The Entertainer! - Dec. 2015

PHX METRO » DECEMBER 2015

THE FINAL

COUNTDOWN

WHERE TO SPEND THE LAST MOMENTS OF 2015

REVVED UP

+

LeAnn RIMES

BARRETT-JACKSON SCOTTSDALE SHIFTS INTO GEAR

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2015

3 PARTIES. 1 NIGHT. DINNER PACKAGE

INCLUDES DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT FOR $150

PARTY PACKAGE

INCLUDES 6 DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT FOR $125

HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT

101 & INDIAN BEND | SCOTTSDALE | TALKINGSTICKRESORT.COM Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or on ticketmaster.com | 480.850.7734.

Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

“THE GREATEST OF THE GREAT! IT MUST BE EXPERIENCED!” — Chrinstine Walevska, Goddess of Cello, watched Shen Yun 4 times

T

here was a time when the world was full of magic and splendor, and all on Earth existed in harmony with Heaven. You could see it in the arts, feel it in the air, and hear it in the beat of a drum. This was a land of heroes and sages, dragons and phoenixes, emperors and immortals. Known today as China, this place was once called “the Land of the Divine.”

What if you could journey back and visit this lost paradise?

Shen Yun brings the profound spirit of this lost civilization to life on stage with unrivaled artistic mastery. Every dance movement, every musical note, makes this a stunning visual and emotional experience you won’t find anywhere else. Banned in communist China today, the non-profit Shen Yun is dedicated to reviving 5,000 years of civilization.

Experience the Arts connecting Heaven & Earth! Experience Shen Yun!

“ Mind-blowing! Go back and see six times!”

—Richard Connema, renowned Broadway critic

“Absolutely beautiful...

So inspiring; I think I may have found some new ideas for the next Avatar.”

“Absolutely the NO.1 show in the world, absolutely the best... No other company or of any style can match this!”

—Robert Stromberg, AcademyAward winning production designer for AVATAR

—Kenn Wells, former lead dancer of the English National Ballet

MAR 31 - APR 6, 2016 Orpheum Theatre

203 West Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

Mar Apr Apr Apr

31, 1, 2, 2,

Thu Fri Sat Sat

7:30pm 8:00pm 2:00pm 7:30pm

“It was a very spiritual “Go see it to believe it, because experience and it moved me otherwise, you are going to and I cried. I kept thinking, this miss the most important thing in your life.” is the highest and the best of what humans can produce.”

—Olevia Brown-Klahn, musician

Apr 3, Sun 1:00pm Apr 5, Tue 7:30pm Apr 6, Wed 7:30pm Tickets: $150, $120, $100, $80, $60

—Joe Heard, former White House photographer, watched Shen Yun 5 times

Tickets: 800.880.0188 ShenYun.com/Phoenix

YOU GOTTA

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Fresh Ground Burgers

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University & McClintock Tempe, AZ

LIKE NO PLACE

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Hand Tossed Pizza

and much more!!

CONTENTS PHX METRO » DECEMBER 2015

ON THE COVER

Rev It Up The Barrett-Jackson is back for its 45th celebration of extravagant cars, trucks and everything on wheels in January.

Find the car of your dreams in the New Year, and wipe your mouth. You’re drooling.

28 76

98

It’s time to say goodbye to 2015. Head out to any of these Valley New Year’s Eve events to party 2016 in with style.

LeAnn Rimes never listened to her completed albums... until now.

The country music mainstay is celebrating the holiday with a new record, Today is Christmas, and a stop in the Valley.

5

26

So Long, 2015!

Christmas Gone Country

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Let There Be Lights

Pop star Lights has seen a quick rise to fame and acclaim, but with her songwriting background and angelic vocals, she’s likely to be a mainstream mainstay for years to come.

on the cover: A 1957 Chevrolet Custom Truck, “Quiksilver,” up for auction at the 2016 Barett-Jackson Scottsdale.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

3200 N. Hayden, Suite 210 Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Phone 480-348-0343 Fax 480-348-2109 www.entertainermag.com

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publisher

Steve T. Strickbine steve@entertainermag.com

executive editor

Christina Caldwell ccaldwell@entertainermag.com

associate editor

Get Nerdy

Breanne DeMore breanne@entertainermag.com

Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest proves that lovers of the nerdy arts can’t wait a whole year for their annual descent upon Phoenix Convention Center. With celebs like Karen Gillan, Sean Maher and more, we can’t say we can blame them.

art director

Erin Loukili erin@entertainermag.com

THE METROPOLITAN

designer

9

Jaclyn Threadgill

Top 25 • PHX Insider gives back • Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest • Piff the Magic Dragon slays • Jill Bryan is one funny gal

circulation director

44

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 23 Toys! for your coworkers • Virtual reality Apps • The Barrett-Jackson brings the rumble • The best New Year’s Eve parties in the Valley

THE ARTIST

The best arts events in December • WaistWatchers isn’t a waste of time • The top holiday arts events in December • Zoppé Family Circus has kept it in the family for over a hundred years • Carnival of Illusion will have you questioning your sanity

THE CRITIC

Across The Pond

33

Actress Saoirse Ronan understands the struggle of her character in “Brooklyn”... because she lived it herself. Ronan captures a similar story at a different time in the period drama garnering critical acclaim, as she discusses with The Entertainer!

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46

Coming Attractions • Our expert movie picks of the month • The Critic’s Report Card • Saoirse Ronan on ‘Brooklyn’ • Dune Sea Garrison feels the force

THE DINER

May the Force Be With You

49

The December appearance of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” might think you’re excited for the return of the franchise, but for local cosplay group Dune Sea Garrison, the hype couldn’t be higher.

The best food events in December • Gio Osso’s Nico finds a home in Downtown Gilbert • Diner Insider • Happy Hour Guide • Dueling Diners at Carlos O’Brien’s

THE CRAFTMASTER

61

Beer Over Here • A cooler you can ride • Great Beer Pairings at Phoenix Public Market • BeerFinder Directory • Beertenders • All about porters

THE HIGHROLLER

THE YOUNGSTER 73

The best casino events in December • A full casino entertainment calendar • LeAnn Rimes gets into the Christmas spirit • Dwight Yoakam and his youthful spark

THE GLADIATOR

81

The best sports events in December • ASU’s Mike Bercovici is even more likable off the field

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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The best family events in December • Welcome the seasons with holiday kids events • Kidz Bop celebrates 30 albums • Ring in the holidays in SoCal

THE SHOWMAN

91

X Ambassdors finds its way into the mainstream • Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings power to the holidays • Brian Setzer is all Setz for Christmas • Lights lights up Tempe in December • Live music calendar

Aaron Kolodny aaron@entertainermag.com

contributing writers

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Joseph Airdo, Randy Montgomery, M.V. Moorhead, Andrew Axelrod, Weiss Kelly, Jasmine Kemper, Dylan Ardnt, Kat Simonovic, Dave Clark

INTERNS Leah Goldberg, Justin Stabley

ONE COPY PER READER

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2015 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe.

The best nightlife events in December • AC Slater gets saved by the bass • TIPSY Drink of the Month • Nightlife photos • Decadence NYE • Mad Mixologist • Oddly Accurate Astrology

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

THE THINKER

DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

THE NIGHTOWL

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You don’t need to know these facts. You really don’t. But we know you want to.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

THE METROPOLITAN

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PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest 16 Piff the Magic Dragon 14 Top 25 9

TOP25

one night, coming to tell it how it is.

Get the scoop on the world today with Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller’s Don’t Be a Pinhead Tour. Love them or hate them, the show will certainly be entertaining.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m., $78-$128

Justin Stabley » The Entertainer!

7th Annual Festival of Trees

DECEMBER 4 The Valley’s premier kick-off for the holiday season opens on December 4.

Get your holiday trees, wreaths and menorahs and have them delivered to your door. While you’re there, join the live auction and silent auction with a grand prize travel packet to support local non-profit organizations.

Wrigley Mansion, 2501 E. Telawa Trail, Phoenix, 602.955.4079, phoenixgaychamber.com, 6 p.m., $30

Snoop Dogg KMLE’s Not So Silent Night

DECEMBER 3 The holidays can be a stressful time. Take a load off your shoulders with KMLE’s Not So Silent Night, a huge one night party at Comerica Theatre featuring some of the biggest names in rock and country like Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and Chase Rice.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, kmle1079.cbslocal.com, 7 p.m., $44

DECEMBER 4 The man of many names is bringing his unique flavor of reggae and hiphop to the Arizona stage. This is his first appearance at Livewire and will be performing with Mack and Tha Eastsidaz.

Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com, 7:30 p.m., $60

Bill O’Reilly and Dennis Miller: Don’t Be a Pinhead Tour DECEMBER 4 It’s two right-wing personalities in

Todd Glass

DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 6 Catch the lovable Todd Glass and his oddball comedy in Tempe this month.

The Philadelphia-born comedian has been on two seasons of “Last Comic Standing” and has made numerous appearances on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “Louie” and “Tosh.0.”

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempe. improv.com, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., $20

Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest

DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 6 Can’t wait until summer for Comicon season? Head over to Phoenix

Comicon Fan Fest for your favorite geek shopping booths and get autographs from your favorite actors like Sean Maher, Karen Gillan and Julian Richings. It’s gonna be out of this world!

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, phoenixcomicon.com, 10 a.m. Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, $10-$30

Muse

DECEMBER 5 Catch a seat at an epic show when Muse hits Glendale. The legendary English band is on their Drones tour and are traveling with the hot electronic group Phantogram. Catch a night of heart-quaking, stereotypeshattering alt rock this month.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3200, 8 p.m., $38-$48

Fugly Sweater Party

DECEMBER 5 The newest tradition to hit the holidays is coming to you, brought to you by the Tongue Tied dance party. Bring the best/worst Christmas sweater you can find and hit the floor for a night of dumb laughs.

Linger Longer Lounge, 6522 N. 16th Street, Suite 6, Phoenix, 602.264.4549, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $5 after 9 p.m.

Mannheim Steamroller

DECEMBER 6 Enjoy some old fashioned holiday tunes with a modern twist. Mannheim Steamroller was popularized by their WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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take on classic Christmas songs and they’re coming to Mesa to bring them to you live.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $35-$80

Hot Chocolate Run

DECEMBER 6 Eat chocolate without the guilt at the Hot Chocolate Run in Scottsdale!

This is a 15K or 5K excursion where participants are awarded with specially blended fondue and dark chocolate squares at the finish line.

The first place medal is also a metalwrapped chocolate bar, specially decorated with the desert landscape of Arizona.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, hotchocolate15k.com, times vary, entry fees vary

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

DECEMBER 6 The progressive rock group, made immortal by its series of Christmas rock operas, is ready to wow you on stage this December. For one night, experience the epic ballads from a group listed on Billboard’s Top 25 Touring Artists of the past decade.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3200, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $33-$68

4th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 13 The weekend-long event in the heart of Downtown Phoenix will be packed with live arts and entertainment alongside over 125 vendor booths. Local muralist Hugo Medina invites anyone ready to express their inner artist to help create the new Phoenix Mural.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.534.2406, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org, 12 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, free

Ballet Arizona’s ‘The Nutcracker’

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 27 It’s the most famous ballet ever made is coming to the Valley for its annual return. Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker” will light up the stage with over 150 performers and hundreds of dazzling costumes.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, balletaz.org, 602.381.0184, times vary, $15-$164

DECEMBER 7 Everyone’s favorite science guy is coming to school Tempe! His thought-provoking lecture will cover the breadth of time, taking you on a journey through space and matter without the boring homework.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 6 p.m., $10-$32

Brian Setzer Orchestra

DECEMBER 15 Swing your way to Celebrity Theatre to celebrate the holidays with The Brian Setzer Orchestra. The old school band full of trumpets, trombones, and saxophones plays alongside Setzer’s section of guitar and vocals. It’s a good way to rock your night into the holidays.

Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 7:30 p.m., sold out

So You Think You Can Dance

DECEMBER 12 The hit show is coming to you live for their Season 12 tour. Get a front seat to the biggest dance phenomenon on television and do your part when you vote for your favorite couple.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 8 p.m., $38-$68

World’s Best Sand Sculpting Championship

Bill Nye: Your Place in Space

of mystery with Carnival of Illusion.

The show is packed with old fashioned magic and tricks without the overblown lights and explosions of Las Vegas. Here you get a pure, up-close experience in the world of bewitching illusion.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., $45-$60

DECEMBER 12 AND 13 Prepare to get awed by the skills of 10 world-class sand sculpting artists as they battle it out for a $19,000 prize and the title of World’s Best Sand Sculptor. It might be winter, but you can find the beach at the event with beach-themed actitivies, entertainment and food, plus holiday vendors to cross some shopping off your list. The weather is cool and the sand sculptures are hot, so head on out this month.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, saltriverfields.com, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., $12 adults, kids 2 and younger free

Mötley Crüe; The Final Tour

DECEMBER 19 This is the last chance you may get to see the renowned rock band together in concert! Mötley Crüe, famous for hit songs like “Shout at the Devil,” “Kick Start My Heart” and “Dr. Feelgood” will retire at the end of their North American tour, so don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the most influential bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, 7 p.m., $16-$121

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Carnival of Illusion

DECEMBER 12 AND 19 Get an intimate look into the world

Orkesta Mendoza

DECEMBER 29 From Tucson, Orkesta Mendoza brings a mix of Mexican mambo, psychedelic cumbia, ranchero, jazz and indie rock to the big stage at Crescent Ballroom. The band was in the official showcase selection of World Music Expo 2014.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 7 p.m., $8

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

DECEMBER 31 The Tempe-based band, also known as RCPM, is rocking the old year away at Marquee Theatre. The cross genre group is going to be in the Valley on New Year’s Night to celebrate the only way it knows how—with a party!

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, 7 p.m., $45

CitySkate

THROUGH JANUARY 11 It’s the most wonderful time of the year when CityScape is transformed into the winter capital of the city, complete with lights, music, and of course, an ice skating rink surrounding a colorful Christmas tree.

CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.772.3900, cityskatephx.com, times vary, $12 weekdays, $15 weekends

Barrett-Jackson

JANUARY 23 THROUGH 31 It’s the car show to end all car shows!

Barrett-Jackson auctions off countless stylish cars each year, showing off the best auto designs ever made, and they’re coming to Scottsdale, taking their annual home up at WestWorld.

Just try to control your drool when you see your dream car up on the chopping block.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.421.6694, barrett-jackson.com, 9 a.m., prices vary

Damon Wayans

DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 13 Actor, comedian, and producer Damon Wayans has a hilarious show coming up for anyone looking for a fun night.

The talented performer, popularized by his role as “Major Payne,” is sure to bring the on-stage laughs.

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempe. improv.com, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., $35

Buress is bringing his show to Stand Up Live in Phoenix. Famous for blowing the whistle on Bill Cosby, the actor and comedian is still in the spotlight making laughs.

Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, standuplive.com, 9:45 p.m., $31

Hannibal Buress

DECEMBER 23 Sharply observant comedian Hannibal

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PHX INSIDER

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

Give, rather than receive this holiday

If you’d rather give than receive this year, volunteering at these Valley charities is a great way to warm the hearts of others.

During the busy holiday season, lend a helping hand and spend your time giving back to those who need our help.

Arizona Humane Society

Everyone needs love around the holidays, even our furry friends at the Arizona Humane Society. While they await adoption, you can volunteer at one of the shelters or even become a “foster hero” and invite an animal into your home that needs time away from the shelter.

Arizona Humane Society, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, 602.997.7585, azhumane.org

St. Mary’s Food Bank

No one should ever go hungry, especially around the holidays! There are currently 2 million Arizonans living at or below the poverty line. St. Mary’s Food Bank wants to eliminate hunger, and they need our help. You can make a difference by sorting, bagging and boxing food or by making a donation to families.

St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, 602.242.3663, firstfoodbank.org

St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul serves over 1.2 million meals to families every year. This winter season, you can help those families at one of their five dining rooms in the Valley.

Volunteers can help by setting up, serving, bussing or cleaning up the dining rooms.

Since many people like to volunteer during the holiday season, applications are not required. However, they do prefer that volunteers call their office directly for volunteer opportunities.

St. Vincent de Paul, 420 W. Watkins Road, Phoenix, 602.266.4673, stvincentdepaul.net

Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a child smile during the holidays. You can make someone’s day by donating to their annual toy drive. If you want to get even more involved, become an in-hospital volunteer or participate in hospital events as a community volunteer. Whatever you choose will make a huge difference in the lives of these amazing children!

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 602.933.1000, phoenixchildrens.org

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Live auctions 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month or BID ONLINE WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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DECEMBER 2015 SPECIAL PRESENTATION

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

DRAGON

15

New Years Eve

BREADTH RUBEN PAUL DECEMBER 31

Piff the Magic Dragon proves you can blend comedy and magic seamlessly

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

3 GREAT SHOW PACKAGES TO CHOOSE FROM

Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

M

ix one part magician with two parts comedian and wrap it all in a green dinosaur suit and . . . PIFF! You’ve got Piff the Magic Dragon.

A magician for this generation of magic-lovers, Piff performs his routine with a deadpan delivery and a sarcastic, and almost self-deprecating, sense of humor—all while wearing a dinosaur suit and holding his Chihuahua named Mr. Piffles.

From card tricks to disappearing acts, Piff seamlessly performs astounding magic tricks while keeping his audience laughing hysterically with his simple yet impactful commentary and seeming nonchalance attitude about performing in front of so many people. He keeps his character as a dragon, occasionally “sneezing” sparks and making excuses about what “dragons like.”

He has performed on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” before performing on “America’s Got Talent,” where he very nearly made it to the finals. With 12 million YouTube views, Piff has also performed as the opening act for Mumford & Sons on their 17-date UK tour and just finished up a six-month residency at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

He’s performed on stages ranging from London’s Shakespeare’s Globe to New York’s Radio City Music Hall to the Sydney Opera House, and now he’s coming to Phoenix. Expect to alternate between laughing out loud and picking

your jaw up off the floor with this fun and unique performance. You won’t want to miss this unique and memorable magician who is quickly becoming an international star.

TRIPLE

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Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy 5350 E. High Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, 480.420.3553, az.houseofcomedy.net, Wednesday, December 16 through Sunday, December 20, times vary, $29

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S NONSTOP

NERDY

Get your fill of everything geek at Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest Justin Stabley » The Entertainer!

ince Arizona just can’t get enough of Phoenix Comicon, the nerd juggernaut decided to add Fan Fest last year, featuring some of the celebs, vendors and artists that make Phoenix Comicon special.

Now in its second year, Fan Fest is bigger than ever, and it’s making its triumphant return on December 4 through 6.

Sword demonstrations will be held by several groups, including Rapier Combat with the Society for Creative Anachronism and Medieval Combat with the Kingdom of Umbria. Ye olde sword fights not your thing? Whether you’re inclined towards the Light Side or the Dark Side, there will be Lightsaber dueling with the Vanguard Saber Academy, where you and your kids can learn the basics of The Force.

Of course, a convention would be lacking without a few cosplayers. There will be cosplay meetups and fashion shows every day for almost every possible category, from Star Wars to Dragon Age. Friday evening will be rounded off with a cosplay dance off, where the staff picks the music and the contestants have to strut their stuff.

There will also be costume contests on Saturday and Sunday, where the winner is determined by audience applause.

For more refined competition, there will be steampunk Tea Dueling, where gentlemen and gentlewomen attempt to consume biscuits and sip tea as elegantly as they can. This is a spectator sport with class.

Film buffs won’t be left out since Fan Fest is hosting a brand new indie zombie film called “I Am Alone,” starring Gareth David-Lloyd, who will be present to answer questions about the film and his other acting credits.

For lovers of the brain dead, you can answer the question, “Can You Survive the Horde?” This interactive obstacle course, brought to you by Umbrella Corps, Continues on p. 18

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challenges you to make your way through unspeakable zombie terror.

The other obstacle course at Fan Fest belongs to Scottsdale Parkour, who will host live demonstrations of their free-running skill and teach you safe and effective techniques. The event will be themed for “Assassin’s Creed,” “Tron” or “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” depending on the day.

For some holiday spirit, KNTR presents Nerdy St. Nick all weekend. If you’re tired of the same old Santa Claus, then why not try Bat Claus or Captain Ameri-Claus? Along with others, these Clauses are taking wishlists for the big man himself.

Along with the panels, there will be guest appearances by some of the biggest names in film and television.

Karen Gillan

Karen Gillan was put on the map as Amy Pond, the spunky redhead companion to Matt Smith’s “Doctor Who.” She also plays Gamora’s rival sister, Nebula, in Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Because of all her nerd cred, we’re willing to forgive the sin that was “Selfie.” Her panel will be on Sunday and she will be doing signings Saturday and Sunday.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Sean Maher

Best-known from the one-season phenomenon, “Firefly,” as well as other shows like “The Mentalist” and “Warehouse 13,” Sean Maher will have a spotlight panel on Saturday with signing opportunities all weekend.

The ‘Supernatural’ Gang

There will be several panels with stars from “Supernatural.” Alaina Huffman, who played Abaddon, and Juilan Richings, who played Death, will have their own respective panels as well as a group panel on Sunday.

And More!

Other special guests include Denise Crosby who played Tasha Yar in “Star Trek TNG,” Dirk Benedict from the original “Battlestar Galactica,” Tom Cook who animated many ‘80s cartoons, and many more.

20

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

FUNNY

GIRL

Gilbert comedian Jill Bryan breaks down barriers, far away from comedy’s capitals

Sarah Marmolejo » Special to The Entertainer!

W

ith a brother like Jimmy Kimmel, you would think breaking out of his shadow might be difficult. But it’s not, if you’re Gilbert comedian Jill Bryan.

It was another day at the bland, dull office where “babysitting adults” and “political correctness” go hand-in-hand, Bryan says. Another day, another dollar, and one more day at the office as an administrative assistant wasn’t something Bryan could take.

When she heard about an open mic night in town, she decided to give it a shot. After all, comedy runs in the family.

Bryan explained that she always loved acting and making her friends laugh, so stand-up seemed like the natural next step.

But it was not until July 2006 that she gave it a shot and fell in love, and by then she was 35.

Since Bryan began her comedy career late by the industry’s standards, the nagging factors were always there—the late start, the male-dominated field, the idea of failing.

But Bryan didn’t let anything get to her as she raced through the doorway to success.

Bryan grew up around boys. As she entered the comedy scene, dealing with the male majority was nothing new, and she sure didn’t let that stop her. It should not stop anyone, she explains.

“I have had always had more male friends than female friends, so it felt

normal to me,” she says. “But I also won’t allow anyone to treat me poorly, so my gender hasn’t been an issue so far. My only advice to women who may want to try comedy is to be a funny woman. Don’t try to be a guy. Be a woman. And be funny.

That’s the only way to go.”

Gilbert might be happy to stake its claim on Bryan as she breaks through comedy’s barriers, but why here? Bryan has accomplished a great deal in her career and might be expected to live in Hollywood or New York, but she says she loves it here—and not just because it’s a town that is slightly cheaper than Los Angeles.

“I love my little house, my neighborhood . . . it’s easy to live here. Much cheaper than L.A. The traffic is barely existent, the schools are good. I may move to L.A. or New York if my career leads me in that direction, but for now I am very comfortable.”

Bryan may enjoy living in Gilbert but that doesn’t stop her from traveling as she gets ready to go on her third tour for the U.S. military, where she will be joined by a few other comedians. For Bryan it’s not about being the most famous comedian, it’s about making people who need it smile.

With such a go-get-‘em attitude, it’s no wonder Bryan is as successful as she is.

Catch Bryan this month as she performs a show at SanTan Village in Gilbert with Clayton Perkins and Michael Turner on Friday, December 4.

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THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

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Whether you love them or hate them, coworkers are a part of your 9-to-5 life, and they deserve a gift every once in a while. We found some presents your office buddies will actually want. From desk gadgets to time wasters, there will never be another boring day at work with these office accessories.

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24

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

THE FUTURE ON YOUR PHONE

Sensational virtual reality apps for Google Cardboard Justin Stabley » The Entertainer!

DinoTrek VR Experience (Free) Go back in time from the comfort of your couch.

DinoTrek takes you on a virtual safari with all of your favorite prehistoric giants, from Pterodactyls to T-Rex.

Sisters: A Virtual Reality Ghost Story (Free) Your fears are closer than they’ve ever been with this creepy storytelling app. Watch the terror unfold in 360 degrees as you discover the fate of the two sisters who once lived in this house.

Glitcher (Free)

Proton Pulse

($1.99) Sometimes, the best games are the simplest.

Play this classic pong-style experience in the new virtual dimension, hitting balls back and forth against an enemy A.I. entity bent on destroying the world!

Legendary Pictures VR (Free)

The most eye-popping films of the last few years can now be experienced firsthand.

With this cinematic app, you can jump into the cockpit of a Jaeger from “Pacific Rim,” explore the bloodied halls of “ Crimson Peak,” or soar over the skies of Azeroth from the upcoming “Warcraft” movie.

Titans of Space

Experience the reality through a computer lens. Glitcher renders dynamic filters and distortions through your device’s camera, transforming the way you see the world. The app includes color inversion, VHS tape filter, selective color and even Predator vision.

(Free) Explore your universe, or at least your Solar System. Titans of Space gives you a firsthand tour of space, stopping by all of our local celestial bodies. The app can be controlled by a Bluetooth touchpad or by simply looking at menu options on screen.

War of Words

VR Roller Coaster Attraction (Free)

(Free) Good poetry stands the test of time. Siegfried Sassoon’s famous war poem, “The Kiss,” is brought to life in the modern age with virtual reality, walking you through the desolate hellscape of World War I as the impactful words drift across your vision.

VRSE (Free)

For many filmmakers, such as Chris Milk, VR promises to be a new frontier of storytelling. That’s why he and other collaborators have put together an app specifically for VR filmmaking. The app already showcases a few short films including one about a 12-year-old Syrian refugee.

Of course one of the first virtual reality simulations is an impossibly big roller coaster. This app drops and spins you through a jungle setting securely fastened to a winding metal track. Not recommended for people with motion sickness.

Fractal Combat X

(Free) Surround yourself with fastpaced aerial action with Fractal Combat X. This game, reminiscent of old arcade classics like After Burner, straps you into the cockpit of a fighter jet and sends you out to battle in the sky.

Requires a game controller.

Not all apps are available for all operating systems.

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4G LTE Smartphones after mail-in rebate Cricket VISA Promotion Card ®

Buy an eligible Smartphone between $20 and $50, port your number to Cricket & activate new qualifying plan (min $40/mo.).

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*Offer ends 1/7/16. Get card w/in 8 wks. Promotion card may be used to pay for your Cricket wireless services.

Free Smartphones after Mail-in-Rebate: Valid on Motorola Moto E ($49.99), ZTE Overture 2 ($39.99), LG Risio ($29.99) and Nokia Lumia 635 ($19.99) only. Available only at Cricket retail locations and cricketwireless.com. While supplies last. No rain checks. Rebate form must be submitted by 2/6/16. New activation on smartphone plan required ($40/month minimum). Valid only for customers who port their number from another carrier. Excludes ports from AT&T. Phone price and tax due at sale. Void in CT, RI, and Miami-Dade County, FL. Promotion Card, issued by W Thomas 1 gasoline pumps. Card may be used to pay for your Cricket Wand Southern MetaBank®, member FDIC, or CenterState Bank of Florida, NA pursuant to license from VISA U.S.A. Inc., is not redeemable825 for cash may not be Ave used for cash withdrawal at any4733 cash-dispensing locationsRd or atSuite automated wireless services. Card is non-transferable and non-refundable. Funds are available at US locations where VISA debit cards are accepted for 150 days after the Card issuance, through the “VALID THRU” shown on the Card. Must be active and in good standing for 45 days. Customer Phoenix, AZ 85031 Suite 112 must992 makeEsecond service payment within 45 days of activation to receive card.

Customer could cancel anytime, but if not active for 45 days and does not make second service payment, will not qualify for rebate offer.

Limit 5 Cricket315 VISA® West PromotionIrvington Cards per household.

Cottonwood Ln., Ste. 108 42 S Stapley Dr. Rd SteAllow 121 up to 8 weeks for fulfillment of Cricket VISA® Promotion Card. Restocking fee for smartphone return up to $25 may apply. Phoenix In-store activation fee up to $25 apply. Visit Cricket store forOffice details. Restrictions and other charges may apply. Offer subject to change & may be terminated at any 480-438-1428 AZ 85041 AZ 85122 Az. 85204 Tucson AZ 85714 timeCasa without Grande notice. For cardholder agreement and completeMesa terms and conditions, please visit https://www.cricketwireless.com/legal-info/promotion-card-terms-and-conditions.html. ©2015 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

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1302 E Southern Ave. Mesa AZ 85204 Office 480-969-4444

3445 W Glendale Ave., Ste 11B Phoenix AZ 85051 Office 602-249-5054

2081 N Arizona Ave., Ste 134 Chandler AZ 85225 Office 480-782-7999

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Queen Creek

530 E Hunt Hwy Ste 119 Queen Creek AZ 85142 Office 480-888-7779 ®

Office 520-807-1003 8802 E Broadway Tucson AZ 85710 Office 520-207-6002

5811 S Central Ave. 4G LTE Smartphones rebate Cricket VISA Promotion Card 1810 S Power after Rd, Ste 103mail-in 235 W Wetmore Rd. Ste 151 85 W Combs Rd., Ste. 113 Phoenix AZ 85040 Mesabetween AZ 85308 $20 and $50, port Tucson$40/mo.).

Az 85705 an eligible Smartphone your number to Cricket & activate new plan (min 1022 NBuy Arizona Ave Queen Creek AZqualifying 85142 Office 602-323-1515 Office 480-926-8300 Office 520-888-3199 Must make 2nd service payment w/in 45 days.* Chandler AZ 85225 Office 480-677-2233 Office 480-899-4733 8841 N 19th Ave Ste 2 3790 S 16th Ave Phoenix 20852 E Ocotillo Rd Suite D-103 Phoenix AZ 85021 Tucson Az 85713 26 E. Baseline Rd., Ste 100 Queen Creek AZ 85142 Office 602-759-5766 Coolidge Office 520-882-4975 Phoenix AZ 85042 Office 480-888-2215 1423 N Arizona Blvd Work 602-323-9797 4041 E Thomas Rd. Coolidge AZ 85228 San Luis Ste 113 Office 520-723-4084 Tempe 2420 W Bethany Home Rd. 706 N Main St. Ste. D Phoenix AZ 85018 3400 S McClintock Dr. Phoenix AZ 85015 San Luis AZ 85349 Office 602-522-1685 Tempe AZ 85282 Maricopa Work 602-249-0333 Office 928-550-5057 Work 480-897-2230 20928 N John Wayne Parkway, 1602 E Roosevelt St Ste C-14 3555 W Van Buren Rd. Ste 110 582 E Piceno Dr. Ste. 201 Ste. 301 2700 W Baseline Rd. Ste 137 Maricopa AZ 85239 Phoenix AZ 85009 San Luis, AZ 85349 Phoenix AZ 85006 Tempe AZ. 85283 Office 520-233-2111 Office 602-353-1144 Office 928-550-5057 Office 602-253-4888 Office 602-431-2146 41620 W Maricopa Casa Grande 1905 W. Union Hills Rd. Ste A Hwy., Ste 106 Phoenix AZ 85029 Maricopa AZ 85239 602-942-1112 ZTEOffice Overture Motorola Moto E Office 520-494-2227 *Offer ends 1/7/16. Get card w/in 8 wks. Promotion card may be used to pay for your Cricket wireless services.

4015 N 75th Ave 960 W University Dr Suite 114 Phoenix AZ 85033 Tempe, AZ 85281 Office LG623-247-1313 Risio Nokia Lumia 635 Office 480-968-6500

Yuma

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Free Smartphones after Mail-in-Rebate: Valid on Motorola Moto E ($49.99), ZTE Overture 2 ($39.99), LG Risio ($29.99) and Nokia Lumia 635 ($19.99) only. Available only at Cricket retail locations and cricketwireless.com. While supplies last. No rain checks. Rebate form must be submitted by 2/6/16. New activation on smartphone plan required ($40/month minimum). Valid only for customers who port their number from another carrier. Excludes ports from AT&T. Phone price and tax due at sale. Void in CT, RI, and Miami-Dade County, FL. Promotion Card, issued by MetaBank®, member FDIC, or CenterState Bank of Florida, NA pursuant to license from VISA U.S.A. Inc., is not redeemable for cash and may not be used for cash withdrawal at any cash-dispensing locations or at automated gasoline pumps. Card may be used to pay for your Cricket wireless services. Card is non-transferable and non-refundable. Funds are available at US locations where VISA debit cards are accepted for 150 days after the Card issuance, through the “VALID THRU” shown on the Card. Must be active and in good standing for 45 days. Customer must make second service payment within 45 days of activation to receive card. Customer could cancel anytime, but if not active for 45 days and does not make second service payment, will not qualify for rebate offer. Limit 5 Cricket VISA® Promotion Cards per household. Allow up to 8 weeks for fulfillment of Cricket VISA® Promotion Card. Restocking fee for smartphone return up to $25 may apply. In-store activation fee up to $25 apply. Visit Cricket store for details. Restrictions and other charges may apply. Offer subject to change & may be terminated at any time without notice. For cardholder agreement and complete terms and conditions, please visit https://www.cricketwireless.com/legal-info/promotion-card-terms-and-conditions.html. ©2015 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

26

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

GET YOUR

ENGINE GOING WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

5 things to look forward to at the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Christina Caldwell » The Entertainer!

P

repare to behold all of the muscle and classic beauty your eyes can handle, Phoenix.

Some of the world’s finest vehicles will descend upon WestWorld of Scottsdale from Saturday, January 23 through Sunday, January 31.

Get your fill of horsepower and nostalgia all in one spot, and if you can fork over the dough, your mitts on the car, truck or even plane of your dreams at the “world’s greatest car auction.” If it moves on wheels, it moves at the Barrett-Jackson.

But it isn’t just an auction—it’s a Scottsdale cultural mainstay that’s totally unmatched, and this year it’s even bigger than ever. Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines, because the Barrett-Jackson is about to kick into full gear. Here’s what you can look forward to revving your engines at the 2016 event.

1

Ride ’N Drives and Thrill Rides Back for its second year, Ride ’N Drives and Thrill Rides puts auctiongoers in the driver’s seat. Literally!

Here’s your chance to get behind the wheel of the latest releases from Ford and Chevy, plus get a “thrill ride” with a professional Corvette, Mustang, Viper or Dodge Hellcat driver, who will take you on a road course packed with horsepower.

2

A car for everyone Whether grandpa wants to see cars from his WWII-era youth or the youngins want to see the latest and greatest, the BarrettJackson doesn’t exclude any era of car.

Spend the afternoon perusing the lot for your dream car and watch as it’s auctioned off to its next lucky owner.

27

3

Miller Light Garage and Patio Watching all of those auctions is hard work, and you deserve to kick back and relax. After perusing the lot or sitting in the stands, head over to the Miller Light Garage and Patio for a refreshing cold one before heading back out into the auction action.

4

Celebrity Sightings The Barrett-Jackson is known for high rollers in its auction audience, and celebrities are no exception. While many bid by phone, it’s not uncommon to see a famous face or two in the crowd. See if you can spot any of Hollywood’s movers and shakers this year and see what they nab for their own collection.

5

COX Family Value Day Most people who attend Barrett-Jackson don’t actually bid on cars, so when you head out to witness the spectacle, you might as well save a few bucks. Opening day, January 23, is COX Charities Family Value Day. Kids get in free while adults, seniors, military and students get in at the discounted rate of $17.

Barrett-Jackson 2016

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, barrettjackson.com, Saturday, January 23 through Sunday, January 31, opens at 8 a.m., prices vary WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

28

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

5...

4...

3...

2...

NYE AT THE SAGUARO

Ring in 2016 at the best parties in the Valley Leah Goldberg » The Entertainer!

Move over, 2015!

This year is almost finished, and that means the Valley’s best New Year’s Eve parties are about to begin. Celebrate all throughout the Valley, where you can wine, dine, dance and ring in the New Year with the most festive celebrations around.

Decadence NYE

Relentless Beats and Global Dance are ringing in the New Year with the Decadence NYE show to celebrate some of the electronic music industry’s top EDM performers and the final hours of 2015. The two-day event will feature headliners including 3LAU, Above & Beyond, Adventure Club, Borgore, Crizzly, Dieselboy, Gorgon City, Grandtheft, Manufactured Superstars, Jack Ü, Knife Party, ODESZA, Pegboard Nerds, Pretty Lights, Tchami, Wiwek, and even more!

As America’s largest New Year’s Eve dance celebration, this adults-only party will leave you star struck.

Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, Wednesday, December 30 and Thursday, December 31, times vary, $79-$139 Continues on p. 30

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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30

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...Continued from p. 28

The Phoenix Symphony New Year’s Eve Celebration

Join The Phoenix Symphony as they finish off 2015 with Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics and Broadway and contemporary favorites and treat you to a complimentary glass of champagne. This special event is the ultimate festive experience and a great way to begin the New Year.

The Phoenix Symphony Hall, 1 N. First Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, 602.495.1117 phoenixsymphony.org, Thursday, December 31, times vary, $18-$83

Circle K New Year’s Eve Mill Avenue Block Party Downtown Tempe is celebrating the New Year in the best way it knows how—a block party on Mill Avenue!

Everyone who comes to celebrate will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the last few moments of 2015. There will be interactive games and activities, live music on multiple stages, beer and champagne gardens, and attendees can grab a celebratory NYE dinner at any of the restaurants or food trucks along the block. If you plan to bring the kids along, they can enjoy a Family Fun Zone until 11 p.m., along with free admission for children under 12 years old.

Mill Avenue District, 730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, Thursday, December 31, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., $15-$25

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

New Year’s Eve 2015 at Talking Stick Resort

Talking Stick Resort is the place to party this year on New Year’s Eve. Their Las Vegas-themed celebration offers three party spaces all in one night with a unique set of entertainment. Get yourself to the dance floor and end the year with The Boogie Knights, DJ Diverse, DJ Tanzit, as well as tribute performances to AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. A dinner package is also provided offering an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, Thursday, December 31, 7 p.m., $125-$150

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers

This Arizona-based quartet is celebrating the fast-approaching 2016. The RCPM band has been performing together for 15 years, inspired by the southwest in their Spanish-infused rock sound. In their years together the band has landed in the top ten of Billboard’s Internet Sales Chart for six of their albums. Celebrate the New Year with one of Arizona’s most beloved bands!

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, Thursday, December 31, 7 p.m., $45-$55

Stand Up Live New Years Eve 2016 with Rob Schneider

End the year on a high note and some good laughs as you enjoy a three-course dinner and attend Rob Schneider’s standup comedy show. Schneider is an Emmynominated actor and comedian who is the first to have written, produced, starred, directed and self-financed an entire season of his own television show, “Real Rob.” He has also starred alongside Adam Sandler in countless comedies from “50 First Dates” to “Grown Ups.” In 2009, Schneider rehashed his stand-up comedy routes again after a long hiatus and has been performing live ever since.

Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, standuplive.com, Thursday, December 31, 7 p.m., $30

Raven’s Black and Bling New Year’s Eve Gala

The 2015 New Year’s Eve Gala at Talking Stick Resort requires best black tie attire for this elegant night of live music, an appetizer buffet, two full bars, a dance floor and more. The night’s entertainment includes “Nineball,” a 9-piece, high-energy party band that will perform a blend of R&B, pop, funk, hip-hop, soul and Top 40 dance hits. DJ Kilo will also make an appearance and will undoubtedly help you dance the night away.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, Thursday, December 31, 8 p.m., $50-$850

NYE 2016 at The Saguaro

The Saguaro is hosting its annual New Year’s Eve party, and you can expect yet another glamorous night of cocktails, dining, and the best music in the Valley. Both DJ Slippe and Ken Mooso will entertain partygoers throughout the night and well into next year. Enjoy your stay at one of Scottsdale’s most unique and creative hotels.

The Saguaro Hotel, 4000 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 866.760.8324, newyearsevearizona.com, Thursday, December 31, 9 p.m., $105-$2,000

From the Producers of MY MOTHER’S ITALIAN, MY FATHER’S JEWISH & I’M IN THERAPY!, RESPECT: A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF WOMEN!, & YOU SAY TOMATO, I SAY SHUT UP!

THE HIT MUSICAL COMEDY COMES TO PHOENIX!

DEC. 23, 2015 - JAN. 24, 2016

Philip Roger Roy and Dana Matthow present

Alan Jacobson’s

“The Audience Eats The Show Up!” - Miami Herald

“Be Prepared To Laugh Off A Few Pounds!”

- BroadwayWorld.com

ENTERTAINER MAGAZINE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $10.00 OFF Our Best Seats

Must Use Code: ENTMAG. Order by December 21st. Not valid with previously purchased, discounted or group tickets.

Limit 6 tickets per order. Subject to Availability.

Show Times: Wed. 7PM, Thu. 2 & 7PM, Fri. 8PM, Sat. 2 & 8PM, Sun. 2 & 6PM

THE HIT NEW YORK DRAMEDY IS COMING TO PHOENIX! JANUARY 27 FEBRUARY 28, 2016 “Fascinating And Heartbreaking...

Conveys Westheimer’s Surprising Dignity, Courage, And Resilience” — The New Yorker

g n i m o c e B h t u R . r D k St. r a M y B in Germa

“A Surprising, Eventful Biography.

A Distinctive Sound, A Penchant for Humor & An Animated Personality!”

You thought you knew everything there was to know about Dr. Ruth Westheimer from her career as a pioneering radio and television sex therapist! But did you know about her incredible journey fleeing the Nazis in the Kindertransport and joining the Haganah in Jerusalem as a sniper, to her struggle as a single mother newly-arrived in America?

This remarkable story is filled with the humor, honesty, and life-affirming spirit of Karola Ruth Siegel, the girl who became “Dr. Ruth,” America’s most famous sex therapist.

Wed. 7 PM, Thu. 2 & 7 PM, Fri. 8 PM, Sat. 2 & 8 PM, Sun. 2 PM

Starring Jane Ridley

222 E. Monroe, Phoenix, AZ 85004

PlayhouseInfo.com

Box Office: 602-252-8497 • Group Sales: 888-264-1788

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

THE ARTIST

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Arts Calendar 34 Zoppè Family Circus 41 WaistWatchers: The Musical! 38

YOU WON’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES

Carnival of Illusion delights magic’s disbelievers Leah Goldberg » The Entertainer!

S

tep right up and experience all of the “magic, mystery and oooh la la” at Arizona’s longest-running theater show in history, Carnival of Illusion. This spectacular night of magic effects intertwined with global adventures is all wrapped up in a Vaudeville-inspired road show.

Carnival of Illusion is presented

by Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed, an illusionist/magician duo with an extended background in magic. Sarlot and Eyed teamed up in 2009 to create the Carnival of Illusion, selling out nearly every show for the next five years.

During their first year, Sarlot and Eyed were recipients for the “Gwynne Excellence in Magic” award at Abbott’s Magic Get-Together, the oldest magic convention in the United States. Later in their careers, the magician duo received “Featured Performer” status at the World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle.

Throughout the show you can expect welcomed audience participation in an intimate setting all without a raised stage.

This way you can experience the magic up

close and personal. The magic show is for only ages 12 and up, but the performance is appropriate for all other ages and is clean, timeless fun.

Both Sarlot and Eyed have quite a few tricks up their sleeves that by the end of the night you will start questioning the unimaginable. Buy your tickets now to see The Carnival of Illusion for an experience that will surely excite any fan of the impossible.

Carnival of Illusion

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19, times vary, $15-$60 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

ARTS

CALENDAR Josh Turner DECEMBER 3 Take a short break from all of the holiday and Christmas music and kick up your heels with a bit of country.

Josh Turner is one of the most popular contemporary country music artists on the radio today and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. His Queen Creek concert will include all of his popular hits.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, 480.987.7469, qcpac.com

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus DECEMBER 3 THROUGH 13 Christmas folklore and two heartwarming tales come together for a performance neither you, nor your family will forget. The story is set on Christmas Eve in 1897, New York, but the tale is timeless. Presented by East Valley Children’s Theatre.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.756.3828. evct.org

Tempe Festival of the Arts DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 6 Stroll nearly 400 artist booths throughout the Mill Avenue District A WINNIE-THE-POOH CHRISTMAS TALE DECEMBER 4-23

JOSH TURNER DECEMBER 3

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

in Downtown Tempe. Take in various works of art while doing a little holiday shopping. Besides the art, expect live performances, wine tastings and activities for the kids. This arts festival consistently ranks among the Top 100 Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation.

Mill Avenue District, Tempe, tempefestivalofthearts.com

A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 23 Celebrate Christmas in the snowcovered Hundred Acre Woods with all of your favorite characters! Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo and Piglet will all be there. Valley Youth Theatre is proud to present the 20th anniversary of this holiday classic.

Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First Street, Phoenix, 602.253.8188, vyt.com

Holiday Pops DECEMBER 5 AND 6 The Phoenix Symphony invites you and your family to join them and The Phoenix Symphony Chorus for a concert filled with seasonal favorites.

A highlight of the event will be the Holiday Sing-Along. Get ready to Fala-la-la-la!

FRANCES SMITH COHEN’S SNOW QUEEN DECEMBER 5-20

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1999, phoenixsymphony.org

Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen DECEMBER 5 THROUGH 20 Celebrate the 25th year of Center Dance Ensemble’s holiday production.

The classic story by Hans Christian Andersen is set to music by Sergei Prokofiev and delights audiences year after year. Make it part of your holiday tradition.

Herberger Theater Center Stage West, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, centerdance.com

Handel’s Messiah DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 13 The Phoenix Symphony, along with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus and a host of other soloists, bring the spirit of the season to your neighborhood. This performance celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Performances will be held at various locations throughout the Valley.

Multiple locations throughout the Valley, 602.495.1999, phoenixsymphony.org

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI’S GOLD DECEMBER 11-20

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 20 Watch out! Sister is back, and she is here for Christmas. Sister teaches her students (the audience) the story of Nativity and helps them to solve a caper. Expect this “sister” to be tarttonged and ruler-wielding. You will be rewarded with an enjoyable evening filled with laughs.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4626, scottsdaleperformingarts.org

The Santaland Diaries DECEMBER 10 THROUGH 23 Valley favorite Ron May takes to the stage in Joe Mantello’s adaptation of David Sedairs’ cult classic. This “antiholiday” tale contains mature language and may not be for everyone. But for those looking for a little irreverent, naughty humor, look no further. May plays a wickedly naughty elf in a Macy’s Christmas display.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.256.6995, arizonatheatre.org

4th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 13 Spend the weekend with more than one hundred art vendors and local cultural organizations. There will be food trucks and performance by a variety of artists. This year’s event has been expanded, so expect even more to see and do. Participate in The Phoenix Mural Project and become an artist yourself!

Margaret T. Hance Park area near Moreland and Second Streets, Phoenix, 602.254.3100, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org

Ballet Arizona’s ‘The Nutcracker’ DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 27 Nothing says Christmas like attending a performance of “The Nutcracker,” and Ballet Arizona’s rendition is nothing short of breathtaking.

Watch as 150 performers take to the stage with the help of the Phoenix Symphony performing the soundtrack.

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.381.1096, balletaz.org

“A must see!”

— Broadway World

Scottsdale

202

Tempe

Mesa 202 Gilbert 202

202

Chandler 202

MAR 31 - APR 6, 2016 Orpheum Theatre

203 West Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

800.880.0188 ShenYun.com/Phoenix WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

THE NUTCRACKER DECEMBER 11-27

AZ Opera: Holiday Favorites from Screen to Stage DECEMBER 18 THROUGH 22 The holidays are a perfect time to introduce the family to the Opera. The Arizona Opera brings its talents to Phoenix Theatre for a show filled with Christmastime favorites. Expect to hear classics ranging from Hollywood to Broadway including “White Christmas,” “Miracle on 34th Street” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Phoenix Theatre’s Hormel Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra DECEMBER 20 Kansas City Swing comes alive in Wickenburg this December. The legendary group celebrates its 80th Anniversary with a variety of holiday selections. An 18-piece orchestra is accompanied by veteran trumpeter Scotty Barnhart.

Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, 928.684.6624, dewpac.org

participation and more. Relive the history of an Old-World Italian tradition this holiday season.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org

A Year With Frog and Toad THROUGH DECEMBER 27 Frog and Toad are the best of friends.

Celebrate the holidays with them, and enjoy their misadventures.

Based on characters created by Arnold Lobel, this musical is not only fun for the entire family, but has also been Tony-nominated.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, childsplayaz.org

The Wizard of Oz THROUGH DECEMBER 27 Follow the yellow brick road down Central Avenue to Phoenix Theatre!

Everyone’s favorite classic films

Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus DECEMBER 22 THROUGH JANUARY 3 Step into the intimate surroundings of a 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus unlike any other. Nino the clown is front and center to acrobatics, equestrian showmanship, audience PHX METRO

» OCTOBER

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PHX METRO » SEPTEMBER 2015

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LAS NOCHES DE LAS LUMINARIAS THROUGH DECEMBER 31

comes to life as Dorothy travels over the rainbow. Experience the journey to the Emerald City with the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion!

Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com

The Night Before Christmas THROUGH DECEMBER 27 The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre is presenting their annual Christmas show “The Night Before Christmas” with stories, music and many different puppet characters. This is the perfect, all-ages event for the holidays.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, times vary, $6-$12

Las Noches de las Luminarias

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ZooLights

Bruce Munro: Sonoran Light

THROUGH JANUARY 10 Illuminate your holiday season! Grab the family and head on over to the Phoenix Zoo, where you will be able to see millions of lights and hundreds of displays. Select animal encounters and various other holiday themed activities will be waiting for you. LED lights and choreographed light shows enhance the experience and there is something new to see every year!

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.273.1341, phoenixzoo.org

THROUGH MAY 9 Phoenix’s Desert Botanical Garden is a beautiful spot to stroll through leisurely, enjoy the scenery and take in the beauty of the Sonoran desert.

The trails and pathways of the Garden have been enhanced with an exhibit that will leave visitors in awe. Artist Bruce Munro has created eight largescale, light-based installations using an array of materials and miles of fiber optics. From 58 glowing towers, to 30,000 spheres nestled on a hillside, this is exhibit is a must-see.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org

THE WIZARD OF OZ THROUGH DECEMBER 27

THROUGH DECEMBER 31 Every year visitors and residents make the Desert Botanical Garden part of their holiday tradition. During Las Noches de Las Luminarias, see more than 8,000 hand-lit luminaria bags and thousands of white lights throughout the garden grounds.

There will be a variety of live entertainment as well, including hand bell ringers, mariachis and more. The best part is that during the event, the new Sonoran Light exhibit will be illuminated.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org

December 2015

12 Dmitri Matheny’s THE SNOWCAT 18 The Texas Tenors 22-31 Zoppé-An Italian Family Circus

11am 7:30pm Times Vary

January 2016 1-3 15 17 23 29

Zoppé-An Italian Family Circus Times Vary Black Violin 7:30pm TIMBER! A Production of Cirque Alfonse!

7pm Deana Martin Honoring Dean Martin & Frank Sinatra 7:30pm Moscow Festival Ballet presents Don Quixote 7:30pm 30 Fiesta Mexico-Americana with Los Lobos 7:30pm

February 2016 6 12 14 20 21 27

The Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra 7:30pm Tap Factory 7:30pm The Summit The Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6 7pm Frankie Avalon 7:30pm Lee Ann Womack 7pm Steppin’ Out LIVE with Ben Vereen & Trio 7:30pm

March 2016

4 The Second City Fully Loaded 5 Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show 8-13 Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding 18 Rita Rudner 25 Flamenco Kings starring Los Vivancos

December 22 - January 3 /ChandlerCenterfortheArts

April 2016

1 The von Trapps

7:30pm 7:30pm Times Vary 7:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm

@ChandlerArts

4 8 0 . 78 2 . 2 6 8 0 • w w w . C h a n d l e r C e n t e r . o r g WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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LAUGH OFF THE INCHES

YOU CHOOSE THE SHOW THEY CHOOSE THE DATE

I

t’s the eternal struggle. Will you choose the pizza or the Pilates? The cake or the crunches?

In a beauty and fitnessobsessed world filled with delicious, fattening things to eat, the decisions can be tough. That’s where Alan Jacobson’s “WaistWatchers: The Musical!” picks up.

Get to know a group of women at Cook’s Women’s Gym as they tackle the subjects of aging, dieting, weight, sex and exercise, undertaking parodies of 25 pop songs, from “Botox Queen” (to the tune of Abba’s “Dancing Queen”), to “Viagra” (to the tune of “Maria” from “West Side Story”), prepare to be in stitches throughout the 90-minute performance.

The battle of the bulge has never

Sponsored by:

(602) 253.8188 | www.VYT.com /valleyyouththeatre

@VYTPhoenix

VYTPHOENIX

GEORGE WENTZLER

WaistWatchers: The Musical! makes losing weight witty

been such a riot. Who needs to be thin and pretty when you have funny friends like these?

The show has recieved rave reviews from the likes of BroadwayWorld.com, which said of the show “Be prepared to laugh off a few pounds!”

Catch the show in all of its soulbaring glory at Herberger Theater Center through January 24.

Herberger Theater Center

222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, playhouseinfo.com, Wednesday, December 23 through Sunday, January 24, times vary, $43-$53

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9am-1pm | Parking and Admission Free

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Mesa Convention Center

Sundial Recreation Center

201 N. Center Street • Mesa, AZ 85201 Lots of Prizes and Giveaways!

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Hosted by Danny Davis | Entertainment by:

Also sponsored by:

(480) 348-0343 • (800) 959-1566 • f: (480) 348-2109 • www.lovinlifeafter50.com/expo

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HOLIDAY ART

The top holiday arts events to spread winter cheer Feel that chill in the air? That means holiday arts season is upon us, and there are events a-plenty. It might be cool outside, but the festivity of these classic shows, exhibits and events will have you feeling oh-so-warm.

The Night Before Christmas A Christmas Carol

THROUGH DECEMBER 24 It’s the classic story from Charles Dickens live on stage. Relive the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his night of Christmas miracles told by the performers of the Arizona Broadway Theatre.

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623.776.8400, times vary, $56-$85

Miracle on 34th Street

THROUGH JANUARY 10 Scottsdale Desert Stages presents this charming family play based on the old 1940s film. A small girl’s belief is put to the test in the trial of the century, when Macy’s Santa claims to be the real life St. Nick.

Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, desertstages.com, 480.483.1664, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., $25

A Bloody Mary Christmas

DECEMBER 3 THROUGH 17 Tired of the same old family-friendly holiday fare? Come see the most irreverent and bawdy Christmas musical ever at Space 55. A Bloody Mary Christmas is about three drunken retirees fighting to save their condo from the heartless homeowner’s association. It’s a rollicking good time, but leave the kids at home.

Space 55, 636 E. Pierce Street, Phoenix, space55.org, 8 p.m., donations accepted

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail

DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 23 Visit all of your favorite characters as they play and explore in the snowcovered Hundred Acre Wood. It’s Valley Youth Theatre’s 20th anniversary of this annual holiday classic and the tradition is just as delightful as ever.

Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First Street, Phoenix, 602.253.8188, vyt.com, times vary, $18

Black Nativity

DECEMBER 4 THROUGH 20 The legendary stage event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes will be performed by the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, featuring a joyous company of actors, singers, and dancers delivering an inspiring message of hope and liberation.

Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.258.8128, blacktheatretroupe.org, times vary, $35

Holiday Pops

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 6 Sing along to all the classic hits with the Phoenix Symphony. The hugely popular musical event will fill you with holiday cheer as Guest Conductor Stuart Sanchez leads the Phoenix Symphony and the chorus through the best songs of the season.

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, times vary, $18-$83

DECEMBER 2 THROUGH 27 Enjoy a variety of stories, songs, and an amazing array of handcrafted puppets at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., $10

Handel’s Messiah

DECEMBER 9 THROUGH 13 Phoenix Symphony once again brings the holiday spirit to the Valley with a celebration of the life and death of Jesus Christ. Handel’s Messiah will play in churches and halls all around the area in addition to Phoenix Symphony Hall.

See website for times and locations, phoenixsymphony.org, $29-$49

A Very Electric Christmas

DECEMBER 6 Lightwire Theater presents a show like you’ve never seen before. Using glowing lights as puppets and costumes accompanied by a variety of music, A Very Electric Christmas is a magical experience that will brighten up your season.

Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.com, 2 p.m., $29-$49

25th Annual Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen

DECEMBER 5 THROUGH 20 Witness a magical retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s original story about a young girl searching for her lost brother. The Snow Queen is beautifully told through dance and musical accompaniment by Sergei Prokofiev.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix, herbergertheater. org, 602.252.8497, times vary, $28

Ballet Arizona’s ‘The Nutcracker’

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 27 The most famous ballet ever made is coming to the Valley for its annual return. Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker” will light up the stage with over 150 performers and hundreds of dazzling costumes.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd Street, Phoenix, balletaz.org, 602.381.0184, times vary, $15-$164

37th Annual Las Noches de las Luminarias

DECEMBER 27 THROUGH 31 For the last half of December, The Desert Botanical Garden will light up with thousands of Luminaria candles lining the pathways of the park. Travelers along the path will find various musical performances from choirs, bell ringers and traditional mariachi bands.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org 5:30 p.m., $22

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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FAMILY CIRCUS

Zoppè: An Italian Family Circus brings 173 years of clowning around to the Valley Napoline and Ermenegilda’s generations of grandchildren are here to bring their unique Italian heritage and nd you thought your family talent to the stage, or rather under the big was a circus... top tent.

The Zoppè Family The show features their Old-World Circus presents its one-ring Italian traditions throughout acts in daring circus show in a classic 500acrobatics, equestrian showmanship, seat white tent right here in the Valley this canine entertainment, clowning, and of month. course, audience participation. The family Since 1842, the Zoppè family circus has even gained plenty of acclaim has been entertaining generation after from the likes of The New York Times, generation with its unique European ABC News and CBS. family tradition of circus performance.

Zoppè is a proud, traditional circus Over 100 years ago in Budapest, Hungary, of acrobats leaping from horses and small the Zoppè family circus began when a dogs dressed in bright clothes intent on French street performer, Napoline Zoppè, making your circus experience dreams fell in love with an equestrian ballerina a reality. This is the authentic circus named Ermenegilda. But Ermenegilda’s experience you have been waiting for! father disapproved of their relationship Stop clowning around and see for so Zoppè and the ballerina ran away to yourself what keeps Zoppè Family Circus Venice, Italy and founded the circus that ArizonaOpry-ad-ENTERTAINER-halfpg-horiz-2015-11-22_FINAL.pdf 1 11/13/15 2:43 crazy—and crazy unique. is still loved today.

Leah Goldberg » The Entertainer!

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Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, Saturday, December 26 through PM Saturday, January 2, times vary, prices vary

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

COMING

ATTRACTIONS boy who, when his dysfunctional family clashes over the holidays, is disillusioned and turns his back on Christmas. Little does he know, this lack of festive spirit has unleashed the wrath of Krampus—a demonic force of ancient evil intent on punishing nonbelievers. Toni Collette, Adam Scott and David Koechner also star. Opens December 4.

Rudolph, Jason Schwartzman and Rashida Jones. Opens December 4.

“MI-5” R - 104 MINUTES

“Christmas Eve” PG - 96 MINUTES

When a power outage traps six different groups of New Yorkers inside elevators on Christmas Eve, they find laughter, romance and a little holiday magic will get them through— and change their lives in unexpected ways. Stars include Patrick Stewart, Jon Heder, Cheryl Hines and Gary Cole. Opens December 4.

Kit Harington plays a former MI-5 agent who, when a terrorist escapes custody during a routine handover, must team with a disgraced intelligence chief (Peter Firth) to track him down before an imminent terrorist attack on London. Opens December 4.

“Extraction” R - 100 MINUTES

“Don Verdean” PG-13 - 90 MINUTES

Sam Rockwell plays a self-proclaimed Biblical archaeologist who, hired by an ambitious small-town pastor (Will Forte) to find sacred relics in the Holy Land, comes up short and his attempt to cover up his failure fuels a comic conspiracy. Amy Ryan, Jemaine Clement and Danny McBride also star.

Opens December 11.

“The Ridiculous 6” NR - 90 MINUTES

“A Very Murray Christmas” NR - 90 MINUTES

“Krampus” PG-13 - 100 MINUTES

Emjay Anthony plays a young

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Bill Murray worries that nobody will show up to his holiday special due to a massive snowstorm in New York City. Through luck and perseverance, guests arrive at Gotham’s Carlyle Hotel to help him—dancing and singing in holiday spirit. Co-stars include George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Amy Poehler, Michael Cera, Chris Rock, Maya

Adam Sandler plays an outlaw who, raised

by Native Americans, discovers that he has five half-brothers. Together the men go on a mission to find their wayward, deadbeat dad. Terry Crews, Jorge Garcia, Taylor Lautner, Rob Schneider and Luke Wilson also star.

Opens December 11.

Kellan Lutz plays a government analyst who launches an unsanctioned rescue operation when his father (Bruce Willis) is kidnapped by a terrorist group. While evading highly skilled operatives, deadly assassins and international terrorists, he finally puts his combat training to the test in a high stakes mission to find his father and to stop a terrorist plot. Opens December 18.

“Joy” PG-13 - 100 MINUTES

Jennifer Lawrence plays a woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love pave the road as she becomes a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Opens December 25.

For more movie reviews, in-depth celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, tune in to breakthrough entertainment 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com.

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

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this month?

Ask our experts!

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

Joseph

Randy

M.V.

The 33

JOSEPH’S MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH

“Love the Coopers”

“Love the Coopers” culminates with some very touching sentiments that will likely resonate with and bring a tear to the eyes of moviegoers who cannot help but become nostalgic this time of the year. After all, the new ensemble Christmas comedy makes some very poignant observations about how the holidays trigger emotional remembrances of celebrations past.

Unfortunately, a lot of what leads up to said sentimental scenes consists of annoying bickering, contrived melodrama and boorish grand gestures. Nonetheless, commemorating the season’s significance with the tremendously talented cast whose stories reflect our own remains relatively enjoyable.

RANDY’S MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH

“The Peanuts Movie”

“The Peanuts Movie” is an entertaining feature that should please fans and revive the brand, which has been an integral part of Americana since its debut in 1950. The squeaky-clean “G” rating may unfortunately scare away adults without children, but it really shouldn’t. The humor should appeal to all ages. The quirkiness of the supporting characters, the antics of Snoopy and the challenges endured by Charlie Brown should resonate with all members of the audience, from the smallest child to grown adults. The story is perfectly paced with humor, emotion and a bit of adventure.

M.V.’S MOVIE PICK OF THE MONTH

“Brooklyn”

This simple, straightforward account of a young Irish girl’s immigrant experience in the title borough gently grips like the reminiscence of a relative. Based on Colm Toibin’s novel and directed by John Crowley, it follows Saoirse Ronan as Eilis, who sails from County Wexford in the early ‘50s, through seasickness, homesickness, love with an Italian-American guy, family tragedy and a choice between her old and new worlds. Ronan is luminous and sympathetic, the period detail has an idealized radiance, and the plot, though believable, isn’t predictable. You can take your grandparents to this one—it might be their story.

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a film critic, producer and on-air personality for “Breakthrough Entertainment,” a talk radio show airing 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com, which shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is.

Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

The Report Card Brooklyn Burnt Criminal Activities Heist I Smile Back Jem and the Holograms The Last Witch Hunter Love the Coopers Man Up Miss You Already My All American Our Brand is Crisis Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension The Peanuts Movie Rock the Kasbah Room Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse Spectre Spotlight Suffragette Trumbo Truth

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

= Positive

= Negative

M.V. MOORHEAD has won five first-place Arizona

Press Club awards for criticism. His reviews and other writings appear in Wrangler News (wranglernews. com), Phoenix Magazine and on The Robot’s Voice (therobotsvoice.com) as well as his own blog, Less Hat, Moorhead (mvmoorhead. blogspot.com). A native of Pennsylvania, he lives in Phoenix with his wife, kid and three Chihuahuas with five eyeballs between them. Email him at mvmoorhead@cox.net.

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

A MESSAGE OF

KINDNESS ‘Brooklyn’ star Saoirse Ronan on her new period drama Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

T

wenty-one-year-old actress Saoirse Ronan (“The Host,” “Atonement,” “Grand Budapest Hotel”) stars in the beautifully-done historical period drama, “Brooklyn,” a film directed by John Crowley and released November 4. Her character, Eilis Lacey, is a young, Irish immigrant in the 1950s who immigrates to Brooklyn, by boat in the hopes of achieving the American Dream.

It seems the role of Eilis was crafted with Ronan in mind. She was born in New York and lived in Ireland with parents who were Irish immigrants like Eilis. The Entertainer! talked with Ronan about how the role helped her become the charming woman she is today and what she feels is the true message of “Brooklyn.”

The Entertainer!: How emotionally invested do you think you were in the character of Eilis since you both come from New York and Ireland?

Ronan: These two places really very much made up who I am, but by the time we actually made the film, which was maybe a year or so after I had signed on, I had moved away from home and was living in London and was going through homesickness myself and still trying to figure out where I stood in the grown-up world. It’s a very daunting feeling I think, and I was right in the middle of that while we were making the film, so it meant that every kind of stage that we see Eilis reaching and overcoming, I was going through myself. It was very scary because of that, because there was sort of nowhere to hide, but by the same token, once you actually get through something like that there’s nothing more gratifying.

that she gets on well in life and she grows, and she grows into this amazing young woman because the people around her have been kind to her and they’ve helped her and they’ve shared advice and wisdom and their experience. And because of that, she has been able to, as I said, ultimately stand up and announce who she is and realize that she needs to make a choice.

She wouldn’t have been able to do that at the start of the film, she wasn’t there yet.

It’s really—it’s the people around her that helped her to come out of herself in order for her to get the confidence and have that security in who she is.

“Brooklyn” seems to draw a lot of its power and charm from the fact that it is a period piece and there’s a genuine disconnect, both cultural and communicative, between the two countries. Do you believe that this story could effectively work in modern time in a world that’s reliant

45

on internet, Skype and social media?

Yes, actually I think it would be really interesting to see a similar journey be taken now, because we’ve all gone through it. We’ve all left home, gone to college, moved away to a different country or a different state, and regardless of how much technology enables us to communicate with the people we love, whether it’s over the phone or visually, obviously that does make it a little bit more bearable, but that feeling that you get when you move away and you realize that once you’ve moved away you can never kind of go back to how it was and is universal and is similar to anyone else who’s gone through it before. It’s similar. It’s the same feeling.

It hasn’t really changed. And so I think it would be really interesting in spite of the amount of communication we have now to see someone go through that and show that in spite of the amount of technology we have now, it’s still just as hard and it’s still just as heartbreaking for people.

When people go to see this movie, what do you want them to take away from it?

I think honestly, I mean John [Crowley, director] has put it really well whenever anyone’s asked, Just to be kind to people.

If there’s any message with this film, apart from the personal connections that everyone has seemed to have to us in one way or another, the heart of this movie is

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

FORCE

PERSPECTIVE

The Force is alive and well for Star Wars cosplayers Dune Sea Garrison Justin Stabley » The Entertainer!

S “

tar Wars: A New Hope” was released in the summer of 1977, beginning one of the most adored sagas in film history. For many, the early films marked a significant point in their lives. One that would steer them on a course to a galaxy far, far away—or at least, to dress the part.

James Welch has been a fan since the first time he saw it in a drive-in theater when he was 4 years old.

But only in the last four years did he consider turning his enjoyment into a fullfledged hobby.

After seeing a clip of the 501st Legion costume group performing at the Rose Bowl in 2007, Welch thought to himself, “I could do that.”

For the uninitiated, cosplay groups like the 501st Legion are renowned for their “Star Wars” outfits and uniforms built through careful research and construction based on detailed stills of the series.

“We have very strict guidelines that we go by,” Welch says. “They have to be movie accurate.”

It wasn’t until 2012 that he reached out to the Mountain Garrison in Nebraska, where he lived at the time, and attended one of their costumed parties “and it just snowballed from there.”

In 2014, Welch moved to Arizona and joined the Dune Sea Garrison, a “Star Wars” cosplay group.

Welch’s first of his three costumes was a Tusken Raider of Tatooine, complete with the unnerving cloth-wrapped face mask and wind swept robes.

“When I got it approved, I had about $600 put into it,” Welch says.

Because of the detail put into these near-replica costumes, they tend to cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars to make. Welch has seen a Darth Vader outfit that cost $6,000 and a Boba Fett outfit, complete with the jetpack and

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

blaster rifle, cost $4,500. And in the same way some artists cannot stop painting on their canvas, a costume maker is “never ever completely done” adding more and more details, pursuing the perfect construct.

The process may seem daunting when it not only requires money, but also skill.

One of the advantages of joining a group like the Dune Sea Garrison is the connections you build among other cosplayers.

Welch had one member build him the armor pieces for his Snow Trooper outfit and another who helped with detailing. Materials, of course, are important since picking the right, breathable materials prevent “dying from heat exhaustion.”

But after all the work, the payoff is all in the fan reaction.

“Sometimes it’s kids,” says Welch.

“But it’s usually adults who grew up seeing the Tusken Raider attack Luke Skywalker and they recognize it right away.”

The Dune Sea Garrison attends several events each month, ranging from geek conventions to donation runs.

“Charity work is the bulk of what we do,” says Welch.

Their last big event was the MS Walk at the Phoenix Zoo on November 14, where they helped to raise money for the cause.

“I absolutely love it,” says Welch.

Some movie theaters have approached the Garrison to attend their opening nights for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Welch, however, has plans to see it on that very evening. It has been a full decade since the last film was released.

“I’m curious to see where the story goes,” says Welch. “I hope this is the start of a new run.”

Catch the Dune Sea Garrison at Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest this month, and certain theaters for the movie release in December.

Turn something you don’t need

into support for your favorite programs.

Step on it! Get a 2015 tax benefit for donating by Dec. 31.

VEHICLE DONATION PROGRAM 1.844.CARS769 www.azpbs.org/vehicle

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

THE DINER

49

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

Happy Hour Guide 54 Gio Osso’s Newest Adventure 58 Dueling Diners 56

THE BEST FOOD EVENTS IN

DECEMBER Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

Wine Dinner at Marcellino Ristorante DECEMBER 1 Go Italian this month with a delicious five-course wine dinner at Marcellino Ristorante. Diners will experience a delectable dinner featuring Chef Marcellino, who will prepare the meal in front of the guests using his woodfired oven. The dinner will then be paired with five different wine pairings.

Seats are limited, so get yours today to be a part of this culinary experience.

Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.990.9500, marcellinoristorante.com, 7 p.m., $165

Wednesday Wine-O! DECEMBER 2 Chef Jennifer Russo will be preparing a four-course dinner at the Wednesday Wine-O event. Join The Market Restaurant + Bar as they pair exquisite wines from California, Washington and Australia with some

tasty dishes. Reserve your spot today for a one-of-a-kind wine pairing dinner experience.

The Market Restaurant + Bar, 3603 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.626.5050, themarketphx.com, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $30

Holiday Entertaining with Bon Appétit DECEMBER 5 Sur La Table is partnering with the well-known Bon Appétit for this festive hors d’oeuvres cooking class.

Guests will work with classmates to prepare recipes from Bon Appétit and learn tips and tricks to make holiday cooking easier. Your dinner guests will be more than impressed with dishes such as roasted chestnuts with black pepper honey, spicy cauliflower latkes with za’atar aioli, crab toast with lemon aioli and seared steak lettuce cups.

Sur La Table, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.947.4478, surlatable.com, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., $69

VER 1 BILLI N S LD! SINCE 1910

Feast of the Seven Fishes DECEMBER 9 The Feast of Seven Fishes is a traditional Italian celebration usually celebrated on Christmas Eve, but Zappone’s decided to start the party a little early! The dinner includes seven different seafood dishes including spicy calabrese clams and mussels, baccala cakes, fried calamari, seafood soup, lobster risotto, whole baked fish and a panettone bread pudding to finish it off.

Zappone’s Italian Bistro, 1652 N. Higley Road, Gilbert, 480.218.2338, zapponesbistro.com, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., $60

Festive French Macarons DECEMBER 19 At this Sur La Table cooking class, you can work with others to create macarons like peppermint with white chocolate ganache and pistachio with Kirsch buttercream. Instructors will teach you the secrets to making an excellent meringue and piping to perfection.

Sur La Table, 7122 E. Greenway Parkway, Scottsdale, 480.998.0648, surlatable.com, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., $69

Christmas Eve at Rusconi’s American Kitchen DECEMBER 24 Spend your Christmas Eve with Rusconi’s American Kitchen. They will

BREAKFAST!

be preparing a festive three-course meal for you and your family. Order a delicious blue crab and shrimp cake or a smoked tomato crusted rack of lamb.

A kid-friendly menu is also available for $20, with menu items such as a beef tenderloin medallion with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans.

Finish the dinner off with a banana and chocolate hazelnut empanada or a chocolately brownie sundae.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen, 10637 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.483.0009, rusconiskitchen.com, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., $50

Christmas Brunch at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess DECEMBER 25 The kitchens of Bourbon Steak, La Hacienda, Toro and Ironwood American Kitchen are teaming up to bring a wonderfully festive Christmas brunch. Dine on upscale dishes like tamales de pollo en salsa verde or a malted Belgian waffle with berry compote. The kids can have special treats like red and green rice krispy squares or holiday cookies. This year, treat the family to a delicious brunch that they’re sure to love thanks to these amazing chefs.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.585.4848, fairmont.com, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $40 child, $95 adult

LUNCH!

KOSHER BAKERY! WE CATER!

nybagelsnbialys.com | (480) 483-NYBB | 10320 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 | M-F 6:30am – 5pm | Sat/Sun 6:30am – 3pm

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DINER

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

Thank you for making

the #1 entertainment magazine in Arizona!

INSIDER

Say so long to 2015 the delicious way If you’re looking to ring in the New Year with a satisfied tummy, head to one of these Valley restaurants serving up special New Year’s Eve menus and celebrate with fork and knife in hand.

Ticoz Latin Kitchen

Enjoy a three-course meal at Ticoz with their New Year’s Eve prix fixe menu. For $25, you can choose an appetizer, entrée and dessert like hand-cut calamari, paella and warm churros. Select bottles of wine and champagne will also be available for toasting for $15.

Ticoz Latin Kitchen, 5114 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.200.0160, ticozaz.com

PANCAKE HAPP Y HOUR Monday–Friday 3pm-6pm All you can eat pancakes for $5

Celebrate New Year’s in style with your friends and family at Phoenix City Grille.

From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., dine in on Colorado lamb chops, pan-seared sea bass with quinoa cakes or a surf-and-turf dish.

Make your reservations today and get ready for a delicious celebration!

Phoenix City Grille, 5816 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.266.3001, phoenixcitygrille.com

Rusconi’s American Kitchen 2 25 Eas t Ap ache Blvd .

4 80.9 67.94 3 1 t he no r m al dine r.co m

¡New! Late-night

Happy

Join Chef Michael Rusconi at this classy dinner from Rusconi’s American Kitchen. The meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and champagne toast for $45 to $54 per person. Experience the flavors of winter pumpkin squash soup or wood-grilled salmon. For dessert, perhaps an upside down winter berry and ricotta cheesecake.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen, 10637 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.483.0009, rusconiskitchen. com

Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant

Hour EVERY NIGHT 9pm-12m

(till 2am on Friday & Saturday)

$4 DRINK SPECIALS $2 TACOS

Phoenix City Grille

2 25 Eas t Ap ache Blvd .

4 80.9 67.94 3 1 tap ac u b o te mp e.co m

Have a New Year’s fiesta with Los Sombreros! For just under $30, you can dine in on five courses. A choice of a margarita, house wine, sparkling wine or well drink is also included.

Indulge in dishes like Chile Relleno and crispy hibiscus tacos.

Los Sombreros Mexican Restaurant, 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.994.1799, lossombreros.com

DUELING PIANOS EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT 1744 S Val Vista Dr Mesa 85204 480-507-7827 theharpaz.com

10 OFF %

Must present coupon, dine in only, one coupon per table, not valid on lunch or happy hour pricing. Exp. 1/31/16

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愀爀 椀渀 愀

攀爀 琀漀 礀漀

甀℀

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

COME EXPERIENCE THE EXPERIENCE!

One of a kind $5,000,000 Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ played nightly

Think BBQ!

(Or Ribs, Chicken, Pork, Brisket & Turkey)

3222 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 314-5599 www.frasherssmokehouse.com

Voted #1 Family Friendly Restaurant in Arizona Open every evening for Dinner Ask about our Private Lunches for groups of 50 or more 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ 85204 • 480-813-5700 • OrganStopPizza.com

HUNGRY? COME EAT AT SCOTTSDALE’S BEST HIDDEN GEM!

Stargazing, Homemade Tortillas, Fresh Southwestern Cuisine & AZ’s Best Margaritas offered nightly on our award winning Patio.

Proudly Celebrating 15 Years of the Valley’s Finest Margaritas & Tortillas

5070 S. Gilbert Rd., #400 (Located behind the CVS)

Chandler (480) 895-1655 www.creolecajunbistro.com

Featured on the Food Network’s “Best Of” Show (480) 945-4567 6910 EAST MAIN STREET, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 WWW.OLDTOWNTORTILLAFACTORY.COM

Ask about our Sunday Ticket Special’s!!

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

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Blasted Barley

Hard Rock Café

El Chorro

Brass Tap

Hungry Monk

Rehab Burger Therapy

Brat Haus

Lucky Strike Bowling

Holy Spirits Scottsdale

Luxe Lounge

Scottsdale Beer Company

404 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 101, Tempe Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 9 p.m. to close $3 wells, wines and select drafts and half off select food items

3 S. Second Street, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3.50 domestic bottle and draft, $4.50 select craft beer, $5 premium well, house wine and double shot

5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3 glass of house wine and domestic bottled beer and $5 El Chorro Margaritas and well drinks

of Fireball 1033 N. Dobson Road, #104, Mesa Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1.50 of all Arizona drafts and house wines

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all alcohol, but ask about daily specials!

For example, Wednesday is $3 pints of craft beer all day!

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. $2 off all drafts, $1 off bottles, cans, liquor and wine and food specials

7210 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to close on Thursdays $1 Off all party starter appetizers, $1.50 PBRs, Domestic Pints $2.50, Premium Pints $3.50, $1 off shots, wines by glass and specialty drinks

50 W. Jefferson Street, #240, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails, house wine

7318 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. $4 well drinks, $5 house wines and $7 specialty cocktails

and food specials

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 117, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 domestic pints, $4 local pints, domestic aluminum bottles and premium well drinks, $5 house wines

16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and all day Sunday $3 well drinks, house wines and 16 oz. domestic drafts

Craft 64

The Mission at Minder Binder

Creole Cajun Bistro

OHSO Brewery

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all beers and $2 off all wines

5070 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 400, Chandler Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all wines by the glass, $2 off all signature drinks and $1 off all appetizers

715 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe Daily 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. $1 off all alcohol

4900 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

OHSO Distillery

15681 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $6 wines by the glass, specialty cocktails and pitcher of Arizona/OHSO beer

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and food specials

Stockyards Steakhouse

5009 E. Washington Street, #115, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 off draft beer and Saloon Snacks, $3 domestic bottles, $4 well drinks and $5 house wine with complimentary tenderloin sliders

Tandoori Times

Tandoori Times Indian Bistro

8140 N. Hayden Road, Suite H-115, Scottsdale 5626 W. Bell Road, A-103, Glendale Tuesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off wine and liquor, $2 off all beer and happy hour appetizers from $3.99

Duke’s Sports Bar & Grill

Old Town Tavern

Tutti Santi

EVO

Park Place Bar & Grill

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Peter’s

7607 E. McDowell, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $3.50 domestic drafts and bottles, $5.25 house wines and $8.99 domestic pitchers

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale Daily 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 beers, $4 well drinks, $5 wines and $6 cocktails

Five locations across the Valley Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight $2.75 well drinks, $3.25 domestic drafts, $3.50 house wine and several food specials

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

7320 E. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bucket of beers (five beers for two people): $12 domestic, $16 Mexican imports, $20 premium

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, #6, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

See a full list of specials at www.peterscuisineaz.com.

8320 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wine and Champagne are $5 and appetizers are $6

6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Select beers $3, well drinks $3 and select glasses of wine $5

9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; Brewery: 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to close $3.50 Uncle Bears craft pints, domestic bottles, wells & house margs, $4.50 22 oz. Uncle Bears crafts, guest craft pints, Deep Eddy cocktails & house wine, $5.50 22 oz. guest crafts & sangria

Wasted Grain

7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $5 small plates and The Drink Exchange-prices vary based on supply and demand

Open Daily at 11am

Happy Hour 11-6 Daily

Free WiFi

RehabBurgerTherapy.com

PATIO DINING IN THE HEART OF OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE WALKING DISTANCE TO THE CENTER FOR ARTS AND SHOPPING. PARKING CORRAL / TROLLEY STOP / PURE AWESOME!

7210 E. 2ND ST. SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 (480) 621-5358

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

DUELING DINERS: CARLOS O’BRIEN’S

En garde! Our Dueling Diners love each other when they’re not reviewing restaurants, but when the meal comes, their flaws are fair game Christina Caldwell and Andrew Axelrod » The Entertainer!

CHRISTINA’S ACCOUNT:

Andrew is really smart. So smart, in fact, that sometimes his firmly-held convictions, despite knowing deep down they’re wrong in my gut, momentarily convince me of certain “facts.”

Andrew also has an ignorant streak.

Just when I think he knows it all, he slaps me across the face with something like “Today I learned only men have prostates.”

That’s cute, I guess.

This month at Carlos O’Brien’s, I learned that tortillas are the prostates of Andrew’s culinary knowledge. But let’s rewind for a moment.

Carlos O’Brien’s in Scottsdale is not your typical Mexican restaurant. This particular location skipped the bakedin smell of refried beans and festivity of sombreros as wall art and went for a more upscale, modern feel with moody lighting, a sleek bar and minimalist decor.

In that way, it’s unlike any other Mexican restaurant I’ve ever been.

We started our meal with a chicken quesadilla, because I knew somehow that Andrew wouldn’t get his fill of carne and queso just from his entree. But I was glad we did. The tender chicken jam-packed the cheesy quesadilla. Accompanied by a side of guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, each in their own individual tortilla shell, each one made the quesadilla sparkle in its unique way.

One slice of the enormous quesadilla was enough to nearly intimidate me into WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

not ordering an entree, but it’s mind over matter here, people. My mind was telling me no but my body, my body was telling me yes!

I opted for the shrimp fajitas while Andrew ordered the shredded beef tacos, naturally. The fajitas, served alongside a bed of grilled vegetables, were perfectly up my alley. Light with deliciously flavorful shrimp and lightly-charred carrots, potatoes, zucchini and yellow squash, I was stoked about my choice. Then Andrew dropped a bomb on me.

“Man, these tacos are good, but they’re probably pretty bad for you. I mean, the shells are fried. And tortillas are fried already!”

Wait, what?

“Tortillas aren’t fried,” I assured him.

“They’re pressed.”

“Chrissy, you’re so ignorant! They’re fried!”

We both whipped out our phones to furiously Googled it. Just then, Carlos O’Brien’s lovely manager, Rebecca, came to see how our meal was going.

“Great! Everything’s delicious!” I said while quickly looking back down at my phone.

Andrew thought this was his time to shine.

“We’re having an argument,” he said with a smug smile. “Are regular flour tortillas fried?”

“Oh no! No, no,” Rebecca told us.

“BOOM! Told!” I yelled at Andrew,

frightening Rebecca. He scarfed down his tacos attempting to mask his ignorance with beef and cheese, as he’s known to do in these types of situations.

I already know what Andrew’s retort to all of these assertions of ignorance will be. Yes, I once thought narwhals were fake and jackalopes were real. But really, if you had to choose, which fake fact gives you more joy? That I wanted to believe little fluffy bunnies could have antlers, or that Andrew thought tortillas were fried? I can’t help that my ignorance is so adorable.

Score one for lil Chrissy Caldwell.

ANDREW’S ACCOUNT:

There are gaps in everyone’s knowledge, but it says something about one’s flimsy psyche when you feel the need to write 500 words about winning a disagreement.

Yes, I thought tortillas were fried.

Yes, I once tried to fry one on the stove in oil and it blew up like an angry puffer fish. But I’d really appreciate it if Christina would stop writing these celebratory essays. Even when it’s not for The Entertainer!, if she wins an argument, she’s off to the computer, only to slip four pages of still warm bragging to me under the bathroom door.

This was actually not my first time to

Carlos O’Brien’s

Carlos O’Brien’s. Being my ex-girlfriend’s parents’ favorite Mexican joint, I used to frequent their previous location often.

When I told Christina of this, her eye twitched.

“Oh really?” she said through clenched teeth, “That’s nice.”

I looked down and her napkin was in shreds.

C.O.B., as I’ll be calling Carlos O’Brien’s from now on, has taken on a much more modern look since the days I used to visit their old location with my teenage girlfriend. (I was also a teenager. Relax.)

Gone were the kitschy decorations I used to stare at awkwardly while trying to think of something to say to my exgirlfriend’s mother. However, the food was just as good as I had remembered.

C.O.B. wants to make sure you get the food you want. Such is the case with the quesadilla we ordered. We were given the option of grilled or shredded chicken.

We were also asked if we wanted it served open or closed, but before Christina could answer I started shouting.

“Chicken and cheese! Chicken and cheese!” I chanted while pounding the table with my fists. The grilled chicken quesadilla was delivered to our table swiftly, likely to silence my childish outburst. A dot of sour cream and avocado with the quesadilla make for the perfect bite—smoky, creamy, and most importantly, cheesy.

Christina’s fajitas arrived with a sizzle and I laid my eyes on the two massive shredded beef tacos on my plate. These aren’t tacos to eat daintily. You just have to, kinda… get in there. And I got in there. I got in there deep.

Drunk on beef and cheese, I then made the perfectly reasonable assumption that tortillas were fried. At which point Christina stood up, cackled into the night sky and hissed at me. As you already know, she was right. But I had tacos, so who’s the real loser?

One day I wish to not have the same diet as a toddler. Lately I’ve been forcing myself to try new things, and I’ve only recently started eating shrimp. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but this is coming from someone who still drinks chocolate milk. That’s really embarrassing, but screw you. It tastes great.

Christina’s fajitas were delicious and managed to keep her busy while giving me some respite from her constant bragging. As hungry as we were, two main dishes and one appetizer turned out to be absolutely too much food for one sitting and we left with three large takeaway boxes.

Mexican food is one of my top three favorite cheese heavy-foods, and having been to the original Carlos O’Brien’s and the new iteration you might ask, “You down with C.O.B.?”

Yeah, you know me.

Three locations throughout the Valley, carlosobriens.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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BRINGING THE FLAVOR HOME

Virtù’s Gio Osso brings his Scottsdale acclaim home to Gilbert with new concept, Nico Christina Caldwell » The Entertainer!

C

oming from Scottsdale’s nationally-lauded Virtù Honest Craft, chef Gio Osso decided to bring things home—quite literally—to Gilbert.

The Gilbert-based chef has made the commute to Scottsdale since Virtù’s 2013 debut, but his latest culinary adventure, Nico, will reside in Downtown Gilbert, remaining close to his family’s actual residence, as well as his Italian heritage, focusing on the traditional, homemade, made-with-love recipes from his family’s roots in Calabria, Italy.

Accolades like a James Beard Award nomination and being named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants came rather recently, but Osso’s passion for food came much earlier—while sitting in a high chair in his family’s Italian kitchen.

“I’ve been around food for forever.

Going to Italy and spending my summers as a child, it became a passion of mine,” Osso says. “Food was everything. Family was first, food is second and everything else will fall behind it.”

The “family first” rule will certainly permeate throughout Nico, which has an anticipated opening date of March 2016.

Named for his 21-month-old son, Osso will expand on his family’s traditional recipes with an elevated flair, combining his years of culinary experience in New York City and his love for handcrafted recipes passed down from generation to generation.

“I’m trying to bridge that gap, so I’ll use the classics from my hometown, aunts, uncles and grandparents. But I also try to make it today, with nicer presentation and things like that; try to modernize it a bit,” he says.

While these might be versions of recipes he’s known for decades, that doesn’t

mean Osso intends to rest on his laurels.

The pressure is still high to deliver remarkable dishes worth buzzing about, even if Nico’s atmosphere will be more relaxed.

“Even though [Nico] is going to be a little bit more family-friendly in a sense and … Downtown Gilbert is very family-oriented, I still think that putting out the best possible product and people holding me to a higher standard because of Virtù, I have to deliver. And we will deliver. There’s no question about it.”

Located in the Heritage Marketplace near Lolo’s Chicken & Waffles and Barrio Queen, Nico will be among buzzworthy company. Noticing that many chefs were looking to expand to locations in the Central Phoenix corridor, Osso decided to go a bit more quaint with the new location, fitting the restaurant’s atmosphere. Though, at the rate that Downtown Gilbert is growing and renowned chefs are descending upon the area, we can only expect more restaurateurs to take notice.

“Gilbert … is growing as far as community and houses and building and things like that, so it needed a little restaurant area,” Osso says. “With what LGE [Design Build] is doing in that area, I thought it was a great idea, and because I live in Gilbert, I really wanted to get in on the ground floor. I think it will be perfect, and it’s home for me, so I love that idea. I love it.”

And Osso wants Nico to be in Downtown Gilbert to stay. While his son might not fully understand that the restaurant is named for him yet, he is getting the exact same high-chair-in-thekitchen childhood as Osso did growing up. And he hopes Nico the restaurant will be enough interest to Nico, his son, to be passed down to the next generation one day.

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SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beerfinder Directory 64 Great Beer Pairings 62 Beertenders 68

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

Destihl Brewery Special Tapping Night

DECEMBER 2 The Attic Ale House wants you to join them for a special night of beer tapping! They will be adding world class beers from Destihl Brewery, including Destihl Dubbel, Black Angel Stout with Chocolate and Orange Peel, Abbey’s Single with Cinnamon & Vanilla and many more. There will be special pricing on growler fills and bottles to-go and you can also get any Attic burger and a beer for just $12.

The Attic Ale House, 4247 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.955.1967, theatticaz.com, 4 p.m., free

Winter Seasonal Sampling

DECEMBER 14 While you’re preparing for the holidays, make your way over to Mellow Mushroom for a classic Christmas beer sampling. There will be a variety of winter seasonals available for tasting from breweries such as Breckenridge, Bells, Abita, Big Sky, and many others!

Mellow Mushroom, 2490 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix, 623.580.1111, mellowmushroom.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., free

Holiday Beer Dinner

DECEMBER 16 Join Handlebar in Tempe for a delicious holiday beer dinner. They will be featuring the best locallygrown food from the bars in the area and pairing them with a variety of local craft beers. You’ll have a hoppy holiday with this festive beer pairing dinner.

The Handlebar, 680 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.474.4888, handlebaraz.com, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., price TBD

First Draft Book Club

DECEMBER 16 Join Changing Hands downtown for books and brews. This month, the First Draft Book Club will discuss “Eileen,” Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel set in a boys prison in the ‘60s.

First Draft Book Bar at Changing Hands Bookstore, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.274.0067, changinghands.com, 7 p.m., free

Birds n’ Beer

DECEMBER 17 It’s that time of the month again! Birds n’ Beer is a chance for nature lovers to come together, drink ice-cold Four Peaks and learn about birds and other animals in our area. This month’s theme is High-Tech Wildlife Watching, where you’ll hear from experts like Tara Oakes from the UA Water Resources Research Center and Cave Creek Park Ranger Mark Paulat.

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

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

DECEMBER 17 Dance to all of the holiday’s hottest tunes and get your ugly sweater on, because things are about to get adorably hideous at The Pig’s Meow.

Sip on spiced winter warmers, coco porters and hoppy pale ales and prepare for a tacky night of fun.

The Pig’s Meow, 3730 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.795-9910, crescentcrown.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free

Ugly Sweater Party

DECEMBER 18 Grab your ugliest holiday sweater and head to Boulders on Broadway for the ultimate ugly sweater extravaganza.

You can drink delicious brews, take holiday pictures with your friends and get your hands on some awesome swag. This is your chance to prepare for the holidays in style.

Boulders on Broadway, 530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480.921.9431, bouldersonbroadway.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free

Anderson Valley Winter Solstice

DECEMBER 21 Celebrate the Winter Solstice at Boulders on Southern with delicious beers like Anderson Valley’s Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale and many others. This seasonal brew has hints of toffee, spice and caramel, making it the perfect beer to celebrate the beginning or winter.

Boulders on Southern, 1010 W. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480.659.4816, boudlersonsouthern.com, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., free

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GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

PHOENIX PUBLIC MARKET

Forget about wine pairings! We hail the hop. We’re all about pairing our favorite craft brews with delicious dishes from Valley restaurants.

GET BIT WITH FLAVOR BY THIS IPA AND BURGER PAIRING FROM PHOENIX PUBLIC MARKET “Ballast Point’s Grapefruit Sculpin IPA pairs exceptionally with our Arizona Burger. The IPA has hop-forward citrus notes that complement the burger’s fresh, house-roasted and green Poblano chilies. The burger also comes with cheddar cheese and a satisfying Russian dressing we also make in-house. The IPA works well to leave the salty flavor of the burger and keep the palate cleansed for each bite.”

—Clay Cone, Assistant General Manager

Phoenix Public Market 4 E. Pierce Street, Phoenix, 602.253.2700, phxpublicmarket.com

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BeerFinder DIRECTORY Where to find the best craft beer bars in town

Craft 64

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

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

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

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

Boulders on Broadway

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

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

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

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

Scottsdale Beer Company

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

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

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

Garage Wine and Tap

1534 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix With a small selection of great beers and a reputation for outstanding food, Garage should be on your list.

Thirsty Lion

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

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

Brat Haus

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

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

Union Barrel House

3636 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale Look for a changing selection of taps along with great food.

Ground Control

Fox Cigar Bar

1464 E. Williams Field Road Gilbert Cigar fans, this should be your stop for cigars and great craft beer. Enjoy a walk in the humidor, the dark wood bar and a patio that is perfect for a cigar and a beer.

World of Beer

526 S. Mill Avenue, 2224 E. Williamsfield Road Locations in Tempe and Gilbert Let these fine folks take you around the world with over 50 taps and 400 bottles. You are bound to find your favorite beer.

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

craft 64

Main Ingredient Ale House

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

2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe Plenty of great taps and plenty of room to hang out, let someone else do the shopping at Tempe Marketplace.

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

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

The Brass Tap

1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104 Mesa Over 60 Taps of great craft beers and over 300 total craft beers from around the globe available!

Casually upscale atmosphere, open-air patio that is cigar-friendly, nice menu, daily specials, live music and knowledgeable staff. What more could you ask for!

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

Artisan Wood Fired Pizza 36 all LOCAL Arizona beers on tap In the heart of Scottsdale

6922 E. Main StrEEt, ScottSdalE aZ • facEbo ok.coM/craft64 • craft64.coM • 480-946-0542

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BEERTENDERS

Bartenders who really know their beer

TODD WILLIAMS, owner at Copperleaf Gastrolounge Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

G “

astrolounge” is an English term for an upscale pub, and that perfectly describes Copperleaf Gastrolounge in Downtown Scottsdale. It’s a place where you can have a classy dinner in a relaxing atmosphere full of live music, delicious food and plenty of craft beer.

We asked owner Todd Williams about what Copperleaf is doing to embrace the craft beer culture and why he loves drinking craft brews in the Valley.

What makes craft beer so special?

I think it’s not mass-produced beers.

There are so many different flavors and different tastes. We especially try to go with a lot of local stuff and support the local businesses. They all get pretty crafty with their flavors and concoctions. We just did a beer tasting dinner as well where we paired five different courses with different beers. It gives you a little different flavor you can add to everything.

How did you get interested in craft beer?

Basically there were three things I was

adamant about when we started, which were keg wine, craft beer and moonshine.

With craft beer, there are many different flavors and different facets, especially with the local regions we try to stick with.

What is your favorite craft beer?

I usually drink the Bell’s Two Hearted. It’s really good.

Why do you think Copperleaf is a great place for craft beer?

We’re trying to bring this side of the street back. There’s nothing really eclectic, so we’re trying to bring something back for the 30 and up crowd. A lot of people like the older music, it’s not too loud and you can still have a conversation. It’s just something that’s not really around here.

There are a couple lounges Downtown but we’re more in the middle where you can still eat and have drinks.

What’s your favorite part about the craft beer culture in the Valley?

I guess the way that it’s coming back.

Every time I turn around there’s another brewery popping up and I hope they all

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stay successful. I think it’s great because everyone can go in and taste the different flavors and ideas. It’s just like a menu. You can go in these different breweries and taste what their different flavors are. It’s a whole different realm to try new things. It spreads the love around, shall we say.

Copperleaf Gastrolounge 4225 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale, 480.941.4155, copperleafgastrolounge.com

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HEY, PORTER! The history and evolution of the popular porter Dave Clark » The Entertainer!

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xploring the world of porters and stouts makes for an interesting, flavorful journey.

Though these beers share color and some flavor and aroma similarities, the differences between styles can be quite distinct.

According to the 2008 BJCP style guidelines, porter has three distinct styles while stout has six. These styles range in strengths from 4 to 11 percent ABV. The answer to what differentiates a stout from a porter lies in the history of the two styles. Next month we’ll dive deeper into stouts, but first let’s first learn more about porter and its sub-styles.

Porter is an English invention that dates back hundreds of years. Stronger than the “bitters” that were consumed by the masses, porters were named after the laborers who wanted a hearty beer after a hard day’s work.

Porters were typically blends of multiple batches known as “entire.”

Often the same grain was used twice then blended to maximize efficiency.

Additionally, pubs would further blend new and old porters to produce a more flavorful, complex beer. Lack of refrigeration would sour older ales over time, and blending sour and fresher beer would create a tart, drinkable, hearty ale.

The English porters of yesteryear were hearty Brown Ales. Brown malt was neither efficient nor very profitable.

Technological advances in malting would benefit the porter when Black Patent Malt was created and later when unmalted Roasted Barley was allowed to be used.

Brewers replaced brown malt with efficient base malt, and small amounts of Black Malt, creating a much more profitable beer with better overall flavor.

A bigger, higher-alcohol porter emerged called a “stout porter.” To avoid confusion, the name porter was eventually eliminated and these stronger beers were known simply as stouts.

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It’s important to understand early stouts came from the same recipes as porters did. Distinctions in recipe formulation came later in the modern era of beer brewing. Today, porters (especially Robust versions) are known for their use of Black Patent Malt while stouts differentiate themselves with their use of Roasted Barley.

There are three types of porters recognized in the 2008 BJCP Guidelines: Brown, Robust and Baltic Porter. Brown Porters are the lightest porters at 4.0 to 5.4 percent ABV. They tend to be more malty and fruity versus the drier, roastier, hoppier and somewhat heftier Robust Porter at 5.0 to 6.5 percent ABV. Both use ale yeasts. Fuller’s London Porter is a classic Brown Porter. Founder’s and Bell’s make delicious Robust Porters.

Baltic Porters were made stronger (5.5 to 9.5 percent) so they could be preserved while being shipped to the Baltic Region. This style employs a lager yeast to ferment it, creating a cleaner overall beer. Malt flavors of dark fruit, subdued chocolate and raisin abound.

Excellent examples include Baltika #6 and Smuttynose Baltic Porter.

Porters had a period of near extinction during the last century before being revived several decades ago. Porters remain an evolution. Starting off as a brown ale, evolving into a black ale now Americanized into a bigger, somewhat hoppy ale. Modern creative interpretations have given us many new ways to enjoy porter. Breckenridge’s Vanilla Porter and SanTan’s Sex Panther Double Chocolate Porter are examples of a modern twist on an old classic.

Dave Clark is a Certified Cicerone and National BJCP beer judge who lives in Gilbert. Dave can be reached at beerlovesbeer@gmail.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

THE BEST CASINO EVENTS IN DECEMBER Lake, and drummer and percussionist Carl Palmer. They plan to play their biggest hits for in their return like “Trilogy” and “Lucky Man.” Carl Palmer and the rest of his band will bring these songs back to life in this live performance you won’t want to miss.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Tanya Tucker

DECEMBER 4 At only 13 years old, Tanya Tucker was already a hit in the country music industry. She recorded “Delta Dawn” in 1972 as a teen and has continued to rise in fame ever since. Her popular ‘90s hits like “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” and “It’s a Little Too Late” were defining moments in her career, but her success refuses to stop there. See the legend live and in person this month.

Wild Horse Pass, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/ wild-horse-pass

Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy: Celebrating The Music of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

DECEMBER 5 The English rock supergroup, ELP, has finally returned to the stage. The ‘70s rock trio consists of keyboardist Keith Emerson, singer and guitarist Greg

Dwight Yoakam

DECEMBER 10 With a catalog of 21 albums, with 25 million copies sold worldwide, Dwight Yoakam is no stranger to country music. Singer, songwriter, actor and film director, Yoakam, is a man of many talents—especially as an American country artist. His country hits like “Guitars, Cadillacs” and “Honky Tonk Man” are as iconic as his wide-brimmed cowboy hat.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ak-chinpavilion.com

Gaming Tip Casinos are starting to include more skill based slot machines on their floor to entice younger visitors who grew up on video games. This could mean that casinos will look more like classic ‘80s arcades in the future, so if you want a payout, you might want to improve your Space Invader skills.

she will release each subsequent year.

Wild Horse Pass, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/ wild-horse-pass

Craig Ferguson

DECEMBER 11 Scottish-American actor, director and comedian, Craig Ferguson, is bringing his stand-up routine to the Valley.

Ferguson is famous for “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” and during his stint on the show was nominated for an Emmy Award and recieved a Peabody Award. Kids and kids at heart might recognize him from his voiceover in movies like “How to Train Your Dragon,” “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” “Brave” and “Winnie the Pooh.” Leave the kids at home for this show, though.

Wild Horse Pass, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 520.796.7777, wingilariver.com/ wild-horse-pass

Gin Blossoms

DECEMBER 19 Local-guys-gone-global the Gin Blossoms are dropping by Ak-Chin Pavilion to remind everyone why they became the hometown heroes of Tempe. In the ‘80s, the Phoenix New Times declared that Gin Blossoms was the city’s best rock band and they soon became a state favorite. After the magazine’s praise, the College Music Journal named them the “Best Unsigned Band in America.” This was the beginning of the Gin Blossoms wide success, later releasing hit songs “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” and “Found Out About You.” Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ak-chinpavilion.com

Jerry Riopelle LeAnn Rimes

DECEMBER 18 What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with some Christmas country music? LeAnn Rimes is bringing her “Today is Christmas” tour to Wild Horse Pass with a featured performance by Ellee Duke. Starting at the age of 11, Rimes is the youngest person to ever win a Grammy award and was the first country artist to win the Grammy for Best New Artist. Since the ‘90s she has continued to top charts and change country music history. Her most recent album, One Christmas, is the first of three Christmas albums

JANUARY 2 Throughout Jerry Riopelle’s successful career as a musician with a distinct sound, he has maintained a dedicated fan base of nearly every age. His music does not fit one genre because it is a mixture of blues, jazz, reggae and rock. Becoming a hit in Arizona in the ‘70s, hit songs like “Walkin’ on Water,” “Red Ball Texas Flyer,” “Easy Drive,” and “Naomi’s Song” warranted his induction into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2007.

Celebrate Riopelle’s return to Arizona at Talking Stick Resort this month.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

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

Greywolf

Dragonfly Nightclub at Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 1

DECEMBER 4

Stanley Serano Trio

SuperHero Band

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 2 Country Dance Instruction by Laina Lee The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Western Fusion Trio

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Daisy Train: Current Country Hits The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Guy Pennachio

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Tracy Lawrence

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Greywolf

Dragonfly Nightclub at Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Born Jovi

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 5 Born Jovi

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 7 Chad Freeman and Redline

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

DECEMBER 8 John Eric Duo

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 9 Country Dance Instruction by Laina Lee The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Stanley Serano Trio

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Joe Costello Syndicate

Chad Freeman and Redline The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

SuperHero Band

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

DECEMBER 12 UFC 194: Aldo vs. McGregor viewing party

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Solace

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

G Sueno

Dragonfly Nightclub at Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

DECEMBER 14 Chad Freeman and Redline

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 15

Daisy Train: Current Country Hits

Karen & Pat

DECEMBER 11

DECEMBER 16

G Sueno

Country Dance Instruction by Laina Lee

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Dragonfly Nightclub at Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Daisy Train: Current Country Hits The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Bandstand Shows

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Stanley Serano Trio

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 18 Aravaipa

Dragonfly Nightclub at Cliff Castle Casino and Hotel, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

One of These Nights: Eagles Tribute The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

SuperHero Band

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

DECEMBER 19 Smooth Groove

Stanley Serano Trio

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 25 SuperHero Band

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

ZGF

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 26 The Walkens

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 28 Chad Freeman and Redline

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

DECEMBER 29 Flavour

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 30

DECEMBER 21

Country Dance Instruction by Laina Lee

Chad Freeman and Redline

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

DECEMBER 22 Flavour

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

DECEMBER 23 Country Dance Instruction by Laina Lee

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Daisy Train: Current Country Hits The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Buddy Holiday Tribute

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

The Walkens Trio

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

DECEMBER 31

Daisy Train: Current Country Hits

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

The Arizona Room Patio Grill at Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Silhouette

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

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Sapphire Sky

Pop Vinyl

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

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A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

LeAnn Rimes spreads holiday cheer to the Valley this month Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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ike most artists, LeAnn Rimes doesn’t make a habit of listening to her own albums.

She worries she’ll hear a mistake, or something she wishes she could change.

But she’s making an exception for Today is Christmas, her latest holiday release that hit stores in October.

“After many years of trying to please other people, it feels so good to do what I want,” she says. “I don’t feel like there’s anything missing anymore. I’m proud of the Christmas record. Maybe that’s why I can bear with it.”

Accordingly, she’s proud and supportive of anything that carries her name, whether it’s a clothing line or other product.

“After years and years of being in business, I’ve learned to be authentic that way,” she says.

The authenticity shines through on Today is Christmas, which features guest appearances by Aloe Blacc (“That Spirit of Christmas”) and Gavin DeGraw (“Celebrate Me Home”).

“They’re such great guys,” Rimes says.

“They’re both such soulful people. They have completely different voices. They both brought their own things to each song.

She calls DeGraw “crazy” and Blacc “a kind soul.”

“I saw him [Blacc] perform live and when ‘That Spirit of Christmas’ came up, I thought he’d sound really cool on the song.

“I had never met him, but he immediately said yes. He came in the studio, we shook hands, said hello and went face to face with two microphones. It was like a love scene where you say, ‘Hey, nice to meet you. Let’s make out.’ I got to know him really quickly and he’s a kind, kind, sweet soul.”

Creating a holiday collection was much more challenging than an original studio album, she says. She worked on making songs sound original, but possess the same traits as the standard.

“It’s definitely a challenge to do that, to find songs people have heard and not a million times,” she says. “I had written a couple of originals, which was really fun as well.”

For Today is Christmas, she wanted to capture the gamut of emotions felt by fans during the holidays. There are some who feel sad because they associate the season with deaths or breakups. Others are joyous toward the end of the year.

Rimes’ Christmas season is the latter.

“I have to say that my favorite Christmas is one of the most recent ones,” she says. “My husband [actor Eddie Cibrian] and I got engaged on Christmas Eve several years ago. I would have to

say that was probably one of my top Christmas memories.”

In 2016, she’s hoping to create more musical memories for her fans, who will then see a new album. There are other projects in the works that she’s not ready to announce.

Whether Rimes is working on a new album or not, she is always writing. When she’s inspired, she’ll take notes and take them to the next writing session.

“My inspiration all depends on the day,” she says with a laugh. “Last year during my Christmas tour, somebody in the audience yelled out ‘I still believe in Santa.’ I don’t know why. It was pretty random.

“I knew we were talking about writing originals for the next record.

I said, ‘That’s a great song title.’ My inspiration comes from random places—a dream or life.”

LeAnn Rimes w/Ellee Duke

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, Friday, December 18, 8 p.m., $47-$99 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

EMILY JOYCE

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THAT YOUNG ATTITUDE D Dwight Yoakam rekindles youthful spark on latest album Alan Sculley >> Special to The Entertainer!

wight Yoakam sees several parallels between his new album, Second Hand Heart, and his 1986 debut album, the altcountry classic Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. “It feels in a strange way connected to the very first record, Guitars, Cadillacs in the way that it came about,” Yoakam says in a recent phone interview “That album [Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.] was an EP originally, and then Warner signed me in ’85 and I re-released it in January of ’86 as a full-length...And this one has its own, it’s almost as if that album had its own journey and a couple of lives.”

As Yoakam suggests, both Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. and Second Hand Heart include songs that had a previous life before being redone in somewhat different ways for the two albums.

Several songs from Guitars, Cadillacs surfaced on an independent EP that was later supplemented with other WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

songs and re-released as the Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. Second Hand Heart, includes a few songs that had been gestating with Yoakam for some time. “V’s of Birds,” was a song Yoakam had thought of covering as far back as the mid-1990s.

The title track was written and under consideration for Yoakam’s previous release, the acclaimed 2012 album 3 Pears, while another original, “Dreams of Clay,” originally surfaced in a far different form on the 2000 album Tomorrow’s Sounds Today.

“The [new] album kind of created itself. And you know, funny enough Guitars, Cadillacs...the first album did that,” he says. “It was an example of the album leads you to where it’s going to go.”

Another parallel is both Guitars, Cadillacs and Second Hand Heart are on Warner Bros./Reprise Records, the label Yoakam called home for his first eight albums before parting ways and releasing his 2003 album, Population Me,

and his 2005 album, Blame the Vain, on independent labels.

What’s more, both Guitars, Cadillacs and Second Hand Heart were recorded in the same studio—the legendary Capitol Records Studio B. “That room’s just flat out got magic in it,” Yoakam says. “Let’s see, the first six studio albums of my career were done at Capitol Studios, Guitars, Cadillacs through Gone. So that feels like home always.

That room doesn’t lie. You better be on your game when you go into B because it just spits back to you in your face exactly what you just did.”

But what might be the biggest link between the two albums is an attitude Yoakam brought to the projects—a spirit, as he put it, of “reckless abandon, mischief making and fun” that reminded him of why he wanted to make albums in the first place.

It’s a feeling he says has been present at times on all of his albums, but was

never articulated as well as it has been with certain songs from 3 Pears and now Second Hand Heart.

“You hear it on all of the albums,” Yoakam says of that reckless abandon.

“You hear it on things like ‘Long Way Home.’ Another song that would have that expression in it would be ‘Only Want You More’ a raved up rockabilly comingoff-the-rails [kind of song]. And in [the 1995 album] ‘Gone,’ I think the song ‘Never Hold You’ has a bit of that thing.

But left to my own devices, I’m pushing more kind of the envelope maybe on 3 Pears and now this [album], in terms of the sonics of it.”

That sort of full-throttle, hardrocking sound pops up on the new album in Yoakam’s cover of “Man of Constant Sorrow,” which was made famous on the “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack, and his original, “Liar.” On those tracks, Yoakam amps up the beats, lets the guitars rip and rocks out with the kind of abandon he’s only occasionally displayed on earlier albums.

“Yeah, that’s a collision of the Ramones ambushing Bill Monroe,” Yoakam says of his take on “Man of Constant Sorrow.”

If Yoakam rarely rocked as hard on his earlier albums as he does on “Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Liar,” his sound nevertheless proved very successful, especially during the first decade of his career.

A native of Pikeville, Kentucky, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio, Yoakam came to Los Angeles in 1977, inspired by the rocking country sounds of Bakersfieldbased Buck Owens and the Sweethearts of the Rodeo-era Byrds.

He scuffled for several years before getting signed by Warner Bros., and releasing the chart-topping Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc. album. It started Yoakam on a commercial roll that has produced 22 top 20 country singles and nine platinum albums. His total album sales stand at 25 million.

Yoakam figures to play a careerspanning set in his live shows, and a couple of members of his touring group also played extensively on Second Hand Heart, lending a continuity to the album and live show.

“It’s just gratifying to have the musicians I’m working with on stage work on the record with me,” Yoakam says.

“There is a purity of energy and intent that you capture.”

Dwight Yoakam

Harrah’s Ak-Chin, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, caesars.com/harrahsak-chin/shows, Thursday, December 10, 4:30 p.m., free

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CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

DECEMBER’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS Justin Stabley » The Entertainer!

Desert Classic Arabian Horse Show DECEMBER 3 THROUGH 6 Watch authentic Arabian horses run and gallop at Scottsdale’s WestWorld!

The oldest breed of riding horse is also one of the most beautiful and agile in the world, able to navigate complex obstacle courses and even jump high in the air. The event will give you an up-close look at the magnificent creatures and let you witness their remarkable equine feats.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, desertclassicshow.com

Arizona Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings DECEMBER 3 Detroit has been a thorn in the side of the Coyotes for years, going up against them in the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times, most recently in 2010-11. Suffice to say, any game against the Red Wings is a rival match worth seeing.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, coyotes.nhl.com

Jingle Bell Run 5K Run/Walk DECEMBER 19 What better way to celebrate the holidays than with a brisk 5K run for charity? The Jingle Bell Run benefits the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation when participants bring a new unwrapped gift to donate. Tie

some bells to your shoelaces and test your endurance against the 4 Peaks Racing Santa!

Rose Mofford Park, 9833 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix, 4peaksracing.com

weekend. While the Packers continue to collapse in the NFC North, the Cardinals are as strong as ever, taking the lead in the West.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, azcardinals.com

68th Annual Arizona National Livestock Show DECEMBER 27 THROUGH JANUARY 1 Get a taste of the Western tradition when you attend the National Livestock Show. Located at the Arizona State Fairgrounds, the event includes a Western art and gear show, ranch horse competitions, cookoffs, ranch rodeo, and an interactive children’s farm experience.

Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.258.8568, anls.com

The 45th Barrett-Jackson Car Auction JANUARY 23 THROUGH 31 Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines, because the BarrettJackson is making its triumphant return to Scottsdale. Packed with everything steel, muscle and horsepower, the Barrett-Jackson will be bigger than every with countless classics up for auction with no reserve, all broadcast in front of 6 million viewers on television.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, barrett-jackson.com

Run Run Rudolph Half Marathon DECEMBER 19 Benefitting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, this half marathon takes you through the dedicated running trails of the New River Trail System.

The first 250 runners that show up will receive a Reindeer Kit. Rio Vista Park, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, starlineracing.com

Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks DECEMBER 20 This is the first time since Brandon Knight joined the Suns for a fiveyear contract, that he will be going up against his former team. The last time the Bucks where in town, Knight was on their side so the dynamics are going to be interesting.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, nba.com/suns

Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers DECEMBER 27 This cross conference game will be the perfect show for Christmas

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DEVIL’S ADVOCATE

ASU’s QB Mike Bercovici remains a dynamic and loyal person on and off the field

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Kat Simonovic » The Entertainer!

A

SU football’s team captain and starting quarterback Mike Bercovici has quite a lot on his plate as a student-athlete. And yet, he still makes time to call his family every single day.

Bercovici, who refers to himself as a “momma’s boy,” credits a lot of his leadership qualities to his parents.

“I believe that my father shaped me into the person I am,” says Bercovici. “I was blessed to have role models for parents regarding leadership, heart, compassion and honesty; all traits which come from

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my parents.”

They have a very strong relationship, with his father mainly supporting him through his athletic career, while his mother upheld high expectations in his academics.

In a Fox Sports interview, Ben Bercovici, the QB’s father, told a story from Mike’s middle school days. The two were at a prospect camp, walking off the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum field, home of the USC Trojans, when Mike told his father that he would one day play on that field.

On October 4, 2014, in a game against USC, his childhood aspirations were finally realized. With his team trailContinues on p. 84

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SUN DEVIL ATHLETICS

Continued from p. 82

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ing in the final seconds, Bercovici threw up a prayer. And it was answered as the ball fell into the hands of Jaelen Strong for a game-winning touchdown.

“We [had] practiced the play and all I wanted to do was throw it as high and far as possible,” Bercovici says. “When it was caught, there was a weird silence in the stadium. I remember falling to the ground out of sheer emotion and exhaustion.

“I grew up watching USC football and to be the opponent walking out of the tunnel was surreal. It was exciting to walk onto that field carrying the weight of our team and so many people that helped me get to where I am today,” he says.

But Bercovici is much more than part of ASU’s football history. The ASU redshirt senior quarterback is a leader both on the field and in the classroom. This two-time Pac-12 All-Academic honoree has contributed over 50 hours of community service and maintained a GPA above a 3.0 throughout all of his years at ASU. He was also named a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy earlier this year, which recognizes the best scholar athlete in the nation.

And to think, ASU almost lost him.

In 2014, Bercovici was given many opportunities to leave ASU. He was second quarterback to Taylor Kelly last season, but was good enough to start elsewhere.

“You can really tell Mike cares about ASU,” says Bill Kennedy, associate athletic director at ASU. “When he didn’t get the starting quarterback job a few years back he could have left, but he didn’t. He stayed loyal and became a great ambassador for the team.”

Bercovici says he couldn’t leave the school because it felt wrong. “[ASU] has done so much for me, both on and off the field, that it gave me a pit in my stomach when [I was] thinking about wearing another team’s color.”

Athletic Director Ray Anderson has always spoken highly of Bercovici and his dedication. “Mike is both selfless and determined, two qualities that any great leader must possess. He knows adversity and what it takes to overcome it.”

His loyalty to Arizona doesn’t end there. Bercovici says he sees himself living in Scottsdale and hopefully one day playing in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals.

He really has left a lasting impression on those who he has crossed paths with in his time in Tempe. “[Bercovici] is one of those guys you’re lucky to call a friend because he seems to do everything right and you just want to emulate that,” says Parker Flynn, former ASU kicker and best friend of Bercovici. “I just know this kid is going to go places even after his football playing days are over.”

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FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, times vary, $6-$12

The Polar Express

THE FESTIVE FAMILY Holiday events for kids and kids at heart Leah Goldberg » The Entertainer!

Celebrate the season of snow fall, Christmas lights and ice skating with the whole family.

Looking for the perfect December activities for the little ones? Make a trip down to any of these favorite holiday activities here in Arizona that will surely put a smile on your face and the kids’.

Winter Wonderland Weekend DECEMBER 11 AND 12 A part of the Glendale Glitters holiday event, the city of Glendale is hosting a weekend of ice skating and movies downtown. Grab your skates and spend some time on the ice.

Afterwards you can end the night with a showing of “The Polar Express” on Friday or “Frozen” on Saturday.

Historic Downtown Glendale, near 58th and Glendale Avenues, Glendale, 623.930.2299, glendaleaz.com, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., prices vary

Snow Much Fun Day DECEMBER 12 The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is opening an hour early to celebrate the holidays with all kinds of winter fun. Enjoy breakfast with Santa, play in 20 tons of snow for free with paid museum admission, and partake in the gingerbread house workshop with a candy buffet and hot chocolate sipping.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.253.0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $11-$35

A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail THROUGH DECEMBER 23 Come visit the Hundred Acre Woods for a white winter with Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Piglet and Pooh. The Valley Youth Theatre is celebrating 20 years of performing this Christmas classic on stage. Surprise your young Winnie the Pooh fans with tickets to this holiday show. See their website for date details.

Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First Street Phoenix, 602.253.8188, vyt.com, times vary, $18

The Night Before Christmas THROUGH DECEMBER 27 The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre is presenting its annual Christmas show “The Night Before Christmas” with stories, music and many different puppet characters. This is the perfect, all-ages event for the holidays.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre,

THROUGH JANUARY 3 All aboard! The Grand Canyon Railway is bringing the Christmas movie classic, “The Polar Express,” to life.

Travel from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, Arizona to the “North Pole,” where children are greeted by Santa and his reindeer.

233 N. Grand Canyon Boulevard, Williams, 1.888.848.3511, thetrain. com, 3:30 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $24-$45

Christmas at The Princess DECEMBER THROUGH JANUARY 3 The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is celebrating the holidays with activities all throughout December. Bring the whole family for the desert ice skating rink, 2.8 million LED lights around the resort, a petting zoo, S’mores Land, Christmas carols, menorah lighting, photos with Santa and more.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.585.4848, scottsdaleprincess.com, times vary, $5-$274

ZooLights THROUGH JANUARY 10 The Phoenix Zoo is roaring with holiday cheer this season at their annual ZooLights event. Children can gaze at 3.8 million lights shaped into 700 animal light sculptures.

There is also an ice sculptor, two new Music in Motion shows featuring music from “The Polar Express” and “Winter Palace” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and more!

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, 602.914.4333, phoenixzoo.org, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $8-$16

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CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN SOCAL

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

S

chool will soon be out for winter break, and no holiday season is complete without a road trip to Southern California to visit the festively-decorated theme parks.

Universal Studios celebrates with the Grinch for “Grinchmas,” Sea World offers a variety of holiday entertainment, and even Six Flags Magic Mountain has gotten into the act, featuring one of the largest synchronized lights shows in the United States. Two of the most popular holiday events can be found in Orange County.

DISNEYLAND RESORT The Disneyland Resort is probably the most magical of all holiday celebrations, and this year the park sparkles even more as they are celebrating their 60th (Diamond) Anniversary.

Grab a spot early on Main Street to see the annual holiday parade, “A Christmas Fantasy.” At night, the “Disneyland Forever” fireworks light up the sky.

Several rides have been transformed with holiday overlays. The “Jingle Cruise” has been given a Christmas theme, the Haunted Mansion’s halls have been decked by Jack Skellington. The most popular and memorable of all has to be “it’s a small world” holiday.

Over at Disney California Adventure, see the tree lighting on Buena Vista Street and a “Winter Dreams” version of “World of Color.” Decorations can be found throughout the park, but nowhere as creative and photogenic as in Cars Land.

In preparation and celebration of the upcoming “Star Wars” movie, parts of

Tomorrowland have been re-themed or enhanced with special experiences. During “Season of the Force,” meet and take photos with characters in “Star Wars Launch Bay,” watch a Jedi Training experience and find special merchandise and food.

The famous indoor rollercoaster has been transformed into “Hyperspace Mountain,” and new scenes have been added to Star Tours.

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM Knott’s Berry Farm welcomes guests for a more down-home holiday celebration, which includes all of your favorite Peanuts pals. The quaint streets of Ghost Town are lined with beautiful white lights, and a dusting of snow falls at night. Also in Ghost Town, find dozens of craft vendors selling a variety of homemade goods. Visit Santa in the Christmas Cabin and enjoy delicious holiday treats. Hop aboard the Ghost Town and Calico Railroad for a holiday-themed trip back in time.

Inside the historic Birdcage Theatre, find a 30-minute version of “A Christmas Carol,” and the heartwarming “Gift of the Magi.” Live music takes to the stage later on in the evening. Carolers can be found entertaining guests as they wander the park.

Snoopy takes to the stage in a variety of live shows, including “Merry Christmas, Snoopy!” (select days). This is a breathtaking ice show that entertains and touches the heart. When the sun goes down, head to Calico Square for the nightly tree lighting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHOTOS AND UPDATES, VISIT: facebook.com/theFUNnelCakeBlog

GOOD CLEAN FUN

Kidz Bop still rockin’ 30 albums later Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

K

idz Bop kid Ashlynn Chong is full of energy.

She whole-heartedly endorses her group, Kidz Bop, and its related products, and boasts that the singers’ show is just as peppy.

“It’s going to be fun,” says Ashlynn, whose group plays Livewire in Scottsdale on Sunday, December 13.

The brand is a machine.

The 30 Kidz Bop albums— compilation collections with kids singing G-rated versions of contemporary pop songs—have sold more than 15 million copies. In 2014, Kidz Bop outsold some of the year’s biggest artists, including Pharrell Williams, Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea.

“Our show is a highenergy show that’s a lot of the popular songs that we recorded on our albums,” she says. “There is a lot of singing and dancing and lots of crowd participation as well.”

The latest offering, Kidz Bop 30, sees the kids singing family-friendly versions of Omi’s “Cheerleader,” Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song,” Fall Out Boy’s “Uma Thurman” and Sia’s “Elastic Heart.” Of course, there’s “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).”

“We’re working on 31 already,” she says. “Recording them is super fun. I enjoy doing background vocals and all the harmonies. It’s fun to see everything come together in the end.”

That includes the shows. The Livewire gig will include Top 40 hits the kids have covered, as well as some holiday favorites to get families in the mood for the season.

Ashlynn, whose father ran a music school, yearned to be a musician during most of her 13 years. It thrills her to sing some of the modern hits like “Elastic

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Heart” and “Fight Song,” the latter of which the group sings a cappella in concert. Kidz Bop 30 also includes its first original song, “Make Some Noise,” after which Kidz Bop’s tour was named.

Ashlynn maintains her energy throughout the 15-minute interview.

What’s the secret to her success?

“Staying healthy is very important,” she contends. “We just try to pump each other up and make sure we all have energy.”

Kidz Bop Kids

Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, livewireaz.com, Sunday, December 13, 5:30 p.m., $27-$48

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THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS

IN DECEMBER

Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

World’s Best Sand Sculpting Championship

The Wizard of Oz

DECEMBER 1 THROUGH 27 Go on an adventure with Dorothy to Emerald City at the Phoenix Theatre.

She’ll meet a lion who needs courage, a scarecrow without a brain and a tin man without a heart. Journey with her and her new friends down Yellow Brick Road to meet the great and wonderful Oz. There might even be a few witches, munchkins and flying monkeys along the way. Grab you tickets now for this magical show!

Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, times vary, prices vary

4th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts

DECEMBER 11 THROUGH 13 Get artsy at the 4th Annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts! Experience a weekend of local art, music and fun.

There will be over 100 art vendors and cultural organizations present during the festival. Participate in the Phoenix Mural Project with well-known muralist Hugo Medina, or dine on delicious food truck grub. Throughout the day, there will also be live music and dance performances, choral groups, spoken-word poets and more.

It’s a great way to dive into the culture of the Valley art scene!

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.254.3100, phoenixfestivalofthearts.org, times vary, free

DECEMBER 12 AND 13 Get ready for a beach bash in the middle of winter! Ten top-notch artists will build sand sculptures live on Saturday. The public will then vote for their favorite sculptures the next day. The event also includes beach and holiday-themed festivities such as vendors, photos with Santa, live entertainment, food and sandcastle lessons!

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, srfsandcastlefest. com, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., $12

Arizona Balloon Classic

DECEMBER 18 THROUGH 20 Get ready to fly high at the fifth annual Arizona Balloon Classic. There will live entertainment, fireworks, fun flights and tethered rides, balloon racing, a family fun zone and much more! A “Desert Glow” of balloons will also illuminate the fields under the night sky while you visit the marketplace, retail booths and delicious food court!

Fear Farm Sports & Entertainment Complex, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, 480.560.9095, abcfest. com, times vary, $17-$34

Butterfly Winter Wonderland

THROUGH DECEMBER 23 Every guest will be in awe when they step into the Butterfly Winter Wonderland. Over 3,000 butterflies

will be flying around the sparkling holiday display in the butterfly atrium. There will also be glittering live angel statues, seasonal music and live entertainment! Don’t forget to take a keepsake photo home with you. Ornaments from the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop with also be available for purchase so kids can get sparkling “butterfly wings” of their own.

Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $13-$20

A Year with Frog and Toad THROUGH DECEMBER 27 Listen to the family-friendly tale of two unlikely friends! Frog and Toad have nothing in common, but when they spend a year going on

adventures together, they forge an amazing friendship. These hilarious best friends will bring laughter to the whole family in this Tony-nominated musical.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, childsplayaz.org, times vary, $12-$25

Cinderella

DECEMBER 29 THROUGH JANUARY 17 The girl with the glass slipper is making her way to the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. This iconic story has plenty of special effects making it a fun show for everyone! It was even awarded the UNIMA-USA Citation for Excellence in Puppetry.

Come watch Cinderella and the Prince Charming fall in love during this memorable performance.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, times vary, $7-$10

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LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

Brian Setzer 97 Lights 98 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 96

ALL IN THE FAMILY

X Ambassadors secures a spot in the mainstream, together Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

X

Ambassadors’ “Renegades” has been one of the surprise breakthrough hits of 2015. Lead guitarist Noah Feldshuh says the formula behind its success is simple: It comes down to family.

“Our band is really a family—both literally and otherwise,” says Feldshuh, who was calling from the set of “The Late, Late Show with James Corden.”

Singer Sam Harris and keyboardist Casey Harris are brothers, while Feldshuh

grew up with the two. The trio met drummer Adam Levin in college.

“We have about 10 years together and we went through our transformative times together,” Feldshuh says. “We support each other and we’re just a group of guys that is a family. We’re relatable.

“As far as musically, we try to put as much of ourselves in our music as we can.

Hopefully that has a lot to do with why it resonates with people.”

The hummable “Renegades” seeped into music listeners’ brains via a commercial for Jeep Renegades, naturally.

Eventually it weaseled its way onto radio, where it secured a spot as one of the most

ubiquitous singles of the year.

An ode to “misfits and adventurers,” “Renegades” is somewhat nostalgic to X Ambassadors, who recently released the album VHS. Keyboardist Casey is blind and underwent a kidney transplant.

“He’s an inspiration to all of us; same with the other people we have in the video” says Feldshuh, whose band plays the Mesa Amphitheatre on Monday, December 14.

“It’s just a song about defying the odds and doing things differently and doing things your own way in spite of what society tells you is normal. We’re so happy to hear the response that the song has gotten. It means so much to so many people.”

VHS is X Ambassadors’ first fulllength album for the label run by British music producer Alex da Kid. With Alex da Kid’s help, X Ambassadors brought forth its diverse musical backgrounds.

“Alex da Kid has visions for the music and has a very creative mind,” Feldshuh says. “We’ve been able to come out with stuff that pushes the envelope that we’re really proud of.”

Mostly, Alex da Kid taught X Ambassadors to come to grips with their music.

“The hardest thing when you’re writing is to know when it’s good and when it’s finished,” Feldshuh says. “There’s no right or wrong answer.

“You’re always going to think there’s something better. You’re always going to second guess yourself or think you can make something better. Overthinking hurts the outcome of what you’re trying to do. He worked as our sounding board and beat maker. He’s the captain of the ship.

He’s really, really valuable and furthered our music a lot.”

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/Bastille, Chvrches, Wolf Alice, Of Monsters and Men, George Ezra and X Ambassadors Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480.644.2560, mesaamp. com, Sunday, December 13, and Monday, December 14, 6 p.m., $43-$68

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

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

DECEMBER 1 Silverstein w/Senses Fail Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $18-$22

Between The Buried And Me Livewire, 6 p.m., $22

Oliver House

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Lullwater

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $8-$10

The Riveras

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $5

Carolyn Wonderland

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $27-$32

DECEMBER 2 Handguns Roam

Nile Theater, 6:30 p.m., $12

Shawn Mendes w/DNCE, Tori Kelly Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $40

Sarah Peacock

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Bryan McPherson

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Danny Howells

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-15

Christmas with the Nelsons

Asking Alexandria DECEMBER 2

Livewire » 5 p.m. » $22 This English metalcore band found success in 2011 with their release of Reckless and Relentless. If you’re a heavy metal fan, you might want to grab your tickets now and to start getting ready for this electric performance.

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40-$70

PV Casualties

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $52-$62

Lluvia Flamenco w/Yjastros

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-10

DECEMBER 3

Reverend Horton Heat

Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Trailer Queen

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $32-$42

Sleep Institute

DECEMBER 4

Witherward

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Parkway Drive

Nile Theater, 6:30 p.m., $24.50

Sam Hunt w/Chase Rice, Jerrod Niemann Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $44-$55

Merry Mix-Mas w/ Adam Lambert, Echosmith

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $19-$32 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $22.50 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $7 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $8

The Garden

The Bad Plus Joshua Redman

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $69-$129

Snakes! Snakes! Snakes!

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10

Desert Frostover Day 1

Marquee Theatre, 4:30 p.m., $10

Tracey Lawrence

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $25-$125

Tanya Tucker

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $24-$65

George Bowman & The Badd Boyz Bluez Band The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Israel Nash

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $10 adv, $12 dos

Alvin And The Chipmunks Live On Stage!

Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., $13-$48

Holy Grail

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $12-$14

Japhy’s Descent

Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $8-$10

Snoop Dogg DECEMBER 4

Livewire » 7:30 p.m. » $60 Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., a.k.a “Snoop Dogg,” is heading to the Valley. The notorious rapper and actor has sold over 21 million albums in the United States and over 35 million albums worldwide since he got his start back in 1992.

The rap legend will grace the stage at Livewire this month.

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Liz Story and Lisa Downing

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $29-$37

DECEMBER 5 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $69-$129

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2015

Desert Frostover Day 2

DECEMBER 11

Marquee Theatre, 2:30 p.m., $10

Dance Gavin Dance

The Black Dahlia Murder

Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $17-$20

The Pressroom, 6:30 p.m., $18-$20

Travis Scott

Tanlines

Marquee Theatre, 8:30 p.m., TBD

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $16-$20

Sick Sick Sinners

Drae w/Lil Key, Spooky Kiid, John Flores Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., $10

Kim Wilson

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $15

Tora Woloshin w/Brooke Stratton, Johnny Wayne Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult Pub Rock, 8:30 p.m., $15-$20

Sallie Ford

Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Toto Woloshin

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10

Muse

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

Manic Monkeys

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Bluesman Mike & The Blues Review Band w/Sugar Thieves The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., free

Daisy “In Retrospect”

Steve Gadd Band

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $42-$47

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Judy Roberts and Greg Fishman Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $19-$24

DECEMBER 9 Day Before Plastics

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $5

Otto D

Day Before Plastics

Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $10

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $5

Luxxe

Live from Laurel Canyon

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., Tickets at Door

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $27-$32

DECEMBER 7

DECEMBER 10

!!!

PAPA

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $14-$16

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Edison

Joe Nichols

Livewire, 7 p.m., $35

Jesse Thorson

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Deconstruction Unit

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10

Edison w/Tigerface

Muskellunge

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$12

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $5

A Motown Christmas

Rose Quartz

Stone Society

Sean Mullaney

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10 adv, $12 dos

DECEMBER 8

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10

Nik Turner’s Hawkwind

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $5-$8

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8

Doll Skin

Ghost Town

Dmitri Matheny’s The SnowCat

DECEMBER 6

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10

Gila River Arena » 8 p.m. » $29-$58 The hard-rocking, actress-dating dudes behind Muse have changed the alt rock scene completely in the last decade. Blending metal, classic rock and alternative influences, the band’s raw power is undeniable.

Pub Rock, 7:15 p.m., $15-$18

Musical Instrument Museum, 11 a.m., $12-$17

Fine China

DECEMBER 5

Digging Graves

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$12

Bad News Blues Band

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Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $20-$25

Lights w/The Mowgli’s DECEMBER 12

Marquee Theatre » 7:30 p.m. » $23 At 28 years old, the indie pop musician, singer, and songwriter Lights is a synthpop queen. Her singles like “Toes” and “February Air” capture her unique music style. Catch her and alternative rock band The Mowgli’s at Marquee Theatre for the ultimate indie show.

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

DECEMBER 12 Winter Blast

Nile Theater, 4 p.m., $12

Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Casey Veggies

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $10

Said Gun

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Prove It

Club Red, 7 p.m., $10-$15

The Haymarket Squares Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10

Brian Setzer Orchestra

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $61-$79

Cecile Hortensia

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., free

The English Beat

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $37-$47

DECEMBER 16 Sonny Morgan

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Bob Dylan & The Byrds

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $5

Irish Christmas in America

Raw Fabrics

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $29-$34

Chicano Batman

DECEMBER 17

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $10 Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Ho’okena Holiday

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $25

The Haymarket Squares Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10

Stateline

Club Red, 8 p.m., $10

Localpalooza

Fish Out of Water

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Graveyard

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $18-$21

Irish Christmas in America

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $29-$34

LeAnn Rimes

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $3-$8

DECEMBER 18

Steve Gadd Band

Cedric Gervais

DECEMBER 18

Nile Rose

Wild Horse Pass » 8 p.m. » $47-$99 LeAnn Rimes is an American country and pop singer with a killer voice.

Since the ‘90s she’s won two Grammys, three ACMs, a CMA, one American Music Award and 12 Billboard Music Awards. Can you say talented?

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $42-$47

Maya Day + Nightclub, 9 p.m., $15

DECEMBER 13

Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $10

AA Bondy

Nashville Pussy

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $12-$13

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Kidz Bop Kids

Texas Tenors

Livewire, 6:30 p.m., $20-$48

Marmalade Skies

The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., $15

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $42-$62

Holiday Jazz Celebration

David Wax Museum

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $42-$52

Through the Roots

DECEMBER 19

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12 Club Red, 5 p.m., $15-$20

Yearbooks

Trunk Federation

Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $10

Brian Chartrand & Friends

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., free

A Peter White Christmas

Musical Instrument Museum, 4 p.m., $39-$44

DECEMBER 21 Korbe Canida

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., free

The Phoenix Boy’s Choir

Property Six

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $27-$32

Nile Theater, 4 p.m., $8

Slowpoke

DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 14

J Fernandez

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Phoenix Battle of the Bands

The 1975

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., Sold Out

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $7-$10 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $$8-$10

Holiday Jazz Celebration

Agnostic Front

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $42-$52

Finch

DECEMBER 20

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$18 Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $18-$22

Vegas Country

DECEMBER 15

Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $10

Spite Kriminals

Club Red, 5 p.m., $10-$12

Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $5

Northlane Volumes

Nile Theater, 6:30 p.m., $15 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Rockmare Before Christmas Wayne “The Train” Hancock Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

DECEMBER 26 Chronic Future

Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $19-$25

Black Label Societt

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $29-$39

DECEMBER 27 Sara Jean Kelley

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

DECEMBER 29 The Riveras

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $5

Jade Helm

Orgy w/Bobaflex

Courtney Marie Andrews

Bad Funk

The Klezmatics

Orkesta Mendoza

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., free Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $37-$47

DECEMBER 23 Jared & The Mill

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$17

DECEMBER 25 Christmas at Crescent

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., free

Club Red, 6:30 p.m., $20-$25 Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $8

DECEMBER 31 The District NYE

Maya Day + Nightclub, 8 p.m., $20$40

Xtra Ticket

Marquee Theatre, 9 p.m., $16-$20

The Love Me Nots

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

CLUB RED ROCKS

HOT DECEMBER SHOWS 12.04 Winter Giving Benefit For United Food Bank

12.05 Digging Graves Tour w/ForeverAtLast

12.11 Stone Society & Special Guests

12.20 GTS Presents: Rockmare Before Christmas

12.29 Rock On Entertainment Presents Orgy, Bobaflex, Death Valley High

FUTURE SHOWS 1.23

Dead of Winterfest 2016

12.12

1.30

Prove It

Prove It

12.12

2.04

Stateline

13th Floor Entertainment Presents: Nile and special guests

12.13 Through The Roots Maoli

2.05

12.19

13th Floor Christmas w/Infamous Entertainment Presents Enforcer, Warbringer Emcees

1306 W. University Drive, Mesa AZ 85201 480-CLUB-RED (480-258-2733)

CLUBREDROCKS.COM

/clubredaz

/clubredrocks

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HOLIDAY HEROES

The magic of music overcomes all this holiday with Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

P

aul O’Neill understands the power of music. As the man behind Trans-Siberian Orchestra, he has seen families come together and even potential enemies.

Case in point: In July, TSO played the Wacken rock festival in Germany, and what he saw changed the direction of the rock orchestra’s latest album Letters from the Labyrinth.

“While I was there, the night before, I was wandering around the campsite— true story—and bumped into two young men, about 20,” says O’Neill, whose collective plays two shows on Sunday, December 6, at Gila River Arena.

“I asked them where they were from, and they were from Iraq. They were Sunni Muslims. We talked for a little while. About 50 feet away, about 30 minutes later, [I] bumped into two other young men, also 20s, a little bit older, and they were Shiite Muslims from Iran. I can’t imagine that, during the next three days, these guys didn’t bump into each other.

“I would like to believe that, God forbid, in two years if these four young men, who are in two separate militias, met in combat in Syria in that horrible civil war, that if they recognize each other that not only would they not pull the trigger,

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I think they would actually unchamber their weapons.”

O’Neill says the two groups may recall the TSO concert they attended.

“It’s hard to hate someone—let alone shoot them—who you’ve gone to a concert with. That is the magic of music.

It’s really amazing.”

Letters from the Labyrinth is a major change from the way TSO regularly creates new work. It’s the first TSO album that’s not built around a completed story.

“Instead, it’s a collection of completed songs that have, basically, left the safety of the studio where they were born,” O’Neill says.

“The stories will emerge from their combined journeys. Just as TSO was designed to be a constantly evolving, morphing band over the decades, Letters from the Labyrinth is our first album where we’re experimenting. We’re calling it an open-ended album. Like our own lives, the story will develop and evolve. We’re not really sure what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone next year.”

The show has evolved as well. O’Neill is hoping to perform at least six new songs at Gila River Arena. Those include “Madness of Men,” “Forget About the Blame” and “Not the Same.”

“Not the Same” references the Amanda Todd cyberbullying incident in Canada, but it all hearkens back to Wacken.

“There were quite a few people I bumped into there from the Middle East,”

O’Neill says.

“Also, while I was over there, we were watching the news. I had a bunch of Iranians say this is all the Iraqis’ fault. The Iraqis are saying blame Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabians are, like, blame the Shiite militias.

“The people living in Syria, they don’t care about blame. They just want it to stop. What’s happened in the past, is the past. You can study it to correct the future, but it’s not going to change the past.”

The album’s direction changed on a dime and, perhaps, TSO’s career will too. “[The album] literally changed from the one concert we did—right in the middle of doing it.

“It just made me realize a single day can change the perspective of everything.

Again, you’re looking at Pompeii one day, and 70 A.D. a volcano goes off and everything changes.

“You’re looking at a country that’s at peace in 1914, and 1915 everything changes. It’s all about perspective.”

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3200, gilariverarena. com, Sunday, December 6, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $34-$69

READY, SETZ, GO!

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Brian Setzer brings Christmas show to get the Valley in the spirit of the season

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

B

rian Setzer has a good head on his shoulders.

After repeated shows at the Celebrity Theatre, the rockabilly legend with upswept hair pretty much has the revolving stage thing down pat.

“Even though you’re not going fast, you can get a little dizzy,” Setzer says with a laugh. “You get a little spun around; it sounds a little silly. You get used to it really quick.”

The Celebrity Theatre has become a favorite stop on his annual Christmas Rocks! Tour, which returns Tuesday, December 15.

“That’s a really cool show for us at the Celebrity,” says Setzer, the frontman and brains behind the Stray Cats. “There’s a really cool crowd and it’s really an enjoyable show.”

Setzer is touring behind this year’s Rockin’ Rudolph, his first new holiday album in 10 years. For this collection, Setzer put his stamp on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Hark!

The Herald Angels Sing” and “YabbaDabba Yuletide.” The key to recording a Christmas album, Setzer says, is to not stray too far from the original.

“People have to know the song,” he says. “You can’t change it too much. If you do ‘Rudolph’ like Gene Autry did it, it’s a cowboy song. You have to take it and make it your own somehow. I call it ‘scuffin’ up the songs.’ It’s like taking sandpaper to them.”

This year’s performance—which will feature a pianist to reflect the addition of the instrument on Rockin’ Rudolph—will include not only songs from his holiday collections but Stray Cats tracks as well.

“It’s half Christmas and half Stray

Cats songs, and just some rockabilly songs that I feel like doing,” he says. “I do whatever I want.”

He has been playing Stray Cats songs like “(She’s) Sexy & 17,” “Rock this Town” and the classic “Stray Cat Strut,” since the early 1980s. But Setzer never tires of them.

“They’re just really good songs,” he says. “They’ve become classics. What I do is I change up the solos every night. I never play the same solo twice. I don’t feel like I’m tied down to playing the same thing. I perform them with a big band arrangement. Like with ‘Sexy & 17,’ I’ll bring the girls down with me and we’ll do a trade-off.”

Stray Cats music isn’t the only sentimental thing about Setzer’s tour.

He has been using the same guitar since he was 17. As a matter of fact, the Smithsonian wanted the guitar, but, for the time being, he gave them a replica.

The Smithsonian’s request for his ax was a true honor, he says.

“It’s awesome,” Setzer says. “It truly is. I don’t take it lightly. That was something to go down there and present it to them. My manager said, ‘Oh the Smithsonian wants one of your guitars.’ I was like, ‘Wait a minute. Let’s just wind that back. Wanna say that slowly?’”

Ultimately, Setzer explains, he would

like to give the museum one that he played in the Stray Cats, but he’s not quite willing to give up his guitar yet.

“When I’m done with it, I’m going to swap it out,” Setzer says. “I bought it when I was 17. I still use it. It’s been with me longer than anything.”

Setzer isn’t planning to hang up his career anytime soon. In 2016, he’s taking out yet another act, the Rockabilly Riot.

“That’s my four-piece band—guitar, piano, bass and drums,” he says. ‘It’s kind of like the big band where I play whatever I want. It’s just less musicians with the Rockabilly Riot. It’s a scaled down rockabilly band.

“I’m going to go to Japan with it. I don’t know if I’m going to go to Europe or stay in the U.S. For me to take off four months is unheard of. I like to work. I don’t like to sit around.”

The Brian Setzer Orchestra’s 12th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour w/Low Volts

Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, Tuesday, December 15, 7:30 p.m., $61-$79 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

LIGHTS

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UP

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Pop star Lights ready to take her place in the mainstream Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

he 2014 album Little Machines was both a victory and a learning experience for Canadian pop star Lights.

Also known as Toronto-bred Valerie Anne Poxleitner, Lights suffered from writer’s block as she tried to pen songs for the collection, but it paid off in the end.

In March, she was awarded Pop Album of the Year at the 2015 Juno Awards, Canada’s version of the Grammys.

“There was a three-year gap between records,” Light says. “I took too much time off writing and I felt it freeze over.

There was a whole year there where I was overdue for a record and that pressure on top of writer’s block made for this perfect storm.”

The key to breaking down those walls was to return to the innocence of creativity, dig deep and find the words that were in her head.

“I needed to make that connection from my fingertips where I’m making my music to that part of the brain where everything is locked away,” she says.

“That’s the challenge of songwriting: Making those two things meet up. That is when songwriting is fun and enjoyable.”

It’s still enjoyable. She’s currently working on a new album; a release date has not been set.

“When you get back to that place of comfort, where it’s fresh and exciting, I had to rediscover that again,” Lights says. “I’m really learning to enjoy music again. Once you’re in the industry, you see behind the smoke and light. You know what’s going on. You have to look a little

harder to enjoy the performance than you did when you were younger.”

She puts just as much thought into her concerts. She’s playing the Marquee on Saturday, December 12, and she’s promising that fans will see an evolution in her performances.

“We’re doing things on this run that we’ve never done,” she says. “Our set looks amazing. We’re breaking things down and doing an acoustic portion in the set. It feels really special and cohesive.

I have fans who come to multiple shows, so I’m trying to give them something they haven’t seen.”

The acoustic sets are important to Lights, who has released unplugged versions of her albums. Coming up in 2016 is the acoustic Little Machines, which she recently wrapped.

“I’ve been putting out acoustic versions of my records from the beginning,” Lights says. “There’s a built-in understanding of my music in that way. It makes sense to show that off a little bit.”

She is also headed to the high seas to play on Paramore’s cruise, PARAHOY!, along with Chvrches, X Ambassadors, New Found Glory and others.

“I’ve never even been on a cruise,” she says. “I don’t even like boats—but look where music has gotten me.”

Lights and The Mowgli’s, w/K. Flay

The Marquee, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.1300, luckymanonline.com, Saturday, December 12, 7:30 p.m., $23 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BECAUSE NEW YEARS #NY ET EMPE2015 DEC. 31 / 7PM - 2AM

outdoor BARS

LOCAL FOOD DJS

MIDNIGHT Confetti Blast

blockpartyonmill.com

national ACT

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THE NIGHTOWL

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SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

Horoscopes 106

Tipsy Drink of the Month 102 Nightlife Photos 103 Decadence NYE 104

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS IN DECEMBER

Leah Goldberg » The Entertainer!

Snoop Dogg w/Mack 10, Tha Eastsidaz

DECEMBER 4 Behind the Scene presents the ultimate Snoop Dogg show featuring two other rap performances from Mack 10 and The Eastsidaz. Mack 10, is an American rapper that originally linked up with American rapper and actor Ice Cube at the start of his stardom. Since then, Mack 10 has sold about 11 million records with his solo and group work. An additional performance in the show includes hip-hop trio Tha Eastsidaz consisting of Snoop Dogg, Tray Deee and Goldie Loc. Originally formed in the early 2000’s, Tha Eastsidaz, broke up after two years. Now they’re back, so snag tickets to this show before it’s too late!

Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com, 7:30 p.m., $60

Alex Metric

DECEMBER 4 Alex Metric has made sure that all of his music communicates genuine feeling. This 28-year-old DJ from London has remixed many popular artists like Phoenix, La Roux, Gorillaz and Depeche Mode. He will perform his own album, Open Your Eyes, which is a mash up of his own music from his personal productions and his most popular remixes. Check out Metric’s show now before he catapults into EDM superstardom!

Urbane Manner, 4363 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, 480.990.1322, urbanemanner.com, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $10

Desert Frostover

DECEMBER 4 AND 5 Get your local heavy metal fix this year at the Desert Frostover concert, featuring 20 headlining metal bands.

This two-day metal fest will feature a long list of line-ups each night for only the most dedicated metal fans.

On Friday, Virulent, While She Waits, Howitzer, Deathgrip, She Murdered Me, Lost in Lies, The Pattern Interrupt, Latency, Phoenix and Dragon, Weed out the Weak, Better Left Unsaid, and Spades and Blades will all perform.

Heavy metal listeners can expect to see Pelvic Meatloaf, Howitzer, Play for Blood, Something to Kill, We Steal Copper, Atom’s Fall, Ruach, Diicordant, Sentenced to Burn, Jack Pistolero and Christopher Shayne on the next night.

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, times vary, $10

Travi$ Scott

DECEMBER 11 American rapper, singer, songwriter, and music producer Travi$ Scott started out as a sophomore at the University of Texas, where his parents paid for his housing and food. But Scott was actually using this money to live in New York City to support his budding music career. Eventually

his work was noticed by Kanye West, who took Scott under his guidance as West’s new protégé. Influencing West’s Yeezus sound and brand, Scott continued to succeed in the music industry dropping his first mixtape, Owl Pharaoh, a second mixtape, Days Before Rodeo, and most recently his debut full-length album, Rodeo. If Scott received West’s attention, it’s safe to say that he has an undeniable talent to watch out for.

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 8:30 p.m., $35

Cedric Gervais

DECEMBER 18 The Grammy Award-winning French DJ is stopping by Arizona on his North American tour to host the ultimate dance party. House music producer by day and DJ by night, Gervais is already topping charts.

After winning “Best Remix” at the 2013 Grammy’s, he continued to top charts like UK and ARIA Top Ten Hits, Hype Machine, and Cool Cuts Charts Number 1’s. In between his success in electronic dance music, Gervais even had an acting debut in Michael Bay’s film “Pain & Gain” alongside Mark Wahlberg and The Rock. He also took the most diverse song off of Miley Cyrus’ Bangerz album, “Adore You,” and made it his own by Cyrus’ request.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 9 p.m., $15

J.Phlip and Christian Martin

DECEMBER 19 Both J.Phlip and Christian Martin will perform at the anticipated RBDeep

Holiday Party in one of Downtown Phoenix’s edgiest nightclubs. Jessica Phillippe, known as J.Phlip, has been testing the house music scene since she got her first turntable in college as a systems engineering major.

Since then she has been signed to the famous Dirtybird Crew and playing at high profile shows like Fabric, Space Ibiza, Back to Basics and Watergate. Christian Martin has been working with electronic music since the early ‘90s when he attended Southern California’s Moontribe desert parties.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, monarchtheatre.com, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $10

Decadence NYE 2015

DECEMBER 30 AND 31 Goodbye, 2015. Hello, 2016!

Relentless Beats and Global Dance are ringing in the New Year with Decadence NYE to celebrate some of the electronic music industry’s top EDM performers and the final hours of 2015. The twoday event will feature headliners including 3LAU, Above & Beyond, Adventure Club, Borgore, Crizzly, Dieselboy, Gorgon City, Grandtheft, Manufactured Superstars, Jack Ü, Knife Party, ODESZA, Pegboard Nerds, Pretty Lights, Tchami, Wiwek, and even more! As America’s largest New Year’s Eve dance celebration, this adults-only party will leave you star struck and thrilled to dance away the final hours of 2015.

Rawhide, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, relentlessbeats.com, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., $79-$139 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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TAKE THE NIGHT

AC Slater brings LA’s night bass to Phoenix Dylan Arndt » The Entertainer!

B

ass music has always been a staple in electronic music, but as of recent the huge umbrella of a genre as grown exponentially into something that is now one of the most in-demand sub-genres in the market.

With the likes of future house, trap and dubstep dominating local and national ticket sales, audiences are clearly as thirsty as they have ever been for some bass music and are looking to sink their teeth into this trending sound.

Well fear not, for on December 12, Los Angeles’ hottest bass music event is making it’s way to Phoenix for a very special night of hard-hitting rave music blended with some underground grime that will satisfy even the most intense of thirsts. LA-based producer, DJ and promoter, AC Slater, brings his acclaimed

club series Night Bass to Phoenix with his Take the Night Tour which includes stops in San Diego, Kansas City, and Denver leading up to his stop here in Arizona.

Since Night Bass’ launch in 2014, this monthly event in Los Angeles has transformed into one of the most sought after and acclaimed nightlife events in the city. The Night Bass movement has ushered in a new wave of appreciation for bass music in general, and specifically, the underground bass-heavy garage sound.

“There’s nowhere I can hear this music in L.A.,” Slater stated in an interview with Insomniac. “It kind of exploded. It turns out people wanted that music, not just me.”

With the success of the Night Bass Series came a quick rise to fame for AC Slater as well as a brand new record

imprint, Night Bass Records, which launched earlier this year and has been home to some of the leading talents in the Night Bass style of underground and rave.

Prepare your body and soul for a chest-pounding night of heavy drums and cracking beats as AC Slater takes you on a journey through the night with his fine-tuned bass music and see what the LA nightlife is all about right here in your own backyard.

AC Slater

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats. com, Saturday, December 12, 9 p.m., $10

TIPSY DRINK OF THE MONTH Drink in the holiday season with this refresher from Shady Park in Tempe C

elebrate the Holidays with great pizza, chill vibes and the best happy hour deals in town with Tipsy at Shady Park.

Tempe’s newest and hottest spot is Shady Park. Located on University just east of Mill Avenue, Shady Park is your perfect neighborhood spot to grab some drinks and enjoy an amazing, authentic Italian cuisine. The venue is split into three sections. The first is an outdoor covered patio facing University. The second is an indoor bar/ club area with great furniture and scene. The last (which is our favorite) is an outdoor covered patio filled with shade trees, bean bags, grass and a beer tap system stretching wall to wall.

Robert Birmingham, also known as Super Fun Bobby, is serving up the Zen Zero this month. Bobby described Zen Zero as “snappy.”

“The hint of ginger ale makes it a great holiday drink but you can enjoy it all year around,” he says.

Bobby has been a bartender for 27 years and he is proud to tell you stories about his past as a promoter, event manager and entertainer. Actually, he was nine years old only when he mixed his first martini! He chooses to be at Shady Park for the experience.

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“Everything is authentic. Our chef prepares handmade pasta and all of our ingredients are top quality. There is no other venue in the area offering a similar experience.”

The happy hour specials are unbelievable. For $3 only you can receive a slice of pizza plus any well or draft drink. Using the Tipsy app. you can redeem your vouchers for any well or draft drink regardless of happy hour specials.

For more information about Shady Park, download the TIPSY app and check their profile.

Tipsy members receive vouchers every month redeemable for complimentary drinks, front-of-theline passes and no-cover-charge entry to over 40 bars and clubs in Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix. Tipsy is currently available on Android and iOS with over 3000 users. Visit imtipsy.com for more information.

ZEN ZERO

1 ½ oz. Bourbon or gin ¾ oz. Fresh squeezed lemon juice ½ oz. Ginger simple syrup ½ oz. Ginger beer 2 dashes Cardamom bitters 1 dash Angostura bitters, as garnish Pour all ingredients in a shaker and shake well.

Shady Park

26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, facebook.com/ shadyparktempe

For $10 a month, the Tipsy app gives you five vouchers, redeemable for complimentary drinks and VIP experiences at over 35 venues in Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix.

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WE WERE THERE— WHERE WERE YOU?

El Hefe Scottsdale on November 15

The wild things came out to play for El Hefe Scottsdale’s Sunday Funday celebration with debauchery abound.

PHOTOS BY TAVIT DANIEL

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DANCE AWAY 2015

R

ing in the New Year with some of the hottest DJs in the Electronic Dance Music universe. Relentless Beats and Global Dance are bringing Decadence NYE to Arizona for two whole days. Treat yourself to luxury one last time in 2015 with two full nights of badass music, talented people and weekend-long celebration.

Last year’s performers include big names like Kaskade, Flosstradamus and DVBBS and more! This year, the roster is better than ever. DJs include Above & Beyond, Borgore, Pretty Lights, Wiwek, Jack Ü (aka Skrillex and Diplo), 3LAU and plenty of other talented performers that are still being announced!

Decadence NYE is bringing the beats to Rawhide and transforming it into an EDM paradise on Friday, December 30 and Saturday, December 31 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. Tickets are $79-$199, depending on how many days you want to attend.

VIP tickets are also available for one or two days, and include express entry, a commemorative lanyard, a VIP area with a full bar and private restrooms. There are also lockers available for rent for $35, complete with cell phone chargers inside so you can document the whole night.

If this sounds like your kind of party, then make your way to relentlessbeats.com to purchase your tickets to the biggest and baddest two-day New Year’s Eve Countdown in the Valley!

Decadence NYE

Rawhide, 5700 W North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, decadencenye.com, Friday, December 30, through, Saturday, December 31, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m., $79-$199 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Decadence NYE brings EDM’s finest to Rawhide Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

HAPPY NEW YEAR from

Thank You For Making Us The #1 Entertainment Magazine in Arizona!

106

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

MAD MIXOLOGIST

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers Breanne DeMore » The Entertainer!

Y

ou can’t miss it driving down Scottsdale Road in Old Town.

The bright pink restaurant, Pink Pony, has been a key part of Scottsdale culinary history for more than 60 years. Now hitting its stride again with inventive dishes and delicious cocktails, this is a place you can’t miss.

We chatted with one of the people behind those cocktails, bartender Rocky Gallo, about what it’s like to be behind the stick at Pink Pony.

The Entertainer!: Tell me about the oddest drink request you’ve gotten.

Gallo: A negroni. Not a lot of people order it because it is such an old drink.

What it your number one pet peeve when working?

I like my wine bottles in a particular order— the way we have them in the system—so I get annoyed when coworkers move them.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

A Tito’s martini, dirty and with three olives.

What does ordering a Midori sour say about a person?

I’ve actually never had anyone order it here. But they are probably a younger person and someone that likes something a little stronger tasting.

What do you like about this drink, the Bermuda Triangle Mule?

The toasted coconut is the kicker. It’s a sweet drink, but not too sweet, so you can drink a few of them.

MAKE YOUR OWN

BERMUDA TRIANGLE MULE 3/4 oz. coconut rum 3/4 oz. key lime rum 3/4 oz. lime juice Ginger beer Coconut shavings Add ingredients, fill with ginger beer, sprinkle coconut shavings on top.

Pink Pony

3831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.945.6697, pinkponyscottsdale.com

ODDLY ACCURATE ASTROLOGY What does December hold for your social life?

Weiss Kelly » The Entertainer!

SAGITTARIUS »

November 22 – December 21 Get ready for some BIG changes this month.

December might see you doing some travel in the first half of the month, but make sure to give yourself options. A serious relationship, either romantic or a partnership, will come into your life, so prepare yourself for a commitment.

CAPRICORN »

December 22 – January 19 The first half of December may start out somewhat quiet and calm for you, which will allow you to get organized before the craziness of the holidays and New Year. You’ll start to feel more social around December 22 and 23 when the sun enters your sign. Luckily, you have plenty of family, friends and maybe even a special loved one to spend that time with.

AQUARIUS »

January 20 – February 18 You may have to be more thrifty than normal this month—watch your wallet and credit cards. Don’t keep yourself from going out, but make sure it will be money well spent.

Your friends will play a big part in your plans and enjoyment this month. Expect a whirlwind of activity from December 11 on. Those creative Aquariuses should expect more recognition in the months ahead.

PISCES »

February 19 – March 20 This month will see you being more productive both at work and in your personal life. Family, friends, and holiday social activities offer rejuvenating insights and optimisms. Be more open-minded to new experiences this month. Music is strongly associated with the sign of Pisces, so make sure you get your fill this month.

ARIES »

March 21 – April 21 This December, you may need to focus more on quality rather than quantity when it comes to celebrating the season. Get your obligations and to-do lists out of the way so you can relax and enjoy the latter half of the month.

Make sure to triple-check all of your plans and dates this year. Lastly, think practically when shopping for yourself and others.

TAURUS »

April 22 – May 20 Don’t allow early-in-themonth frustrations with work or tensions with a loved one ruin your holiday celebration plans. The second half of the month seems to be more tranquil for you. Providing you stick to a budget, your finances will suit you well this month.

Singles may find themselves surprisingly attracted to someone you have previously met or thought of as a casual friend.

GEMINI »

May 21 – June 21 The sooner you face up and make up your mind to travel or stay put, the sooner you can relax and enjoy the holidays. This time of year always takes extra thought and patience, but the more you do ahead of time, the better.

You’ll find that there will be a variety of places and people to see, including some new faces. Remember to enjoy the moment this wonderful time of year!

CANCER »

June 22 – July 22 Cancers tend to love the holidays, especially when you get to open your home for entertaining.

However, expect to be a bit more selective and low-key this year in your celebrations.

You just might find yourself more appreciative of family and friends this season.

You may even start to appreciate someone in your romantic life more than you expected!

LEO »

July 23 – August 22 No one enjoys Christmas and all its festivities more than a Leo! Expect to be celebrating pretty nonstop from the first of December all the way to New Years Eve. Though don’t be surprised if your NYE is a bit more low-key than is typical. Expect some positive changes to be made around December 11 but don’t go wild with the holiday shopping this year.

VIRGO »

August 23 – September 22 Your personal life, relationships and social activities, may move up in your priority list above work this month. Jupiter is in your sign for another eight months, so you are in a cycle of personal growth and career opportunities. You’re more aware of what makes you happy and you’re more encouraged to do more, see more and meet more people. Expect to follow through on your resolutions for 2016.

LIBRA »

September 23 – October 22 Libras work in pairs, so you definitely won’t be alone for the holidays. Your finances could use a little reorganizing but your earnings are good and you’re not likely to overspend this holiday season. You may over-socialize, but not overspend. You’ll be kept quite busy by your social calendar until New Years Eve.

SCORPIO »

October 23 – November 21 Money matters are in a forward motion this month, so you can finally afford some mini celebrating.

However, it is still best to plan activities that are close to home. No need to be desperately seeking romance but keep an eye on an interesting friendship of sorts. You’ll end the year in a more fun-loving attitude but you have to be able to put yourself out there.

Weiss Kelly is a Valley-based astrologer and Professional Member of the American Federation of Astrologers. For your personal 2015 forecast recorded on a CD, send her an inquiry email at weissastro@aol.com or call 480.600.7424.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

FUN GAMES. LATE NIGHTS. GOOD TIMES! Bring your trivia team to these locations to compete against other teams in LIVE Trivia to

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TUESDAYS:

Majerle’s Sports Grill –

Old Town Scottsdale @ 7pm 4425 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Majerle’s Sports Grill – Chandler Fashion Center @ 7pm 3095 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85226

The HUB Grill and Bar @ 8:30pm

1925 S. Sossaman Rd., Mesa, AZ 85209

Casino Arizona @ 7pm Majerles – Desert Ridge

@ 7pm 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 96, Phoenix, AZ 85050

Philly’s Ahwatukee @ 7pm 4855 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85044

Linger Longer Lounge @8pm 6522 N. 16th St. #6, Phoenix, AZ 85016

WEDNESDAYS:

Majerle’s Sports Grill – Goodyear @ 7pm 13375 W. McDowell Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395

Majerle’s Sports Grill –

Flagstaff @ 7pm 102 W. Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill @ 7pm

14850 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Thirsty Lion @ 6pm 7014 E Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

THURSDAYS: Bevvy @ 8pm

4420 North Saddlebag Trail #100, Scottsdale, AZ

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers – Old

Town Scottsdale @ 9pm 4222 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers –

Chandler @ 9pm 1980 W. Germann Rd., Chandler, AZ 85286

Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers – Shea @ 9pm 10767 N. 116th St., Scottsdale, AZ

FRIDAYS: Hooters –

Metro Center @ 7pm

SUNDAYS:

Football Frenzy at Talking Stick Resort starting @ 9am

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108

THE

THINKER

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

Each episode of Game of Thrones costs around $6 million to make.

Black Friday spending in 2014 amounted to

$1.5

billion

in the United States.

Ostriches have the largest eyes of any land animal, measuring

2x the size

of the human eye.

Charles Dickens’ “A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” which came out on December 17, sold out in 3 days during its initial launch.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

A faux 2004 article by a supply chain manager trade magazine suggested Santa’s distribution center was 4,000,000 square feet.

The modern portrayal of

Saint Nicholas

was developed in 1809 by “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” author Washington Irving.

“Fallout 2,” released in 1998, was the first video game to feature

samesex marriage.

Sybil Ludington rode 2x as far as Paul Revere and beat back a highwayman to warn that the British were coming at the start of the Revolutionary War.

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The team at Desert Women’s Care assesses all possibilities to find the correct diagnosis and implement the most effective treatment plan.

www.DesertWomensCare.com two convenient locations: 80 N. McClintock Dr, Suite 104 Chandler, 85226 DESERT WOMEN’S CARE 9377 E. Bell Road,AZ Suite 131 (855) OBGYN

www.DesertWomensCare.com Scottsdale, 85260 two convenient locations: 80 N. McClintock Dr, Suite 104 Chandler, 85226 9377 E. Bell Road, Suite 131 Scottsdale, 85260 Dr. Richard Demir

from pain

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BUY WITH CONFIDENCE. Instant Rebate & American Express® Reward Card By Mail Offers Available Only at Canon Authorized Dealers.

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EOS 70D EF-S 18–135mm IS STM Video Creator Kit + EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

$1,64900 + $29999 –

Eligible product(s) must be purchased by an end user customer from a participating authorized Canon U.S.A. dealer or reseller in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico during the promotion period.

Items must be purchased together on the same sales receipt for combination offers. For each eligible product, offer is valid only through the promotion end date or while supplies last, whichever is earlier. Used or refurbished products are not eligible. Limit one deduction per eligible product purchased during the promotion period. Offer valid for residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico only. Purchases made from a dealer / reseller are subject to the dealer’s / reseller’s shopping terms and restrictions and return policies. In the event of questions regarding claims, program or policy, Canon will review all documentation and make the final determination of claim eligibility. All decisions made by Canon and /or its agents are final. Not responsible for printing or typographical errors. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

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EOS 70D EF-S 18–55mm IS STM Lens Kit + EF-S 55–250mm f/4–5.6 IS STM

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DEC. 12, NOV. 26, 29, 2015 NOV. NOV. 28, 2015 2015

NOV. 26, 2015 NOV. 28, 2015

EOS 70D EF-S 18–135mm IS STM Video Creator Kit

$1,64900 –

EOS 70D EF-S 18–135mm IS STM Lens Kit

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$1,34900 –

EOS 70D Body Kit

$1,19900 –

$

750

= $2,04899

750

= $1,69899

500

= $1,64900

500

= $1,29900

650

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600

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550

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550

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500

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usa.canon.com/eos

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( STORE NAME AND ADDRESS )

EOS 7D Mark II / 70D NOV. 26, 2015 NOV. 28, 2015

750

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©2015 Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon and EOS are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in the United States and may be registered trademarks or trademarks in other countries.

INSTANT REBATE EOS 7D Mark II / 70D

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NOV. NOV. 29, 26, 2015 2015

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– $

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–

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EOS-1D X Body Kit

EOS-1D X / 5DS2015 / 5DSNOV. R /28,5D2015Mark III / 6D

Eligible product(s) must be purchased by an end user customer from a participating authorized Canon U.S.A. dealer or reseller in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico during the promotion period.

750

SAVE $ UP TO

Items must be purchased together on the same sales receipt for combination offers. For each eligible product, offer is valid only through the promotion end date or while supplies last, whichever is earlier. Used or refurbished products are not eligible. Limit one deduction per eligible product purchased during the promotion period. Offer valid for residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico only. Purchases made from a dealer /reseller are subject to the dealer’s / reseller’s shopping terms and restrictions and return policies. In the event of questions regarding claims, program or policy, Canon will review all documentation and make the final determination of claim eligibility. All decisions made by Canon and /or its agents are final.

Not responsible for printing or typographical errors. Void where prohibited, taxed or restricted by law.

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EOS 5D Mark III EF 24–105mm IS USM Lens Kit

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* Canon Optical Image Stabilizer technology is in the lens, not the camera body.

* Canon Optical Image Stabilizer technology is in the lens, not the camera body.

usa.canon.com/eos

Arizona’s Largest One-Stop Photographic Shop! ( STORE NAME AND ADDRESS )

©2015 Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon and EOS are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in the United States and may be registered trademarks or trademarks in other countries.

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