour here: https://youtu.be/Hvgzenf-b10 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

DECEMBER 1 Curbside High

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $8

Doe Paoro

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

EDGE Happy Hour: El Nuveo Sound

Vista Kicks

Cans Deli, 9 p.m., $10-$12

We3 Christmas featuring Renee Grant Patrick, Suzanne Lansford and Nicole Pesce

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 5 p.m., $75-$500

Silverstein

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $19.50-$34.50

A Special Holiday Concert w/Gypsy Soul

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

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

Andrea Bocelli Arnel Pineda

Celebrity Theatre, 6 p.m., $68$138.50

Bontan

Shady Park, 2 p.m., $15

The Devil Wears Prada Club Red, 6 p.m., $19.50

The Devon Allman Project w/Duane Betts

Green Room, 6:45 p.m., $29.99-$35

Live 101.5 Jingle Bash w/ Camila Cabello, Dillon Francis, Lauv, Cheat Codes, Bryce Vine

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38.50$75 191 Toole, 8 p.m., sold out

nothing,nowhere.

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

Red Fang

The Ten Tenors Trey Anastasio

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $75-$100

DECEMBER 4 Pantoum Piano Trio

Tempe Center for the Arts, 10 a.m., free

Ryan Montbleau w/Jay Allan and Dominick Provezano

Unearth w/Fit for an Autopsy

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Club Red, 8 p.m., $18-$85

Club Red, 6 p.m., $15

Tatanaka

Green Room, 8 p.m., $8-$10

DECEMBER 6 ayokay

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

The Clairvoyants Christmas

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $40-$149

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $30-$35

David Archuleta

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $45-$65

EDGE Happy Hour: Michael Land

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Mike Stern

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Redd Kross

Stephen Steinbrink

DECEMBER 7

The Buttertones

Beatles for Sale: Lennon and McCartney Revisited

Doing It Right w/The Metros Band

EarthKry

Community Performance and Art Center, 3 p.m., $25-$30

Community Performance and Art Center, 7 p.m., $15-$20

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10-$15

The English Beat

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $25-$55

Doyle

CLUB RED, 6 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, $20-$70 GREEN ROOM, 8 P.M. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, $18-$20

The man, the myth, the legend. Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein of Misfits fame will pass through Mesa and Flagstaff with his other band, Doyle, as part of the AS WE DIE World Abomination tour. Face painted and draped with the trademark devilock, wielding a guitar in hand, Wolfgang von Frankenstein and his horror-themed band are sure to pack a punch at these two shows. Zombeast, Sanitation Squad and The Dead Beat Hymns will open the Club Red show. Grimm and Rei-Gurren will open the Green Room show.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Spite

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Queen Naija

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22

Saint Jhn

Eyedress

Francine Reed

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $15-$20

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20

DECEMBER 5

Club Congress, 8 p.m., $8-$10

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $23.50-$38.50

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 and 8 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Tropa Magica

Club Red, 6 p.m., $18-$20

The Slackers w/The Aggrolites, Viernes 13

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $24-$72

The Nash, 3 p.m., $16-$36

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12

The Black Dahlia Murder w/Power Trip, Ghoul, Gost, Skeletal Remains

Wheeler Walker Jr.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $198-$360

Matthew Morrison

Keith Greeninger

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$22

Gucci Mane x Carnage w/Smokepurpp

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $25-$40

DECEMBER 3

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

DECEMBER 2

H-Town

The Family Crest

Mac DeMarco

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Tucson Convention Center, 9 p.m., $46-$125

Gila River Arena, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m., $37.50-$74.75

EDGE Happy Hour: Shela Yu Emma Ruth Rundle

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12

Hands Like Houses

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

Joel Oroz

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free

Minus the Bear

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $28-$48

The Miracles

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $53.50-$73.50

Psyclon Nine

Club Red, 6 p.m., $12-$15

Trace Bundy

Fox Tucson Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27-$47

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62

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

Under the Street Lamp: Hip to the Holidays

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $45-$85

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$33.50

Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns

Reckless Kelly

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

DECEMBER 8

Sammy Johnson

Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters

Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $30-$59

Street Sects

Dieselboy

Whitechapel

EDGE Happy Hour: Furious Styles Crew

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Alec Benjamin

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$38 Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $15-$35 The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Daughtry

191 Toole, 10 p.m., $12

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., sold out

The Rock, 6 p.m., $25-$30

Alice Cooper’s 17th Annual Christmas Pudding w/Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp, Joe Perry), Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom of Blue Öyster Cult, Sebastian Bach, Beastö Blancö, Larry the Cable Guy

DECEMBER 10

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Young the Giant w/Barns Courtney

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

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

DECEMBER 11 Bernhoft

Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., $120-$800

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

Angel Vivaldi and Nita Strauss w/Jacky Vincent Authority Zero

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

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $20-$22

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $20$35

6lack

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $35-$129

The Garden

Honky Tonk Christmas w/Alex Mack, Kaci Bays

Community Performance and Art Center, 3 and 7 p.m., $25-$30

John Prine

Thumpasaurus

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., free

DECEMBER 12

The Steve Gadd Band

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $28.50-$43.50

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

Over the Rhine

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $5-$8 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Skating Polly w/Potty Mouth The Wizards of Winter

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $43-$63

Yung Pinch

Club Red, 8 p.m., $18-$20

DECEMBER 13 The Bro Show

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

John Butler Trio

Ryanhood

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50$47.50

Squirrel Nut Zippers

The Orbison Years w/ Mark Barnett as Roy Orbison

Fox Tucson Theatre, 7 p.m., free Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$33

DECEMBER 9 The Ataris

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $15-$17

Banda MS

Tucson Arena, 6:30 p.m., $67-$307

Capsize

FiftyOne West, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Dusky

Shady Park, 2 p.m., $20

Estas Tonne

Rialto Theatre, 7 p.m., $50-$70

Geoffrey Keezer

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $11-$49

Hawktail w/Dead Horses ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Skeletal Remains

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$13

DECEMBER 16 The Black Lillies

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

Irish Christmas in America Musical Instrument Museum, 3 and 7 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $37-$299

Tommy Emmanuel

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $32-$44

EDGE Happy Hour: Ashley E. Norton

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

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

LANY w/Flora Cash, morgxn

Middle Kids

Magic Sword

The Regrettes w/Welles, Micky James

Sons of Serenip

VNV Nation

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

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$49

Ministry

The Rebel Lounge, 6:30 p.m., $15-$18

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $39-$69

Lil Ugly Mane w/Gatecreeper

OK Go

Koo Koo Kanga Roo

Cypress Spring

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $15

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $76.15-$97.85

Tengger Cavalry

Dianne Reeves: Christmas Time is Here

Metalachi

Community Performance and Art Center, 3 and 7 p.m., $25-$30

The Steve Gadd Band

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $28.50-$43.50

DECEMBER 14 2018 K-Love Christmas w/Big Daddy Weave, Brandon Heath, Kim Walker Smith of Jesus Culture, Sarah Reeves, Becca Bradley, Jonathan Chu ASU Gammage, 7 p.m., $27-$76

Advance Base

191 Toole, 7 to 9 p.m., $10-$12

Cinco de Moio

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Club Red, 7 p.m., $20-$25 Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$49.50

Yus

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

DECEMBER 15 An X-Mad Party

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $5

Marquee Theatre, 7:15 p.m., $40-$70 Fox Tucson Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50-$54.50

DECEMBER 17 H.E.R.

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $35

Irish Christmas in America

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

DECEMBER 18 Brother Ali

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$75

A Peter White Christmas featuring Rick Braun and Euge Groove

Blue October

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $33.50-$58.50

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

A Swingin’ Christmas... Too!

Childish Gambino w/Vince Staples

Travis Scott

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $21 Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $68-$104

Tempe Center for the Arts Studio, 7 p.m., $15-$25

Gila River Arena, 8 p.m., $44.75$304.85

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $35.20-$365

Earthless

DECEMBER 19

Underground, 7 p.m., $15

EDGE Happy Hour: Jessi Teich

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Jared and the Mill w/Playboy Manbaby

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $17

JMSN

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

John Prine

Fox Tucson Theatre, 8 p.m., $68$108

A Merry-Achi Christmas

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7 p.m., $29-$59

Cult Leader

Club Red, 7 p.m., $13-$15

The Everly Brothers Experience Christmas Show Community Performance and Art Center, 3 and 7 p.m., $25-$30

Spendtime Palace w/The Brazen Youth

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

DECEMBER 20 Adelitas Way

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $15-$18

A Swingin’ Christmas... Too! Tempe Center for the Arts Studio, 7 p.m., $15-$25

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

63

THE NEXT Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

A

ustin Burke found his niche as a child: singing the national anthem for sports teams around the Valley.

“I learned the anthem at 2, and I sang for the Diamondbacks, Rattlers, Coyotes and Suns – all over the Phoenix area,” Burke says.

“I sang the national anthem at the first D-backs Spring Training game at Bank One Ballpark. I was used to singing in front of thousands of people early on.”

Sports was equally as inspiring as music. Burke wanted to be like Garth Brooks, who participated in Spring Training with the San Diego Padres, New York Mets and Kansas City Royals “I met Garth Brooks at a San Diego Padres Spring Training game when I was 4,” he says.

“It was Garth’s lyrics that drew me to country music. That set up everything for me. I wanted to be like Garth, the singing baseball player. I sang all the way until I was 10, then I retired just like Garth and came back.”

And he came back with a vengeance.

His current single, “Whole Lot in Love,” catapulted Burke to Spotify stardom, garnering 44.83 million streams. He also released two other songs, “One Summer” and “Slower.”

“I need Phoenix to be behind me,” he says. “I’m like Dierks (Bentley). I want to come back home and do a big hometown show and do my hometown proud.”

Burke’s hometown is Scottsdale. The fifth-generation Arizonan attended Desert Shadows Middle School and was scheduled to attend Chaparral High School when his family moved to San Diego.

Burke – whose father attended Saguaro High School, while his mom went to Horizon High School – played a short set at Country Thunder when he was 5. He performed at Parada del Sol and Rawhide, where his father filmed him singing the national anthem. He sent the video to Rosie O’Donnell and she invited him to cover “Friends in Low Places” on her program.

“She had me on her show twice,” he says. “It was something else.”

After high school, Burke played college baseball, but an injury cut his career

GARTH? Austin Burke is a ‘whole lot in love’ with country music

short. He moved to Nashville at age 19.

“I wanted to return to my roots,” Burke says. “What I love is country music. I was lucky enough to have a couple songs break through, so I could get out of the restaurant business.”

For the next four years, he waited tables, wrote songs and saved money to record his debut song, “Sleepin’ Around.” It caught the attention of WME, who signed him to its roster.

Soon he was opening for the likes of Vince Gill, Cole Swindell, Casey Donahew and William Michael Morgan.

“There’s something special about

country music fans and the genre as a whole,” says Burke, 25. “Everybody’s in it together.”

Burke feels blessed to be successful.

“It’s been a dream come true, really,” he says. “The coolest part is there are so many people trying to do what I do in Nashville, hoping and praying for a

break. A year ago, I was working at a restaurant. To do what I love is such a blessing. I think it’s cool.

“I want to be the next Garth. I’ve always wanted to be Garth. Look, I know I have big boots to fill, but I was born to do that and bring a smile to people’s faces.”

KMLE 107.9’s Not So Silent Night with Kane Brown, Granger Smith, Carly Pearce, Brandon Lay, Tyler Rich, Riley Green and Austin Burke Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, kmle1079. radio.com/events, 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, tickets must be won through KMLE. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

64

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

LIGHTING THE WAY Gilbert celebrating 10-year anniversary of ‘Illuminate’

Mckayla Hull >> The Entertainer!

T

en years after Lydia’s album Illuminate lit the band’s way to success, the Gilbert act is headlining two nights at Crescent Ballroom.

To celebrate the decade anniversary, Lydia will play the album front to back, with assorted other tracks incorporated into the set.

“We are very lucky to be in a band that anybody in the world cares about at all,” says pianist Matt Keller, whose band performs Friday, December 28, and Saturday, December 29.

“It’s a record that people really, really, really loved and the songs are fun to play.

They’re still relevant in people’s lives.”

Although Lydia is celebrating Illuminate, the musicians say the band has evolved and fans need to grow with them.

“It’s so incredible how fans have stuck with us from the get-go, and how they’re still here,” he says.

“But at the same time, I feel like we wouldn’t have anybody still here if we were just trying to make music for the old fans.

We’re not going to pretend to play some other kind of music so that somebody is happy. We won’t be happy.”

Lydia’s newest member, guitarist Shawn Strader, adds, “I made a very active decision to not play into how Lydia used to sound.”

Formed in 2003 by frontman and guitarist Leighton Antelman, Lydia has

gone through band/touring members but has settled on Keller, Strader and Antelman as the core group.

In July, the trio released its 10-song album Liquor, which features the track “Sunlight” and the first single “Goodside.”

DECEMBER 21

DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 23

The Bennu

The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, The Box Tops

Esteban

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $7-$10

Lydia, Celebrating 10 Years of Illuminate Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Friday, December 28, and Saturday, December 29, $18, 16 and older. El West and Barefoot open on December 28; Anarbor and New Heat on December 29.

A Date Night Before Christmas: Notes from Neptune w/Thomas Love and Scott Worstell

Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita, 6 p.m., $30-$40

EDGE Happy Hour: Flamenco Por La Vida

Rialto Theatre, 2 p.m., $15-$20

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Escape the Fate

Club Red, 6 p.m., $18

In the Christmas Mood: A Holiday Music Spectacular Fox Tucson Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $22-$32

The Manhattan Transfer

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $38.50-$63.50

Michael Collins Trio

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

The Arroyo Café Holiday Radio Show

EDGE Happy Hour: Courtney Cotter King

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

The Manhattan Transfer

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $38.50-$63.50

The Most Offensive Christmas Concert Ever!

The Listening Room, 7 and 10 p.m., $15-$30

Soul Power Band

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

A Very Jerry Christmas w/ Jerry Donato and Nicole Pesce Tempe Center for the Arts Lakeside, 7:30 p.m., $35

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Musical Instrument Museum, 3 and 7 p.m., $38.50-$53.50

DECEMBER 24 Billy Watson w/ Bill Tarsha and the Rocket 88s

“Goodside” sees an experimental take on its emo-tinged indie folk.

“People expect us to be a certain way because our music is soft, sensitive and real,” Keller says.

“At the same time, it’s that way because in real life we’re not the type to express our feelings to people and get all deep. If somebody wants to get deep with us, we’re going to say, ‘Later.’

“It’s the music you make – at least that’s how we all operate.”

The recording of Liquor was trying for Lydia.

“Sometimes you live as a musician or an artist or a writer or just a human and the things you experienced don’t surface until a lot longer,” he says. “This record brought out a lot.”

Keller says the biggest inspiration for him on the band’s seventh record was the musicians’ unwillingness to settle.

“If somebody was not happy, somebody spoke up,” he says.

After all, the mission is to create music that’s going to be heard, Strader says.

“I just want the album to elicit some sort of reaction from somebody – even if it is hatred,” Keller adds.

During the holidays, Lydia expects its fans to do one thing: “get drunk at a show with Lydia.”

DECEMBER 28 Delcoa

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

Jerry Riopelle

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $25

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Lydia

DECEMBER 25

Rendezvous

MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 26 NO SHOWS SCHEDULED

DECEMBER 27 Dom Flemons

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

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas ASU Gammage, 7:30 p.m., $40.50-$125.50

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20 Club Congress, 8 p.m., $5

The Sugar Thieves

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

DECEMBER 29 Jerry Riopelle

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $25

Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 3 and 7 p.m., $48.50-$68.50

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $39-$52

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

THE NIGHTOWL

65

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR DECEMBER Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

was released this year. At the upcoming performance at Gentle Ben’s in Tucson, Subdocta will offer support. This show is 18 and older.

Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, 520.624.4177, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Another performer passing through Arizona on the heels of a new project, Ookay released Wow! Cool Album! earlier this year. But if you feel like ending your night exclaiming, “Wow! Cool Show!” don’t miss out on tickets to this one.

Bonnie X Clyde and DNMO are set to open. This show is 18 and older.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $20-$40.

Barely Alive

Breathe Carolina Malaa

DECEMBER 7 Mysterious balaclava-adorned DJ/producer Malaa’s most recent project, Illegal Mixtape 2, was released in November, and this tour is equally “illegal.” Illegal Tour 2018 stops at The Pressroom in early December, so don’t let yourself miss out on tunes like “Notorious” and “Diamonds,” or whatever dark house jams Malaa has in store. This show is 18 and older.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $35-$45.

DECEMBER 14 Over a decade into its career, this Coloradan duo – David Schmitt and Tommy Cooperman – is returning to Māyā Day and Nightclub. The duo, who has had a few lineup changes since its inception, has remained a fixture at the Scottsdale nightclub. The latest comes to the Valley on December 14. This show is 21 and older.

Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., $10.

DECEMBER 22 Hot off the release of this year’s Odyssey LP, which features 14 tracks and a variety of collaborators including Nah Mean, Iamsu! and Great Good Fine OK, Massachusetts duo Barely Alive is set to deliver a show at Tempe’s Aura. Generally cited for its combination of dubstep, trap and drum ‘n’ bass, this duo is sure to bring the bass to this Mill Avenue nightclub just a few days before Christmas.

This show is 18 and older.

Aura, 411 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.

Dirt Monkey

DECEMBER 8 Patrick Megeath, perhaps better known under the moniker Dirt Monkey, would tell you he’s genreless. In fact, that’s how the Coloradan DJ/producer’s biography classifies him, in turn assigning his tunes a variety of adjectives: uplifting, bouncy and unique.

Aiming to meld IDM with dubstep, Megeath has garnered the attention of audiences and his contemporaries alike. His album Rise of the Octopeel

Decadence Ookay

DECEMBER 14 Don’t let the spelling get in the way; it’s just pronounced “OK.” Got it? OK. Born Abraham Laguna, Ookay is set to bring his dubstep/trap fusion to The Van Buren stage this December.

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 Billed as “Arizona’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Experience,” Decadence is returning to Rawhide to usher in the New Year. Over the course of two days, a variety of EDM artists and DJs will make the trek to Chandler,

including Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson, San Holo, Rezz, Marshmello, Ghastly (pictured), NGHTMRE and even Shaquille O’Neal, who performs as DJ Diesel.

Single-day passes range from $109 to $399, depending on the chosen day and whether ticket holders purchase general admission, VIP or platinum VIP. For the full experience, passes range from $219 to $769.

Tables are also available. Each day starts at 5 p.m. and concludes at 3 a.m. This event is 18 and older.

Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, decadencearizona. com, 5 p.m., $109-$769.

Borgeous

DECEMBER 31 Florida DJ/producer John Borger is Borgeous. Returning to the Valley this New Year’s Eve, Borger is still fresh off the release of his latest project, the Dear Me, EP. Get ready to dance your way into 2019 with Borger’s brand of danceable tunes and house jams. This show is 21 and older.

Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., $20.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

66

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

MAD

MIXOLOGIST

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

B

artending fell in Jacqueline Grasse’s lap two years ago, but it’s since become an obsession.

The Bullhead City native who lives in Gilbert started at Thirsty Lion as a host. As soon as she turned 19, she asked to move to serving. A few short months later, Grasse became a bartender.

“I still have so much to learn,” the 21-year-old admits. “I am always looking for new information and I love making new cocktails.”

She sat down with The Entertainer!

Magazine to talk about the cocktail program at Thirsty Lion at SanTan Village in Gilbert.

Templeton Maple Old Fashioned

2 oz. Templeton bourbon 1/2 oz. orange juice 1/2 oz. pure maple syrup 4 dashes of angostura bitters splash of soda water 1/2 orange wheel 1 lemon wedge Place orange wheel in a mixing glass.

Squeeze lemon wedge over orange wheel.

Smash orange wheel and lemon juice – just enough to start to break apart orange wheel.

Add bourbon, maple syrup, orange juice and bitters.

Add ice.

Stir for about 15 seconds and splash of soda water.

Strain into a 12 oz. old fashion glass over large ice cube.

Garnish with orange twist curl

Tell us about the oddest drink request you’ve received.

It’s hard to say. One time I had this lady who insisted on me making her random drinks she found online and then ended up not liking them. I think that if you don’t know what you like, always try something off the menu!

I think presentation is everything to a guest because when I go into a bar I notice the little things.

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working?

Messy bartenders! I love working in a clean environment and my coworkers know that. The first thing I do when I come onto a shift is tidy my workspace.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

I normally like to switch it up, but it mostly consists of craft beer or red wine and once in a while I will order a fruity cocktail. Other than that, I’m predictable.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Salted Caramel Moroccan Coffee

Sugar rim Dash of cinnamon Dash of nutmeg 1/4 oz. Cruzan 151 Rum 1/4 oz. Kahlua liqueur 1/2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream 1/2 oz. DeKuyper buttershots 5 oz. hot brewed coffee Pour 151 rum into the mug and light on fire. Add the nutmeg and cinnamon while caramelizing sugar rim. Blow out flame after 10 to 15 seconds.

Add remaining ingredients, coffee last. Stir to combine.

Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce and sprinkle kosher salt on top.

What does ordering a vodka tonic say about a person?

Usually they’re not very picky people (when it comes to alcohol), they’re the types of people who just go with the flow.

Tell us about the cocktail program at Thirsty Lion.

I think we have some of the best cocktails around. One thing I love about Thirsty Lion is that all our ingredients are made in house – meaning they’re always fresh. We press our own juices,

make our mixes – even the fruit purees – and cut our own fruit and garnishes.

Our menu was carefully created to serve a vast crowd.

What are the two cocktails you would love for us to feature in the magazine this month?

The fi rst cocktail I would love for you to feature is the Templeton maple old fashioned. Th is cocktail is one of my fall favorites. It has Templeton rye, a splash of orange juice, maple syrup, angostura bitters and a hint of lemon. I love this version of the old fashioned because it is fl avorful and a smooth drink. The next cocktail is perfect for an after-dinner drink.

The salted caramel Moroccan coffee is a favorite among customers and puts on a little show. First, we light Cruzan 151 to caramelize the sugar rim. While it’s still on fi re we throw in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating fi reworks. Then add Kahlua, Baileys and DeKuyper butter shots. It is topped with coffee, whipped cream, caramel and dash of salt.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill SanTan Village, 2212 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480.899.0199, thirstyliongastropub.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

67

KEEPING IT FRESH San Holo bridges indie past with EDM on debut album Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

I

n the days when electronic artists are producing singles, San Holo recently released his debut fulllength project, album1.

The Dutch DJ’s catalog includes singles and EPs, but this time he felt a 12-song collection was necessary.

“I felt like I wanted to tell a longer story with this thing,” says the musician born Sander van Dijck.

“You can tell a small part of a story with a single, maybe an EP, three or four tracks, but to tell a real long story in depth, I need more tracks. That’s what album1 came to be.”

Calling the album an emotional trip, van Dijck intends for the project to usher him into a new era of sound and production. He expanded his use of live instrumentation in recent works.

“I used to write on guitar already, but then I would translate it into a synthesizer or, like, an electronic sound,” he explains. “A couple of years ago, I got bored with playing guitar a little bit and I started producing electronic music, which is when the San Holo thing started, which was very electronic, very beat driven. Over time I started listening to guitar again, and that’s why you hear a lot of guitars on this album.”

He views it as a bridge between the indie and EDM worlds.

“I think the direction I go in really depends on whether I’m inspired by something or not,” says van Dijck, who studied guitar at Codarts School for the Arts in Rotterdam and had played in bands prior to his San Holo days.

“I felt like everyone’s trying to sound like John Mayer or like Stevie Ray Vaughan,” he adds. “Everyone was going for the same thing. They were all trying to be really good, technical solo players. And I just didn’t feel like I could do anything that was different in that

scene, so I started exploring beats and production and I found a really nice place in that realm to do my own thing because that’s what I like the most. I like doing my own thing.”

Not one to stick to trends, he moved on from his “melodic trap” sound as it became more popular. Crafting an instantly recognizable and original sound is important to the Zoetermeer native, who says there’s a bittersweet quality running through his works.

Calling album1 only the start of his new vision, van Dijck, who co-founded the record label bitbird in 2014, wants to push boundaries. And if the sounds he’s working with catch on in the industry, well, he’ll just switch it up again. But no matter how much his style evolves, it must remain uniquely him, he says.

“I didn’t feel like I was in my own lane anymore,” he explains of evolving his sound. “So I started finding ways to make it new, innovate again, like putting guitars in drops and figuring out a way to combine these two worlds, creating something new that I had not heard before. That’s what drives me the most in music, doing something that pushes things forward, I guess.”

The project came together in about half a year while staying in a Los Angeles Airbnb. Avoiding traditional promotion and release schedules, he wanted the record to represent where he’s at in life. To achieve that goal, he had to be spontaneous.

“I was like, I want this album to be something very recent and close to my heart. I wanted this album to be released as soon as I was done. I wanted it to be me, because we all change over time,” he says, adding, “It paints a very recent picture of who I am right now and what I’ve gone through this last year.”

Through his upward musical trajectory and even an increased budget, van Dijck notes it becomes easier to grow in the live setting, too. Incorporation of guitar isn’t

just confined to the studio, and he isn’t just a DJ. “I’m definitely excited to be playing guitar live, which I’m going to be doing this tour,” he says. “I will be playing a lot of guitar. I’ll be doing a lot of singing and combining that with EDM kind of DJing and beat manipulation. I just want it to be something that is a bridge between those two worlds.”

Set to close out 2018 with a bang at the two-day Decadence at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center alongside other performers such as Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Marshmello and Rezz, van Dijck notes he has plenty of touring left after he performs Sunday, December 30, at Decadence. Though he’s always at work on new music, he wants to let album1 breathe, and he’s grateful for its reception.

“I don’t want to sound cheesy, but I’ve been pretty overwhelmed with

the response, especially the messages people send me after listening to the album. People seem to have really strong emotional reactions to listening to the album through,” he says.

“It just means a lot that people listen to it and tell me that it means a lot to them.

I’ve heard many stories about all kinds of situations people are in and that my music supports them in whatever way and that’s just one of the most beautiful things to me.”

Decadence Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, info@relentlessbeats.com, decadencearizona.com, 5 p.m.

Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31, $109$769. Check the website for complete lineup and schedule.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

THE NIGHTOWL

65

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR DECEMBER Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

was released this year. At the upcoming performance at Gentle Ben’s in Tucson, Subdocta will offer support. This show is 18 and older.

Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, 520.624.4177, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Another performer passing through Arizona on the heels of a new project, Ookay released Wow! Cool Album! earlier this year. But if you feel like ending your night exclaiming, “Wow! Cool Show!” don’t miss out on tickets to this one.

Bonnie X Clyde and DNMO are set to open. This show is 18 and older.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $20-$40.

Barely Alive

Breathe Carolina Malaa

DECEMBER 7 Mysterious balaclava-adorned DJ/producer Malaa’s most recent project, Illegal Mixtape 2, was released in November, and this tour is equally “illegal.” Illegal Tour 2018 stops at The Pressroom in early December, so don’t let yourself miss out on tunes like “Notorious” and “Diamonds,” or whatever dark house jams Malaa has in store. This show is 18 and older.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $35-$45.

DECEMBER 14 Over a decade into its career, this Coloradan duo – David Schmitt and Tommy Cooperman – is returning to Māyā Day and Nightclub. The duo, who has had a few lineup changes since its inception, has remained a fixture at the Scottsdale nightclub. The latest comes to the Valley on December 14. This show is 21 and older.

Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., $10.

DECEMBER 22 Hot off the release of this year’s Odyssey LP, which features 14 tracks and a variety of collaborators including Nah Mean, Iamsu! and Great Good Fine OK, Massachusetts duo Barely Alive is set to deliver a show at Tempe’s Aura. Generally cited for its combination of dubstep, trap and drum ‘n’ bass, this duo is sure to bring the bass to this Mill Avenue nightclub just a few days before Christmas.

This show is 18 and older.

Aura, 411 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.

Dirt Monkey

DECEMBER 8 Patrick Megeath, perhaps better known under the moniker Dirt Monkey, would tell you he’s genreless. In fact, that’s how the Coloradan DJ/producer’s biography classifies him, in turn assigning his tunes a variety of adjectives: uplifting, bouncy and unique.

Aiming to meld IDM with dubstep, Megeath has garnered the attention of audiences and his contemporaries alike. His album Rise of the Octopeel

Decadence Ookay

DECEMBER 14 Don’t let the spelling get in the way; it’s just pronounced “OK.” Got it? OK. Born Abraham Laguna, Ookay is set to bring his dubstep/trap fusion to The Van Buren stage this December.

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 Billed as “Arizona’s Biggest New Year’s Eve Experience,” Decadence is returning to Rawhide to usher in the New Year. Over the course of two days, a variety of EDM artists and DJs will make the trek to Chandler,

including Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Porter Robinson, San Holo, Rezz, Marshmello, Ghastly (pictured), NGHTMRE and even Shaquille O’Neal, who performs as DJ Diesel.

Single-day passes range from $109 to $399, depending on the chosen day and whether ticket holders purchase general admission, VIP or platinum VIP. For the full experience, passes range from $219 to $769.

Tables are also available. Each day starts at 5 p.m. and concludes at 3 a.m. This event is 18 and older.

Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, decadencearizona. com, 5 p.m., $109-$769.

Borgeous

DECEMBER 31 Florida DJ/producer John Borger is Borgeous. Returning to the Valley this New Year’s Eve, Borger is still fresh off the release of his latest project, the Dear Me, EP. Get ready to dance your way into 2019 with Borger’s brand of danceable tunes and house jams. This show is 21 and older.

Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., $20.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

66

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

MAD

MIXOLOGIST

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

B

artending fell in Jacqueline Grasse’s lap two years ago, but it’s since become an obsession.

The Bullhead City native who lives in Gilbert started at Thirsty Lion as a host. As soon as she turned 19, she asked to move to serving. A few short months later, Grasse became a bartender.

“I still have so much to learn,” the 21-year-old admits. “I am always looking for new information and I love making new cocktails.”

She sat down with The Entertainer!

Magazine to talk about the cocktail program at Thirsty Lion at SanTan Village in Gilbert.

Templeton Maple Old Fashioned

2 oz. Templeton bourbon 1/2 oz. orange juice 1/2 oz. pure maple syrup 4 dashes of angostura bitters splash of soda water 1/2 orange wheel 1 lemon wedge Place orange wheel in a mixing glass.

Squeeze lemon wedge over orange wheel.

Smash orange wheel and lemon juice – just enough to start to break apart orange wheel.

Add bourbon, maple syrup, orange juice and bitters.

Add ice.

Stir for about 15 seconds and splash of soda water.

Strain into a 12 oz. old fashion glass over large ice cube.

Garnish with orange twist curl

Tell us about the oddest drink request you’ve received.

It’s hard to say. One time I had this lady who insisted on me making her random drinks she found online and then ended up not liking them. I think that if you don’t know what you like, always try something off the menu!

I think presentation is everything to a guest because when I go into a bar I notice the little things.

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working?

Messy bartenders! I love working in a clean environment and my coworkers know that. The first thing I do when I come onto a shift is tidy my workspace.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

I normally like to switch it up, but it mostly consists of craft beer or red wine and once in a while I will order a fruity cocktail. Other than that, I’m predictable.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Salted Caramel Moroccan Coffee

Sugar rim Dash of cinnamon Dash of nutmeg 1/4 oz. Cruzan 151 Rum 1/4 oz. Kahlua liqueur 1/2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream 1/2 oz. DeKuyper buttershots 5 oz. hot brewed coffee Pour 151 rum into the mug and light on fire. Add the nutmeg and cinnamon while caramelizing sugar rim. Blow out flame after 10 to 15 seconds.

Add remaining ingredients, coffee last. Stir to combine.

Top with whipped cream, caramel sauce and sprinkle kosher salt on top.

What does ordering a vodka tonic say about a person?

Usually they’re not very picky people (when it comes to alcohol), they’re the types of people who just go with the flow.

Tell us about the cocktail program at Thirsty Lion.

I think we have some of the best cocktails around. One thing I love about Thirsty Lion is that all our ingredients are made in house – meaning they’re always fresh. We press our own juices,

make our mixes – even the fruit purees – and cut our own fruit and garnishes.

Our menu was carefully created to serve a vast crowd.

What are the two cocktails you would love for us to feature in the magazine this month?

The fi rst cocktail I would love for you to feature is the Templeton maple old fashioned. Th is cocktail is one of my fall favorites. It has Templeton rye, a splash of orange juice, maple syrup, angostura bitters and a hint of lemon. I love this version of the old fashioned because it is fl avorful and a smooth drink. The next cocktail is perfect for an after-dinner drink.

The salted caramel Moroccan coffee is a favorite among customers and puts on a little show. First, we light Cruzan 151 to caramelize the sugar rim. While it’s still on fi re we throw in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating fi reworks. Then add Kahlua, Baileys and DeKuyper butter shots. It is topped with coffee, whipped cream, caramel and dash of salt.

Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill SanTan Village, 2212 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480.899.0199, thirstyliongastropub.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

67

KEEPING IT FRESH San Holo bridges indie past with EDM on debut album Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

I

n the days when electronic artists are producing singles, San Holo recently released his debut fulllength project, album1.

The Dutch DJ’s catalog includes singles and EPs, but this time he felt a 12-song collection was necessary.

“I felt like I wanted to tell a longer story with this thing,” says the musician born Sander van Dijck.

“You can tell a small part of a story with a single, maybe an EP, three or four tracks, but to tell a real long story in depth, I need more tracks. That’s what album1 came to be.”

Calling the album an emotional trip, van Dijck intends for the project to usher him into a new era of sound and production. He expanded his use of live instrumentation in recent works.

“I used to write on guitar already, but then I would translate it into a synthesizer or, like, an electronic sound,” he explains. “A couple of years ago, I got bored with playing guitar a little bit and I started producing electronic music, which is when the San Holo thing started, which was very electronic, very beat driven. Over time I started listening to guitar again, and that’s why you hear a lot of guitars on this album.”

He views it as a bridge between the indie and EDM worlds.

“I think the direction I go in really depends on whether I’m inspired by something or not,” says van Dijck, who studied guitar at Codarts School for the Arts in Rotterdam and had played in bands prior to his San Holo days.

“I felt like everyone’s trying to sound like John Mayer or like Stevie Ray Vaughan,” he adds. “Everyone was going for the same thing. They were all trying to be really good, technical solo players. And I just didn’t feel like I could do anything that was different in that

scene, so I started exploring beats and production and I found a really nice place in that realm to do my own thing because that’s what I like the most. I like doing my own thing.”

Not one to stick to trends, he moved on from his “melodic trap” sound as it became more popular. Crafting an instantly recognizable and original sound is important to the Zoetermeer native, who says there’s a bittersweet quality running through his works.

Calling album1 only the start of his new vision, van Dijck, who co-founded the record label bitbird in 2014, wants to push boundaries. And if the sounds he’s working with catch on in the industry, well, he’ll just switch it up again. But no matter how much his style evolves, it must remain uniquely him, he says.

“I didn’t feel like I was in my own lane anymore,” he explains of evolving his sound. “So I started finding ways to make it new, innovate again, like putting guitars in drops and figuring out a way to combine these two worlds, creating something new that I had not heard before. That’s what drives me the most in music, doing something that pushes things forward, I guess.”

The project came together in about half a year while staying in a Los Angeles Airbnb. Avoiding traditional promotion and release schedules, he wanted the record to represent where he’s at in life. To achieve that goal, he had to be spontaneous.

“I was like, I want this album to be something very recent and close to my heart. I wanted this album to be released as soon as I was done. I wanted it to be me, because we all change over time,” he says, adding, “It paints a very recent picture of who I am right now and what I’ve gone through this last year.”

Through his upward musical trajectory and even an increased budget, van Dijck notes it becomes easier to grow in the live setting, too. Incorporation of guitar isn’t

just confined to the studio, and he isn’t just a DJ. “I’m definitely excited to be playing guitar live, which I’m going to be doing this tour,” he says. “I will be playing a lot of guitar. I’ll be doing a lot of singing and combining that with EDM kind of DJing and beat manipulation. I just want it to be something that is a bridge between those two worlds.”

Set to close out 2018 with a bang at the two-day Decadence at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center alongside other performers such as Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Marshmello and Rezz, van Dijck notes he has plenty of touring left after he performs Sunday, December 30, at Decadence. Though he’s always at work on new music, he wants to let album1 breathe, and he’s grateful for its reception.

“I don’t want to sound cheesy, but I’ve been pretty overwhelmed with

the response, especially the messages people send me after listening to the album. People seem to have really strong emotional reactions to listening to the album through,” he says.

“It just means a lot that people listen to it and tell me that it means a lot to them.

I’ve heard many stories about all kinds of situations people are in and that my music supports them in whatever way and that’s just one of the most beautiful things to me.”

Decadence Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, info@relentlessbeats.com, decadencearizona.com, 5 p.m.

Sunday, December 30, and Monday, December 31, $109$769. Check the website for complete lineup and schedule.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

68

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

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

The early church considered Christmas trees HEDONISTIC. IN SOUTHWEST GERMAN HOMES, trees were hung during the 17th and 18th centuries among lower classes.

PRINCE ALBERT brought the Christmas tree from his native Germany to the English-speaking world.

Samantha Fuoco » The Entertainer!

Germans don’t call it a Tannenbaum, despite the song. Christmas tree is

WEIHNACHTSBAUM. Christmas trees are big business.

Nearly

30 million

are sold in the United States each year.

A CHRISTMAS TREE NEEDS A MINIMUM OF

1 QUART

OF WATER PER INCH

The first Christmas tree market launched in

OF DIAMETER AT ITS BASE. THEY’RE THIRSTY!

The Outlets at Anthem’s Christmas tree is the tallest in the United States.

This year’s beauty stands 80 feet tall, 22 feet wide and weighs close to 4 tons with decorations.

1851.

GIFTS USED TO GO IN THE TREE,

not under it. $300 Off Move In when you mention Entertainer Magazine!

Offer valid through December 31, 2018.

Restrictions apply, contact property for details.

Proxy333.com ■ (602) 892-3333

Partial funding provided by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.

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