The Entertainer! Magazine - December 2021

PHX METRO » DECEMBER 2021

Inside

SOUL STIRRING

Theater troupe showcases ‘Black Nativity’

‘REALLY SPECIAL’ Musical ‘treasures’ fill the MIM’s gallery

STEVE PERRY

We are so &M C I S U M GRATEFUL to celebrate with you!

ES EMORI

HOW

ER S DINN

Celebrate the holidays with dinner and a show!

NOVEMBER 2021

OUR SHOWS

DECEMBER 2021

31

Variety Show Spectacular Solid Gold Rock n’ Roll Malt Shop Memories A Silver Star Christmas New Year’s Eve Celebration Fleetwood Mac Tribute

CALL 480-288-0300

or VISIT SilverStarTheater.com 5247 E BROWN RD • MESA, AZ 85205

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

CONTENTS ‘REALLY SPECIAL’

3

16

LIVING THE DREAM

Christmas Pudding singers praise Alice Cooper’s work

20

THE ART OF WILDFLOWERS

Dyana Hesson expands to home goods

Musical ‘treasures’ fill the MIM’s gallery

10 ON THE COVER

on the cover: Musical Instrument Museum Executive Director April Salomon Cover photo by Dennis Murphy

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

Vice President

Michael Hiatt mhiatt@timespublications.com

Executive Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

Assistant Editor

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Connor Dziawura

cdziawura@timespublications.com

designer

Shannon Mead

production manager

‘SO MUCH HISTORY’

Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

Chef Chris Knouse makes Litchfield’s special

writers

Allison Brown, Tyler Budge, Sarah Haber, Jordan Houston, Alan Sculley, Annika Tomlin

CONTENTS

UPFRONT

Top 25 • “Treasures” • Dillon Francis • New Year’s Eve Roundup • Holiday Dining

CITY

14

Christmas at the Princess • Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding • Tortilla Flat • Puzzle Rides

ARTS

20

Dyana Hesson • “Black Nativity”

DINING

Photographers

6

22

Jimmy Fontaine, David Minton, Will Morrissey, Joe Navas, Myriam Santos, Paris Visone

27

GIT-R-DONE

Larry the Cable Guy has returned to the stage

Holiday Gift Card Deals • Don Pablo Coffee • Litchfield’s at The Wigwam • Dining Calendar

CASINOS

27

Larry the Cable Guy

SPORTS

28

Jerry Colangelo Classic

FAMILY

30

Spirit of Arizona Christmas Lights Tour • WishTrip

MUSIC Live Music Calendar • Holiday Albums • Allman Betts Band • Bayou Bandits • Maddie Poppe

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS

ONE COPY PER READER

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DEC 31

JAN 16

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Mostly Kosher | JAN 29

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Man of the Century

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The Baylor Project JAN 22

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480-782-2680

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TOP25

UPFRONT

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE “Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”

By Connor Dziawura

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas”

THROUGH JANUARY 2 In December 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley all wound up together in a mysterious studio session as one star-studded ensemble. And at the Phoenix Theatre Company through early January, the famed quartet gets together again the very next day to celebrate the holidays with plenty of classics.

Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, various dates and times, see website for prices

CitySkate

THROUGH JANUARY 5 Put on your skates and hit the ice, as CitySkate is back — and the experience has been revamped.

Nevertheless, the new design and size won’t affect the festive feel. We may live in Arizona, but this annual tradition keeps the winter spirit alive with ice skating. Hours may vary on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. General admission is $18 and includes skate rental and 90 minutes of skate time during designated sessions, but other price tiers and discounts — including for children — are available.

Patriots Park, 11 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.781.6036, cityskatephx.com, various dates and times, prices vary

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical”

DECEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 12 What do you get when you combine a classic book and a popular Valley theater? “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Musical”!

Presented by East Valley Children’s Theatre and based on the book by Barbara Robinson, this musical comedy — written by Jahnna Beecham with music and lyrics by Malcolm Hillgartner — tells the story of a couple struggling to put on a

church Christmas pageant when casting the awful Herdman kids.

Mesa Arts Center’s Nesbitt Elliott Playhouse, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter. com, 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $15

Crafteria!

DECEMBER 4 TO DECEMBER 18 Local boutique Frances’ craft series is back, with several chances remaining to stop by the courtyard to peruse the variety of local vendors selling goods. The event is held Saturdays through December 18, with pop-ups — think vendors like Iconic Cocktail Co., Naked Rebellion, Desert Dust Jewelry and Voyager Bakeshop — lining the parking lot to cover all grounds: crafts, clothes, art, food and more.

Frances, 10 W. Camelback Road, Suite A, Phoenix, 602.279.5467, shopfrancesboutique.com, noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays, free admission

Holiday Toy Drive

DECEMBER 4 Disney on Ice is coming to the Valley this January, but before that, the Scottsdale Fire Department is putting on this holiday toy drive for a variety of community charities.

What do the two have to do with each other? Well, the first 1,000 people to donate a new, unwrapped toy will get a complimentary ticket to “Disney on Ice presents Dream Big” redeemable for select showtimes between January 13 and January 16. One voucher per person/per donation.

Scottsdale Fashion Square South Parking Lot, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 1.800.844.3545, disneyonice. com, 10 a.m. to noon

Lost Our Home Pet Rescue’s 12th Annual Holiday Champagne Brunch & Auction DECEMBER 5 Sit. Stay. Brunch! Presented by

the Fred & Jami Pryor Foundation, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue’s annual holiday celebration raises funds for services and programs that help pets and their parents in need. Throw in a dog fashion show and silent auction and it’s a wrap.

98KUPD Morning Sickness host John Holmberg will emcee, while Letitia Frye will host the live auction.

Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, 7700 E McCormick Parkway, Scottsdale, 602.445.7387, lostourhome.org, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $125-$1,250

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

DECEMBER 5 An inarguable holiday tradition, TSO is back. And this time, the winter tour coincides with the 25th anniversary of the band’s album “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” Spruce up your holiday listening with these progressive rock takes on the season.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, footprintcenter.com, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $44.75-$84.75

“Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!”

DECEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 19 You’ve probably heard the popular refrain, “Jingle bells, Batman smells!”

And in this youth production, popular children’s book character Junie B. Jones is joining in. In the performances, first grader Jones’ excitement for her school’s Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange is foiled by tattletale May. But when she draws her nemesis’ name in the Secret Santa, she concocts a plan for revenge. Find out if Jones finds the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill before acting out.

The production will also feature a

fundraiser for teachers, with a Teacher Giving Tree in the lobby and available virtually. Additional performances at 2 p.m. Saturdays may be added.

Fountain Hills Youth Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $18

“Holiday Shmoliday Puppet Slam”

DECEMBER 10 AND DECEMBER 11 Be aware, this one is for adults.

Described by the Great Arizona Puppet Theater as quirky, strange and funny, this twonight show features short-form puppet pieces performed by the theater’s puppeteers as well as guest puppet slammers.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets. org, 8 p.m. each day, $10-$12

“The Night Before Christmas” DECEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 26 This joyful Christmas celebration featuring multiple stories paired with plenty of music and puppets is recommended for ages 3 and older.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets. org, 10 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays (except Christmas Day), 2 p.m. Sundays, $6-$12, or free for infants if accompanied by a paid child

“West Side Story”

OPENS DECEMBER 10 A classic of both stage and the big screen, “West Side Story” is returning to theaters — but in a new interpretation. This time, the famed musical has been adapted by Steven Spielberg. Ansel Elgort and

China Before Communism

2022 PRODUCTION WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

“A fascinating insight into what China’s culture used to be and what I hope one day will be restored to China.”

—Edward McMillan-Scott, former Vice-President of the European Parliament

“There is massive power in this.

It brings great hope...”

—Daniel Herman, former Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic

“It is breathtaking!

I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!”

—Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist

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

—Donna Karan, creator of DKNY

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

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

Join us for a night filled with courage and wisdom, light and hope...

Experience Shen Yun!

FEB 26–27

MAR 2–6

MAR 10–13

Tucson Music Hall

Orpheum Theatre

Mesa Arts Center

TUCSON

PHOENIX

MESA

Tickets ShenYun.com/AZ

800-880-0188

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

N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m., $46-$76

“Spider-Man: No Way Home”

Phoestivus

Rita Moreno lead the cast in what is a story about “fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City.”

Rated PG-13 for some strong violence, strong language, thematic content, suggestive material and brief smoking.

In theaters

ALT-AZ’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

DECEMBER 11 This year, Weezer headlines ALTAZ’s annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, which also features openers the Regrettes and Phoenix native Upsahl. Enjoy the chilly fall weather from the outdoor Mesa venue, while listening to some great tunes. But don’t forget to bring your most festive — and “ugly” — sweater.

Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480.644.2560, mesaamp.com, 6 p.m., $65-$175

3rd Annual Family Fun Holiday Fair and Marketplace

DECEMBER 12 Enjoy holiday fun when this annual fair and marketplace returns to the Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard.

Live holiday entertainment, games, bounce houses and slides, obstacle courses, face painting, and appearances from Santa Claus and other special guests will keep the kids entertained, while parents can continue their holiday shopping from local vendors at the marketplace.

Round out the day by grabbing lunch from one of the nearby restaurants or stopping in one of the shops.

Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick, 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, azboardwalk.com, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free admission

Phoestivus

DECEMBER 11 AND DECEMBER 12 This arts and culture celebration is going nine years strong. With more than 150 art vendors and cultural organizations, live music, art demonstrations, circus performances, dance ensembles, spoken word poets, interactive arts activities, food, beverages and more, there’s plenty to occupy two days at Hance Park for adults and kids alike.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.254.3100, phoenixfestivalofthearts. org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, free admission

DECEMBER 15 AND DECEMBER 16 Looking for Christmas shopping ideas? Look to the annual Phoestivus holiday market with more than 150 local artisans, makers and producers selling everything from art, decorations and jewelry to toys, food and more. Browse the variety of pop-up vendors, and grab a snack or drink from one of the many food purveyors sure to be onsite. It also doubles as a fundraiser for the nonprofit Community Food Connections, so donations will be accepted. And it’s even pet friendly!

Downtown PHX Farmers Market, 721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, phoestivus.com, 5 to 10 p.m. each day, free admission

Stan Williams Book Signing

Men at Work

Phoenix Festival of the Arts

DECEMBER 11 Stan Williams, author of the historical novel “The Blanket,” will sign copies and visit with readers this Saturday afternoon.

The centuries-spanning novel covers more than 300 years of a Swedish blanket as it is passed to England and then the New World, finding various homes during famed moments in history.

Bookmaze, 1300 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.967.7995, bookmaze.com, noon to 3 p.m., free admission ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 17 Since forming more than 40 years ago, Men at Work went on to reach the charts across the world with hits such as “Down Under,” “Who Can It Be Now?” and “It’s a Mistake”; sell millions of records; and even win a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. And in recent years, founding member Colin Hay has been keeping the Men at Work legacy alive, touring with his band to perform the classics fans have come to know and love from the popular ’80s act. That touring brings Hay and Co. to the Chandler arts center this winter.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250

OPENS DECEMBER 17 After Spider-Man is unmasked, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) seeks out Doctor Strange’s (Benedict Cumberbatch) help to undo the damage. But when the spell goes wrong and a multiverse is opened, villains from alternate timelines are unleashed into Parker’s world.

Directed by Jon Watts, the film also features Zendaya, Jacob Batalon and Jon Favreau, with Marisa Tomei. Rated PG-13 for sequences of action/violence, some language and brief suggestive comments.

Only in theaters

“Generation Paper: Fast Fashion of the 1960s”

OPENS DECEMBER 18 When thinking of fashion, paper likely isn’t the first material that would come to mind. But at the Phoenix Art Museum, the “Generation Paper” exhibit, located in the Ellman Fashion Design Gallery and Harnett Gallery through July 22, will explore the 1960s phenomenon of “paper fashion.” More than 80 rare garments and accessories — including dresses, bikinis, skirts, hats, jumpsuits, rompers, beach cover-ups and more made from paper, plastic, laminate and other disposable materials — will be showcased.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org/ exhibition/generation-paper, see website for museum hours, included with museum admission

“The Matrix Resurrections”

OPENS DECEMBER 22 Eighteen years after fans last saw Neo in action, Keanu Reeves reprises his role for the fourth film in the ongoing sci-fi/action franchise. Director Lana Wachowski returns, while the film also sees the return of actors Carrie-Anne Moss and Jada Pinkett Smith, along with newcomers like Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Christina Ricci, among others. Rated R for violence and some language.

In theaters and streaming on HBO Max

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Indianapolis Colts

DECEMBER 25 Celebrate Christmas evening with a little bit of football, as the Cards and Colts will face off at this home game. It’s also set to be broadcast on the NFL Network and 98.7 FM.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals. com, 6:15 p.m., $44-$421

Phoenix Suns vs.

Golden State Warriors

DECEMBER 25 The Cardinals aren’t the only team spending Christmas on the field. The Suns will take to the home court for a battle against the Warriors midafternoon. Snag some tickets to see them in the arena, or tune in to ABC to watch the teams from home.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, footprintcenter. com, 3 p.m., $109-$2,750

Snow Much Fun Event

DECEMBER 27 TO DECEMBER 30 Those of us in Arizona know it doesn’t really snow down here in the Phoenix area, but at this event in the Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard, it will! A perfect few hours to spend in the window between Christmas and the New Year, there will be inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses, slides and live music. Kids will have “snow much fun.”

Arizona Boardwalk at Talking Stick, 9500 East Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, azboardwalk. com, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, free admission

Injury Reserve

DECEMBER 29 After the untimely death of founding member Stepa J. Groggs in 2020, Injury Reserve’s Ritchie with a T and Parker Cory trudged on. They released their sophomore album, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” this year to much acclaim.

Now, the duo is embarking on a tour to support the experimental, mind-bending project. This show is for ages 13 and older.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 8 p.m., $22-$25

Decadence Arizona

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 Billed as “Arizona’s largest New Year’s Eve celebration,” Decadence Arizona is back — and with an expectedly stacked lineup of EDM artists. Rave into the New Year with artists like Alison Wonderland, Destructo, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Excision, Kaskade, Marshmello, Seven Lions and so many others.

Single-day and two-day tickets are available. Find the full lineup online.

Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 323.908.0607, decadencearizona.com, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. each day, $89-$549

Come see Rawhide Western Town decorated with Holiday Lights, Décor, Music, & even Snow Machines!

FREE ADMISSION, & FREE PARKING! For more information, visit:

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

‘REALLY SPECIAL’

Musical ‘treasures’ fill the MIM’s gallery

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

T

he Musical Instrument Museum is filled with impressive instruments from around the world.

But for the next year, the North Phoenix destination is showcasing its and the world’s most notable musical moments in “Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments.”

“It is a really cool opportunity for us to put some of our most recent acquisitions into a gallery space and really help explain the various levels and dimensions of importance that they represent,” says Rich Walter, MIM’s curator for the United States, Canada and Europe.

“We also have a number of really spectacular loans from partners who have all contributed to this. They know MIM is so focused on music and the music industry, of course. Some of these lending institutions — other art museums and private collectors — were excited to lend some really special items to this project as well.”

Partner institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Penn ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Museum in Philadelphia, and Museu de la Música de Barcelona share loans.

The exhibition features one of the earliest surviving violins by Italian luthier Andrea Amati, a ceramic drum from China’s Neolithic period, and lyre fragments from the cradle of civilization in ancient Mesopotamia.

The Collection of Experience Hendrix LLC loaned a Black Widow guitar, one of only three left-handed examples. Jimi Hendrix played it in late October 1968, when he was at the height of his fame.

“We want people to really think of MIM as a resource,” he says. “These pieces do not exist in a lot of other places, especially these historic objects.

They’re different, simply different.

They’re really special examples.

“They’re all special (the instruments on display), but often they are contextualized as part of separate nations or genres. Bringing them to the forefront in this ‘Treasures’ exhibition helps us show the singular qualities that make each instrument stand out on a global stage.”

The pieces, Walter says, were chosen for the exhibition for their own reasons.

Co-curated by MIM’s full curatorial team, it wraps everyone’s interests and expertise into a tight package.

“The physical centerpiece is an Erard grand piano made especially for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, and it’s a total stunner,” he says. “It has gilded bronze mounts and incredible woodwork. It’s an amazing grand piano. It’s one of the greatest grand pianos that the company has ever made. That’s really special.”

MIM Executive Director April Salomon is just as fond of the piano.

“One of the major highlights in the show — which is getting the most attention because it’s a showstopper — is the grand piano in the middle of the gallery that is ornately gilded and gorgeous,” she says. “It’s really intricately crafted.

“It’s a piece that captivates your imagination. You can’t help but be just awestruck by its beauty. One of our volunteers played the piano for the accompanying video so guests can hear how it sounds, which is absolutely beautiful. It’s really significant in its own right.”

Salomon calls the exhibition different

than anything the museum has done. “‘Treasures’ was meant to celebrate MIM’s 10th anniversary in 2020, but we lost the opportunity due to COVID-19.”

“Because of the many acquisitions and relationships we had been developing previously, we knew this would culminate into something really special,” she says.

“I don’t think it could have been any better. Guests walk in and see these incredible instruments on display. They read their stories. They understand this is 6,000 years of music history. This is human ingenuity at its very best. It’s the story of our musical and cultural heritage told in a way you don’t get to see every day and you certainly don’t get to hear.”

“Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments” WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $20, with discounts for teens and children for the museum only; $10 additional for "Treasures" INFO: 480.478.6000, mim.org

‘HAPPY MACHINE’ THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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DJ Dillon Francis celebrates bubbly 3rd album

By Jordan Houston

P

latinum-selling artist, producer, songwriter and DJ Dillon Francis has made waves since dropping out of Santa Monica College — including with the recent release of his jovial happyhouse third studio album.

In celebration of his 34th birthday, the Los Angeles-based musician recently launched “Happy Machine,” an infectious and bubbly house album boasting a grip of new material. The eight-track piece features previously released songs “Unconditional,” with 220 KID and Bryn Christopher; “Love Me Better,” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart with Shift K3Y and Marc E. Bassy; and “Reaching Out,” featuring Bow Anderson.

“Happy Machine” seeks to celebrate life, family and friends, while signifying the joyous journey in returning to a postpandemic era, Francis shares.

“I feel like the reason I named it is so self-explanatory,” Francis says. “I feel like you would have an inkling that it must be a very happy album to listen to — so, be prepared for hooking yourself up with a serotonin IV drip while listening to this.”

The Mad Decent-released album, which exudes optimism and bright beats, is also the 34-year-old’s most collaborative work of art. It highlights contributions from globally recognized songwriters who have worked with the likes of Selena Gomez and Shawn Mendes, including Jenna Andrews, MNEK, Teddy Geiger and Sarah Aarons.

Despite its title, Francis says he was the opposite of “happy” when he created the album during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I was really going through it. I had been Pelotoning a lot, and my favorite instructors happened to all be from the U.K.,” he explains, noting his favorite instructor frequently played “euphoric” piano house music.

“I started listening to a lot more music in that genre and it was making me so happy, especially for what we were all going through,” he continues. “Through that, I kept diving into piano house and said, ‘You know what, this is what I want to make right now.’”

Since 2011, Francis has built a reputation for himself a champion of the moombahton electronic genre,

as well as embracing trap and dancepop. With numerous chart-hitting records and Grammy nominations under his belt, Francis’ resume includes the No. 1 Dance Radio Airplay hit “Anywhere” (feat. Will Heard); “Candy” (feat. Snappy Jit); No. 1 Billboard Dance Club Songs chart topper “Coming Over” with Kygo (feat. James Hersey); and the RIAA platinum certified “Get Low” with DJ Snake, which surpassed 500 million worldwide streams.

In 2012, Francis made history as “the first moombahton artist to achieve the No. 1 spot on Beatport” on the “Something, Something Awesome.”

EP, according to Insomniac. His 2014 major label debut “Money Sucks, Friends Rule” graced Rolling Stone’s Top Electronic Albums of 2014 list, while its 2015 follow-up EP “This Mixtape Is Fire” bowed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums Chart. In 2018, Francis earned back-to-back Latin American Music Award and Latin Grammy nominations for the song “Sexo,” featuring Residente and iLe. But the path to success wasn’t always a straight arrow for the exuberant entertainer, he shares.

Born in 1987, Francis grew up LA as the son of an alternative medicine doctor. However, he was a fan of a mix of punk and electronic music by the time he reached high school. Francis later briefly attended Santa Monica College, in which he also started experimenting with music production.

It wasn’t long before he took the plunge to drop out of college to pursue his dreams of making music full time. Francis recently announced his upcoming Sugar, Spice and Everything Ice U.S. tour with co-headliner Yung Gravy for 2022, featuring stops in New York; Washington, D.C.; Austin; Nashville and other locations nationwide.

The platinum-selling artist says he is looking forward to performing for live audiences again, emphasizing the value of interacting with fans.

“It’s really awesome to finally see people ingesting the song,” he shares, recalling a recent performance of “Real Love” in Tampa. “It was already so cool to see people singing it in the crowd.

That is such a satisfying feeling, because I’ve played them without anybody listening to the songs — I can see the reaction now.”

Decadence WHO: Alan Walker; Alesso; Alison Wonderland; Bijou; Chris Lake; Destructo; Diesel, aka Shaquille O’Neal; Dillon Francis; DJ Snake; Excision; Fisher; Gem & Tauri; Gordo; Kaskade; Lost Kings; Madeon (DJ set); Martin Ikin; Nora En Pure; Purple Disco Machine; Seven Lions and Sonny Fodera WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, December 30, and Friday, December 31 WHERE: Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler COST: Two-day general admission passes are $159; VIP passes are tiered INFO: decadencearizona.com

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

LOOKING FORWARD

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

Music fills the air in the Valley on New Year’s Eve

Straight No Chaser

By Sarah Haber

S

traight No Chaser singer Jasper Smith predicts the group’s a cappella New Year’s Eve performance at the Mesa Arts Center will be extraordinary.

“This is the last show in our tour, so we are going to pull out all of the stops,” Smith says.

Founded at Indiana University, Straight No Chaser has spent the year on its “Back in the High Life Tour,” pushing the deluxe edition of the album “Social Christmasing,” which features “Celebrate Me Home” with Kenny Loggins and “Christmas Show.”

The newest member of Straight No Chaser, Smith describes the shows as “having a little bit of something for everyone. There are all kinds of genres, from ’40s/’50s all the way to Dua Lipa.”

The performances are just as special for Straight No Chaser as they are for fans.

In mid-November, a Texas audience member shouted, “I missed you!” “(The concerts) speak to the connection we have with the fans,” he says.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 8 p.m., tickets start at $90, mesaartscenter.com Straight No Chaser is among several entertainers ushering in the New Year around the Valley. Here are other ways to celebrate the end of 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.

Linger Longer Lounge Uptown Phoenix’s Linger Longer Lounge is offering a block party-style evening with two performance areas featuring Meet the Sun, Citrus Clouds and Bee Bohannon. DJs include Layton, Jules Quimby and Jake Stellarwell. The evening will end with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.

6522 N. 16th Street, Suite 6, Phoenix, 8 p.m., $24 before December 14, $35 between December 15 and December 31, lingerlongerlounge.com Leslie Odom Jr.

Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Special with Leslie Odom Jr. Tony and Grammy Award winner Leslie Odom Jr. lends his pipes to the Phoenix Symphony. Best known for his role as Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” he will blend classics, pops and surprises to keep attendees glued to their seats.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $44, phoenixsymphony.org Sublime with Rome Reggae rockers Sublime with Rome hit the Marquee stage for two nights, including December 31, to ring in 2022.

Special guests include Phoenix’s Katastro and The Irie on December 30, and Katastro and Spray Allen on December 31.

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 8:30 p.m., tickets start at $50, luckymanonline.com Decadence Arizona Relentless Beats and Global Dance present Decadence Arizona, also for two nights, December 30 and December 31. The epic lineup is Alesso, Alison Wonderland, Bijou, Chris Lake, DJ Snake, Gem & Tauri, Kaskade, Madeon (DJ set), Martin Ikin, Nora En Pure, Purple Disco Machine and Seven Lions on December 30 and Alan Walker, Destructo, Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal), Dillon Francis, Excision, Fisher, Gordo, Lost Kings, Loud Luxury, Marshmello, Sonny Fodera and TV Boo on NYE. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 5 p.m., tickets start at $200, relentlessbeats.com

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“My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & The Therapy Continues” Comedian Peter Fogel brings his one-man show to the Herberger Theater Center from December 29 to January 30, including New Year’s Eve. On stage, Fogel shares crazy holiday memories while bringing to life a multitude of hilariously eccentric characters.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 8 p.m., tickets start at $69.50, herbergertheater.org Luckys Indoor Outdoor

READY TO CELEBRATE THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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Here’s a sampler platter of New Year’s Eve specials

By Annika Tomlin

H

ere’s to new beginnings.

Restaurants across the Valley are offering specials and events for New Year’s Eve. Here is a sampling of places that might tickle your fancy.

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails Ring in the New Year with Dungeness crab bisque served with smoked trout roe crostini and cultured butter; baby arugula with grapefruit, beet, whipped goat cheese and mesquite honey; organic chicken roulade served with foie gras and mushroom bread pudding and charred broccolini; roasted prime beef loin with crispy beef belly, tallow whipped potato, asparagus and cabernet; and trio of flourless cake, strawberry gelato and champagne cheesecake.

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, seatings at 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m., 602.253.6661, bluehoundkitchen.com, $100 to $125 per person, reservations required Gatsby’s House This party is for the movers and shakers only. Celebrate the new year with Phoenix DJs, an appetizer buffet, festive party favors and a ballroom countdown experience. Movers tickets include two prepaid alcoholic beverages, appetizers like vegetable spring rolls, beef and manchego empanada and

cilantro lime-glazed chicken brochette, along with access to the main ballroom.

Shakers (VIP) tickets come with three prepaid premium alcoholic beverages and upgraded appetizers, along with access to the VIP Lounge with a private DJ, a private bar and early access to the venue.

Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, 100 N. First Street, Phoenix, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $75-$225, 21 and older Labyrinth Masquerade Ball Have you ever wanted to go to the masquerade ball that happens in the 1986 movie “Labyrinth”? Well, now is your chance. Dance and dream among costumed nobles and magical creatures during this immersive evening.

Expect fire breathers, stilt walkers, food trucks, glittering decorations, bubbles and DJs playing a slew of ’80s classics.

Costumes or masks with formal wear are encouraged.

Thunderbird Lounge, 710 W. Montecito Avenue, Phoenix, 7 p.m., bit.ly/3qVKxoX, 21 and older Luckys 2022 New Year’s Eve Bash Start off 2022 with good tunes, booze and bubbles at Luckys Indoor Outdoors.

Each table comes with a bottle of champagne and a liter of Miller High Life and entertainment comes by way of DJs. Luckys Indoor Outdoor, 817 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., luckysphx.com, $10

Blue Hound Kitchen

New Year’s Eve Tipsy Tea Party Celebrate the New Year early with a daytime celebration. Drink Me! Tea Room will serve an array of sweets and savory treats that perfectly pair with the two cocktails served. All drinks and bites are plant-based and gluten-free offerings.

Drink Me! Tea Room, 1730 E. Warner Road, Suite 5, Tempe, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., drinkmetearoom.com, $45, reservations required Phoenix City Grille Before ringing in 2022, Phoenix City Grille invites guests to say goodbye to 2021 with dining specials. The specials include starter New England clam chowder with ocean clams, Yukon potatoes, smoke bacon, fresh herbs and chive ($7/cup, $13/bowl); entrees including Oscar-style surf and turf featuring coffee-rubbed 5-ounce beef tenderloin filet, cognac hollandaise, guajillo prawns, citrus chiltepin vinaigrette, Tillamook pepper jack, Pima grits, lump crab meat and organic asparagus ($49); smoked prime rib featuring a 12-ounce prime beef cut with bleu cheese smashed Yukons, balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts and caramelized onion and bacon jam ($42); and pan-seared Chula Seafood seabass with sunchoke mash, winter citrus and pomegranate relish, local citrus roasted beets and Meyer lemon beurre blanc ($34).

Phoenix City Grille, 5816 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., phoenixcitygrille.com, various pricing

Tarbell’s Tarbell’s to-go packaged meals are ready for NYE dinner, including a choice of one entree including prime chateaubriand marinated in Napa cabernet and fine herbs; duck confit “new style” with a champagne glaze; whole lobster with all the fixings; and herb crusted lamb rack. Seven sides are included in each catered package, like Parmesan purple kale salad with golden raisin and organic hemp seed, spinach gratin with comte cheese, asparagus with shallots and sweet butter, risotto with wild mushrooms and spinach, buttery mashed potatoes, sweet potato galette and housemade cream biscuits. A choice of two desserts is included, and the selections are caramel chocolate mousse, classic cheesecake or champagne glazed fruit tart. All guests must place their togo orders by December 23 to be picked up on December 30.

Tarbell’s 3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, tarbells.com, $150 per person Tomaso’s Toast to the New Year with family and traditional Italian wine and cuisine in this fine dining space. Tomaso’s special New Year’s Eve menu will include handcrafted specialties such as veal cannelloni ($26); filet medallions ($48) with garlic, San Marzano tomatoes, olives, capers and oregano; and Alaskan halibut oreganata and lemon prawns ($46).

Tomaso’s, 3225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., tomasos. com, reservations encouraged ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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CITY

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

‘BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC’ Fairmont Scottsdale’s Christmas at the Princess returns

By Allison Brown

W

ith 6 million Christmas lights, hot cocoa, ice skating rinks, a real-life Polar Express and a sneak peek of Santa in his workshop, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has truly turned the resort into a winter wonderland. All 65 acres of the Princess are decked out, and it feels like the property popped right out of a Hallmark movie.

This year’s theme is “believe in the magic,” and it’s impossible not to feel the warm, magical spirit of Christmas when taking a stroll through Twinkle Town, the Lagoon Lights or the Village at Christmas at the Princess.

“The real magic of Christmas is that we provide a place for the community to gather with their friends and family,” says Jack Miller, regional vice president at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts and general manager at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort.

“And when friends and family gather together, we have a great time. I love this. We hug a little longer, laugh a little harder and love a little more.”

Christmas at the Princess has become a tradition for the North Valley, whether it’s an excursion for the whole family, a fun night out for friends or a romantic date night for couples. The lights turned on, the tree was lit, and Santa even stopped by on November 16, unofficially marking the start of the holiday season.

“This is our 12th annual Christmas at the Princess,” says Teresa Thompson, director of resort experiences at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “Every year we plan to expand and keep adding new experiences for our guests. So, this year is actually a huge year for us. We have so many new experiences that we have added to the event. We are really excited, and this is a very special year for us.”

S’mores have been a tradition at Christmas at the Princess for years, and this year they are taking it a step further by opening S’mores Land. Here, everything is s’mores related — s’mores blankets; s’mores coffee mugs; fire pits for toasting marshmallows; and “Graham,” a huggable walking s’more.

Targeted for kids, Twinkle Town was

a new exhibit added in 2020. Thompson says it was such a hit that they upgraded it this year. It’s home to an interactive character named Twinkles, who is Santa’s brightest bulb. It also has a carousel, an ice slide for kids, and lolly swings.

“We’re really looking forward to Twinkle Town and launching that space this year, all new and improved,” Thompson says.

In keeping with its theme, another new attraction is the Christmas Wish, where guests are provided magic paper to write down their wishes. The paper is lit on fire and magically lifts off into the sky and disappears. In this area, people can also donate to LoveUp, a nonprofit foster care organization in the Valley.

While Santa, treats and rides are fun and exciting, Christmas at the Princess remembers the reason for the season with the nativity set, and Thompson says it was upgraded this year, too.

“We have redone our entire nativity set this year,” Thompson says. “The nativity is an amazing, respected quiet area that plays the story of the nativity with an interactive light feature. This year we have adapted the nativity scene at the Princess with a life-size, natural look.”

Christmas at the Princess is bringing back time-tested favorites. That includes two 6,000-foot ice skating rinks; a 10-foot-tall-by-120-foot-long ice slide and a miniature slide for kids; a 90foot “chairlift” that doubles as a Ferris wheel; lagoon lights featuring swans on the water, a ballerina, penguins on ice and a 30-foot Loch Ness monster; and a custom Christmas tree with 70,000 lights that sync to holiday songs. The resort even uses real ice for the skating rinks and slides.

With so much to see and do, one of the most popular attractions is a train ride that travels around the property, giving guests a chance to take everything in.

“Our No. 1 attraction is definitely the Princess Express,” Thompson says. “We have two trains that take 70 people per train. They take our guests on a tour along the lagoon lights. This year we have over 6 million Christmas lights on the property, and guests just love that ride. It’s really amazing. We have a lot of new light displays and features this year, so we’re really excited for that.”

Of course, there is more than just the lights and rides, as everyone knows that a big part of the magic of Christmas comes from the food. In addition to the s’mores and restaurant dining options, there are also plenty of grab-and-go snacks, treats, specialty cocktails as well as other alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. There are frosted sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, kettle corn, cinnamon apple pie and “Christmas in a cup.”

Christmas at the Princess had a modest start 12 years ago. When Miller started in Scottsdale, he noticed it didn’t have that typical town square area where people could gather for holiday traditions. Miller, now fondly known as “the man who brought Christmas to the Princess,” said the purpose of the event was to bring families together.

“We started with one giant Christmas tree in the plaza, which is still there, and Christmas at the Princess now has a magnificent tree, four stories tall, that has a light show to music for 17 Christmas songs,” Thompson explains.

“So, all of this started with one tree, 12 years ago, and has developed and grown over the years to where it’s so amazing.

We can see all of our communities come out and enjoy the event with their families. We see the same families come back every year. It’s pretty amazing. It’s great to be a part of the community and be a part of their family traditions.”

There are different options for admittance. Guests staying at the hotel receive complimentary admission.

Self-parking and admission is $72 and includes up to four wristbands. If ride sharing or walking in, wristbands are $18. Wristbands can be used for almost all attractions, but there are separate fees for an ice skating pass and photos with Santa. Santa will be available from 4 to 10 p.m. nightly, by reservation only.

Thompson says the event attracts about 300,000 people, so it’s important to make a game plan. She warns it does sell out, so it’s best to make hotel or dining reservations. In addition, she suggests planning enough time to see everything and fully experience the event.

“We’re just super excited for this year,” Thompson says. “There are lots of things going on here for Christmas at the Princess.”

Christmas at the Princess WHEN: Through Sunday, January 2 WHERE: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale COST: $72 for self-parking and admission, check website for other packages INFO: scottsdaleprincess.com/ christmas-at-the-princess

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

LIVING THE DREAM

Christmas Pudding guests praise Alice Cooper’s work

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

D

espite their multiplatinum successes, singers Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray and Collective Soul’s Ed Roland still have pinch-me moments.

Both cite the Alice Cooper’s 19th annual Christmas Pudding fundraiser as just that.

On Saturday, December 4, at the Celebrity Theatre, the two are slated to share a stage with Cooper, Ace Frehley, Tom Morello and Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals. Proceeds from the event benefit the free music, dance, arts and vocational programs for teens ages 12 to 20 at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers.

“As always, Solid Rock is putting together a show with new and classic headliners,” Cooper says. “The uniqueness of this concert is that you’ll never see this caliber and variety of artists on the same stage again. Come

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join our ultimate Christmas party and help support the teens at The Rock Teen Center.”

It also includes performances from the Solid Rock Dancers; The Bucket Brigade; and the winners of this year’s Proof is in the Pudding Musical Talent Search, Cooper’s version of “American Idol.”

“What an honor it is to be part of Christmas Pudding,” Roland says. “I do two benefits a year in Georgia, and it worked out timewise that I could do this. But more importantly, Alice asked.

If Alice asks, I shall do.”

Roland — whose band’s hits include “Shine” and “December” — met Cooper at this beginning of Collective Soul’s career.

“I was so taken aback by people actually showing up to our shows, much less Alice Cooper,” says Roland, who has three albums in the can. “I can remember playing his records. I’ve seen him once since that show. Now I’m a little more comfortable in my skin. I can open my mouth and say, ‘What’s

going on?’

“The history that he brings and the love that he brings to his community I hope I can share with mine. We’re both PKs — preacher kids. We were doing some sort of webcast, me, Alice and Stephen King. We’re all PKs. Here I was with two of the scariest men on the planet.”

McGrath, on the other hand, is known for being one of the nicest. The “Fly” and “Every Morning” singer is “honored” to be a part of Christmas Pudding.

“He does such tremendous work for the community and teen centers,” he says. “He curates the (Christmas Pudding) lineup. He chooses you to perform. It’s amazing to still have these dream-come-true moments, playing with Ace Frehley, Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals, Ed Roland and Tom Morello.

“I have to pinch myself, but at the same time, I’m helping others. It’s the perfect storm of giving back in the holiday season.”

For McGrath’s set, he’s planning to

play the hits fans expect to hear as well as a few surprises.

“I’ll just play the songs that people have hopefully heard before and bring joy to the room and raise some money, man,” McGrath says.

Hailing from Newport Beach, California, McGrath is humbled to be mentioned in the same breath as his Christmas Pudding co-stars.

“They have had such incredible, hallof-fame careers,” he says. “I never got to touch that rarified air. If they want me to carry the equipment, I will be happy to do that. If they want to jam, I’ll be more than honored.”

Alice Cooper’s 19th Annual Christmas Pudding WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, December 4 WHERE: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: celebritytheatre.com

‘TOO TOUGH TO DIE’ THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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Step back into the Old West at Tortilla Flat in the Superstition Mountains

By Allison Brown

N

estled in the Superstition Mountains and along the Salt River, Tortilla Flat is one of the few slivers of the Old West still intact and largely unchanged.

Cowboy boots clank on the old wooden boardwalk, antique pieces hang on the walls, and photos show that the view is nearly exactly what would have been seen by those traveling along the Apache Trail in the early 1900s.

Katherine Ellering, owner of Tortilla Flat and self-appointed mayor, and Chris Fields, her fiancé and director of operations, have invested heavily in the town, not to make it shiny and new but to make sure it remains preserved as the quirky, historical landmark that it is.

Tortilla Flat was founded in 1904 as a stagecoach stop, and neither fire nor flood destroyed the spirit along the Historic Apache Trail.

The trail played a monumental role in the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. Even before it was known as the Apache Trail, natives used the pass to transport water. In fact, stories date back to the mid-1500s, when Spanish Conquistadors explored the area.

Now, Tortilla Flat has a population of six, all of whom are staff. But it is still up and running with a restaurant, saloon, gift shop and even its own post office. It is known as “the town too tough to die,” after surviving numerous natural disasters throughout the years. Fields says although he and Ellering are fairly new owners, they have endured more than their fair share of incidents.

“We bought Tortilla Flat two years ago, September of 2019,” Fields says.

“Before we got it, it almost burned down. Three weeks after we bought it, we had the 100-year flood that washed out the entire Apache Trail. Six months after we bought it, March of 2020, well, something happened there.”

Some may have taken this as an omen, but Ellering, Fields and staff made it their personal mission to save the town.

They loved the history and recognized the importance of making sure it was passed down to further generations.

Tortilla Flat needed major repairs. Fields says they spent about $500,000 in the last two years “recreating” the town.

He emphasizes they didn’t change the bones. They just ensured the structures would last.

“We completely rebuilt the museum, head to toe. It’s a brand-new building, but it doesn’t look like it,” he says. “This

whole area has been restored. If you look down the boardwalk, every single piece of wood has been retouched, treated, renailed, rescrewed. We’ve got new signs, new infrastructure, new plumbing. It’s an amazing list of things to make it look old and broken.”

While they didn’t change anything, Fields and Ellering did put their stamp to Tortilla Flat. An old-time jail cell was constructed on the property, in which guests can test their wit by solving a puzzle to escape.

Of course, there have also been some modifications to the food and merchandise. The restaurant has a new draft system with local beers on tap and has become famous for its chili.

The corner store has treats, magnets, caps, mugs as well as housemade fudge and gelato. They are the world’s No. 1 procurer of prickly pear gelato. The back patio is a rustic space that occasionally features the Tortilla Flat Band, which plays rock classics.

Besides the food and beverages, the restaurant has several design quirks. The walls are hung with dozens of antiques, like shotguns, clocks, art, clothes and more. According to Ellering, every single piece was donated. In true Western spirit, no bar stools will be found here;

guests sit on mounted saddles to get their drinks. Thousands of $1 bills line the building like wallpaper. Ellering says while she wasn’t sure the exact time it started, legend has it that it was initiated in the gold rush.

“They would come into the restaurant, looking for gold, and they would pin money up to the walls. That way, if they left and came back empty-handed, they’d at least have money for whiskey,” Ellering says. “Then, people started

putting their names on it and it became their way of leaving their mark on a historical site. So, now we have over $500,000 on the walls and currency from over 100 countries.”

Tortilla Flat gets new bills regularly and has colored markers for guests to decorate their bill.

“Yes, it’s a business, and yes, we’re here for returns and profit, but this is a historical thing the community owns,” he says.

Tortilla Flat is a fun place for kids, parents, historians, cowboys, city folk and those just passing through. It’s the kind of place you could visit a dozen times and find something new each time.

Guests can learn Apache Nation’s history, enjoy a sweet scoop of gelato with the family, or imagine life in another time.

“There’s nothing like it. This is not a recreation; this is a one-of-a-kind place,” Ellering says.

Tortilla Flat 1 Main Street, Tortilla Flat tortillaflataz.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

GET LOST IN CHRISTMAS Puzzle Rides offers holiday experiences on a golf cart in Old Town

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

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

O

ld Town Scottsdale’s Puzzle Rides is putting a holiday spin on its mobile escape roomstyle scavenger hunt in

“Scottsdazzle.”

Teamwork, combined with elements of the route, are used to solve a series of puzzles via golf cart before time runs out.

From ages 5 to 85, there is something for everyone.

“Whether you’re new to Puzzle Rides or have tried us before, our holiday excursions are an absolute blast,” Puzzle Rides founder Katie Dufort says. “We have one that’s family friendly, perfect for the kiddos, and another that’s tailored to adults where they have to think while they drink.”

Both experiences combine a scavenger hunt through Old Town Scottsdale, a jolly golf cart driver and lots of holiday cheer. First, the adults-only Jingle Bar Hop is a two-hour “portable pub” adventure that invites up to 10 guests to visit local bars and try mystery drinks while solving a puzzle with clues tied to popular holiday music (“Silver Bells” route) or classic TV holiday specials (“Reindeer Games” route).

“This is, by far, our most popular ride because attempting to solve a puzzle while enjoying a cold one is inevitably a good time,” Dufort says.

“From checking out a new bar our riders never knew existed to learning something about a building they’ve seen a million times, Jingle Bar Hop offers entertainment at every turn.”

A family-friendly option is Hijacked

by Elves. On this experience, Santa’s Naughty and Nice list has been stolen by a mischievous elf. Riders then use clues to track down the elf and bring him to justice during the adventure.

“If you have family coming to town that you haven’t seen for a couple of

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years because of the pandemic and you don’t want to sit around and stare at each other, book Hijacked by Elves,” Dufort says. “Kids love it, parents love it and even grandparents love it because you’re on the go, you’re outside and you’re laughing so hard, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.”

Speaking of the pandemic, Puzzle Rides was created right before Arizona shutdown in 2020. Before that, Dufort operated a golf cart taxi service in Old Town, shuttling people from bar to bar.

When the wave of COVID-19 took business owners out at the knees, Dufort knew she had to pivot.

“I’m a historian who obviously loves history. We had the golf carts standing by, and I’m a big fan of puzzles,” Dufort says.

“I decided to put it all together during the unlikeliest of times, and Puzzle Rides was born in the middle of a pandemic.”

The concept proved people were trying to do activities together while socially distancing. Riding on a golf cart with those they’d been quarantining with allows for a safe and fun experience outside the home.

“An added layer was all of the partnerships we have with other local businesses,” Dufort says. “We truly wanted to bring our customers through the doors of other establishments in hopes of boosting business after what was one of the hardest times we’d all been through together.”

Puzzle Rides also offers signature favorites year-round, such as Hijacked

by Science, during which riders must stop a mad scientist from unleashing a powerful weapon; Pirate’s Treasure Adventure, where pirate garb can be worn as riders swashbuckle their way through town; and Wild West Heist,

where loot hidden by bank robbers back in the day must be found in a timely fashion. Want a little spooky fun? Ghost Riders weaves true tales with tall tales in a nighttime-only ride.

“Our adventures are always evolving, so you can expect to find something for everyone,” Dufort says. “We continue to add new rides for each of the big holidays, and I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. Hopefully our customers see Puzzle Rides as an easy way to escape their daily lives and connect with their family and friends in a way they never have before.”

Puzzle Rides also recently launched team-building relays for groups of up to 80 people.

Puzzle Rides puzzlerides.com

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

WILDTONIC.com

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ARTS

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

THE ART OF WILDFLOWERS

Dyana Hesson expands to home goods

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

D

yana Hesson is expanding her artistic reach with the launch of glassware in conjunction with Tempe’s Refresh

Glass.

The set of four limited-edition drinking glasses is etched with Hesson’s four favorite native Arizona cactus bloom sketches: the saguaro, claret cup, prickly pear and cholla.

Made in Arizona from rescued bottles from community businesses, the glasses are sturdy, dishwasher safe and approved for everyday use. They come in teal, green, gold and amber glass. The set of four is $55.

“Ray DelMuro of Refresh Glass rescues wine bottles from Valley restaurants, and people also drop them off for him to use,” Hesson says.

“He’s created several products and has recently gotten into this engraving thing.

We were talking about collaborating and doing an artist series that was specifically Arizona related. I’m super excited. I hate putting things in a landfill. They did a

beautiful job, and I’m really pleased with that.”

The botanical artist isn’t one to slow down. She recently released “The Art of Wildflowers,” a 40-page hardcover book ($14.99) that she published with Arizona Highways.

“I hand-picked a sampling of my favorite works and their stories to include,” she says. “It’s doing really great

so far. It’s under $20, and that’s such a great price point for so many people.

“Both are just in time for Christmas giving. The glasses are like those old Blakely glasses you’d get at the gas station.”

The Northeast Mesa artist was a “creative kid” growing up in Northern California, she says. Hesson admits she did not have direction and was not “good at anything except talking out of turn in class.”

A trip to Arizona with her husband, Randy, changed her life.

“I wasn’t sure about Arizona,” Hesson says. “He brought me on a trip to the Grand Canyon and camping. Then I transferred and enrolled in ASU. That’s where I figured out what I wanted to do. With his encouragement, I took art classes and a lightbulb went off. ‘Where has this been all my life?’”

A 1991 ASU graduate, Hesson hit the ground running and has been a professional artist for nearly 30 years, here and in South Lyon, Michigan, northwest of Detroit.

“I plugged in and got involved in the art community there,” she says. “Then I moved back to Arizona and my career exploded. When we first got here, it was so exotic — everything that grows here and the lifestyle.

“I don’t run out of inspiration. I

challenge myself at this stage in my career. You’d think at this stage, I would be painting faster. They’re actually taking more time. I feel more confident, and there’s so much to explore. This is a fun stage of my career. I’m able to help other artists, and I helped start the art program at the Phoenix Zoo.” Her works can be seen at Barrow Neurological Center, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airpark, Rusconi’s American Kitchen and the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain honeymoon and master suites.

Hesson enjoys mentoring and working with other artists so everyone can benefit from their works.

“These projects like the glasses are a privilege,” she says. “It’s nice to have an idea and play it out and find other people excited about it and see where it goes.

“I’m not the most talented painter out there. I have a business mind and with the encouragement of one of my favorite professors, Henry Schoebel, I am confident now.”

Dyana Hesson dyanahesson.com Refresh Glass refreshglass.com https://bit.ly/ DyanaHessonGlasses

SOUL STIRRING

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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Black Theatre Troupe showcases ‘Black Nativity’

By Annika Tomlin

T

he traditional nativity story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is retold through song, dance and poetry by the Black Theatre Troupe from Friday, December 3, to Thursday, December 9, at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center.

The second show in the troupe’s 50th anniversary season, Langston Hughes’ “Black Nativity” features new musical selection and text filled with dynamic gospel choruses, soloists and dance ensembles.

“Black Nativity” is directed by Walter Belcher with choreography by Alexander Patrick. The music staff boasts Brenda Hapkins, musical direction, and Jennifer Robinson and George Johnson as musical supervisors.

This will be Belcher’s fourth time directing the production in his over 15 years with the troupe.

“Every time I direct this show, it has lots of powerful things to unpack, even from a base level,” Belcher says.

“It clearly has Christian connotations, so however you grew up there is just something around the music that is fun and heartwarming.”

The nearly two-hour show is split into two acts.

“Inherently, in the script, the first act is pretty much the same to its original connotation, but the second act is meant to be gospel music that is current and relevant in telling the story of where we are,” Belcher says about the production that was first produced in December 1961.

“The second act changes every year that we do it, unless there are some crowd favorites that we choose to keep.

We kind of look at where we are in the world, and we build that second act accordingly.”

Belcher says most of the cast does not have an assigned role in the show.

“We of course have Mary, Joseph and an angel that are truly representing (those roles),” Belcher says.

“They are nonspoken roles, but everyone else is supposed to be themselves. They are supposed to be who they are, so they are not stepping into a character per se.”

The rest of the cast “represents the human experience” by sharing their stories.

“On a base level, there is just the enjoyment of coming to the theater and snapping and clapping along and hearing Christmas carols,” Belcher says.

“I think given where we are in the world and the last two years in the climate of the country, there is an even greater heightened sense of urgency around highlighting the African American experience. Instead of pushing people into the fact that Black lives matter, us celebrating ourselves in that way and us reaffirming those things (is important).”

A UA graduate, Belcher says that he is excited for the theater to reopen.

He “totally sees the theater as a refuge” coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Theater across the world tried to do things virtually but quickly realized the magic of the theater exists because there is an in-person element,” Belcher says. “Artists didn’t quite have the same connection as others may have in going physical to virtual.

“For the Black Theatre Troupe, this season is really special because 2020 would have been our 50th year anniversary and so that joy, that celebration, that level of accomplishment to celebrate all of the hurdles and challenges before that (didn’t get to happen). Now being able to step back into what would have been that season definitely speaks to us being able to celebrate 50 years of accomplishments and even the theater surviving through COVID when so many other organizations didn’t.”

With nearly 20 directing years under his belt, there is one thing that stands out as Belcher’s favorite part about being the director for “Black Nativity.”

“My favorite part of the show is probably sitting in the audience or having a vantage point of seeing the audience and all of the diverse faces that come and clap and laugh and sing along,” Belcher says.

“I am aware that the Black American experience is inherently tied to our white brothers and sisters, to our Latino brothers too, to the LGBTQ community, to our main friends and family. It’s a collective thing, so to see

so many diverse faces age-wise and just watch all of them in this place of celebration, it gives you hope.”

Belcher says he enjoys the audience becoming a part of the experience.

Although he finds great joy in directing shows such as “Black Nativity,” sometimes it is difficult.

“I think one of the hardest parts of being a director is finding the purest form of honesty and truth and bringing that to the production,” Belcher says.

“How do we get actors to feel comfortable being vulnerable enough to share that truth and honesty? How do you — no pun intended — set the stage for the audience to hear and see that honesty and that truth in its purest form?” Belcher elaborates.

“Because you can say, ‘Oh, I’m just honest,’ but that always is followed by someone thinking they can be an inappropriate smart behind. It’s not about insulting or calling anybody out, it’s just about presenting the purest heartfelt level of truth and honesty no matter what.”

Belcher says that it doesn’t matter if the production is “The Book of Mormon” or “Charlotte’s Web,” finding

and executing the honesty and truth within can be difficult on top of figuring out the appropriate “light and sound to accentuate it in the right way.”

He calls “Black Nativity “a wonderful safe space of community and unapologetic pride that exists in the cast of sharing their lived experience through gospel music. “(The cast) all come with varied levels of experience on stage — some none, some of them tons — but what they generally all have in common is that they have grown up in the church, specifically in Black churches, and they come excited with enthusiasm about sharing that part of their lives. … Whether they go to the same church or they don’t, there is a commonality in their pride.”

“Black Nativity” WHEN: Various times between Friday, December 3, to Sunday December 19 WHERE: Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington Street, Phoenix COST: $42 INFO: blacktheatretroupe.org

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

IT’S IN THE CARDS

Restaurant deals abound this holiday season

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

F

rom enjoying extraordinary meals to catching the sunrise from a hot air balloon, this selection of gift card packages showcases the best deals the Valley has to offer.

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company was created to celebrate handcrafted, artisanal beers that are inspired by the beautiful and diverse state.

The deal: Buy $50 worth of gift cards and receive a $5 card; buy $100 in gift cards and get a $20 bonus card.

Purchases must be made in person.

721 N. Arizona Avenue, Suite 103, Gilbert, 480-497-2739; 201 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 480.462.1836, azwbeer.com Bourbon & Bones The Bourbon & Bones menu features hand-selected wet-aged and dry-aged cuts of prime beef, wagyu beef, elegant options for fresh seafood and an extensive list of bourbons and whiskies. Bourbon & Bones is staffed with expert mixologists who deliver a robust cocktail program and, of course, certified sommeliers who oversee a significant wine list, including Coravin pours by the glass.

The deal: Purchase $100 in gift cards, receive $25 bonus card; buy $250, get $75.

4200 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.629.4922; 2150 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 480.597.9459, bourbonandbonesaz.com Ling’s Wok Shop

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers: Can’t go wrong with gifts of beers and burgers. Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers’ 12 locations are dubbed the “ideal neighborhood burger joint.”

The deal: Buy two $25 gift cards, get $20 bonus gift card through Dec. 31.

Multiple Valley locations, coldbeers.com Crust Simply Italian Michael Merendino grew up a firstgeneration Italian in the heart of Long Island. He brought his family pizzeria concept to Arizona.

The deal: Get a $25 gift certificate with the purchase of $100 gift cards; and buy a $50 gift card, receive a $10 certificate. The deal is only valid Dec. 20 to Dec. 24.

10 N. San Marcos Place, Chandler; 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite F101, Scottsdale, crustrestaurants.com Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar Daily Dose is all about creativity. The entrées are created with the freshest ingredients, but don’t leave out the booze. Specialty cocktails like the spicy watermelon margarita and bacon bloody mary are on the menu, too, as are craft beers.

The deal: Purchase $25 gift card and get a $5 bonus; buy $100, get $20. Good through Christmas.

4020 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.994.3673; 1928 E. Highland Avenue, Suite F107, Phoenix, 602.274.0334; 96 S. Rockford Drive, Suite 105, Tempe, 480.590.6937, dailydosegrill.com

Flower Child Flower Child welcomes vegan, paleo, gluten-free or just hungry guests with healthy options in Gilbert, Arcadia, Desert Ridge, Uptown Plaza and Scottsdale.

The deal: Buy $50, get a $10 bonus card. iamflowerchild.com Fox Restaurant Concepts The perfect gift for the foodies in your life, this offer is good for quality time, exceptional experiences, and tasty food and beverages at any Fox Restaurant Concepts location, including The Henry, Blanco, Olive & Ivy and The Arrogant Butcher.

(Does not include Flower Child.) Gift cards can be purchased at participating restaurant locations and are available online.

The deal: Buy $100, get a $20 bonus card. foxrcgiftcards.com Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill Ling’s Wok Shop Serving modern Asian cuisine with American flair, the chefs at Ling & Louie’s use traditional Asian cooking techniques to create bold, craveable flavors that appeal to all tastes. As for Ling’s Wok Shop, it serves healthy and convenient food that boasts crisp veggies and tender meats.

The deal: Purchase $50 in gift cards, get a $5 holiday certificate. Those who buy $100 in gift cards will receive a $15 holiday certificate.

Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, lingswok. shop; Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, 9397 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, lingandlouies.com Los Sombreros Los Sombreros is an iconic spot to enjoy flavorful bites and refreshing cocktails. With locations in South Scottsdale, Uptown Phoenix and Mesa, Los Sombreros has earned its reputation as the Valley’s ultimate locally owned Mexican food eatery.

The deal: Buy $50 get $10; buy $100 get $25 through Dec. 31.

2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.994.1799; 1976 W. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480.534.6742, lossombreros.com

Macayo’s Macayo’s strives to use fresh ingredients in its family recipes. Guests can share the taste with their families and themselves.

The deal: Through December 24, gift card purchasers will receive a $10 bonus gift card for every $50 in Macayo’s gift card purchases. Bonus card is valid Saturday, January 1, to Monday, February 28.

Multiple Valley locations, macayo.com Rainbow Ryders The deal: Give a sunrise hot air balloon ride gift certificate special for the holidays. While prices fluctuate and can soar as high as $225 per person for a 45to 60-minute group hot air balloon ride, Rainbow Ryders is offering a fixed rate of $169 per person for a shared basket flight. Blackout dates apply.

715 E. Covey Lane, Suite 100, Phoenix, rainbowryders.com Someburros The menu’s dishes tell the Vasquez family’s story and that of their first restaurant, Poncho’s. The tradition carries on to Someburros using their time-tested recipes for authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food. The deals: The “burro bundle,” includes a $25 restaurant gift card redeemable at all Someburros locations and a reusable tumbler for $35. For the second promotion, all guests who buy a $25 gift card will receive a $5 kick back card.

101 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, 480.839.8226; 7501 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.443.8226. Other locations at someburros.com.

Taphouse Kitchen Taphouse Kitchen is getting into the spirit of the giving season with a holiday gift card bonus offer. Through December 31, holiday shoppers can get more bang for their buck when they purchase a gift card in restaurant or online.

The deal: For each $100 gift card purchase, guests will receive an additional $25 gift card.

3131 E. Shea Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.482.2800; 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.656.0012, taphousekitchen.com

DON PABLO COFFEE IS A LOVE AFFAIR

24

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

Latin American methods make the perfect blend

By Allison Brown

C

offee should be more than a morning routine or just a mode of transportation for caffeine.

For Darron Burke, owner of Don Pablo Coffee, coffee is an intimate love affair — in more ways than one. Burke grew to love good coffee after falling in love with his wife, Eliana, and visiting her family in Colombia.

“About 32 years ago, I moved down from Massachusetts to Miami and I met my wife, who is a Colombian, and fell in love with her very quickly. The sweetest woman I ever met in my life. I wanted to meet her family, so she took me to Colombia,” Burke says.

“Back then, my family — and most people I would say — were drinking some of the big supermarket coffee brands and putting a lot of cream and sugar in it just to make it palatable.

It sort of served as a caffeine delivery device. But when I was in Colombia, I had a cup of coffee and I was just completely blown away.”

The first part that blew him away was how rich and flavorful the coffee was, compared to what he had known.

He found out that there are two coffee beans, Arabica and Robusta, and almost all the coffee mass produced in the United States were Robusta, which is lower quality, more acidic and more bitter. According to Burke, the Arabica species has a deeper and richer flavor with a smooth finish and lower acidity.

He says his wife’s family thought he was a little crazy for his reaction, as many people there grow their own coffee in their backyard. That was the second part that blew him away, the methodology, intricacies and culture of the coffee community in Colombia.

“It wasn’t long before I was on a coffee farm and learning about coffee.

I had never seen a coffee plant before, and that was very interesting to me,” Burke says. “Also, the people are super nice. Her family and everybody I met was really great to me. There were lush green mountains, and I just fell in love with Latin culture, Colombia and Latin America.”

But young love was not enough. Burke knew he wanted to bring Colombian coffee to the states, but, as he says, he was young, didn’t have any education ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

and didn’t have any money. He held on to the idea, though, and after getting two graduate degrees and traveling to different countries in Latin America to research the coffee industry, he and his wife bought their first coffee roaster in 2004.

With connections to farmers in Colombia and Honduras as well as Burke’s in-depth knowledge about the coffee plant and coffee roasting, Don Pablo Coffee was started. It was dedicated to producing quality coffee from sourcing top-quality specialty coffee beans and refining the roasting process. Burke says he knew people would be as blown away as he was when tasting quality coffee, but initially it was hard to get people to taste it.

“I thought that we could roast some great coffee and sell it at a competitive price and be instantly successful, but four companies control 95% of the global at-home coffee industry and they make it very difficult for competitors, especially smaller ones,” he says. “But the coffee we were producing was so good, it finally got the attention of some big retailers and big warehouse clubs, and we’ve been growing it ever since.”

Burke says his company is laser focused on quality, and it takes the extra time and money not to cut corners that other large-scale coffee companies do.

A big part of that is its roasting process, where Don Pablo Coffee has proved that slow and steady wins the race.

Don Pablo’s master roaster is a thirdgeneration coffee farmer from Colombia and uses traditional Latin American methods as well as a computer profiling software to ensure every batch is roasted the right way.

Instead of roasting thousands of pounds at once, Burke has invested in several smaller machines to do multiple small batches and better preserve the flavor. Then, instead of a rapid heating and cooling process, the beans are roasted in a longer cycle and then left to air dry. Burke admits this is very time consuming and inefficient, but it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make to ensure quality and consistency.

Don Pablo Coffee now has customers worldwide with over a dozen specialty coffees, including organic, decaf, espresso and low-acid blends. Burke says Amazon has become their biggest customer, and they also have

partnerships with Costco and Sam’s Club. But, as with most things, the fresher the coffee is, the better it is, which is why Don Pablo roasts to order. When buying from big-name coffee companies, Burke says it is not uncommon for the coffee to be several months old by the time it makes it into a cup. For Don Pablo, however, if purchased through another party, Burke says the company will be sent a PO, will roast the order in-house and then ship the coffee directly to the customer.

Burke says that his travel and close relationships with farmers have allowed him to source the top 2% of the world’s coffee beans. In fact, Burke has much more than a buyer-seller relationship with the farmers. Don Pablo Coffee has a sharing certified program that rewards farmers a portion of the coffee profits if they reach certain benchmarks in labor and sustainability. More than that, he says the best coffee comes from sustainable practices. Sticking with traditional Latin American methods, they use organic fertilizers, cut weeds back by hand with a machete and, if necessary, recycle 2-liter bottles to use as bug traps instead of using chemicals.

Burke is the owner and founder of Don Pablo Coffee, and the company is actually named after him — in a way.

He says when he first visited Colombia with his wife, he didn’t speak Spanish and her family didn’t speak English.

Her grandmother had a hard time

pronouncing Burke’s name, and he was given the nickname “Pablo” after they tried to use tongue twisters to learn the language.

“I was teaching them tongue twisters in English and they were teaching me tongue twisters in Spanish, and one was about this guy named Pablo,” Burke says.

“I tried to do it and I messed it up so bad. They laughed so hard at me. Then a few hours went by and they looked at me and laughed again, and then the next day, too. So, it was really sticking for some reason. So, the grandma started calling me Pablo.”

Burke is featured on every bag of Don Pablo Coffee, holding a mug, wearing his staple cowboy hat and giving a big smile. Don Pablo Coffee can be found on the company’s website and at Costco, Sam’s Club, amazon.com and walmart. com. It also has hot cocoa and coffee spice grinders. If shopping for holiday gifts, there is free shipping on orders over $50 and 20% off the build-your-own gift box that comes with three different coffees.

Companies these days seem to love to boast that they have something for everyone, and while it’s true that anyone can enjoy a cup of Don Pablo coffee, it is engineered for the coffee connoisseur—those who drink their coffee black and savor each sip. Don Pablo invites customers to experience coffee like never before and fall in love all over again.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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‘SO MUCH HISTORY’ Chef Chris Knouse makes Litchfield’s special

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

C

hef Chris Knouse loves his job as executive sous chef at The Wigwam in Litchfield Park.

“I love the culture here,” he says. “There’s so much history and the people alone — they’ve been here for 20 to 30 years. That’s the norm. It’s one giant family.”

The former sous chef at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn, Knouse shares that family vibe with diners and his suppliers at Litchfield’s, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. He shares the wealth with local farmers, who support his farm-totable philosophy.

“It’s a bonus being on the westside,” Knouse says. “The westside is full of farmers. It’s smack dab in the middle of farm country. We decided to get in with some of the local farmers and get some

really good produce.”

He says he is a firm believer in shopping local and finds it important to do so, especially during the pandemic.

One of his suppliers is Crow’s Dairy in Buckeye, which provides goat cheese.

“We use fresh ingredients that are local as much as possible,” he says. “We really love our Cedar River prime ribeye. We get it in Tolleson. It just melts in your mouth.”

The menu at Litchfield’s is changed seasonally, which keeps Knouse engaged and the dishes interesting. The menu these days features maple leaf duck ($34), Scottish salmon ($36), Harrison Farms chicken ($33) and the 28-ounce cowboy ribeye ($120).

Featured appetizers are bruschetta ($10), Berkshire pork belly ($16), yellowfin tuna ($16), Pharaoh quail ($20) and the chef’s board ($25).

Knouse is a longtime chef who moved to Arizona 16 years ago from Iowa. He

attended Arizona Culinary Institute and loved cooking.

“They had a really great program, a rapid program,” he says. “It was only for about nine months. I’ve been cooking for almost 15 years. I was just really happy to find a program that was quick.”

At Lon’s, Knouse took what he learned at Arizona Culinary Institute and applied it to the restaurant’s menu.

“It was a great way to practice,” he says.

The Wigwam is about more than food, drink and golf. Knouse is pleased that holiday events have returned. The resort hosted its annual tree lighting on November 26, and that included photo ops with Santa, holiday crafts with Santa’s elves, dance performances, stories by characters, and a petting zoo.

Litchfield’s is hosting Breakfast with Santa throughout December — December 4, December 5, December 11, December 12, December 18 and December 19. The price is $30 for adults or $15 for children younger than 3.

On December 3, December 10 and December 17, The Wigwam welcomes guests for Holiday Nights in Lights,

during which time the front lawn and rock garden path are illuminated. Fire pits and s’mores kits will be available.

For those who want to imbibe, Making Spirits Bright Saturdays allow guests to stroll along the festive light path for tastings of wine, whiskey, aperitifs and rum while accompanied by holiday music on the fire pit patio. The cost is $15 for four tastings from 6 to 9 p.m. December 4, December 11 and December 18.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at Litchfield’s include a threecourse prix-fixe menu and live piano music. The cost is $74 adults, $26 children. Lunch buffet on Christmas Day will also be served in The Wigwam ballroom for $62 adults, $26 children.

“It’s so nice that events are back,” Knouse says. “Normalcy is coming back.”

The Wigwam 300 N. Wigwam Avenue, Litchfield Park 1.866.976.6894 wigwamarizona.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

DINING

CALENDAR

By Annika Tomlin

The Montauk Christmas Movie Nights

WEDNESDAYS The Montauk is getting into the holiday spirit every Wednesday with its Christmas Movie Nights. Guests can enjoy half off bottles of wine, live music from local artists and then watch a fan-favorite Christmas movie. Starting at 8 p.m., the December 8 movie is “Elf,” December 15 is “A Christmas Story” and December 22 is “Home Alone.” Come early for the happy hour food and drinks from 3 to 6 p.m., including house-made potato chips and dip, clam chowder, deviled eggs, mac and cheese, along with $4 draft beers, $5 well cocktails and $6 house wines.

The Montauk, 4360 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, happy hour 3 to 6 p.m., movie night 6 p.m., themontaukaz.com, free admission to movie night

National Repeal Day

DECEMBER 5 On December 5, 1933, the United States officially repealed the Prohibition law that allowed Americans to consume, sell and purchase alcohol after 13 dry years.

In honor of the infamous day, The Ostrich is celebrating it the oldfashioned way. Guests will enjoy 50% off drinks and 25% off food.

The Ostrich, 10 N. San Marcos Plaza, Chandler, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., crustrestaurants.com/the-ostrich

Winter Wonderland Tea Party

DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 23 Drink Me! Tea Room offers several special holiday tea party options.

Winter Wonderland Tea is a full afternoon tea celebrating beloved holiday flavors like savories, scones and sweets with a pot of tea. Children’s Tea includes PB&J finger sandwiches, shortbread cookies, meringue mushrooms, fresh fruit and herbal tea or lemonade.

Reservations are required.

Drink Me! Tea Room, 1730 E. Warner Road, Suite 5, Tempe, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., drinkmetearoom.com, $20-$52 per person

Luckys Anniversary Party/ Lucky Buck Music Festival

DECEMBER 11 Celebrating its one-year anniversary, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Luckys Indoor Outdoor is launching the soon-to-be-annual Lucky Buck Music Festival. Guests can enjoy live music with local bands starting at 3 p.m. with Saturday Funday specials. Tasty eats like Medianoche sandwich and chicken tikka masala crunch wrap will be available from the hot food trailer from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., while supplies last.

Luckys Indoor Outdoor, 817 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 2 to 10 p.m., luckysphx. com, free admission

Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl

DECEMBER 11 Get ready to “sleigh” Downtown Chandler with the Sippin’ Santas Pub Crawl. Enjoy $4 drink specials at 24 of the jolliest bars and restaurants in town during this self-guided crawl. Participating businesses include Bourbon Jacks American Tavern, Craft 64, Hidden House, Jinya Ramen, Mingle + Graze, Pedal Haus Brewery, PURO: Cigar Bar, Recreo, The Brickyear Downtown, The Ostrich and The Stillery. The crawl is split between two times, the “nice list” (noon to 3 p.m.) and the “naughty list” (3 to 6 p.m.)

The Hilton Garden Inn, 150 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, check-in starts 11:45 a.m. (nice list), 2:45 p.m. (naughty list), downtownchandler.org/ events/sippin-santas, $20

Ling’s Wok Shop Holiday Meal

DECEMBER 20 TO JANUARY 1 This limited time offer consists of guests’ choice of two appetizers, four entrées and two complements and is available for dine-in or takeout. Appetizer choices include chicken lettuce wraps, shishito peppers or edamame. The entrées to choose four of are the monsoon chicken, the mandarin, Kung Pao beef, Buddha’s belly beef, Seoul bowl shrimp, new wave pad thai or dandan noodles. The complements are Korean cauliflower, Uncle Fu’s fried rice and Kickin’ quinoa.

Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, lingswok.shop, $88

Tarbell’s Christmas

DECEMBER 24 Tarbell’s has prepared to-go Christmas meals that include one

Miracle Mile Deli

entree, a plethora of sides and a choice of two desserts. Entrée options are prime rib, Arizona honey glazed ham, and a roasted organic salmon with crusted pecan and maple glaze. Featured sides include haricot verts with shallots and sweet butter; crispy Brussels sprouts casserole with caramelized onions and bacon; mushroom risotto with Crow’s Dairy chevre and fine herbs; buttery mashed potatoes and house-made aged cheddar biscuits. The desserts included in the takeout package are chocolate peppermint mousse, Emma’s Buche de Noel (yule log) and double chocolate chip cookies.

The last day to preorder is December 17 for Christmas Eve pickup.

Tarbell’s, 3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.955.8100, tarbells.com, $125 per person

Pork on a Fork Christmas Feast

DECEMBER 24 Take the stress out of holiday hosting and instead let Pork on a Fork do the cooking. The to-go Christmas Feast that feeds 10 to 12 people and includes a whole smoked turkey, traditional stuffing, cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls and cornbread.

Reheating instructions are included for sides. Turkey can be served hot or cold. Preorders must be submitted by Sunday, December 19, for pickup on Friday, December 24.

Pork on a Fork, 1515 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, pickup before 3 p.m., 602.884.8226, porkonafork.com

Miracle Mile Deli Holiday Meal

DECEMBER 24 Get ready to serve up to six people with the following family meals.

Each meal includes 2 quarts of homemade mashed potatoes, 1 quart of homemade gravy, 1 quart of steamed veggies, 1 quart of baked macaroni and cheese, six Kaiser rolls and one whole pie (apple, pecan, cherry, pumpkin, lemon meringue, Boston cream and coconut meringue). The difference between the meals is one includes 3 pounds of ovenroasted white meat turkey breast along with 1 pint of cranberry sauce while the other meal includes 3 pounds of savory brisket of beef.

Preorders must be placed by Wednesday, December 22, for Friday, December 24, pickup.

Miracle Mile Deli, 4433 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.776.0992, miraclemiledeli. com, starts at $170

Blue Hound Kitchen Christmas Meal

DECEMBER 25 Celebrate the holiday with a delectable prix-fixe, three-course menu by executive chef Brian Peterson. Select Christmas menu choices include mustard crusted grass-fed beef tri tip, cauliflower and chestnut soup, roasted organic salmon, toffee bread pudding and peppermint bark cheesecake.

Reservations are recommended.

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 602.253.6661, bluehoundkitchen.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

CASINOS

27

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

GIT-R-DONE Larry the Cable Guy has returned to the stage

By Annika Tomlin

N

ow that concerts and appearances have resumed, Larry the Cable Guy is getting it done, touring the United

States.

He hits the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino’s Ovations Live stage at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, December 11.

“Live performing is fun, and it’s good to get back on stage,” says Daniel Whitney, his real name.

“It just seems like yesterday I was knocking old women over trying to get the last roll of toilet paper, and here I am on stage.”

Some have seen the pandemic as a way to reevaluate their lives. Whitney says not much has changed about his performance. He touches on similar subjects with a slight injection of pandemic-inspired material.

“It’s good to see some normalcy, especially in Florida,” Whitney says about recent shows. “It was like the good ol’ days in 2019. It’s good to see people out and being American. That’s what’s awesome about it.

“Obviously if you are a comedian, you’re going to have to do jokes about lockdown and social distancing and all kinds of stuff. I do a lot of jokes about that. A lot of new material came out of that, and then the rest of it is new takes on the regular topics: family, kids, Walmart, flying, shopping weather. You name it, I do it. County fairs, rodeos, doctor visits, health issues, all of that kind of stuff.”

The pandemic’s quarantine was hard on some. The running joke is the COVID-19 15, referring to weight gain from sitting around, not being able to exercise. Whitney’s weight fluctuated, but he says it was hard “going out looking the way I do.”

“Most people had a rough time with the pandemic putting on so forth and so on,” Whitney says. “I got younger, more muscular.

“I don’t want to feel like I am showing off or bragging. I’ll wear a fat suit, a little extra 35-pound fat suit, so you can’t really tell I lost weight, so I look kind of

the same,” he adds jokingly.

Whitney is well known for his observational comedy among his other work as part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Bill Engvall, Ron White and Jeff Foxworthy. He also voiced Mater in the “Cars” franchise.

“I’ve been doing this a long time, and still my favorite thing to do is just get on stage in front of people that like to come and watch me,” Whitney says.

“I’m just a bunch of goofy one-liners, and I like making people laugh. Just the fact that they are coming out is awesome.”

These days, Whitney is cutting back on shows. He only performs about 22 times a year, as he wants to be around his family.

“This is the best part of their school years — eighth to 12th grade,” he says about his kids.

“I just love performing, but I have a regular life. I’m a dad. I’ve got a couple of kids and an awesome wife. Once I get off the stage, I’ve got a regular life like everybody else, so it is kind of cool to get out there and play star for a weekend, and I enjoy it.”

That said, Whitney is excited to be back on stage and making people laugh.

“There is just something about telling a joke and people are laughing,” Whitney says. “You write a joke and rework it and go on stage and people are laughing at it.

“I like people. I enjoy making people laugh. I always have.”

LOOKING AHEAD During the November 12 Disney+ Day, the company announced that Whitney and Owen Wilson will return as Mater and Lighting McQueen, respectively, for a new series for the streaming network called “Cars on the Road” slated for a fall 2022 release.

“It is really cool, and I’m glad about that,” Whitney says about the new project. “Pixar has been good to me.

Everybody there is so awesome to work with, and I’m not hard to work with.”

He also says he was working on a Christmas “Cable Guy advent calendar.”

“We’ve got 19, but I need five more shirtless pictures,” Whitney says. “I have me laying in a thing of pumpkins shirtless with the American flag shortie shorts and just different poses.”

Rest assured, he made it a point to say, “I hope you know I’m kidding about the calendar. I’m just doing the ‘Cars’ thing and hanging out with my family and that’s about it and making people laugh.”

Larry the Cable Guy WHEN: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Saturday, December 11 WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler COST: $37 to $77 INFO: playatgila.com, larrythecableguy.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

28

SPORTS

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

Jerry Colangelo Classic attracts top college athletes

By Tyler Budge

T

he Basketball Hall of Famehosted Jerry Colangelo Classic will bounce back into the Footprint Center after a pandemic-dictated

break.

Friday, December 17, and Saturday, December 18, will see some of college basketball’s top teams. San Diego State and St. Mary’s College hit the floor on December 17.

The following day features No. 1 Gonzaga vs. Texas Tech, USC vs.

Georgia Tech, Grand Canyon vs. San Francisco and Northern Arizona vs. San Diego. The games will be broadcasted Drew Timme of Gonzaga

on Flosports, CBS and the PAC 12 Network.

“We were really excited about the field that we had scheduled for December of 2020,” says Greg Procino, Basketball Hall of Fame vice president of events and partnerships.

“That event was looking to be really strong for the third version of the classic.

Luckily for us, we were able to maintain the majority of those teams to roll over into 2021.”

For the hall of fame, the event means giving college athletes who won’t go to the next level a memorable experience.

“Obviously there is a lot of value to having games played on campus, especially from a student perspective,”

Procino says. “But when teams get these off-campus opportunities of being inside an NBA venue, it’s just different than being on campus.”

Among the players competing during the December weekend are No. 1 NBA prospect Chet Holmgren and preseason Wooden Award favorite Drew Timme, both suiting up for Gonzaga.

“Gonzaga carries the No. 1 team in the country ranking for a reason, and they’ve obviously got some star power that’s going to do well for them this season,” Procino says.

According to Procino, Phoenix was the ideal location for an event of his magnitude.

“We’re looking for teams who want

to challenge themselves to participate in this kind of event,” Procino says.

“Phoenix obviously is a great neutral site with the renovation of the arena. With the Suns and the Mercury coming off of finals appearances, basketball is popular right now in Phoenix.”

Jerry Colangelo Classic WHEN: Various times Friday, December 17, and Saturday, December 18 WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 602.379.7800, footprintcenter.com

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FEBRUARY 5

2022

FEATURING

THOMAS RHETT wmphoenixopen.com

WITH

OLD DOMINION

30

FAMILY

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

ENLIGHTENING TOUR

Bus drive embraces the holiday spirit

By Allison Brown

C

ruising neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights is a tradition for many families, but sometimes the logistics do not work out.

Kids complain because of the lack of lights and/or parents miss the views because they have to watch the road.

Jarrod Riddle says this was the case for his family when he was a kid, and it inspired him to offer his own tour through Spirit of Arizona Tours.

“I thought, ‘What if I find a really good route where friends and family don’t have to worry about the route or driving, they can just hop on a tour and enjoy the lights how they were meant to be enjoyed?’ So, that’s where the idea came from, and it’s been a pretty successful one,” Riddle says. “We get a lot of families that show up in ugly sweaters or dressed up or some bring Christmas cookies and it gets turned into a nice little family event.”

The tours run at 6 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. from Wednesday, December 1, to Friday, December 31, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Each tour starts in Tempe near the 101 and Warner and goes through Tempe and Chandler. The 90-minute tours pass dozens of homes and stop twice for close-up looks.

A longtime Valley resident and certified historian, Riddle has been a tour guide for 10 years. Using his insider information, Riddle plans a perfect route that is guaranteed to have great decorations and even avoids traffic delays for an entertaining ride from start to finish.

“If I’m going to offer a Christmas light tour, it’s going to be above and beyond,” Riddle says. “It’s not just going to be random neighborhoods. I made sure to scout out several locations where each street keeps getting better.”

Riddle says the tour hits every decoration imaginable, like music-

synchronized light shows, Santa Claus, nativity scenes and, in true Arizona fashion, illuminated cactus. The tour not only goes through some of the best displays in the state but also the country.

“Two of the streets on the tour compete for best Christmas light displays in America, and one of those streets is basically like a street festival,” Riddle says.

“They have food trucks and Santa Claus who the kids come and talk to.

They do horse carriage rides. So, for that street, I actually let my guests get out and walk it if they want. I give them about 20 to 30 minutes to get out and actually walk the streets themselves. It’s a good, fun experience.”

There is more to see than the classics, too. One of the unique displays on the tour is a giant, 25-foot-tall Christmas koala who takes up an entire front yard.

Riddle says he spoke to the owner and found out the bear was originally from a storefront in Australia. Apparently, the family brought it with them when they moved to the States and it was passed down to Phoenix residents. Riddle says that it is always a bit of a showstopper and has a “Godzilla effect” on kids and adults.

Families and friends are transported to each sight on a luxury bus, which is even

decorated inside with garland and lights.

The bus has 14 captain’s chairs that have armrests and recline for a truly cozy and homey atmosphere.

“They can bring whatever they want on the bus as far as drinks are concerned,” Riddle says. “Since I’m doing the driving, people like to bring hot cocoa for the kids and maybe some canned drinks for the grown-ups, which is totally fine by me. I’ve had people bring little Christmas cookies and stuff like that, so basically they can make it like their own little holiday party.”

This is the Spirit of Arizona’s third year offering the Christmas Lights Tour. Riddle estimates he has about 900 guests on average per year. He says the proof is in the pudding when it comes to his tours, as he has a five-star rating on Google, TripAdvisor and Yelp. The company earned those stars because, he says, he cares about the customer experience.

“Don’t worry about the route; don’t worry about the driving,” Riddle says.

“All you need to do is show up, sit back, relax and enjoy the lights.”

Spirit of Arizona Tours spiritofarizonatours.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

WISHTRIP

New app makes hiking fun

By Annika Tomlin

W

ith mountain views in every direction, Arizona is a hiker’s dream. However, navigating the trails is not always easy when it’s a family affair. WishTrip is a hiking app that injects fun in the activity.

“The app was conceived by our founder and still CEO Yakov Slushtz, and what happened was he was hiking with his wife,” says Sarah Hein, WishTrip marketing director.

“They were looking for a landmark, and they were searching and searching.

They said, ‘You know we have wonderful GPS for our cars. How come we don’t have the same thing for the great outdoors?’ That’s where the idea of WishTrip was born.”

In 2017, WishTrip began as a “navigation app,” according to Hein, but

evolved into what is now an “adventure creation app.”

“One of our core functionalities is that our app provides very accurate and easyto-follow point-by-point instructions,” Hein says.

“Whether you are following someone else’s trail that they created or whether you are following one of our games, or whether you are in a WishTrip destination following a trail that they created.”

The following year, WishTrip added games and activities to the growing app.

Papago Park is the only hiking range featured on WishTrip.

“The reason we chose Phoenix, Arizona, to unveil the games, and why we created them in Papago Park for free, is because Phoenix has nice weather all year round,” Hein says.

“Phoenix is a tech-savvy metropolitan area because we want a population who will be able to easily adapt to the

app.

“Papago Park in particular has very rich history and very rich wildlife, so we were able to create very interesting games with really interesting content in a relatively small area.”

The Papago Park games and activities are split into four age groups.

“We have a game for 3- to 7-year-olds called Desert Explorers,” Hein explains.

“This is a game that teaches kids about the Sonoran Desert, and it’s very interactive because kids this age learn by doing and by action.

“For example, one of the activities is to feel the leaves of this particular type of plant. Another is pretend you are a cactus and grow very slowly.”

Children ages 6 to 12 can play “Do You Have What It Takes to be a Leader?”

“It takes you around different parts of Papago Park,” Hein says. “It asks the participants to either do some kind of activity or complete some kind of challenge, and we connect that challenge to a famous person from Arizona.”

For example, Hein says, hikers learn about Arizona native Steven Spielberg when they reach Hole in the Rock.

“We also have one on the Double Butte Loop trail, which is intended for

31

teenagers and any sort of active adult,” Hein says. “It is an active, interactive hike where we teach you about the landmarks that are on the trail and also about some of the old fixtures.”

For example, hikers can learn about the old amphitheater on the Double Butte Loop trails.

The games wrap up with a “very highlevel trivia” activity for all active adults.

One question asks, “What was one of the things that Papago Park was not used for?” The choices are: to house prisoners of war or Native American rituals and religious ceremonies.

Hein offers advice to families ready to embark on a hiking adventure.

“You should know that if you are going to go to Papago Park to play the games, we highly recommend that you download the app ahead of time so that it is ready to go,” Hein says. “Most of the games start at the pond, so you’ll want to park in the parking lot near the pond if you want to play games.”

The app and its games are free.

“Papago Park is a public access park,” Hein says. “Everybody can come, and it’s a really enjoyable hour or two with the family. We really, really encourage parents to go and play with their kids.”

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

32

MUSIC

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

By Connor Dziawura

DECEMBER 1

JSTJR and Henry Fong Shady Park, 9 p.m., $23

Whitney Jones

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $10 virtual, sold out in person

DECEMBER 5

15th Annual Toy and Diaper Drive w/Bluesman Mike & the Blues Review Band The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $10, or free with toy or diapers

Actors

Kid Congo Powers and the Pink Monkeybirds

ASU Jazz Night

Mom Jeans

The Happy Fits

No Volcano

Intervals

Rosemonte

Off With Their Heads

Waterparks

The Senators

ZeeCeeKeely

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

DECEMBER 4

VNSSA

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $15 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., sold out Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$22 Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $17

DECEMBER 2 Blue October

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $37-$40

Diamond Rio w/Matt Farris

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $29-$59

Dustbowl Revival

Valley Bar, 6:30 p.m., $16

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $10 The Underground, 7 p.m., $12 The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $30-$35 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Alice Cooper’s 19th Annual Christmas Pudding

Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., $35-$300

The Jeff Hamilton Trio

The Nash, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., $18.80-$60

La Oreja de Van Gogh

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

Shawn Colvin, Marc Cohn and Sara Watkins

Musical Instrument Museum, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., $64.50-$89.50 Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15 Footprint Center, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $44.75-$84.75

Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses

Courtney Barnett

DECEMBER 7

The Nash Legacy Ensembles

Ekali

Okey Dokey and Dante Elephante

Ghetto Cowgirl

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

Walt Richardson

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $10-$15

DECEMBER 3 Aaron Lewis

Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., sold out

The Christmas Serenad3 Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $49-$84

Eliminate

Aura, 9 p.m., $19-$29

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $23 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Gypsy Soul

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

Kacy Hill

The Rebel Lounge, 6:30 p.m., $16

Kim Wilson All-Star Blues Band

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

Lady Faith

Aura, 9 p.m., $19-$29

Nochebuena: Christmas Eve in Mexico w/Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar

Glass Spells, Paper Foxes and Secret Attraction

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$40

Holiday Jam w/Ice Cube, Too $hort, Warren G, Baby Bash, Luniz and J.J. Fad

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

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

Footprint Center, 8 p.m., $45-$75

The Iron Maidens

Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $27-$57

Rachel Eckroth

SRH Fest w/Long Beach Dub Allstars, (hed) p.e., Dropout Kings and Whitney Peyton Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $23

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., free

Jessica Fichot

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

Law Rocks Phoenix (benefiting Solid Rock Teen Centers) Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $35-$95

Scottsdale Community College Jazz Combos The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10

Something Outrageous

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

Tony Holiday

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Walter Trout

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $28.50-$44.50

DECEMBER 10

Dirty South

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $55-$100

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10

Grunge Sponges

DECEMBER 6

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

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

The Underground, 7 p.m., $15

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $20

Verivery

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $31-$36

Donovan Melero

Adam Roberts: Tribute to the Oscar Peterson Trio with Tenor Greats

Cory Wells

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

DECEMBER 9

August Burns Red

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27.50-$57.50

Comeback Kid and No Warning Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

Exhorder

The Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $20-$23

José James

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$46.50

Nekromantix

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $22

Santa Poco

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

DECEMBER 8 Luna Luna and Boyo

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $14

Nekromantix

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $22

Pouya

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

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus The Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $20

Secondhand Serenade

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $15.50

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40 Shady Park, 9 p.m., $32

The Garden

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Koleżanka

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12

Maddie Poppe

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

The Robert Cray Band

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $35

Sara Robinson Band, Future Exes and Wurmfur Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10

Slim Jim Phantom Trio

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

Valley Christian Christmas Extravaganza

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7 p.m., $11-$33, or free for lap children 2 and younger

This Wild Life

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $22

Wooli

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $24

DECEMBER 11 Ali A and the Agency Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15

ALT-AZ’s Ugly Sweater Holiday Party featuring Weezer w/The

Regrettes and Upsahl

Mesa Amphitheatre, 6 p.m., $65-$175

Beach Bunny

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Com Truise and Matthew Dear

Jeff Rosenstock

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Thievery Corporation

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $39.50-$42

DECEMBER 16

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

lovelytheband

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$35

Marty Ashby’s Holiday Jazz Celebration 2021 w/Ann Hampton Callaway

Dianne Reeves

Allman Family Revival

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

Eli & Fur

…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead

My Bluegrass Heart featuring Béla Fleck, Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan and Bryan Sutton

Shady Park, 9 p.m., $20

Tempe Center for the Arts, 8:30 p.m., $25-$55 Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $20

Gimme Gimme Disco: A Dance Party Inspired by ABBA

Marquee Theatre, 9:30 p.m., $15-$35

The Music of Cedar Walton The Nash, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., $22.80-$70

Yung Gravy

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$99

Windham Hill’s Winter Solstice w/Barbara Higbie, Todd Boston and Mia Pixley

Arizona Federal Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$120

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

Fayuca

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $50-$95

In the Whale

Aura, 9 p.m., $17-$27

Sandra Bassett

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $13

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$23 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $10-$15

South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Band The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$10

PAZ

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 4:30 p.m., $15-$28 in person, $10 virtual

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

DECEMBER 12

DECEMBER 17

Chris Lorenzo

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

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $25

Joey Gutos Band

Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas!

Jinjer

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

John Corabi

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

Kurt Elling

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $22

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $32.50-$67 Last Exit Live, 6:30 p.m., $15-$25 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$80

George Bowman’s Birthday Party w/Rhythm & Blues with Geo featuring Lucius Parr The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Christian Nodal w/Gera MX Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $75-$528.50

Kip Moore

The Nash, 3 p.m., $6-$21

Markus Schulz

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

Men at Work

David Archuleta

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $39.90-$74.90

DECEMBER 24

Annual Christmas Eve Blues Bash w/Billy Watson and Bill Tarsha & the Rocket 88s The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Ham

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

DECEMBER 26

Sunbar Tempe, 9 p.m., $30

Jam Session: Adam Clark

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

DECEMBER 19

W&W

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

The Conveyors

DECEMBER 25

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

Francine Reed

DECEMBER 23

Vigil of War

AJ Odneal and the Littlest Big Band

Jam Session: Pam Morita

33

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Jam Session: Ioannis Goudelis

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

DECEMBER 27 & 28 NO SHOWS SCHEDULED

DECEMBER 29 Infirmities

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $10

Injury Reserve

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22-$25

Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50

DECEMBER 30 Decadence Arizona

Noah Kahan

Rawhide Event Center, 6 p.m., $179-$919

Pokey LaFarge

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $35-$60

One of These Nights: Eagles Tribute

Marmalade Skies: A Tribute to the Beatles

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $40-$550

Steel Panther w/Bayou Bandits Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$62

Summer of Love: A Tribute to the Music of 1967

MBNel

That’s What Friends Are For: Valley Stars Celebrate Dionne

The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., $17-$20

Marquee Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $50.50-$175

Ultraviolet Communication

DECEMBER 31

Marc Broussard and the Jamie McClean Band

The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., $20 The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $15

TSHA

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $22

DECEMBER 13 Milky Chance

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $37.50-$40

DECEMBER 14

A Peter White Christmas featuring Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $46-$76

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $13

DECEMBER 18

Charlie Benoit

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., sold out

Authority Zero

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $6-$21

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $18-$20 Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $22-$52

Sebastian Bach

Doc Hammer

Suicide Forest

Gin Blossoms

DECEMBER 15 Dave Koz & Friends

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $61.50-$92.50

Gary Hoey

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $23

DECEMBER 20

The 7th Annual Holiday Extravaganza w/Wheelwright, Anarbor and Adam Simons

Dmitri Matheny Group

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $49.50-$54.50

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $32.90-$45.65

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $49.50-$64.50 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$60

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $99

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., sold out

Sonoran Serenade Big Band Christmas Show

DECEMBER 21

Paul McDermand’s Christmas Island featuring the Kingston Trio’s Don Marovich

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

James Tillman Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50

Sublime with Rome

Carvin Jones

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $25-$75

Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $25

Decadence Arizona

Rawhide Event Center, 6 p.m., $179-$919

Dennis Rowland and Delphine Cortez w/Joel Robin and friends

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $57-$65

Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50

Left Alone

Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., $10-$15

DECEMBER 22

Straight No Chaser

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $15-$40

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m., $29-$75

Sublime with Rome

Johnny Rawls

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $32-$44

Jiji and Danbi Um

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

Mat and Savanna Shaw Sons of Serendip

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50 Marquee Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $50.50-$175

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CELEBRATE YOUTH

34

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

Steve Perry recalls his childhood in ‘The Season’

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

L

ast year, at the height of the pandemic, legendary singer Steve Perry couldn’t listen to Christmas music.

He was unable to visit with family or partake in traditional holiday celebrations.

There’s a glimmer of hope this month.

To help families get in the mood, the former Journey singer released the Christmas collection “The Season.”

“It was really, really an emotional experience, to be perfectly honest with you,” Perry says about the making of “The Season.”

“Last Christmas, I could not emotionally access any childhood memories of parents and grandparents, of us all being together for the holidays.

I was in that same mode that everyone was in, which was trying to just cope with the anxiety of what’s going to happen with this pandemic? Where are we going?”

Slowly, the pandemic crept closer to him as friends and family came down with COVID-19. It forced Perry even further in isolation.

“Last Christmas, I don’t remember having a Christmas holiday,” he says. “It was kind of sad.”

In June, he realized there was a chance of having a Christmas this year. He and producer Dallas Kruse collaborated on “The Season.”

“The next thing I knew, I started to feel the importance of these songs,” Perry says. “I started to enjoy singing them. I had never done a Christmas album until now. They were special to me, and then singing them was very personally special to me and helped me get in the spirit of what’s going on now.”

The process brought back vivid memories of his family, which had a twofold effect.

New Found Glory

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“I was singing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ and I recalled all of my Christmases spent next door at grandma and grandpa’s house,” he says.

“I remember the kitchen, and I remember the door jamb that led into the living room. They would get the big tree, and that’s where we were going to spend Christmas.

“When I was singing, I was thinking about presents under the tree. I literally had my eyes closed as I was singing it.

In my mind, I was staring through that door jamb at the tree at the right by the window. I forgot the next line. I got a little freaked out. I was emotionally teleporting there.”

For the album, he recorded “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Auld Lang Syne,” “Winter Wonderland,” “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Silver Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

“Auld Lang Syne,” he says, was the most challenging song to sing and, perhaps, intimidating because of its meaning. Those who sing along with it are optimistic about the upcoming year.

“People can’t wait to celebrate and sing that song,” he says. “Let’s move forward with joy and optimism. It’s a powerful song. I did some research, and it was written as a poem in 1788 and the melody was attached in 1799. It goes that far back. I had some reverence to make sure I stayed within the musical emotion of all these songs.”

He admits it was a challenge.

Melodically, Perry wanted to ensure the tone in his voice matched the tune’s “relaxed mode.”

“I started to envision sitting in front of the campfire, which is why the cover is the way it is,” he says about the album cover.

“I’m in front of a fireplace, having

Steve Perry

some eggnog and listening to music. I never really want to hear too much rock at that point. I want to reflect on my youth, my childhood and my memories of my departed loved ones. The voices who sing those songs are iconic people like Nat Cole, Bing Crosby and even Perry Como.

“Those guys had some amazing talent in their voices. I pulled back on my voice a bit.”

OTHER NOTABLE RELEASES Christmas music does not have to be traditional and boring. This winter, the likes of Billy Idol, Train, Tim McGraw and She & Him have offered their renditions of holiday tunes to spice up the season.

• Paul Anka, “Songs of December” • Timmy Brown, “A Very Timmy Brown Christmas” • Craig Campbell & Family, “White Christmas” • Kat Edmonson, “Holiday Swingin’: A Kat Edmonson Christmas Vol. 1” • Debbie Gibson, “Christmas Star” • Paul Gilbert, “‘Twas” • Caylee Hammack, “Hard Candy Christmas,” Spotify Singles: Holiday Edition 2021 • Billy Idol, “Happy Holidays” • José James, “Merry Christmas from José James” • Vance Joy, “Fairytale of New York” • Lyn Lapid, “XMAS 01” • Kiana Ledé, “This Christmas” • Johnny Lee, “Santa Claus is Lookin’ for Love” • G. Love and Special Sauce, “Coming Back Home for Christmas” • The Imaginaries, “Christmas Town” • Monica Martin, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” • Tim McGraw, “Christmas All Over

the World”/“It Wasn’t His Child” • Lori McKenna, “Christmas is Right Here” • Ingrid Michaelson, “Songs for the Season” (Deluxe Edition) • New Found Glory, “December’s Here” • Sara Noelle, “Like Snow (Slowly Falling)” • Palomas, “Missing Mistletoe” • Makenzie Phipps, “Christmas Snow” • Raffi and Lindsay Munroe, “Silver Bells” • Sabaton, “Christmas Truce” • Mary Sarah, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (holiday rendition) • She & Him, “A Very She & Him Christmas’ 10th Anniversary Edition” • Sia, “Every Day is Christmas” (Snowman Deluxe Edition) • Spoon, “Christmas Time (Is Here Again)” for Spotify Singles: Holiday Edition 2021 • Daniel Tashian, “It’s a Snow Globe World” • Train, “Mittens” • Meghan Trainor, “A Very Trainor Christmas” (Deluxe Edition) • Randy Travis, “An Old Time Christmas” (Deluxe Edition) • Various artists, “Almost Christmas — Christmas Mistletunes” • Various artists, “Bach to Christmas: Hymns and Chorales to Listen and Sing to,” featuring compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Martin Luther performed by organist Dr. James Smith • Various artists, “Christmas with Motown” • Various artists, “Christmas Rocks” • Wrabel, “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to You” • Ye Banished Privateers, “A Pirate Stole My Christmas” • Brett Young & Friends, “Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics”

FAMILY REVIVAL

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

Allman Betts Band celebrates its lineage

By Alan Sculley and Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

D

evon Allman can look back on his music career and see he has always tended to have a band that goes for a few years, and then he’s been ready to shake things up and start something different.

During the early 2000s, he fronted Devon Allman’s Honeytribe, then in 2011, he joined the Royal Southern Brotherhood, releasing a pair of albums in 2012 and 2014, before forming the Devon Allman Project. But he believes he won’t feel the need to move on from his latest group, the Allman Betts Band, any time in the foreseeable future.

“I’ve always kind of changed up the kind of approach and the vehicles that I’ve made music inside of,” he says. “It kind of felt like I’ve been couch surfing my whole career and now I’ve bought a house. And I like this house.”

Part of what has him seeing a long future for the Allman Betts Band is how easily the band formed and how quickly the band has made progress both musically and in popularity.

The Betts in the band is guitarist/ singer Duane Betts, the son of Allman Brothers founding member and guitarist/singer Dickey Betts. Devon, as one might have guessed, is the son of another founding member of that legendary group, keyboardist/singer Gregg Allman. The two had kicked around the notion of trying to write together for years, but collaborating wasn’t possible until more recently because both were busy with other projects.

But by 2018 both Devon and Duane were free and clear, so a tour was put together where Duane opened for the Devon Allman Project and then sat in with that group each evening to play a few Allman Brothers Band songs and other cover tunes. Along the way, the pair tested the waters of writing together.

Duane, in a separate phone interview, remembered the first indication that he and Devon might have a good chemistry as songwriters.

“Devon and I, the first song we worked on was ‘Long Gone.’ That was in the back of the bus,” Duane says. “I

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know we were headed down to Texas.

We were on a long drive, and we just kind of started kicking around this idea, and an idea for a verse started and then he kind of switched it up a little bit and it really worked out and we took it from there.”

The group released its self-titled debut in 2019 and showed considerable promise with a strong set of original songs that drew from a variety of influences that included the Allman Brothers Band (of course) and, just as prominently, the Rolling Stones, the Band and Santana.

After touring the debut album for about a year, the Allman Betts Band (which includes bassist Berry Oakley Jr., the son of original Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley and a longtime friend of both Devon and Duane, slide guitar player Johnny Stachela — who played in Duane’s solo band — keyboardist John Ginty and drummers John Lum and R. Scott Bryan) went to work on the 2020 follow-up album, “Bless Your Heart.”

The growth of the group is very apparent on this excellent second effort, with stronger, more diverse and more ambitious songs. Naturally enough, there are moments that recall the Allman Brothers Band (especially the extended

instrumental, “Savannah’s Dream”). But songs like “King Crawler,” a crackling Stones-ish rocker with sassy saxophone and stinging slide guitar; “The Doctor’s Daughter,” a My Morning Jacket-ish epic ballad; and “Pale Horse Rider,” an expansive mid-tempo track with the unique twist of a wordless chorus, don’t sound like the Allman Brothers Band and instead point to an emerging more original sound from the band.

Fans, though, won’t hear much original material when the Allman Betts Band comes to Arizona Federal Theatre on Thursday, December 16, as the house band on the multiact Allman Family Revival tour, which also features, among others, Robert Randolph, Marc Ford, Donavon Frankenreiter, Lilly Hiatt, Cody and Luther Dickinson, Eric Gales, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Jimmy Hall, Lamar Williams Jr. “It’s a lot of moving parts and quite a cast of characters,” Devon says with a laugh. “I’m really excited for it. We started doing this celebration of dad’s music and life about five years ago. To see it grow to this is amazing. I think he would be really tickled.

“When my agent said there were like 30 cities that wanted to do this, I was like, ‘Wow. That’s a ton.’ It’s going to be amazing to bring this traveling musical

circus to town.”

He says fans can expect collaborations on stage.

“Without a doubt,” he says. “That’s the whole point of having this many talented people on the tour. You’re going to get to see some guitar players jam with others.”

The show celebrates the life and music of Gregg and the Allman Brothers Band, and has become an annual tradition, first with Devon and now the Allman Betts Band anchoring the proceedings.

“My favorite part is just the joy of the audience. I can tell they are touched and getting every penny’s worth,” Devon says in a statement.

“Knowing Dad is looking down saying, ‘Damn, son, all that hot jammin’ for me?!’ I know he’s tickled that we celebrate him.”

Allman Family Reunion WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 16 WHERE: Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $38.50 INFO: 602.379.2800, arizonafederaltheatre.com

‘WHOLE LOT OF SOUL’ THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021

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The Bayou Bandits are the spokesmen for Southern rock

By Jordan Houston

D

espite social distancing and economic hurdles brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bayou Bandits are gearing up to launch “gritty” new music.

The Southern rock four-piece, which comprises lead singer/guitarist Joshua Strickland, lead guitarist and background vocalist Jeremy Madig, bassist and background vocalist Jay Kereny and drummer Dan Johnson, has quickly built a reputation in the Arizona music scene with its cover shows.

Blending the sounds of Louisiana swamplands with other elements of Southern rock, the Bayou Bandits have shared the stage with Billboard-topping artists like Jerrod Niemann, David Nail, The Black Moods, Jason Charles Miller and Jonathon “Boogie” Long, among others.

The Bayou Bandits are now tapping into their bubbling notoriety to focus on creating new original music, according to Strickland.

“I think, with this new music, I’ve matured a little more as a writer — it’s a little bit more complex lyrics and definitely more of a punch in the mouth,” says Strickland, a Louisiana native and U.S. Army veteran. “It’s like if the Doors and Marshall Tucker had a love child who was born and raised in South Louisiana with harmonicas and dirty guitar riffs. It’s a whole lot of soul.”

The Bayou Bandits are in the “planning stage” of releasing an EP in the near future, boasting slide guitars

guaranteed to inspire a “hell raisin’, boot stompin’ musical throwdown.”

Operating independently from a record label, Strickland says the band’s recent single “Gasoline” has attracted the attention of “record labels across the country.”

“We’re real proud of that song,” he says. “We started working with a publicist out in Vegas, and they’ve been jamming it and loving it. That’s something we’re real proud of — not saying we don’t want to be on a label, because we do. But everything we’ve achieved as a band is on our own.

“It’s been a grind. Whenever you’re independent, you don’t have the same resources as a big label head does, so it’s a

matter of shopping your music out there and getting people to hear it.”

The Bayou Bandits stepped into the spotlight in 2019 with the song “Take Me Back,” which landed the band a feature in Comedy Central’s docuseries “Klepper” by Jordan Klepper. “Take Me Back” was then added to the Bayou Bandits’ self-titled album, accompanied by other hits such as “Dixie Ass” and “Tip ’Em on Back” In early 2020, the band hit the road for its debut tour across the Gulf Coast. The Bayou Bandits amassed scores of fans, including a sold-out crowd in New Orleans, along the way — until lockdown measures halted performances.

Strickland, whose musical careers stems back to playing on Bourbon Street as a “bucket boy” when he was 13, describes honing his singing skills throughout his youth in Southern Baptist churches.

Like many creatives, the singersongwriter says he draws most of his writing inspiration from his personal life experiences.

“It’s hard for me to write songs about stuff that I don’t know anything about,” Strickland explains. “I write about stuff I know that I’ve lived. It’s hard for me to believe in something that doesn’t have a personal tie to me.”

Having served missions in Kandahar City, Afghanistan, Strickland honored that time with the song “Kandahar.”

A live performance of “Kandahar” was recorded by an audience member during an open mic night. It was later uploaded on YouTube and has since generated over 3,000 views.

A registered nurse at a Phoenix

hospital, Strickland has also written pieces honoring the nurses and front-line workers who are powering through the pandemic.

“A Nurse’s Story (Save You)” was released as an acoustic single in 2020 and immediately gained attention across the United States from fans and multiple state nursing boards and organizations.

Strickland, however, says he is most proud of the band’s success and development as a unit.

“My bandmates are my best friends, and it’s not necessarily by choice either.

It’s because we were with each other so much,” he says. “Our lyrics have grown more; our sound has grown more. I feel like our next record is basically the transition from when boy becomes man — a coming-of-age-type tale.”

And the band’s progression doesn’t appear to be slowing down.

The Bayou Bandits will open for the Los Angeles-based American rock band Steel Panther, best known for its satirical lyrics and exaggerated on-stage pastiche of the stereotypical glam metal lifestyle.

“They’re great dudes. We’ve played with them before,” Strickland discloses.

“Those dudes are a riot, and they bring the party.”

Steel Panther w/The Bayou Bandits WHEN: 7 p.m.

Friday, December 17 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: luckymanonline.com, thebayoubandits.com or thebayoubandits@gmail.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

DREAM COME TRUE

Maddie Poppe brings holiday show to the MIM

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

T

o “American Idol” season 16 winner Maddie Poppe, Christmas is all about family.

“Being with family has always been so important to me,” Poppe says. “I had never left home (before ‘American Idol’). Since I’ve left home and saw the world, knowing that I get to come back for the holidays is always something (that gets me) excited.”

Poppe will make holiday memories in North Phoenix when she brings her acoustic Christmas show to the Musical Instrument Museum on Friday, December 10.

It’s part of her two-year mission to brighten the holiday season. She released a holiday EP in November 2020 called

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“Christmas from Home” and followed it with her Acoustic Christmas Tour. The successful jaunt yielded an expanded tour this year.

“Last year, we did an Iowa run,” says Poppe, who hails from Clarksville, Iowa.

“This year, we decided to expand it out to the rest of the United States. There are 18 cities, and we’re really excited about it. Last year, I did it on my own. This year, I have a keyboard player with me.”

Since Poppe won “American Idol,” her life has been a whirlwind. Her aptly named last album, “Whirlwind,” reached No. 2 on the iTunes Pop Charts, and her hit single “Made You Miss” earned No. 19 on the Hot AC Radio Charts.

Her sentimental ballad “Not Losing You” also swept radio charts, reaching No. 17. She has appeared on “Jimmy

Kimmel Live!” and “Live! with Kelly & Ryan,” to name a few, and has performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and CMA Fest in Nashville.

In fall 2019, Poppe supported Ingrid Michaelson on The Dramatic Tour, an experience she calls “a dream come true.”

Poppe is preparing to release new music in early 2022. Formerly based in LA, Poppe moved her songwriting base to Nashville, which she enjoys. She describes the sound as acoustic R&B, straying from her singer-songwriter roots.

“I’m finding some people here who I really mesh with and I’m excited to work with,” she says about Nashville.

“The music is going to be an exciting new chapter and a new me. It’s a sound I always hoped I would find for myself, but I didn’t know if I would. I’m really excited and proud to share it with everyone.”

Penning songs with new writers can be daunting.

“I remember some of the first co-writes I ever did,” she says. “I was so vulnerable.

I thought, ‘What if they don’t like my ideas? What if they can’t relate?’ Within the first half hour in the writing session, you know if it’s going to be successful or not. Based on how you mesh with the person in the session is really important to the song.”

Maddie Poppe WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 10 WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: 480.478.6000, mim.org

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