The Entertainer! - August 2018

PHX METRO » AUGUST 2018

BISHOP BRIGGS

+

STEVEN SOUZA JR.

IS NO DIVA

Two Birds Saguaro grads DJ Foster and Christian Kirk reunite for upcoming Cardinals season

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A LWAY S O N Whitesnake Friday, Aug 3

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening

The Ballroom

Saturday, Aug 4

Terry Fator

Friday, Aug 24 The Ballroom

The Ballroom

Burton Cummings & Band Friday, Sept 7

Daughtry

Boy George and Culture Club, The B-52’s, and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey

Saturday, Sept 8 The Ballroom

Sunday, Sept 30

The Showroom

The Pool

P L A Y

I N

S T Y L E

For tickets call the box office at 480.850.7734 or visit ticketmaster.com

101 & TA L K I N G S T I C K W A Y

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SCOTTSDALE

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TA L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T. C O M

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

CONTENTS

5

21 LIKE A ON THE COVER

RIVER

Bishop Briggs gets deep about the flow of life

24

HIS FINEST WORK

The D-backs’ Steven Souza Jr. brings his charitable work overseas

18

DOUBLE DUTY

Former Sun Devil Briann January returns to coach ASU and play for Mercury on the cover: Bishop Briggs photo by Jabari Jacobs

6

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

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

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

executive editor

44

Niki D’Andrea

ndandrea@timespublications.com

editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

art director Erin Loukili

erin@entertainermag.com

D’vine INTERVENTION

designer

Jaclyn Threadgill

production manager

This Northeast Mesa eatery brings the finest cocktails and entrees to the neighborhood

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

9

Top 25 • DJ Foster and Christian Kirk • Hip-Hop Championships • Addicts Comedy Tour

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 17 The Cult’s Billy Duffy • Briann January

THE DOWNTOWNER

21

Bishop Briggs • Top 10 • H2Oasis Water Park • Steven Souza Jr.

THE TOURIST

26

Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

53

contributing writers

Joseph J. Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Brian Benesch, Lynette Carrington, Evan Desai, Connor Dziawura, Samantha Fuoco, C.A. Haire, Kimberly Hosey, Mckayla Hull, Gloria Knott, Laura Latzko, Megan Marples, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, M.V. Moorhead, Eric Newman, Madison Rutherford

YOU GIVE ME FEVER There is more to

ONE COPY PER READER

the Chippendales than dancing.

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

Tanque Verde Ranch • Tour du Jour • The Scott Resort and Spa • Mount Lemmon

THE ARTIST

31

Gavin DeGraw • Arts Calendar

THE CRITIC

34

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

THE HIGHROLLER

THE DINER

Casino Entertainment Calendar • The Chippendales

37

Best Food Events in August • Happy Hour Guide • Red Thai • Bene Plates • D’vine

THE GLADIATOR

THE CRAFTMASTER

Phoenix Rising • Best Sports Events in August

46

Beer Blurb • Beer Over Here • BeerFinder Directory • Beertender: Boondocks • Beer Gear • The Van Buren • Mother Road Brewery

THE YOUNGSTER Ice Den • Best Family Events in August

52

THE SHOWMAN

58

Yes • Rick Springfield and Loverboy • Live Music Calendar • Katastro

54

56

THE NIGHTOWL

64

We Were There, Where Were You• Best Nightlife Events for August • Miss Krystle • Mad Mixologist: Kelly’s at Southbridge

THE THINKER

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.

DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE METROPOLITAN

9

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Cardinals’ Foster & Kirk 12 Hip-Hop Championships 14 Addicts Comedy Tour 15

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

The Miscast Concert

AUGUST 3 TO AUGUST 11 Ever wanted to see a man belt out “Defying Gravity” from Wicked or wonder what it’d sound like if a mom took on Jean Valjean from Les Mis? Brelby’s fifth annual miscast concert shakes up the norm with an evening of musical numbers and scenes featuring performers who usually wouldn’t be cast in these roles. Whether you’re a Broadway buff or looking to see some fresh faces, you’ll enjoy seeing these artists shine in unexpected ways.

Brelby Theatre Company, 7154 N. 58th Drive, Glendale, 623.282.2781, brelby.com, times vary, $17-$25.

Wooly Creatures with Christy Puetz

AUGUST 4 Known for her intricate beaded and fuzzy felt creatures, Christy Puetz’s artwork has been displayed across the state. She will help guests create wooly creatures of their own during this workshop, helping with cutting, sewing and stuffing. Materials and refreshments will be provided.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666,

scottsdalearts.org, noon, $30 for individual and $45 pair.

Señora. The hotel presents ’90s cult flick Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion on the outside screen, taking us all back to the days of Lisa Kudrow, Mira Sorvino and, ugh, 10-year reunions.

The Saguaro Scottsdale, 4000 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.308.1100, bit.ly/2mt9VzT, 8 p.m., free with RSVP.

And Then There Were None

AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12 This mystery play takes the familiar characters from Clue and gives them an Agatha Christie twist.

Watch the story unfold when Rogue Dance Theater Inc. takes on And Then There Were None. Buy your tickets online and save $3.

Mesa Arts Center’s Nesbitt/ Elliott Playhouse, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $16-$28.

Mitch Fatel

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

AUGUST 4 Don’t be afraid to let the Led out!

Drummer Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, plays through his father’s discography in this immersive show.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., $50.

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion Movie Night AUGUST 5 Relax under the stars at The Saguaro Scottsdale’s Picante Pool with cocktails and food from La

Todd Glass

AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 11 Catch Todd Glass at Westgate Entertainment District’s cozy comedy club. Known for his appearances on Last Comic Standing and A+E’s An Evening at the Improv, Todd Glass’ show features moments of music, selfdeprecating humor and brutal honesty.

Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, 623.565.8667, stircrazycomedyclub.com, times vary, $18.

AUGUST 10 TO AUGUST 12 This stand-up comedian has spent the last 15 years garnering a reputation as the most requested comedian on SiriusXM. Known for catching audiences off guard with a mix of his innocent demeanor and mischievous, off-color comments, Fatel’s style is best summarized by his last comedy album, entitled Public Display of Perversion.

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

Sparkling Week with Beckett’s Table

AUGUST 14 TO AUGUST 19 Arcadia restaurant fave, Beckett’s Table, invites wine drinkers to expand their horizons with a week dedicated to bubbly. Sommelierchosen champagnes and sparkling wines will be available by the glass, bottle or through a special sparkling flight. Whether you’re looking for a WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

taste of something French, Italian or closer to home, there’s a sip to satisfy your needs.

Beckett’s Table, 3717 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.954.1700, beckettstable. com, times vary, $15 for three 2 oz. tastings.

Mark Knight

Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 7 p.m., $46-$630.

Prickly Pear Festival

AUGUST 18 This festival in mountain town Superior honors the edible wonders of the Sonoran Desert from prickly pear margaritas to candy to beer. Starting with a morning hike, the festival will also feature live mariachi and folklorico performances, a Prickly Pear pageant, vendors, an art show and a dual cook-off and margarita shake-off.

Superior Town Hall, 199 Lobb Avenue, Superior, 520.689.0200, superiorarizonachamber.org, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

AUGUST 17 This DJ knows no bounds when it comes to sound and genre in his music. With his own brand of EDM and hits like “Man with the Red Face” and “Alright,” Knight has made a name for himself as a house music heavyweight.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $10.

AUGUST 17 You don’t have to wait until “Nine in the Afternoon” to see these insanely talented emo-band boys turned alt-rock charmers. Brendon Urie and a group of friends have been on the scene since 2005, when their song “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” took the world by storm. They’ll perform cuts from their newest album, Pray for the Wicked, and LGBT popstar Hayley Kiyoko will open the show Gila River Arena, 9400 W.

New Faces of Comedy

AUGUST 19 Budding comedians take a stab at stand-up on this monthly showcase night at Tempe Improv. With cheap admission, tasty brews and fresh faces, it’s a win-win for funny people perfecting their craft and those looking for a fun night out.

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com, 8 p.m., $5 and two-drink minimum.

Yard Games for Art

Ry Cooder

Panic! At the Disco

acoustic performance will take place in the tranquil space. The show is free with price of admission.

Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com, 11 a.m., $23.95 adult and $15.95 children.

AUGUST 18 It’s no surprise this multiinstrumentalist has a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest guitarists. He’s collaborated with Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and the Rolling Stones, and he has a large body of work. He’s best known for his slide guitar work and Academy Award-nominated documentary, Buena Vista Social Club. He tours his first solo album in six years, The Prodigal Son. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $45.50-$69.50.

Concert in the Conservatory

AUGUST 18 Experience the natural beauty and visit your flying friends with Butterfly Wonderland’s monthly concert series. Alongside live butterfly exhibitions and panels, an

AUGUST 24 Everyone loves yard games and healthy competition, but who needs the heat? SMoCA takes your favorite games indoors and gives them an art twist. AZTV Channel 7’s Danielle Williams is set to host and participants should be prepared to face off in the name of fun alongside hard lemonade and craft brews. The day’s winner will receive artwork.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, 7 p.m., $10.

Easy Like a Saturday Morning Booze and Brunch AUGUST 25 On the fourth Saturday of each month, Mesa’s Creative Catalysts host a brunch to celebrate art and local business. This month’s event is at the Italian and Greek-styled Il Vinaio and will benefit Feed the Animals, a local granting agency for East Valley animal shelters. Stop by for an extravagant meal, mimosas, music and artmaking.

Il Vinaio, 270 W. Main Street, Mesa, 480.649.6476, mesaartscenter.com, 10 a.m., prices TBA.

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Big Surf $17 All-Day Pass

AUGUST 25 Tempe’s resident waterpark drops the price for a full day of affordable family fun in the sun. With a wave pool, seven water slides and relaxation spots at every corner, Big Surf is the perfect destination.

Big Surf Waterpark, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480.994.2297, bigsurffun.com, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $17.

Magdelena Bash Harvest Festival

AUGUST 25 Kief-Joshua Vineyards celebrates the new harvest with an all-day celebration of music, food, henna tattoos and the best of the best Arizona wine. Tickets include a souvenir glass and five 1 oz. pours.

Kief-Joshua Vineyards, 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, 520.455.5582, kjvineyards.com, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $15.

I Love the ’90s Bar Crawl Bash AUGUST 25 Stop, collaborate and listen! Another boisterous bar crawl dedicated to your favorite decade is back with high tops, fanny packs and boy bands galore. With participating bars like Bottled Blonde, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, El Hefe, Wasted Grain and Boondocks, you can Macarena all night long.

Registration includes a colorchanging cup, ’90s music at every stop and a slap bracelet.

Bevvy, 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Suite 100, Scottsdale, 480.525.9300, bit.ly/2uze2Pf, registration starts at 2 p.m., $15$29.

Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson

AUGUST 26 The Twins of Evil Tour brings together the White Zombie founder and the Antichrist Superstar himself for an encore of their ultra-popular 2012 joint tour. The two bring their unique brands of showmanship and metal stylings for “the second coming” people said couldn’t happen again!

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ak-chinpavilion.com, 7 p.m., $39.50-$125.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

11

Lindsey Stirling and Evanescence

AUGUST 29 Violin virtuoso and Gilbert native Lindsey Stirling joins forces with goth rockers Evanescence for one of the most hauntingly beautiful and dramatic tours of the summer. Featuring a full orchestra, the concert promises a sensory experience like no other as the two showcase tracks from their latest projects Warmer in the Winter and Synthesis.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ak-chinpavilion.com, 7 p.m., $18.75-$190.

Jack Johnson

AUGUST 28 This acoustic crooner has a way with words and a passionate live show that only intensifies the happy-golucky, optimistic nature of his biggest hits. From “Banana Pancakes” to “Taylor” to his tracks for the Curious George soundtrack, Johnson’s music is essential for any chill playlist. He brings his beach vibes to Phoenix for a relaxing summer evening with opener Bahamas.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ak-chinpavilion.com, 7:30 p.m., $35-$55.

Wine and Dine at L’Auberge de Sedona

NOVEMBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 4 Editors Note: This event, originally scheduled for August 3-5, has been rescheduled for November Ben Harper and 2-4. This food and wine weekend Charlie Musselwhite Sam Smith brings guests up close and personal AUGUST 31 AUGUST 31 with winemakers Isabel and The Grammy Award-winning If this sultry singer is on your mustMichael Mondavi for three days blues duo behind 2013’s Get Up! see concert list, you’re “Not the Only of red rocks, stunning sights and UPCOMING EVENTS! joined forces once more for a new One.” From “Stay with Me” to “Too MADCAP MARDI GRAS MAGIC unforgettable flavors.

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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE

HOME

Saguaro grads DJ Foster and Christian Kirk look forward to Cardinals season

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Brian Benesch » The Entertainer!

D

J Foster was one of Arizona’s greatest high school football players.

His stats speak for themselves. Foster rushed for 76 TDs combined in his junior and senior years at Saguaro High School. The dual-threat was unstoppable as a runner and receiver. He was the undisputed star on a team that went on to win a state title.

Just ask Christian Kirk, the Arizona Cardinals rookie receiver, who saw Foster play up close and personal.

The two will play with the Cardinals together this season.

“That was the guy I wanted to be,” Kirk says at the Cardinals training facility in Tempe. “Everybody wanted to be DJ Foster when they went to Saguaro.

He was the big man on campus. Best player in the state at the time.”

Kirk enrolled for his freshman year at Saguaro at just the right time. It coincided with Foster’s senior season when he set the Scottsdale football scene on fire.

As Foster’s teammate, Kirk watched as the 5-foot-11 RB set record after record. During the 2011 season, Foster rushed for an astounding 3,058 yards, with 54 TDs. He added another 250 yards and five TDs through the air.

But Foster’s finest moment came during a playoff matchup against Peoria’s Sunrise Mountain. The speedy runner went off, totaling 508 yards rushing and 10 TDs, setting new state records.

“What’s crazy about that game is it was a close game,” Foster says with a laugh. “When I tell people my stats from that game, they always think we killed them. It was definitely a cool moment for myself and family.”

The now 24-year-old’s incredible performance paved the way for Saguaro’s championship run.

During that year, Foster had offers to play at nearly any school he wanted. Programs like Oregon and USC wanted him, but he chose to stay close to home, attending ASU, where he made a name for himself as a versatile back.

Lining up in the backfield was something Kirk dreamt about, too.

Although his pass-catching ability seems natural, the wideout position was not his first love.

“I played running back my whole entire life,” Kirk says. “When I got to Saguaro, they already had DJ and they needed to find a spot for me on the field. I took on the role of receiver, and fell in love with the position.”

“When my agent told me that, I was ecstatic.”

The feeling was mutual for Kirk.

The highly touted WR was hoping he’d be a first-round pick in last April’s draft.

While that dream didn’t come to fruition, he was lucky enough to land in his preferred destination.

“Honestly, this was the last place I thought I’d go,” Kirk confesses. “It’s not that I didn’t think they were interested, I just thought it was too good to be true.

Three picks before they were up, I saw the 602 number pop up on my phone. I was at a loss for words; it was so surreal.”

Just like his days at Saguaro, Kirk has to manage expectations as he enters his rookie year with the Cardinals. But fortunately for him, he has Foster once again by his side, and another player to look up to – Larry Fitzgerald.

The Cardinals’ offense has lacked a true No. 2 option since the days of Michael Floyd. If everything works out as planned, the 2018 second-round pick should be standing across from Fitz on opening day.

“I’m just putting my head down and listening to everything he says,” Kirk said of the future hall of famer.

“I’m asking him questions; I’m picking his brain. I’m just taking it all in. I’m doing whatever I can to hopefully win that No. 2 spot.”

Foster had a similar experience, sitting behind two NFL legends last season in Arizona.

“Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson were two of my favorite running backs growing up, so the chance to be in the same locker room as them was absolutely incredible,” Foster says. “It was a blessing for me to see that.”

While players like Peterson and Fitzgerald served as mentors for the two youngsters, Foster and Kirk find their biggest source of support in each other.

It’s been that way ever since their high school days at Saguaro.

“He was always super cool with me, and took on that big brother role,” Kirk says of their first time as teammates.

“Since then, he always checks up on me.”

Foster reiterated Kirk’s statement.

“The year he spent in Saguaro, he was kind of like a little brother. I knew he was going to be the next guy up.

While he was at Texas A&M, I was a big fan of his. I still am.”

The Arizona Cardinals’ home preseason begins 7 p.m. Saturday, August 11, with a game against the San Diego Chargers. The first regular season home game is at 1:25 p.m. Sunday, September 9, against the Washington Redskins. For more information, visit azcardinals.com or ticketmaster.com.

The University of Phoenix Stadium is at 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale.

COURTESY ARIZONA CARDINALS

Thanks to Foster’s presence, Kirk was forced to transition to receiver his freshman year.

He made the move look easy.

Through four years as a starter, Kirk recorded nearly 4,000 yards receiving, with 52 TDs. He also took over a good portion of the workload in the backfield after Foster graduated.

“I would watch his games and think, ‘This kid is incredible.’ He was a man among boys. He was going to be a superstar and everybody knew that,” Foster says of Kirk.

Now, five years removed from their days at Saguaro, Kirk and Foster are teammates once again. This time, it’s a bit of a step up in competition.

Their long and winding roads through the ranks have led them back home. But the two players are gearing up for the season in seemingly reversed roles.

Kirk is the emerging star, expected to earn a starting spot on offense, while Foster is hoping to contribute as a role player.

Still, the incredible opportunity to play pro football in their home state is not lost on the teammates.

“Getting the chance to play here is pretty special,” Foster confirms. “For me, the goal is to make the team. Go out and play my butt off; have a good preseason. I’m enjoying being home and I hope it lasts as long as it can.”

“It’s going to be more exciting to go out there and play. I’m going to have so many friends and family backing me.

I really want to embrace that opportunity,” said Kirk.

The two players may have started in the same place as teenagers, but their football journeys differed in many ways after high school.

Even after an impressive career with the Sun Devils, Foster was unable to shake criticism of his size and speed. He was passed over by every team and eventually signed by the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

Kirk, on the other hand, became a superstar wideout with Texas A&M. He saw his TD total climb in each season, leaving the school after his junior year, with 234 receptions.

Foster was picked up by the Cardinals last September, coming over from the Patriots’ practice squad. The Scottsdale native admitted he had been keeping tabs on the Cardinals’ RB situation, so when the injury bug hit starter David Johnson, Foster was hoping for a call.

“I was just sitting at home in Boston and I heard the news about David Johnson going down. Next thing you know my agent is calling me saying they want to bring you over,” Foster says.

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THE ART OF DANCE

Hip-hop championships take over the Valley this month Laura Latzko » The Entertainer!

H

ip-hop dance developed in the 1960s and ’70s as a type of street dance.

Through styles such as breaking, popping and locking, dancers were able to express a wide range of emotions and tell stories.

Over the years, hip-hop dance has grown and gained popularity worldwide.

During the USA and World Hip Hop Dance championships from August 3 to August 11, top crews and dancers will showcase their dance skills.

The competition is hosted by Hip Hop International, a company founded

by America’s Best Dance Crew creators Karen and Howard Schwartz. Karen says the competition and TV show highlight the artistry of hip-hop dance.

“We have an appreciation for dance.

There’s no question,” she says. “We also have a knack for bringing great events in front of people around the world and developing it in such a way that it showcases talent and entertains people.”

Howard says he and his wife also want to provide avenues for hip-hop dancers to pursue their dreams.

During its 17-year-run, the USA and world competitions have taken place in cities like South Beach, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

During both championships, crews compete in the 7- to 12-year-old junior, 13- to 17-year-old varsity, 18-and-over adult and all-ages megacrew divisions.

The megacrews are made up of 15 to 40 dancers, and the other crews have between five and nine dancers.

All events except the world championship finals take place at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa Ballroom. The top teams from around the world will compete at the Grand Canyon University Arena on Saturday, August 11.

On Saturday, August 10, individuals or duos will compete against each other in breaking, locking, popping and

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all styles battles.

This year, the world championships will have more than 4,000 dancers from more than 50 countries. For the first time, countries such as Sierra Leone, Bolivia and Hong Kong will have representation in the competition.

International judges score crews on their incorporation of different styles, precision and skill and overall performance and entertainment value.

Howard says the world championships highlight the different forms hip-hop dance has taken throughout the world.

“We see it in the music. We see it in some of the actual dance moves,” Howard says. “We encourage it. In hip-hop competition, there’s no reason we can’t and we shouldn’t look at what’s specific to someone’s home country and their culture.”

The competition has developed a strong reputation in the dance world.

Talent scouts from all over the world attend the championships, and dancers have a chance to audition for Cirque du Soleil.

Throughout the week, the dancers can take part in workshops taught by elite dance instructors. The workshops are open to the public.

The resort will offer dance parties following the competitions, food trucks with different types of cuisine and a marketplace with international hip-hop vendors.

The resort becomes an Olympicstyle village, with people from all over the world. Howard says during the competitions, especially the finals, spectators often show their national pride.

“People come out with their national flags and chants. It’s very cultural, very Olympic-like,” Howard says.

In recent years, Arizona crews have had a strong showing at the USA and world championships.

The Exiles crew from Coolidge took silver last year in adult division at the USA championships, and the Elektrolytes out of Gilbert won silver in

the megacrew category.

Exiles, a dance ministry, is based out of the United Dance Studio. Along with the adult team, the studio will take United Dance Company, a megacrew of 27 to 30 dancers, to the hip hop championships.

Established last year, the Exiles crew is made up of college-aged dancers, most of whom are self-taught.

When they started out, the crew performed at church services.

Leader Anthony Cordova says their faith continues to guide crew members as they perform.

“We want to make sure our hearts are in the right place, that we are doing it for the right reason. Our reason for dancing period is to give God glory and honor onstage and offstage,” Cordova says.

The team is made up of dancers from different parts of the Valley, skilled in styles such as krumping, b-boying, popping and tricking.

“Since we all come from different places in Arizona, we grew up with different styles. We get to learn from each other so we can be a well-rounded dance team. We do our very best to push each other and challenge each other to the next level,” Cordova says.

Although choreography requires the dancers to move in sync, they have a chance to show their individuality during routines.

“We do encourage them to practice foundation, which is a whole freestyle, improvisational section…All of those foundations that we do in our routines, that’s our identity,” Cordova says.

Based out of the Rise Dance Academy, the Elektrolytes won season seven of America’s Best Dance Crew and placed first at the USA Hip Hop Dance Championships in 2011.

This year, the studio will have crews in the junior, adult and megacrew divisions. The Elektrolytes megacrew of Gilbert has 40 members, ranging in age from 12 to 30.

USA Hip-Hop Dance Championship Final

Arizona Grand Resort and Spa Ballroom, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, hiphopinternational.com, 6:30 p.m., Sunday, August 5, $60 for USA event pass, $200 for allevent pass, $25 for USA prelims, $30 for USA finals.

World Battles Final

Arizona Grand Resort and Spa Ballroom, 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, hiphopinternational.com, 9 p.m., Friday August 10, $30 for world battles.

World Hip Hop Dance Championship Final

Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, hiphopinternational. com, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, August 11, $150 for world event pass, $200 for all-event pass, $25 for world prelims and semifinals, $29.50 to $64.50 for world finals.

Sal Banuelos, one of the group’s choreographers and original members, says with the megacrew, he can get more creative with the choreography.

“What’s fun about the megacrew is there’s so many people, so you can do so much and create a lot of crazy visuals,” Banuelos says.

While on America’s Best Dance Crew, the group gave the illusion of floating and created three robots as part of challenges.

A self-taught dancer, Banuelos started in high school. He and a group of friends practiced in his parents’ garage and performed at school pep assemblies.

Banuelos says over the years the group has developed the high-energy dance style for which it is known and continued to improve with the addition of dance styles such as krumping.

He says during his time as a dancer, the Arizona hip-hop scene has continued to grow in size and talent.

“There’s a lot more competition now, and there’s so many good crews out here,” Banuelos says.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

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SPREADING

HOPE

Eric Newman » The Entertainer!

S

tand-up comedians Kurtis Matthews and Andy Gold say they are lucky to be alive and working.

Both are longtime recovering addicts—Matthews from alcohol and Gold from heroin. They are touring the United States and Canada to show there is hope in an industry fueled by drugs and alcohol.

The pair come to Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy in Phoenix on Wednesday, August 15, as part of the Addicts Comedy Tour.

Gold decided to get serious about rehab after a near-fatal heroin overdose at his parents’ house, while the rest of the family partied a floor above.

As difficult as recovery was—and remains to this day—comedy provides an antidote for the Salt Lake City native. The underlying story of his jokes is addiction, and he’s not afraid to tell a few stories of his past on stage.

“I started doing comedy maybe six months after I got clean, and my whole existence at that time was not using one day at a time,” Gold says. “That dominated in my thoughts and I just started writing a lot of jokes about it, even before I knew this type of comedy was a niche I could be a part of.”

Matthews was arrested following a near-fatal drunken driving accident in 1982, and has been sober since then.

He stressed their misfortunes due to addiction are not funny, but the underlying stories are. Matthews adds he’s not trying to tell people how to live their lives.

“Look, we’re not doing a share, like you’d see at an AA meeting,” Matthews says. “It’s about the audience for us. We want to provide a show where people don’t necessarily have to come and get drunk or high or whatever.

“If they choose to, the club sells stuff and that’s fine, but we want to have sort of a space where addicts or people who love them can come and just have a great time together. That doesn’t always exist in the comedy world.”

Gold says he strives to provide an entertainment option for addicts and their loved ones to enjoy together.

He hopes the comedy material and vibe play well for all involved with the recovery process.

“I think one of the big lies that addicts tell themselves when they’re first getting clean is that all of the good times are behind them, which is just a total lie,” Gold says.

“We want them to come out and have a great time and have a lot of fun, and their family and friends, too.

They laugh and say to themselves, ‘OK, I’m going to have a fun life ahead of me now. I can still have a good time without all that.’ And that’s one thing

Addicts Comedy Tour wants to make audiences feel better

I really try to pump when I’m up there.”

However, as much as Matthews hopes the pair can be of service, the mission is not heavy-handed or to necessarily give life lessons and real advice.

“I don’t have the actual training for all that. I am just here to tell crappy jokes,” he says, laughing.

Rather, he wants to let audiences and clubs know that the tour does as much good for himself and Andy as they hope to accomplish for others.

They appreciate the opportunity to share their platform of not feeling alone with addictive thoughts and the feelings that come with them.

“At the end of the day, why is it that we go from town to town to meet

people and make them laugh and tell our story? I’ll tell you,” Matthews says.

“I think ultimately in my perspective, it’s to save our own lives. We feel like we have a purpose. We’re plugged in and can give back. That makes us enjoy the experience and that’s what’s behind the tour. If people laugh and feel better for a while, that’s sweet too.”

Addicts Comedy Tour

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, 5350 E. High Street, Phoenix, 480.420.3553, az.houseofcomedy.net, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, August 15, $20-$25.

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MUSICAL REVOLUTION The Cult, Bush and STP come together for summer tour

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

he Cult guitarist Billy Duffy admits he and his tourmates Bush and the Stone Temple Pilots couldn’t play summer sheds like Ak-Chin Pavilion solo.

But when they come together for the “Revolution 3” tour on September 1, the bands are going to rock, he adds.

“We can play places this big collectively, as a whole, but not individually,” Duffy says honestly. “It’s nice for this to happen and be part of a thing that works for everybody. It makes it more of an event.

“It’s three hours of headliners so we have to play as much as we can in the hour. It’s three hours of actual music. It’s a lot to cram into one evening.”

Duffy says The Cult’s goal is to show as many sides of it as it can.

“The no brainer is to play as many hits as you’ve got,” he says of the Ian Astbury-led songs like “Fire Woman” and “She Sells Sanctuary.” “But if we can throw two or three different songs into the 12-song set, we can show another side to the band and still make it a good concert.”

The common thread, Duffy says, is The Cult puts its “heart and soul into whatever we’re doing at that time.” That includes new albums. Duffy has been writing new material, but he’s unsure whether that means singles or an album.

“We don’t try and make the same album 15 times,” he continues. “We’re open to trying new influences into the music because, to me, that’s what a lot of the great artists have done.”

Born in Manchester, England,

Duffy calls Los Angeles home these days. He’s looking forward to coming to Phoenix.

“I’ve always found the American west quite appealing,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed my time in Phoenix. I’m always happy when I can see a cactus and a mountain. It’s so different than what I grew up with. I’m one of those English people who likes wide open spaces in the desert.

“Revolution 3 Tour” with The Cult, Stone Temple Pilots and Bush Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster. com, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, September 2, $29.50-$184.

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DOUBLE DUTY F Former Sun Devil Briann January returns to coach ASU and play for Mercury

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Niki D’Andrea » The Entertainer! or Briann January, a concussion is what great memories are made of.

When January played basketball at ASU from 2005 to 2009, she was a two-time Pac 10 (now the Pac 12) Defensive Player of the Year, she set ASU women’s basketball records for most assists and highest free-throw percentage, and she established the school’s single-season record for three-point field goals (65) during her senior year. January is the only ASU player to lead the team in steals and assists for four straight years.

But her favorite ASU memory is of a game she didn’t even play in. During her sophomore year, the Sun Devils were competing in the Elite 8 against the Louisville Cardinals, and at the end of the game, January sustained a concussion from contact with Louisville forward Angel McCoughtry. When the Sun Devils met the Bowling Green Falcons in the next game, January says, the Falcons coach at the time, Curt Miller, was optimistic about her being on the sidelines.

“He was like, ‘Oh, January’s out – we have a chance! We have a shot!’” she recalls. “And my team just came out and killed them, just smashed them.

They played such great basketball, and I was there on the sideline with my head ringing, but it was the most amazing basketball game I’ve ever seen and I didn’t even play. That was a great experience. I had some great teammates while I was at ASU.” It’s that team spirit that drew January to basketball during her childhood. She started playing in the third grade in her hometown of Spokane, Washington, after taking up soccer and karate (her father is a karate instructor, and January holds a black belt in the discipline).

“The one thing I do love about basketball is watching a team full of individuals come together and achieve goals. I think that’s one of the most spectacular things in life… That’s what I

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love,” January says.

“And I’ve been blessed enough to play for coaches who believe in that, who believe there’s value in teamwork and togetherness and unity. That’s what I believe in, and I think it’s awesome— just going out there and playing for the person next to you, having their back.

Going to war together. There’s not a better feeling than that.”

January brought her team spirit – and her considerable basketball skills in the point guard position -- to threetime WNBA champions the Phoenix Mercury this season. Jim Pitman, the team’s general manager, stated, “Briann is a difference-maker in our league.

We’ve seen her success guarding the best-scoring guards and wings on the biggest stage, and we’ve seen her run a team as an All Star-caliber point guard.

We are excited to add perhaps the best women’s player in the history of Arizona State University to our roster.”

It’s a double-platinum homecoming for January, who had played her entire WNBA career so far for the Indiana Fever, who drafted her in 2009 in the first round (sixth pick overall). In addition to joining a strong Mercury roster that includes WNBA all-time leading scorer Diana Taurasi and 6-foot-9 center Brittney Griner, January accepted a position as assistant coach for the ASU women’s basketball team in the off-season. Rather than playing overseas in Turkey as usual, January spent this past fall and winter working alongside her mentor, ASU women’s basketball head coach Charli Turner Thorne. January, who turned 31 this year, says the coaching gig gave her body a needed break from playing basketball year-round.

“It was time for my body to have a rest,” she says. “Unfortunately, Father Time is undefeated and you have to be very strategic as you kind of accumulate more miles on your body, so it just worked out.”

January says “it feels great” to be back in the Valley year-round.

Asked what her favorite thing to do in Phoenix is, she laughs and says, “Eat,

unfortunately. There are so many good restaurants! I love cooking, but you come to the gym, you work out, and you’re like, ‘Huh… I could go home and be on my feet a little longer and make something, or I can go to one of my favorite restaurants and get something to eat.’”

She also loves to see “how downtown Phoenix has grown over the years and has just blown up.” A fan of the outdoors, January’s also glad she can hike Camelback Mountain again “or just be out in the sun. I love the sun.

I love laying by the pool. I love just being out and reading and being able to do that outside is huge, year-round, pretty much. That’s what I do. I go out and eat a lot, I watch a lot of movies, and I try to work it off when I’m on the court.”

When asked about her coaching style, January laughs and thinks for a moment.

“Oh, man… I think I bring a different dynamic from a lot of the coaches in that I’m able to relate. I played through Charli’s system for four years, and I was able to be successful in that program, so for me to come back and give my insights, share my stories and help them through their process, I think it’s huge for them,” January says.

“One of the reasons I want to coach is because it’s such a pivotal time in a young woman’s life, and Charli is one of the reasons I’m here today.”

Turner Thorne has coached the women’s basketball team at ASU for 21 years and is the school’s winningest coach since the program was established in 1975, with a career record of 343208. In February, she told ASU’s The State Press, “Ever since I knew (January) was thinking about transitioning to coaching, it was a matter of if she was ready or not and if she wanted to...

It was a win-win for everybody,” and added, “Ever since she’s gotten here, she’s just an incredible mentor. She’s incredible as a person.”

The respect is mutual.

“The time I was at Arizona State, Charli really impacted my life,” January

says. “She pushed me to levels I didn’t know I could get to, and I think that’s what I do (as a coach). I’m here to challenge the girls. I’m here to broaden their thoughts and the way they process things—for me to be able to say, ‘Hey, I play at the highest level, and this is what it’s going to take. I’ve been successful on and off the court. So, I’m here as a resource, a sounding board, and I’m here to push you every day.’”

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As a player, January also continues to push herself, and says she’s excited to see what’s in store for the Phoenix Mercury this season.

“I think we have depth, I know we have experience, and we have firepower at every position, which is exciting,” she says. “We just have to get out there and work hard. If we get out there and we give it our all every game, we’re going to be dangerous.”

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THE DOWNTOWNER

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HIP » AMBASSADORS » MUSEUMS » PRO SPORTS » HIGHRISES

THE ANTI-DIVA

Bishop Briggs stays down to Earth even as her career skyrockets.

Niki D’Andrea » The Entertainer!

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typical tour day in the life of Bishop Briggs always starts with coffee.

“Basically, my sister and one of my best friends, who happens to be a photographer, we sit in the front end and have coffee and we talk about the world on the bus,” Briggs says over the phone from Asbury Park, New Jersey, hours before taking the stage on the fifth stop of a 35-date summer tour in support of her new blues-pop album, Church of Scars, released in April on Republic Records.

After coffee on the bus, Briggs says, they “wander around a little bit” to “hopefully find a really cute coffee shop to drink more coffee.” Then she’s off to do a sound check at whatever venue she’s performing in, have a preshow meet and greet with fans, and oh yeah – “there’s some food sprinkled in” her day, “and then the show.”

And what a show it is. Anyone who has seen the 26-year-old singer-songwriter perform live can attest to her energy and stage presence. Though she stands around 5-foot-2 and probably weighs in at 110 pounds soaking wet, Briggs has the command of a Viking Opera singer. Her set at the Innings Festival at Tempe Beach Park in March left quite an impression on onlookers, one of whom described Briggs as having the vocals of an R&B chanteuse or gospel singer and the energy of a punk rocker.

What Briggs does not have – at least when it comes to her feelings about performing – is a nonchalant attitude. Nor does she have a single iota of rock star ego or a hair of party animal aspirations.

Regarding her regular preshow meet and greets with fans, she says, “It’s just such a different way to connect with the people that are the reason that I even get to tour, and I get to hear what’s been happening in their lives and I have the honor of hearing what some of my songs mean to them, and then at the end of it we get a photo together, which is so great.”

She has a strict regimen for maintaining her vocal prowess. “I warm up for an hour before the show. I drink a lot of Throat Coat tea. I don’t go to loud bars or anywhere where I would be potentially threatening my voice,” Briggs says. “So it is definitely a fulltime job and I do take it very seriously.”

Born Sarah McLaughlin in England to parents from Bishopbriggs, Scotland (which inspired her stage name), Briggs grew up in Asia – first in Tokyo, then Hong Kong – where she started singing karaoke at age 4. It was a family pastime.

“It was kind of the thing to do,” says Briggs, who has lived in Los Angeles for the past several years. “My whole family went (to karaoke clubs) and we sang all the time, really every weekend and every couple of days,” she says.

What were some of her favorite songs to sing karaoke?

“Well, it was the ’90s, so there was a lot of Backstreet Boys. There was a lot of Britney Spears,” she says. “But I loved Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ My go-to was ‘The Greatest Love of All’ by Whitney Houston.”

Of course she’s humble about the fact that her two favorite karaoke tunes are among the most vocally challenging songs to sing. “I didn’t do it justice,” she says. “I did a terrible job. I do a very bad rendition.”

In addition to karaoke, Briggs’ childhood was filled with household music. “I was obsessed with Motown music and I was really lucky that my parents would play it in the living room growing up,” she says. “And so it was a lot of Aretha Franklin, Etta James -- just these iconic female vocalists.”

Briggs channels such icons in her songs, including “Wild Horses” and “River” from her eponymous 2016 debut album, both of which landed in the top 30 on Billboard charts. She says her songwriting process “generally starts pretty dark, whether it’s dark chords or dark poetry,” and much of the mood throughout Church of Scars is heavy, even with the glut of

soulful gospel-choir backing vocals and danceable, dubstep-like beats. But the unifying factor among the songs on the album, Briggs says, is a life lesson.

“The biggest lesson that I learned during the making of this album is that if any aspect of your life is a lie, you can’t truly be happy,” she says. “And I feel like that’s something that seems so simple, but I really learned that through the process of making this album, that you have to truly be authentic in and out and in every aspect of your life.

That’s really the only way to get close to any sort of happiness.”

Though she’s only one year into her late twenties, Briggs has been making music her entire life and says she never

saw herself doing anything else. For her, music is a way to not only connect with others, but also to connect more deeply with herself. “I am learning so much about myself and really feeling as though I’m fulfilling my sole purpose,” Briggs says. “I really hope I can help others feel less alone just by writing and I hope that I can start conversations about important issues. It really is so much bigger than me.”

Bishop Briggs w/ Joywave

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m.

Sunday, September 9, $24-$74.

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

TOP 10 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

LSD Tour

AUGUST 19 Come cool off at The Van Buren for an indoor beer fest featuring more than 20 breweries like Four Peaks, 10 Barrel, Elysian, Golden Road, Breckenridge, Goose Island, 21st Amendment, Barrio, Ace Cider, Coronado, Deschutes, Founders, Lumberyard, Modern Times, Mudshark, Ninkasi, Odell, Pizza Port, Prescott and Stone. Elvis Before Noon will play hits from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 7 p.m., $20-$102.

AUGUST 10 TO AUGUST 26 What happened in New York City, 1899, when the newsboys went on strike to protest their unfair wages for hawking newspapers?

The answer lies in this Tony Award-winning musical based on the true story. Arizona takes on the classic Disney show with dancing and tunes that’ll have you tapping your toes.

AUGUST 11 Downtown Phoenix’s Patriots Park turns into an aquatic playground with this all-ages water day. Kids can enjoy shade, splash pads and slides, as well as learn about water safety from the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA. Don’t forget the sunscreen and snacks at the on-site CVS. All proceeds benefit the “Safety Around Water” program.

CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, 602.772.3900, cityscapephoenix.com, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $5 minimum donation.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 7:30 p.m., $63-$79.

J. Cole

AUGUST 21 It took one day for this rapper’s latest album, KOD, to break the record and chart 64.5 million streams on Apple Music. Famous for tracks like “Déjà Vu” and “Work Out,” J. Cole brings his drive and heart to every project he touches. Rapper Young Thug is set to open the show.

DeMomma Bonner Bobblehead Night – Sparks vs. Mercury AUGUST 12 Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner not only carries her team during game time but carries her kids on her nights off! The Mercury is honoring her with the “DeMomma” bobblehead for the first 2,500 fans at the Sparks game. As for the LA team, they’ll have to play hard to match the fire the Mercury has shown thus far in preseason.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7:30 p.m., $44.75-$330.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

AUGUST 28 This Alabaman singer-songwriter and guitarist always returns to his roots. With an impressive solo career and recognition for his former band, Drive-By Truckers, his Southern rock, alternative country sound has taken him far. He tours his latest project with The 400 Unit, a group of Alabama musicians and friends.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, 602.262.7272, symphonyhallphx.com, 8 p.m., $38.50-$59.

AWOLNATION

AUGUST 30 You’ll want to “Sail” on over to see this alternative electronic rock favorite when it takes the intimate stage at The Van Buren. With some new faces but the same spirit, Aaron Bruno — lead singer — is a force to be reckoned with in his live performance. The group will perform cuts from its latest album, Here Comes the Runts.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, mercury.wnba.com, 4 p.m., $9-$250.

David Cross

AUGUST 16 From Arrested Development to Mr. Show, this Brooklyn comedian has had an illustrious career in television, film and comedy, with an Emmy Award and a Grammy nomination under his belt. One of the top 100 stand-up comedians of all time according to Comedy Central, you WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

er-songwriter. Former frontman of The White Stripes, Jack White has worked with everyone from Beyoncé to Loretta Lynn. From The White Stripes to The Raconteurs to The Dead Weather and solo tracks of his own, White will have plenty of hits to choose from in crafting his set.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 1 to 6 p.m., free admission, tasting tickets available for purchase on site.

Newsies

H2Oasis Water Park

Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, 602.262.6225, phoenixconventioncenter.com, 8 p.m., $33.

Indoor Beer Fest

AUGUST 4 Country music legends Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakam unite for this powerhouse of a tour, bringing years of experience – and piles of Grammys – to one stage. The three will perform their biggest hits and share their craziest stories, ranging from Americana to cowboy cool.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $20.50-$39.50.

won’t want to miss Cross at his most offensive and most hilarious onstage.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $27.

Jack White

AUGUST 22 If you’ve got a penchant for eccentric rockers, we can tell you’re going to be friends with this sing-

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

SPLASH INTO SUMMER

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Urban H2Oasis promotes safety and community at CityScape Madison Rutherford »

it could be you have your kids and you sit on Chico Malo’s patio and watch them go down the slides as you have “ t’s like a mirage… if you blink, a margarita. There’s a little something for everybody.” it’ll be gone.”

During the event, if patrons spend That’s how CityScape’s mar$20 or more at any of CityScape’s keting director Sara Anderson restaurants or retailers, they can spin a describes the entertainment district’s monthly summer event, Urban prize wheel to score summer essentials like sunglasses, reusable water bottles H2Oasis — a pop-up waterpark in the and portable phone chargers. heart of downtown.

The family-friendly event requires This summer, on the second a $5 donation, which goes toward the Saturday of each month, CityScape Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA and transforms into an urban oasis featuring its “Safety Around Water” program, 10 inflatable waterslides, plenty of shade which aims to educate Arizona residents and the splash pad, which is a permaabout water safety tactics and precaunent fixture at the downtown shopping tions.

YMCA volunteers are onsite to and dining destination. The next one is answer questions and provide advice on Saturday, August 11. swimming skills, staying safe around Though the event is geared toward bodies of water and what to do if you children and families, Anderson says unexpectedly fall in.

Though these tips people of all ages are encouraged to are aimed at the youngsters, Anderson participate. The slides range in size says anyone can benefit from them. according to age, and the splash pad is “Technically, it should be for suitable for toddlers and babies. everyone, whether you’re a kid or not, “There are a bunch of restaurants you sometimes forget the water safety around here, too, so you can make a TLR046_ENTERTAINER_AD_9.25x1.5_FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 7/25/18 9:56 AM Page rules. It’s more reminder-based: this is5 day out of it,” Anderson says. “Part of The Entertainer!

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what happens, these are the statistics in Arizona, this is a heightened season for this activity,” she says. “It’s kind of like a heads-up initiative for a heightened water risk season.”

Anderson says CityScape is the perfect venue for a pop-up water playground because of its splash pad, ample outdoor space and proximity to premier downtown destinations.

“It’s a natural gathering space for activities, but also we’re connected via light rail and bus systems, we’re really accessible via car, there’s parking garages and Lyft and Uber drop-offs, so it’s just a very accessible place downtown to get to and navigate through,” Anderson says.

If you’re craving a mid-day meal, H2Oasis is within walking distance of eateries like Chipotle, Chico Malo, Tilted Kilt, The Arrogant Butcher and Jimmy John’s, as well as stores like Urban Outfitters and CVS, in case you forget the sunscreen or a towel.

Though convenience is a cornerstone of CityScape and its events, Anderson says H2Oasis is also about

demonstrating the flourishing community in Downtown Phoenix.

“It’s about bringing people together and understanding we’re community-based. We have a lot of interest in how the downtown Phoenix community thrives and is brought together and how we support each other,” she says. “I know sometimes there is an audience that doesn’t view downtown Phoenix as accessible or as that family-friendly gathering space on its own, so it’s things like this that showcase that we are a budding and growing community and it’s a great way to meet your neighbors if you want to cool off in some water in the summer.”

Urban H2Oasis

CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, 602.772.3900, cityscapephoenix.com, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 11, $5 minimum donation per person.

AN INTIMATE LIVE PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE AT AN AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING STUDIO TONEWOODAMP PRESENTS

GUITARIST LARRY MITCHELL SONGS, STORIES, ADVENTURES AND A SOLO PERFORMANCE WITH A GRAMMY AWARD WINNER

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 @ 4PM $20 ADVANCE / $25 AT DOOR

TICKETS, INFO AND ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES AT WWW.THELISTENINGROOMPHOENIX.COM

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OF FAITH AND FAMILY

Steven Souza Jr. uses his fame to share his journey with God Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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rizona Diamondbacks outfielder Steven Souza Jr. has been around the world and back, sharing Jesus’ message. It’s been tough to see sexually abused girls in the Philippines, or potential child trafficking in Thailand. But he takes a common-sense approach to it.

“It reminds you of how thankful you are,” Souza says in the clubhouse before a recent game.

“If you want to see Jesus, you go to those places.”

The Arizona Diamondbacks are celebrating “Faith and Family Night” at the 6:40 p.m. Friday, August 24, game against the Seattle Mariners. A church will sing the national anthem, and MercyMe will perform a postgame concert.

Born in Everett, Washington, Souza grew up religious, but it waned when he was playing in the minor league.

“I’ve gone to church since I was a kid,” Souza says. “Like a lot of

Americans, I fell into a group who claims to know God. Jesus died on the cross. I didn’t know what that meant. I didn’t know what it meant to basically pursue him and everything he offers us.”

In 2012, the same year he was baptized in Everett, Souza traveled to Thailand to minister, which Souza says was “difficult to swallow.”

“To see the way girls were treated over there, how women were viewed,” he says quietly. “We were walking around downtown Bangkok and we saw a 14-year-old girl with a 50-something year-old man.

“It broke my heart.”

He was a little more prepared when, in 2015, Souza traveled to the Philippines with his wife, Mikaela, and the now-team chaplain Brian Hommel to learn about a ministry that moved abused and sexually abused girls out of households and gave them a new life.

The ministry and Souza taught the girls about Jesus and helped them through school and college.

“The stories were gut wrenching,” he says.

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A Gilbert resident and former Milwaukee Brewers player, Hommel describes Souza as “passionate about his journey with God.” Through Major League Baseball, Souza has been able to spread the message.

“It’s hard,” Souza acknowledges.

“You get a lot of attacks up here. A lot of people will never say this. We’re naturally inclined to please people and we’re worried about what people think, instead of what God thinks.

“When you get up here (to the Majors), there are a lot of people giving opinions on your life. Really, the No. 1 thing that matters is what does God think about us. There’s that temptation to please man and fight for their approval, like Saul did, which is what David did. That’s the battle.”

Having a 19-month-old son doesn’t allow the Souzas to travel much. Instead, they visit Phoenix Children’s Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul and other charities.

“We hear the children’s stories and make them laugh and have fun,” he says. “We hang out and just be there.

I want to be a light in a tough time.

That’s what I’m here for.”

Hommel says he is inspired by the Major League Baseball players and umpires he meets with on Sundays.

“My goal is to work myself out of a job,” says Hommel, who came to know Jesus in college in 1993. “I’m basically just training and teaching these guys how to walk with Jesus and how he cared about people.

“The Diamondbacks have a tremendous clubhouse. This is the most fun team I’ve been a part of. They all care for each other.”

Faith and Family Night featuring MercyMe

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m. Friday, August 24, 602.514.8400, dbacks.com, $19-$140, discounted tickets with the offer codes Faith18 or FaithVIP.

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

#THISISHARDROCK

phoenix

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OLD WEST

CHARM

For an authentic western experience, head to Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch

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Sondra Barr » The Entertainer!

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f it’s a truly immersive cowboy adventure you’re seeking, grab your boots, don a Stetson, and head to Tucson’s Tanque Verde Ranch, one of America’s old-time cattle and guest ranches.

Established in 1868, Tanque Verde blends Old West charm and high-end offerings for an escape from the mundane for city dwellers and country folk. Equal parts luxury resort and all-inclusive dude ranch, the emphasis is on authentic adventures that allow guests to savor a less harried, more leisurely way of life.

While you can certainly just sit back and enjoy the majestic view of Tanque Verde’s 60,000 acres along the Rincon Mountains, adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest, you won’t want to repose with so much on the property to experience.

While the resort offers a myriad of activities including mountain biking, hiking, yoga, fishing, bird watching, and more, the big attraction is the horseback riding. Not surprisingly, the stars of the property are the nearly 100 horses that provide experienced horsemen and beginners alike the opportunity to connect with their inner cowboy.

Equestrian adventures run the gamut from simple trail rides to the ranch’s signature breakfast ride that offers guests the chance to giddyup past towering cacti before arriving at the resort’s Old Homestead for a freshly cooked breakfast of blueberry pancakes, ranch-style eggs, and other hearty favorites. For the more adventurous, the Lope Ride allows guests to pick up the speed on their 1,000-pound steeds.

Don’t know how to ride? No problem. The ranch offers private lessons

and horsemanship fundamentals with expert wranglers, along with a special Harmony with Horses course that covers equine behavior, psychology, and how to work with a horse from the ground up.

With groups in mind, activities such as team penning provide a unique way to enjoy the dude ranch experience and bond with friends, family, or co-workers, as teams test their skills at coaxing a herd of cattle to do their bidding. Fun team building exercises continue with activities like a salsa margarita challenge or chili cook-off, two heated competitions that encourage camaraderie and team work for success.

A kid-friendly destination, many families return year after year to Tanque Verde to make memories to last a lifetime. A lot of families appreciate that the ranch is all-inclusive with food, activities, and lodging for a set price, which makes the property also popular for family reunions, weddings, and corporate meetings. For those looking for an a la carte approach, that’s available too.

Your outdoor escapades will no doubt leave you ravenous, as any cowboy will attest. So, it’s no surprise that Tanque Verde offers hearty southwestern meals that fuel daily adventures. Three meals are served each day in the ranch dining room by a staff of courteous servers that provide friendly reminders to wear sunscreen and drink enough water. If something a bit stronger is more your thing, quench your thirst with Tanque Verde’s famous Prickly Pear Margaritas in the Dog House Saloon, where a gregarious barkeep regale you with the property’s storied history.

After a full day of adventure, nothing is better for weary bodies than a comfortable spot to rest. Thankfully, the accommodations aren’t an afterthought at Tanque Verde. With a variety of lodging options available, there’s something for everyone, including large families and solo travelers. Richly appointed, comfortable quarters incorporate a laid-back western ambiance and all rooms feature recently remodeled full private baths and the high-end accouterments one would expect. There are even linens bearing the Tanque Verde crest.

For a truly unplugged southwestern experience, all guest rooms are sans television. As you snuggle down for peaceful slumber, you likely won’t notice its absence. Need to connect? Not to worry, rooms have Wi-Fi and satellite radios, so you don’t have to go without your technology fix. Chances are, you’ll be too tired from “cowboying” it up all day to check your inbox.

Tanque Verde Ranch

14301 E. Speedway, Tucson, 800.234.3833, tanqueverderanch.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE TOURIST

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

TOUR DU JOUR Welcome to “The Tourist,” a section for the more than 40 million visitors to our state, as well as the locals. But we’re not stopping at the border. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-ofa-kind attractions, let us point out the best of the mileposts.

Enjoy!

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

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

Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou is ready to serve its great food to diners in its new location—13 miles closer than its previous spot. Spend the day, choose a camp site or dine with us at this wonderfully huge venue that only Dillon’s Bayou and its award-winning barbecue can offer. Check out the general store, where you’re sure to find something necessary or unique. Our guests and employees are our greatest asset and we’re grateful for their loyalty. Visit one of our destination locations: Dillon’s Bayou at Pleasant Harbor and Dillon’s at The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium.

Four Valley locations, dillonsrestaurant.com

O.K. Corral Visit the actual site of Tombstone, Arizona’s legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and see Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday in daily reenactments.

There are life-sized animatronic figures of the eight gun fighters, too.

Experience the Corral as it was in the 1880s, with working blacksmiths, antique cowboy gear, Western buggies and four museum displays. Ticket includes admission to multimedia Tombstone history show and a copy of the October 26, 1881, Tombstone Epitaph newspaper with original reports of the gunfight.

326 E. Allen Street, Tombstone, 520.457.3456, okcorral.com

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Check out The Scott Resort & Spa

The Scott Resort & Spa has completely remodeled its front lobby and lush surrounding grounds. Through September 2018, rooms will be systematically remodeled to complement the new Havana look and vibe.

The rooms will be orchestrated in shades of cream and sage, with a breezy island openness that is unlike any other resort in the Valley.

Rooms will include an openstyle wardrobe, prolific use of wood and wicker, island-style furnishings and lighting, and even a vintage cube clock and cocktail cart to put guests in the tropical mood.

‘HAVANA OOO, NAH, NAH!’

The Scott Resort & Spa gets a refresh

Lynette Carrington » The Entertainer!

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ith a dreamy new look and a signature restaurant, The Scott Resort & Spa is completing its resort renovations.

The remodel exudes a classic Havana vibe with a dash of old New Orleans incorporated for style. The eatery, The Canal Club, brings new life to classic dishes, utilizing fresh ingredients in a romantic and engaging setting that will have guests celebrating Cuba.

The lobby takes guests away to an island paradise with tropical breezes, where men sit with their cocktails and play chess, while tipping their hats to the ladies who ventured to their beach cabanas. Try it.

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The beverage program at The Scott has been carefully curated by beverage master, Jackson Donahue, who says playfully, “If it’s liquid and it’s in the hotel, I develop it.” For example, the sunset limited cocktail was a refreshing island-inspired drink with rum, Plymouth gin, aperitif, Brazil nut, orange, grapefruit and pineapple.

THE CANAL CLUB CUISINE Chef de cuisine Chris Castro has been with the property, formerly FireSky Resort, more than a year.

“I was brought in post-renovation to develop the menu,” he says.

“That’s what I did for a good six months during the summer of 2017. I worked on recipes, developed menus, did tastings with the owner and worked to get the menu just right.”

After dining at The Canal Club, it is clear Castro got the menu direction down perfectly. The Cabana Club boasts a focused menu with an appealing collection of noshes and entrees that indulges in the Cuban-themed experience, with a dash of Latin America.

For starters, try the ceviche with rockfish, jicama and tajin with plantain chips and blue corn chips. Another appetizer was the inventive plantain fritters with black bean puree and cotija cheese. The ceviche was cold, fresh and perfectly complemented the twist of crisp plantains.

“There’s been a nice evolution since we’ve opened. We’ve been adapting the menu according to guest’s feedback and to what seasonal local ingredients are available,” Castro explains.

A suggested entrée is the pollo al

horno, a grilled chicken thigh with black beans and rice served with a crisp green salad. It was tender, juicy and the lightly seasoned black beans provided a nice texture. The paella de vegetales can be mixed with generously sized shrimp. It’s one of the best entrées in the Valley. This paella included saffron rice, leek sofrito, roasted vegetables and a dash of peas simmered into a tomato broth. The entrée was great with vegetables only, but guests are welcome to add a protein. Other entrees included the crispy skinned salmon and the spiced gaucho steak.

The Scott Resort & Spa and The Canal Club 4925 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 800.528.7867, thescottresort.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

A SUMMER HAVEN

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The Cookie Cabin is also in Summerhaven. With a name like that, who wouldn’t want to eat there? The family-owned restaurant serves giant homemade cookies, some topped with six scoops of ice cream. Its website says that one cookie can feed “four people, two raccoons or one hungry cyclist.”

The Cookie Cabin also serves lunch items, including pizza and hot dogs.

WHERE TO STAY

The complete guide to visiting Mount Lemmon Gloria Knott » The Entertainer!

M

ount Lemmon. It’s the place where Tucsonans go to play in snow in the winter, cool off in the summer, and take a day trip when a weeklong vacation abroad might not be in the budget.

For newbies, Mount Lemmon is in the Santa Catalinas, surrounded by the Coronado National Forest. It’s a good 20 to 30 degrees cooler and only takes about an hour to get to Summerhaven, a quaint little town tucked into the mountains.

I spent the day in Mount Lemmon and discovered what to do, what to eat, and where to stay in the whimsical area.

Here is your complete guide to visiting Mount Lemmon.

GETTING THERE Because you’ll be traveling up a mountain, the road will be curvy and sometimes a bit congested with other cars and bicyclists. But the scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.

There are a handful of pullouts along the road, in addition to scenic byways, which make it easy to park your car, stretch your legs and take in the

view. One of the most popular spots is Windy Point, which overlooks mountains and trees.

WHAT TO DO On your way up the mountain, you’ll pass Rose Canyon. Besides the pretty name, Rose Canyon is home to a campground and a lake, which is perfect for fishing.

Forgot your fishing pole? Maybe try the hiking trails instead—there are several in the area. One of the most popular is the Butterfly Trail, which is near the Palisades Visitor Center.

Once you reach Summerhaven, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at the Mount Lemmon General Store & Gift Shop. The shop sells necessities such as snacks and water, in addition to novelty trinkets and souvenirs that you can’t find elsewhere. But here’s the best part: the general store specializes in homemade fudge in more than a dozen mouthwatering flavors. The raspberry chocolate swirl is my favorite.

The Living Rainbow gift shop is another worthy spot. The shop features colorful souvenirs and artsy knickknacks.

When it snows in Mount Lemmon, skiing and snowboarding are popular activities. Next to Summerhaven is Ski Valley, which has a year-round ski lift.

Ski Valley also has skis and snowboards available for rent in the winter, in addition to its own ski school.

At the top of the mountain is the University of Arizona’s SkyCenter. The observatory features SkyNights, complete with public telescopes. Stargazing has never been so easy.

Other activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and birding. Camping is also available.

WHERE TO EAT Picnic tables are abundant throughout Mount Lemmon, but if you’re not in the mood to pack your own sandwiches, don’t fret! Restaurants are a worthy option.

The Iron Door Restaurant, located in Ski Valley, offers breakfast and lunch.

For lunch, the restaurant serves nine sandwich options, homemade soups and chili, and delicious appetizers. And you can’t forget about the homemade pies.

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, head to Summerhaven for a bite to eat at the Sawmill Run Restaurant.

The restaurant’s cozy cabin vibes pair well with the menu’s comfort foods.

They have soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers, in addition to a list of “smokehouse favorites,” such as smoked baby back ribs and sausage.

If you’re looking to submerge in the true Mount Lemmon experience, camping might be the option for you. There are three campgrounds in Mount Lemmon, all of which are spacious and scenic, to say the very least.

Alternatively, cabins are available to rent and they’re as cozy as they look.

Visit mtlemmoncabins.com for details.

Excited for your trip to Mount Lemmon yet? I would be. Don’t forget to bring your camera, bottles of water, and your favorite walking shoes.

For more information: Palisades Visitors Center Santa Catalina Ranger District 749.8700 Summerhaven mtlemmon.com/summerhaven/ The Living Rainbow thelivingrainbow.com Ski Valley skithelemmon.com University of Arizona SkyCenter https://skycenter.arizona.edu/ Iron Door Restaurant skithelemmon.com/page3.html Sawmill Run Restaurant sawmillrun.com The Cookie Cabin thecookiecabin.org WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

UPCOMING CONCERTS AT THE MIM MUSIC THEATER AVERY*SUNSHINE

REBIRTH BRASS BAND

Saturday, August 18 | 7:30 p.m.

“With a distinct voice that can brighten even the cloudiest day, soul singer Avery Sunshine exudes rays of sunlight and love.”

—Ebony

Tuesday, August 7 | 7 p.m.

Among New Orleans brass bands, Rebirth is the undisputed leader of the pack.

GOGO PENGUIN

MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE

Thursday, August 9 | 7:30 p.m.

“Powered by fluttering, junglist drums, slithering bass lines and an increasing bank of Eno-esque digital manipulations.

Hypnotic stuff.”

—Guardian

Wednesday, August 22 | 7 p.m.

This band of musical sisters pushes the boundaries of mariachi, bringing electrifying music to new audiences.

KAT EDMONSON

TINARIWEN

Friday, August 10 | 7:30 p.m.

“A twinkly throwback charm, whether in jazz-cabaret or folksy indie-pop mode” —NPR

Thursday, August 23 | 7:30 p.m.

Over thirty years of gritty, hypnotic, desert blues from the Sahara

OTTMAR LIEBERT WITH LUNA NEGRA

RANKY TANKY Tuesday, August 14 | 7 p.m.

A breath of fresh air from the Gullah traditions of the southeastern United States and the Sea Islands

Wed. & Thu., August 29 & 30 | 7 p.m.

One of the most successful artists of the past decade, Ottmar Liebert presents his brand of Spanish-inspired, easy-listening music

ELIANE ELIAS Thursday, August 16 | 7 & 9 p.m.

“Elias’ strengths as a jazz artist, combined with her roots in Sao Paulo, make her one of the most impressive interpreters of jazzlinked bossa novas, sambas and choros.”

—Los Angeles Times

THE DAWG TRIO Featuring David Grisman, Danny Barnes, and Sam Grisman Saturday, September 1 | 7 & 9 p.m.

They are among the most influential modern bluegrass legends alive.

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

2018 Concert Series sponsored by

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE ARTIST

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CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE Gavin DeGraw is switching genres for his next album Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

S

inger-pianist Gavin DeGraw is gearing up for a big change in his career.

He’s going country.

“Musically, that’s more in line with what I’m doing, where my heart is as a musician,” DeGraw says.

“I’m not taking anything away from the hits I’ve had in other markets, at Hot AC or Top 40. I feel pretty fortunate.

“But, country likes a songwriter.

That’s where songwriting is celebrated.

That’s where people like me thrive. As pop moves further toward the DJ world, I find myself drawn toward the country market. Country radio still sounds like songwriting and that’s who I identify

with as a person.”

In the meantime, DeGraw will play his hits at the Pepsi Amphitheater in Flagstaff with Phillip Phillips on Thursday, August 23.

“The show’s a bit different than when we played the Arizona State Fair,” DeGraw says. “We were still using tracks here and there in our show. With this show, I’ve decided to get away from the use of the laptop. It became so popular in the live concert world that I felt for a minute we needed to try it, too. I tried it and it made it sound like 30 musicians on stage. One day, I looked over and thought to myself, ‘I don’t ever want to see another laptop on my stage again.’”

When he finishes laughing, he adds, “I want to get back to the basics

and make this thing feel raw.”

The change has allowed the band to feel freer, with more space to play.

“Now we get to play our (butts) off,” he says. “We don’t feel like we’re in a box. We can stretch our legs and really play music and play live the way it’s supposed to be played.”

DeGraw says the tour with Phillips is going well. It’s a partnership that allows him to really thrive.

“When I heard Phillip’s first single, ‘Home,’ I thought, ‘Oh, that’s great,’” DeGraw says. “When this came about, I said, ‘Absolutely.’”

When the tour is over, that’s when he’s ready to begin his foray into country, which was inspired, too, by his longtime friend Brett Young.

“We’ve been buddies since he was a bartender,” DeGraw says. “Now he’s absolutely blowing up in the country world. We just did a song together. I see Brett as the next stadium act in my mind. I’m hoping it happens for him.”

DeGraw will play his hits on August 23 in Flagstaff, where NAU students will be moving into their dorms and apartments.

“We’ve done pretty well with the college scene,” DeGraw says. “The college students like to go out and have a ball. Our show is loose and fun and up tempo. It’s a great show. It’s a high-energy show and a little different than the average bear.”

Then DeGraw gets real.

“Should I bring a big U-Haul and gloves?” he says, laughing. “That’s who should be sponsoring the show. Oh! And IKEA.”

Gavin DeGraw and Phillip Phillips

Pepsi Amphitheater, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, pepsiamphitheater.com, 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 23, $31 and $45.

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

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

Catch Me If You Can

ARTS

CALENDAR CATCH ME IF YOU CAN TO AUGUST 12

TO AUGUST 12 Harken back to the day of 1960s Pan Am glamor with this musical comedy about real-life con man Frank Abagnale Jr. This brazen young man fooled some of the best security in the world. If the plot sounds familiar, you may have seen the feature film version starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Catch this regional premiere and enjoy a gourmet dinner along with it!

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623.776.8400, azbroadway.org, times vary, $41.20-$90.

Avenue Q

BLAINE LONG AND ROSAS DEL REY AUGUST 3

TO SEPTEMBER 9 You will probably want to leave the children at home for this puppet show. Badly behaved puppets using R-rated language present a look at life after college in this critically acclaimed, audience favorite, musical comedy that will have you talking about it (just not at work) for days.

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

Blaine Long and Rosas del Rey

AUGUST 3 The sounds of unique guitar, smooth percussion and soulful vocals create the music of Blaine Long and Rosas del Rey. Their music is a blend of country, rock and R&B. Tickets to this concert are free and reservations are encouraged. Arrive early to the show for selections from SanTan Brewery and line dancing in the lobby.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m., free, donations accepted.

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE AUGUST 9-12

First Friday FINNEGAN BLUE AUGUST 24

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

AUGUST 3 There is no better time to check out Phoenix’s expanding arts scene than First Fridays. Start Downtown and explore the numerous galleries, then hop on the Artlink Trolley or Light Rail and head to the Phoenix Art Museum, which offers free admission (donations gladly accepted) to its regular galleries from 6 to 10 p.m. with a variety of special events.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.457.5814, phxart.org, 6 p.m., free.

My Beloved World AUGUST 6 TO AUGUST 16 Learn the story of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on stage during your lunch hour. New Carpa Theatre Company presents the memoir of the Sotomayor, who grew up the daughter of an alcoholic in a Bronx housing project. Despite her challenges, she because the first Hispanic on the Supreme Court.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater. org, times vary, $7.

And Then There Were None AUGUST 9 TO AUGUST 12 One of Agatha Christie’s greatest novels was written nearly 80 years ago and has inspired numerous other authors, and even the board game Clue. The story focuses on a group of strangers locked in a house with a murderer. In Rogue Dance Theater Inc.’s production, the familiar characters from the game have been placed in Christie’s world where they are not only the suspects, but also the victims.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $16-$28.

Newsies the Musical AUGUST 10 TO AUGUST 26 A Tony Award-winning score sets the soundtrack for this upbeat and lively musical set in the turn-of-thecentury New York made famous by the 1992 Disney feature film. Jack Kelly is a newsboy who rallies the troops to strike against their unfair work conditions and challenges the big newspaper industry. Presented

by Valley Youth Theatre.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater. org, times vary, $20.50-$39.50.

Rose and Walsh AUGUST 17 TO SEPTEMBER 2 The 2018-19 Theatre Artists Studio season opens with the hilarious comedy/drama Rose and Walsh by Neil Simon. The play follows two great literary figures and the depth and consequence of their enduring love.

Theatre Artists Studio, 12406 N. Paradise Village Parkway East, Scottsdale, 602.765.0120, thestudiophx.org, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, $15-$25.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

Disney’s Little Mermaid

The Scarlet Pimpernel

AUGUST 23 TO AUGUST 25 Actors Youth Theatre invites audiences to go “under the sea” this summer without having to leave Gilbert.

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and the popular Disney animated feature film, Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, the beautiful mermaid, as she falls in love with a handsome, human prince. You may find yourself wanting to sing along with the well-known soundtrack of beloved songs. Presented by Actors Youth Theatre.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, 480.279.7194, higleyarts.org, times vary, $17-$22.

AUGUST 24 TO OCTOBER 6 Hale Centre Theatre entertains audiences year-round and it is ending the summer and kicking off fall with a production based on the book and lyrics by Nan Knighton.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this Broadway hit will thrill as Sir Percy and his band of patriots use disguises and wit to rescue the innocent from certain doom. The production features a soaring score, romance and stunning costumes.

Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert, 480.497.1181, haletheatrearizona, times vary, $20-$36.

Finnegan Blue

Rodrigo y Gabriela

AUGUST 24 Finnegan Blue is a sibling duo who performs Irish and bluegrass originals with their band. Expect to also hear an eclectic collection of covers by the likes of the Grateful Dead, Flogging Molly, Sublime and Amy Winehouse. The show is free, but reservations are encouraged. Arrive early and grab a glass of Guinness while you enjoy traditional Irish step dancers in the lobby.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m., free.

DFT Cabaret: TA Burrows, Legends of Song

Mike Super

Magic and Illusion

Arizona Takes Shape

AUGUST 26 TA Burrows is loved by Desert Foothills audiences for his role as Hoke in Driving Miss Daisy and his energetic cabaret performances.

Burrows is back and will offer a repertoire from the Great American Songbook.

Desert Foothills Theatre, Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th Street B, Scottsdale, 480.488.1981, dftheater.org 7:15 p.m., $29.50.

AUGUST 26 Music duo Rodrigo y Gabriela left Mexico for Ireland in 1999. Since then, they have established themselves as one of the most popular acoustic instrumental bands in the world, selling more than 1.5 million albums. The duo has sold out venues like the Hollywood Bowl, the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.

This is your chance to see them close to home, right here in Mesa.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $39.50$69.50.

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ONGOING School still may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning needs to stop. Plan a visit to the Arizona Capital Museum and learn about how the U.S. government created the Territory of Arizona on February 24, 1863.

Follow the journey from westward expansion through statehood to see how Arizona evolved. Admission is free, but a donation is suggested.

Arizona Capital Museum, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.926.3620, azlibrary.gov/ azcm, times vary, $1-$5.

ARIZONA TAKES SHAPE ONGOING

Macy Gray Sep. 23 · 7:00 p.m.

Sep 22 · 7:00 p.m.

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

The 2018 Ruby Tour

Voted “Best New Family Show!”

Winner of NBC’s Phenomenon!

Tickets on sale at

ChandlerCenter.org

480.782.2680 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

COMING

ATTRACTIONS digital footprints in an attempt to solve the mystery of her disappearance before she vanishes forever.

Opens August 3.

and become unlikely allies, enduring countless dangers and overwhelming odds to find their way home before winter arrives. Opens August 17.

The Spy Who Dumped Me

Christopher Robin

Ewan McGregor plays a man who has lost his way since having spent his childhood embarking on adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a band of spirited stuffed animals. When said stuffed animals venture into our world, they help their old friend remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Opens August 3.

Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon play best friends who are thrust unexpectedly into an international conspiracy when one of their ex-boyfriends shows up with a team of deadly assassins on his trail.

Surprising even themselves, the duo jumps into action as they hatch a plan to save the world. Opens August 3.

The Meg

Jason Statham plays an expert deep-sea rescue diver who is recruited to save the crew of a deepsea submersible from a prehistoric 75-foot-long shark known as the Megalodon. Having previously encountered the creature, he must confront his fears and risk his own life to save everyone trapped below.

Opens August 10.

A.X.L.

Alex Neustaedter plays a young man who discovers a top-secret, robotic dog and activates its owner-pairing technology. Together, the two develop a special friendship based on trust, loyalty and compassion. They also go to great lengths to protect one another, including facing off against the scientists who want the robotic dog back. Opens August 24.

The Happytime Murders

Dog Days

Searching

This ensemble comedy follows the lives of multiple dog owners and their beloved fluffy pals around sunny Los Angeles. When these human and canine’s paths start to intertwine, their lives begin changing in ways they never expected.

Opens August 10.

John Cho plays a father whose 16-year-old daughter goes missing.

After 37 hours without a lead, he decides to search the one place no one has looked yet - his daughter’s laptop. He then traces his daughter’s

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

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Alpha

Kodi Smit-McPhee plays a young man who, while on his first hunt, is injured and must survive alone in the wilderness. Reluctantly taming a lone wolf abandoned by its pack, the pair learns to rely on each other

Melissa McCarthy plays a disgraced LAPD detective-turned-private eye who pairs up with a puppet (Joel McHale) to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show. Opens August 24.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this month?

Ask our experts!

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom may fall short of the majestic amusement achieved by its 2015 predecessor, Jurassic World, but it still provides the most fun you will have in a movie theater this year. The first half of the fifth installment in the Jurassic Park film franchise provides plenty of new dinosaur-themed thrills. The second half, however, loses a little steam by moving the action off the island in order to propel the story forward in a potentially exciting new direction. The movie’s greatest accomplishment is its ability to tug on your heartstrings as you empathize with the on-screen prehistoric creatures more than ever before.

RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

Three Identical Strangers

There is not a writer in Hollywood that could come up with a plot more bizarre than the story of three brothers separated at birth that were not aware they were triplets until after high school. Had this been a movie, one would say the plot was unbelievable. But oddly enough, it is 100 percent true. Filled with laughs, tears, anger and frustration, this is the best documentary of 2018 - if not ever. Make sure to add this one to your “must-see” list. You will be talking about it for days.

The Report Card

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

Joseph

Ant-Man and the Wasp

B

B

Eighth Grade

B

A

The Equalizer 2

C

B

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

JOSEPH J. AIRDO has written news and entertainment content for several print and digital publications, appeared in a big screen commercial for National CineMedia, and spent nearly five years producing and co-hosting an entertainment-themed talk radio show. He resides in New River with his pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is.

Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

B

B

B

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

A

C

B

Ocean’s 8

B

B

C

Sicario: Day of the Soldado

D

C

Skyscraper

B

D

Tag

B

D

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

B

A

FILM FACTS SOUNDBITE SPOTLIGHT

Eighth Grade

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS

C

M.V.

The Incredibles 2

M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

The heroine of writer-director Bo Burnham’s comedy-drama is Kayla (Elsie Fisher), a 13-year-old trying to navigate the last few days of the title grade. She posts online videos offering social advice despite her own awkwardness, she gets invited to a popular girl’s birthday party, she struggles with a crush, she shadows a friendly older girl at the high school she’ll be going next year, and she endures the clumsy attempts of her adoring single dad (Josh Hamilton) to connect with her. The episodes are ordinary, but Burnham’s naturalistic touch and sympathetic wit make them funny, poignant, even universal.

Randy

Tom Cruise fractured his ankle in August 2017 while performing a stunt in which he leaps from one building to another during the filming of Mission: Impossible Fallout. Despite the impact and injury, Cruise continued the scene.

The motion picture halted production for seven weeks to allow for the actor’s recovery.

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

“This is such a huge role to take on because Donna as a character is so beloved, and Meryl Streep is the best actress of all time. I have loved the opportunity to show who Donna was before the point that Meryl takes over, before she has her heart broken by Sam and before she was left on the island with a baby.”

– Lily James, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again

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

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE DINER

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

Happy Hour Guide 38

RedThai & Shabu Fondue 40

Bene Plates 42

D’vine 44

AUGUST FOOD EVENTS Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

Summer Chicken and New Sides

AUGUST 7 Sweet Basil introduces students to six items, including cast iron lemon pepper chicken and roasted garlic and herb chicken with fennel and olive relish.

Sweet Basil Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.596.5628, sweetbasilgourmet.com, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $60.

Sushi Making 101: Art of Sushi Making

AUGUST 11 Learn sushi-making techniques, including determining the freshness and rolling techniques. Participants will receive 15 percent off drinks during the sushi-making class.

Autumn Court Chinese Restaurant, 3752 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.234.0512, https:// bit.ly/2ulPsQS, 11:30 a.m., $50.

Sparkling Week

AUGUST 14 TO AUGUST 19 Guests can pair meals with their favorite bubbles during Sparkling Week hand selected by sommeliers Scott and Katie Stephens. The special menu will offer bubbles by the glass, bottle and a special sparkling flight featuring three 2-ounce tastings for $15. Throughout the week, patrons can choose from a variety of sparkling offerings from California, France and Italy. In addition, it will offer Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut by the glass for $18.

Beckett’s Table, 3171 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.954.1700, beckettstable.com, regular hours, varying prices.

Fondant Fest

AUGUST 12 Meet other cake decorating enthusiasts and learn how to make zoo animals out of fondant. All supplies are included in the class fee.

AZ Cake Shoppe, 4601 E. Carolina Drive, Phoenix, azcakeshoppe. com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $85.

sample wines from Frank Family Vineyards. The evening will begin with a reception followed by a fourcourse dinner. Wines will be available for purchase at a discount.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Alto, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 480.444.1234, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com, 6:30 p.m., $95.

Prickly Pear Festival

AUGUST 18 Celebrate one of Arizona’s indigenous foods at the seventh annual prickly pear celebration. Activities include foraging for prickly pear fruit, a pancake breakfast, vendors and guest speakers.

Town Hall, 199 N. Lobb Avenue, Superior, superiorarizonachamber. org, 7 a.m., donation of choice.

Garden Party Cupcakes

AUGUST 25 Learn how to make flowers and ribbon roses using fondant and silicone molds.

AZ Cake Shoppe, 4601 E. Carolina Drive, Phoenix, azcakeshoppe. com, 10 a.m. to noon, $60.

CornFest and Arts and Crafts Show Wine Dinner

AUGUST 16 Meet other wine connoisseurs and

than 60 vendors selling various arts and crafts goods.

El Zaribah Shrine, 552 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, 602.231.0300, el-zaribah.org, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $6 to $10.

AUGUST 25 AND AUGUST 26 Try corn on the cob paired with either a hot dog or a hamburger in support of the El Zaribah Shrine. In addition to food, there will be more

Hot Chicken Throwdown

AUGUST 26 Local chefs will compete for the title of “best hot chicken” in Arizona. Celebrity judges will decide the champion, while the public votes for the people’s choice award. Participating restaurants include The Dressing Room, Liberty Station and Starlight BBQ. High & Rye, 5310 E. High Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, https://bit. ly/2L2uTAg, 4 p.m., $25.

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

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Brat Haus

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

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

Buck & Rider

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

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

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

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

Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.

Copper Blues

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

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

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

Craft 64

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

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

CRUjiente Tacos

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

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

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

Dirty Dogg Saloon

Dirty Dogg Saloon has built a reputation as a local watering hole. Happy hour is 3 to 8 p.m., with live music on Thursdays. Daily drink specials are also offered.

10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.368.8095, dirtydoggsaloon.com.

El Chorro

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

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

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

EVO

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

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

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Freezer’s Ice House

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

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

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 “At the corner of Mill & Broadway”

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

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

Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.

Hard Rock Café

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

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

Hungry Monk

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

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

Lucky Strike Bowling

Happy hour is offered from 3 to 7 p.m. daily, and includes $5 food specials, $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails and select wine.

50 W. Jefferson Street, suite 240, Phoenix, 602.732.5490, bowlluckystrike.com.

Luxe Lounge

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

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

Pedal Haus Brewery

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

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

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

Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale

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

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

Rehab Burger Therapy

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

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

Social Tap Eatery | Downtown Scottsdale

Downtown Scottsdale’s Social Tap Eatery offers happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday that include $4 Social Tap drafts, $5 select wines and discounted fan favorites like the double royale with cheese ($9), pulled pork sliders ($6) and social hour taco of choice ($3). Guests can enjoy an alfresco dining experience on the patio that overlooks Drinkwater Boulevard and Brown Avenue, or sit inside and watch the game or music videos on Social Tap’s two 90-inch TVs and 27 65-inch TVs in the restaurant and bar.

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

The Stockyards

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

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

SunUp Brewing Co.

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

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

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

Tutti Santi

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

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

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

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

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

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

Wasted Grain

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

Friday.

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

T S E B S T R SPO R! BA’S + 30

V 60 T ON TAP S BEER

Sum mer H Sund ours ay-Th urs Fr day iday 3-9 and Satu 11 A rd M-M idnig ay ht

We Offer The Finest Broaster Chicken Around!

We are a unique venue featuring wood fired slow cooked BBQ ribs, Brisket and Pork slow smoked everyday on our second patio!

We have a chef driving selection of unique sandwiches and appetizers and a salad selection that is amazing!

480.508.1000 • 7570 E. 6th Ave, Old Town Scottsdale

PHOTOS BY JORDAN CHRISTOPHER

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SIMPLISTIC YET

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

SPECIAL

RedThai and Shabu Fondue continue restaurateurs’ creativity Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

J

ohnny Chu and his business partner, Linda Qu, have quietly made their mark on the Valley with their creative restaurant concepts, including their first neighborhood foray, RedThai and Shabu Fondue.

“My partner and I, we’ve had many restaurants prior, and it’s always been destinations,” Qu says. “We’ve had downtown Phoenix, midtown Scottsdale, Tempe, and this (RedThai) was the first restaurant that we had opened that focused on neighborhood.”

The executive chef, Chu has owned and operated—some with the help of Qu—concepts including Lucky Dragon, Fate, Sens, T. Spot, Tien Wong Hot Pot and SoChu House. Together, they also opened YakiRamen in Phoenix last year.

Though some people questioned the WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

location choice, they wanted RedThai and Shabu Fondue to stand out.

“We had to really think about, ‘What can we bring to this neighborhood, this setting?’” Qu says.

They purposely placed the concepts next to each other four years ago, and in that time Qu has seen the region grow.

“There are a lot of restaurants that have, let’s say, two sides,” she explains.

“They’ll have the main restaurant, then they have a VIP side or a private party side. So that’s kind of similar to what we have, only on our VIP or private party side we have a totally different concept.

“I think it makes it interesting because, let’s say you live in the neighborhood, you come here once or twice a week and want something different, you have another option—and it’s right next door.”

REDTHAI RedThai is a Southeast Asian kitchen, inspired by dishes from regions like

Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

However, simplicity is essential.

“It’s not 100 items,” Qu explains.

“But all the items we do have are very good. We make all our food items fresh, all of our sauces. It’s a little different. It’s not your traditional Thai or traditional Vietnamese food.”

Qu says all their dishes are equally popular.

“We really know who our audience is,” she explains. “If you go to any mainstream or traditional, let’s say, Chinese restaurant, Thai restaurant, there are only a few dishes people actually gravitate to.

“And that’s what we have on the menu. We believe, instead of doing 100 items sub par, we can do just a limited amount of items, but we do them really well.”

Chu brings a nontraditional approach to RedThai. This can include something as simple as reinterpreting classic dishes by switching ingredients or sauces. One example is the pad Thai ($13.98), which is served with tofu, chicken or shrimp. Rice noodles, egg, mushrooms, carrots and a chili lime sauce with sprouts and peanuts also comprise the dish. Shrimp is an additional charge.

“It’s a very common Thai dish,” Qu says. “So, if you go to a different Thai restaurant, it’s more like a dry stir fry.

Here we use more of a chili lime citrus sauce.”

The gluten-free dish is brighter and more flavorful than other eateries.

Soups and salads are also on the menu, as are entrees like RedThai chicken and rice, sweet ginger fish and sizzling shrimp.

In addition to the pad Thai, RedThai’s wok fry and curry menu includes other choices like the $12.68 house dynamite, which has snow peas, pineapple, baby corn, onion, bell pepper and carrots in a spicy sweet and sour sauce, topped with peanuts and your choice of tofu, chicken or shrimp.

Shrimp is an additional charge.

Starters are similarly diverse, with choices like coconut shrimp, chicken lollipops, sweet potato fries, Thai basil clams and the orange puff.

A simplified lunch menu has a selection of items for $7.98. RedThai also has desserts like sweet wonton and beignet, as well as weekly specials.

The cocktail bar plays a large role, too. A $10 martini menu ranges from the alluring Saigon—a concoction of RedThai lychee, ginger-infused Pearl vodka, guava juice and SOHO lychee liqueur—to the Green Buddha, which mixes Pearl vodka, pandan-infused vodka, condensed milk, pineapple juice,

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

coconut juice and cream.

“The martinis menu that I have, I specifically made it for this restaurant,” Qu says. “So, just from the menu, from the flavors that we have, I had to pick certain drinks that can enhance the meal and the food item.”

Draft and bottled beers, and white and red wines are available, with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily (though the restaurant is closed Mondays). But if you’re under 21 or just not a drinker, tea, coffee and other nonalcoholic beverages are available.

Food and drink aside, RedThai is an experience. The restaurant is an open and inviting space. Livelier than its conceptual counterpart, it features wide, open windows and anime projections on the wall behind the bar. DJs perform on the weekends.

SHABU FONDUE Qu says the far mellower Shabu Fondue is intimate and perfect for group dinners or dates. It’s immediately apparent when entering the smaller, dimly lit room.

Shabu Fondue’s induction cook top tables allow for an interactive shabu-shabu experience where diners cook their own food.

“It’s something that every Asian culture, every Asian country has,” Qu says. “Their own version of hotpot.”

A similar concept to fondue, guests first choose from nine broths: mala spicy broth, spicy lemongrass, tomato chili, Korean kimchi, spicy red Thai curry, house Chinese herbal broth, Japanese miso, coconut curry and goji ginseng broth. Broths are $4.95.

“We kind of represent all the different hot pots from all the different regions within our menu,” Qu says.

Guests can then add meats, seafood, puffs, dumplings, eggs, mushrooms, vegetables, tofu or noodles to the broth. Choices are diverse. Guests can pick anything from beef tongue to Australian lamb, squid, cuttlefish puffs, pork dumplings, bamboo, quail eggs and Korean pumpkin, just to scratch the surface.

Pricing starts on the lower end with selections like jasmine rice ($1.98), and increases to choices such as Kobe sirloin beef ($15.98 for 7 ounces).

Like RedThai, catering to different eaters is important. Shabu Fondue also offers gluten-free or vegetarian options.

“It’s very healthy and it caters a lot of dietary needs,” Qu says. “Everything we have there is gluten free. All the broths we have are gluten free. And then the certain allergies we can cater to that also.”

The same cocktails and appetizers

41

are available at both restaurants. Despite the popularity of traditional fondue, its Asian likeness is far more unique to Phoenix, Qu says.

“This is the first shabu-shabu restaurant in Phoenix,” she says. After a pause, she emphasizes, “It still is the only shabu-shabu restaurant in Phoenix.”

With a long line of restaurants in the past, Qu says the reason they open different concepts is to attract new customers and keep things fresh for repeat guests.

Chu and Qu put their hearts and souls into the two neighboring Phoenix concepts, down to the design.

“Everything that’s in the space we actually designed ourselves,” she says.

“And I think it makes it very unique for us because it’s our vision, as far as food and aesthetics. That’s something that we’re really proud of.”

RedThai / Shabu Fondue

7822 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, 602.870.3015, redthaiphx.com, shabuphx.com.

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

SUSTAINABLY HEALTHY

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

Bene Plates is an undiscovered gem at naturopathic college

Lynette Carrington » The Entertainer!

W

hen Chris Faddis’ wife, Angela, lost her battle with colon cancer at 31, he vowed to eat well and take care of others.

A healthy meal delivery service, created with the help of Dr. John C. Oertle, was a natural extension of that. It evolved into Bene Plates, a café tucked into the Southwest College of

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe.

Opened in 2017, Bene Plates is a healthy and sustainably sourced café that serves breakfast, lunch, teas, coffees and mindful sweets that incorporate the message that food is medicine. Bene Plates, which is open to the public, still focuses on meals for those living with cancer, offering pick-up and delivery service, plus catering.

Executive Chef Sean Roe has been working with Faddis for two years.

“I started with Chris’ meal prep company, and have also taken on an

expansive operations role here,” explains Roe, who graduated from Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2004.

“One of the things I love about Bene Plates is that we treat food as medicine. Food is health care and that is our mentality.”

Whether someone is eating vegetarian, vegan, paleo or keto, or just loves a healthy and delicious meal, Bene Plates has a variety of offerings. It is a fromscratch kitchen where nearly everything is freshly made.

“We make what is healthy for people and we go out of our way and spend extra money because Chris is great that way,” Roe says. “Quality is first and then everything else follows.”

Roe’s wife, Suzanne O’Gara, is an herbalist with a degree from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts who blends the organic teas at the café and uses herbs in her traditional English-style scones.

Many local sources are used. Beef is from Scottsdale’s Arizona Grass Raised Beef Co. Chicken is naturally raised without hormones or antibiotics. Peddler’s Son Produce in Phoenix

provides produce, while coffee is courtesy Peixoto Coffee in Chandler.

“We’re using a lot of fresh herbs and spices in our recipes,” Roe says.

“We get a lot of help from Suzanne, too.

Being an herbalist, she helps us incorporate a lot of healthy things.”

Breakfast entrees include breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches ($6$7), frittatas ($7) and porridge ($5).

“The frittatas are definitely a hallmark of what we do,” Roe says.

Lunch features cilantro lime chicken ($6-$7), black bean patty ($6$7), Southwest turkey ($7) and the machaca beef ($6-$7).

“Our avocado toast is popular,” Roe says with a laugh. “If we could just call this place ‘Avocado Toast,’ we could be done. I want to come up with a dedicated menu for avocado toast because our guests are getting creative for us.”

Bene Plates

2125 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480.222.9600, beneplatescafe.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

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Happy Hour 11-6 Daily

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

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

Bistro brings craft cocktails, creative dishes to Northeast Mesa

SIMPLY

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

D’VINE

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

U

pon moving to Arizona from New York City, James Danler was looking for someone who made the perfect Sazerac, which mixes absinthe, sugar cube, rye whiskey or cognac, and Peychaud’s bitters.

“I came in and (the bartender) Megan made me the most amazing WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Sazerac,” Danler says. “It was perfect.”

That wasn’t the only thing that was “perfect.” The food was impressive at the cozy D’vine and its owners, Robert and Sharon Coulson, hired him. Megan McClure and the Wichita-born Danler are now engaged.

It’s that family atmosphere that has appealed to the Las Sendas and Red Mountain residents who frequent D’vine. The creative entrees are courtesy of chef Ramon Rice, a native Arizonan who has helmed the restaurant “since

day one.” He splits his time between D’vine Mesa and Chandler.

Rice’s street tacos (ancho beef, habanero sauce, tomatillo aioli, picked onion, avocado, cotija cheese and pico de gallo), burgers, short rib (braised, served with rosemary oven chips and grilled vegetables finished with blueberry reduction) and fried chicken dinner are among the favorites on the menu. But Danler has another choice.

“My favorite things are the specials,” he says coyly. “That’s where

Ramon gets to play around. He creates menus for the neighborhood.”

A Red Mountain High School graduate, Rice changes the menu at least twice a year. The next revision comes in October. He knows not to touch dishes like the Moroccan spiced meatballs and the Caribbean pig wings, also some of the top sellers.

Creativity in the kitchen comes naturally to Rice.

“I had no idea what I wanted to be for a long time,” Rice says. “It’s the lamest story. I was in an apartment with my roommate. I was probably a construction worker and I was making something that’s good. He said, ‘Why aren’t you doing this?’ A commercial comes on for Le Cordon Bleu and a year later, I’m a chef.”

Danler’s background brings him to D’vine, which features live music and regulars’ paintings. Raised in Wichita and Omaha, he says he’s been in hospitality most of his life. He accompanied his brother to his dishwashing job when he was 4. His father was his Catholic school’s janitor. Danler helped set up chairs with his father for funerals and weddings.

“By the time I was 21, I was the manager of the Omaha Press Club,” he says. “I moved to New York and there I started as a back waiter at the Union Square Café.

“One thing I learned is we take care of each other first. The staff here loves one another. The most important thing to me is the staff. I want to make sure they’re happy and taken care of. We’re all educated. We educate ourselves. It’s fun.”

That familial sense was instilled into Danler in New York.

“I learned we treat everyone like our favorite person,” he explains. “That’s how I start interviews: Who do you care for more than anyone else on Earth? For me, it’s my mother.”

Rice and Danler say craft cocktails still are important to D’vine.

“We’re the only ones doing craft cocktails in East Mesa,” Rice says.

That includes Sazerac, Danler adds.

“It’s America’s most classic cocktail,” he says. “That’s the original cocktail.”

D’vine Bistro

2837 N. Power Road, Mesa, 480.654.4171, dvinebistromesa.com.

new location

coming soon! e3 dc ranch

marketplace

eggstasy breakfast • lunch • mimosas

e16990 east shea blvd scottsdale

e210155 east via linda scottsdale ranch

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480.500.5889

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480.993.3449

www.eggstasyaz.com

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

BEER BLURBS

KIMBERLY CARRILLO

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

LEAH HUSS’ HUSS BREWING WON THE SILVER MEDAL FOR ITS SIGNATURE SCOTTSDALE BLONDE.

MEDAL WINNERS medal for its signature Scottsdale Blonde. Brewed similarly to lager, Huss’ Scottsdale Blonde has a crisp, light and refreshing flavor with a slightly sweet finish. It is available year-round.

Huss has two locations: 1520 W. Mineral Road, Tempe, 480.264.7611; 100 E. Camelback Road, Suite 160, Phoenix, hussbrewing.com.

Hosted every June in Ohio, the U.S. Open Brewing Championship is an international competition covering more than 100 categories and is the only professional event to allow home brewers and professional brewers to compete for the title of world’s best.

‘ALES ON RAILS’

Verde Canyon Railroad’s ode to Oktoberfest, “Ales on Rails,” brings together rail fans and ale fans to celebrate the season. In addition to starting in September, just as Germany’s Oktoberfest does, it is now a daily event taking place every date the train runs from September 18 through October 31.

Featuring a wide selection of Arizona-brewed craft beers by the taste or by the glass, and a luncheon, it’s a party on the depot patio 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., prior to the train’s 1 p.m.

departure. Ales on Rails features an optional lunch of grilled sausages, special-recipe potato salad and hot pretzels served with a gourmet cheeses perfect for dipping.

The celebration continues on board the train as the specialty beers, including Verde Canyon Railroad’s own private-label beers from Sedona’s Oak Creek Brewing Company, are stocked up for purchase during the four-hour wilderness ride.

For reservations, call 1.800.293.7245.

JORDAN CHRISTOPHER

Congratulations to Grand Canyon Brewing and Huss Brewing took silver medals at the 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championships in Ohio.

Grand Canyon Brewing in Williams took the prize for its Expeditions Wheat, a fruity wheat brew with floral and spicy characteristics, made with raw wheat and a strong clean yeast. Available year-round, it has a 4.9 percent ABV ad 18 IBU. Grand Canyon Brewing Company is located at 301 N. Seventh Street, Williams. For more information, call 800.513.2072.

Huss Brewing won the silver

OKTOBERFEST RETURNING

Munich returns to downtown Chandler with 11th annual SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest on Saturday, September 29, with polka music, brat-eating contest, stein-holding competition, tricycle races and wiener dog races. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers provide the music.

A Bavarian-style beer garden will serve SanTan’s Oktoberfest lager, a traditional German lager boasting a toasty strong malt profile with a clean and crisp lager flavor, ABV 5.5 percent.

SanTan will also pour their core beers and other seasonal offerings.

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General admission and VIP tickets are available online at santanoktoberfest. com. Beginning September 1, all Valley Bashas’ locations will offer a $10 discounted general admission ticket.

The event will be held at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, from 3 to 11 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the SanTan Brewing Oktoberfest benefits St. Joseph the Worker, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting the homeless, low income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment.

LAURA HANSEN COFOUNDED SADDLE MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY IN GOODYEAR.

CELEBRATING SADDLE MOUNTAIN The Wigwam in Litchfield Park is continuing its Summer Beer Dinner Series Thursday, August 23, at Red’s Bar & Grill with a salute to Saddle Mountain Brewery in Goodyear.

The Wigwam invites guests to enjoy a four-course meal paired with four beers from local breweries. The

Wigwam’s chef and a representative from Saddle Mountain Brewing Company will be present to guide guests through the dining experience. Dinner begins at 6:30pm at $45 per person plus tax and gratuity.

To make reservations, call 623.935.3811. c

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE CRAFTMASTER

47

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer Over Here Drink up at any of these Valley beer

Indoor Beer Fest

events this month Samantha Fuoco » The Entertainer!

Craft Beer Tasting with Four Peaks Brewing Co.

AUGUST 2 Four Peaks Brewing Co. celebrates its well-known Arizona craft beers and announces a brew from its Eighth Street brewery. Each ticket includes three beer tastings and hors d’oeuvres, which are prepared

by Chef Dennis Bagnasco.

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

Mile High Brewfest

AUGUST 11 Enjoy samples from some of Southwest’s best craft breweries and food from local restaurants and

food trucks. Listen to live music while hanging out in Prescott. This event, which will be held rain or shine, benefits Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona.

Prescott Mile High Middle School Field, 300 S. Granite Street, Prescott, 928.776.8686, milehighbrewfest.com, 4 to 8 p.m., $40.

Taste-About Flagstaff

AUGUST 11 Walk to participating locations for a taste of Flagstaff’s best craft beers, along with food, wine and spirits. Also, during this first-time event, guests will vote for best dish, best craft beer and overall best experience.

Heritage Square, 22 E. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.213.2951, eventbrite.com, 1 to 5 p.m., $35.

Hops to Table

AUGUST 16 Whether it’s called beer, cerveza, birra or bier, come learn about it here. Chef Terri Milkligan’s Hops to Table class explores pairing beer with food to enhance the flavors of both.

Sweet Basil Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.596.5628, sweetbasilgourmet.com, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $65.

AUGUST 19 Come cool off at The Van Buren for an indoor beer fest featuring more than 20 breweries like Four Peaks, 10 Barrel, Elysian, Golden Road, Breckenridge, Goose Island, 21st Amendment, Barrio, Ace Cider, Coronado, Deschutes, Founders, Lumberyard, Modern Times, Mudshark, Ninkasi, Odell, Pizza Port, Prescott and Stone. Elvis Before Noon will play hits from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 1 to 6 p.m., free admission, tasting tickets available for purchase on site.

Brews, Blues and Barbecue

AUGUST 30 Enjoy live music from the Arizona Blues Project and unlimited barbecue specials. Pints are $1 off.

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

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

Happy Hour 3-6pm Mon-Fri Dog Friendly Patio Dog Treats & Dog “Beer” Available Trivia Tuesdays at 7pm SINGO Thursdays at 7pm Tasty Pub Grub

(623) 398-3636 4626 N 16th St. Unit 102, Phoenix, AZ 85016 @theCasualPintCentralPhoenix WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

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

Craft 64

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

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!

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.

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.

Freezer’s Ice House

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

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

The Casual Pint Central Phoenix

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

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

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

Harvey American Public House

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Spokes on Southern

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

Culinary Dropout

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

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!

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

Pig & Pickle

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

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

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!

is just one part of what we do...

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

House of Brews Sports Bar

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

Hungry Monk

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Phoenix Public Market Café

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BEER TENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

M

ichael Kogan, craft beer industry veteran and bartender/ manager at Boondocks Patio and Grill, is a local boy done good. Learn his story here.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN CRAFT BEER? I am actually an Arizona native. I grew up in the Valley and while attending Horizon High School at age 15, I started working at a then-Sam Fox restaurant called Chloe’s Corner. The corporate chef and I got along straight away, so when she made the decision to buy the business from Fox, I stayed on with her. Then, once I started at ASU in 2009, I went to work for Pranksters, which was owned by a family friend. By age 19, I was co-running the Tempe location and helping in Scottsdale – getting fascinated by the quickly

growing craft beer movement but not yet able to taste it. By 21, having worked in hospitality for six years around it by then, I jumped in, first with Papago Orange Blossom, then with Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter – and I knew I found my calling.

I moved over to Spanish Fly in 2011 and stayed on when it converted to Boondocks in 2013, really focusing on how to champion local and regional craft beers.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES CRAFT BEER SPECIAL? Craft beer tells a story – of the brewery, of its people, of its local landscape. I love nothing more than traveling to breweries all over to taste the local ingredients in their beers and hear – often directly from the brewers themselves – the stories of how they got into this field and what goes into their selections.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE BREWERIES DOING IT RIGHT.

TELL US ABOUT THE BEER PROGRAM AT BOONDOCKS.

I am a huge advocate of Sleepy Dog, Four Peaks, Papago and Huss.

Every beer on draft is local. We have 10 local beers on tap always. At any given time, expect Scottsdale Blonde, Papago Orange Blossom and a selection from our friends at San Tan, Four Peaks, Sleepy Dog and others. Every beer we serve in a can is crushed and recycled. We actually donate the money we get for recycling the cans the charity.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEER CULTURE IN ARIZONA? It’s so collaborative. Being on the bar side, I can speak to this directly. A great example – Sleepy Dog. They worked with us to develop a Boondocks Double Dog Dare You IPA. We are a dog-friendly venue, so was perfect for us. Not only that, once we had the beer in, they worked with us on charitable and other events to bring people in and taste for a good cause. There is a true sense of partnership we feel, like this, with so many of our local breweries.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEERS? I love most sours. And, in addition to all of the ones I noted above, I am a fan of Newcastle, Killian Irish Red and most of the beers that Pizza Port in San Diego is coming out with lately.

Boondocks Patio and Grill

4341 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, 480.949.8454, boondocksaz.com.

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

BEER GEAR Thompson Mug Co.

Beer Cap Maps

Allison Neri » The Entertainer!

Allison Neri » The Entertainer!

Beer connoisseurs and newbies appreciate a nice brewski and collecting little remembrances from different breweries. We have the perfect gift for them or yourself—a beer cap map of the United States. Show off your penchant for everything sudsy with a wood cutout of the nation that holds bottle caps from each state. With Arizona Beer Week approaching, microbreweries will be traveling across the country to showcase their craft beers, so it’s the perfect time to round out the outof-state bottle cap collection, or start the hobby. Available at beercapmaps.com.

Beer and baseball—pretty much America’s favorite pastimes.

Thanks to the smart minds at Thompson Mug Co., drinkers can quench their thirst from a baseball bat, while rooting for their favorite team.

The laser-engraved drinking bat mugs can commemorate special days and holds up to 12 oz. of liquid. Into your team? Check out the Skyline Series (city skylines), the Signature Series (autographs), and Limited Edition. The average price is $59. Be the all star at the next baseball game, with this customizable mug. The beverage bats, which retail at around $59, are available for purchase at dugoutmugs.com

IN THE

SPIRIT The Van Buren is expanding its reach to beer and vodka lovers

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

he Van Buren may be known primarily as a music venue, but the management team wants to go beyond that.

The first Van Beer’N Indoor Beer Festival from 1 to 6 p.m.

Sunday, August 19, celebrates a type of drink that is generally passed over in the summer. The event will host

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more than 20 breweries including Four Peaks, Founders, Lumberyard, Modern Times and Mudshark.

Admission is free, but tickets are $10 to $30, depending on the number of 4-ounce tastes the patron would like to have.

“We wanted easy-drinking summertime beers,” says Jessica Hill, The Van Buren’s assistant general manager. “There are great summer seasonals. We have the mainstays that are really popular in the craft beer scene, along with stouts and

porters. I know those aren’t generally thought of as summer beers, but it may be someone’s go-to beer.”

The beer can be paired with The Van Buren’s normal concession food and summertime barbecue favorites on a grill outside.

The Van Buren’s staff came up with the idea. There aren’t many beer festivals in the summer, and they thought this would be a perfect fit. Coupled with the festival is a performance by Elvis Before Noon, which plays a variety of covers.

“We wanted this to be for the casual beer drinker, and not have really pricey tickets,” Hill says.

Interest was high when The Van Buren announced the event on social media. Hill is expecting 1,500 people.

The following weekend finds Tito’s Handmade Vodka Chill Out, at 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 25, at The Van Buren.

It will offer an ice luge, vodka flights

and music by The Stakes and DJ sets

by Hi Dreams Collective.

“We’re even hoping to get wine tastings here,” Hill says. “We just want to add a little fun.”

Van Beer’N Indoor Beer Festival

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, August 19, free admission, extra for tastes.

Tito’s Chill Out Premium Vodka Tasting and Cool Dance Party

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 25, $7.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

‘THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PLACE’ Mother Road celebrates Route 66 with sudsy hospitality Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

M

ichael and Alissa Marquess’ full-time jobs were making them miserable.

Michael was a real estate appraiser, while his wife worked in an office. Both were experienced in the hospitality field.

Everything changed during a quiet, evening road trip on a two-lane highway with their sleeping children. The couple decided they would hunker down and do what they love: brew beer. From it came Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewing Co., a moniker reflecting the lore of Route 66.

“We always talk about that road trip,” Alissa says. “We were driving that night. The kids were asleep. We needed to change something to live the way we wanted to live.

“Mother Road is about finding joy in the adventure. We love the community, taking road trips and talking about Arizona. We thought, ‘What could bring some of this together?’ We thought ‘Route 66’ and ‘Mother Road’ would bring together all these things.”

Creating beer is a family affair that doesn’t begin and end with Michael and Alissa.

“Remember the Dunkin’ Donuts’ ‘time to make the donuts’ commercial?’”

Michael says between swigs of his IPA. “When we used to brew at 4 a.m., I would arrive for my brew shift with my son. He would look for the comics in the paper, and we would go across the street for warm cinnamon rolls.”

The Marquess children—ages 7, 10 and 12—grew up in the brewing business. In 2011, they placed their hands in the wet cement outside of the building.

Six years later, they repeated.

“They’re all very good at talking to grownups,” Michael says. “They belly up to the bar, get a soda, as an opener, and chat up whoever will talk with them.”

The last 12 months have been exciting ones for Mother Road, whose bar was constructed by Alissa’s brother.

The original, now-experimental Pike Brewery and taproom paved the way for the Butler Brewery, which produces beer and is also a taproom. They fall under the Mother Road name but are casually referred to by their locations.

The Pike Brewery is relaxing, with

a small library and board games available to guests. Children and families are encouraged to visit inside, or outside on the dog-friendly patio.

The 20-barrel Forgeworks brewhouse at the Butler Brewery gives patrons the opportunity to see their beer being made. It, too, has board games, along with complimentary pretzels and small snacks available for purchase.

Food trucks are listed on Mother Road’s events page. Mother Road Butler does not allow pets, but trained service animals are welcome.

“It’s been in the planning phase forever,” he says. “We needed the space.

It’s incredible what the team managed to crank out in this space. We hit the wall.

They have been brewing our mainline beer, but we needed the capacity to meet demand, yet have the flexibility to play.”

Both rooms serve Mother Road’s specialty ales, which are also found throughout Arizona and New Mexico, in places like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Bashas’, AJ’s Fine Foods and Bevmo.

Tower Station IPA, with its 7.3 percent ABV and 70 IBU, is inspired by the hospitality of Tower Station, a stop along Route 66 opened in 1936.

This unfiltered India Pale Ale boasts a

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copper-orange hue and white head, and it releases aromas of tangerine and pineapple. Pilsner and pale malts balance the hop-derived flavors of grapefruit peel and pine.

With 4.3 percent ABV and 19 IBU, Kolsch-Style Ale is colored like champagne, and yields pear and lemon flavors.

It finishes with a mild biscuit malt.

Even stronger is Lost Highway Double Black IPA, 8 percent ABV and 100 IBU. Michael describes it as having an espresso-colored head above flavors of orange zest and roasted malts. Hints of bitter orange chocolate balance with notes of dark caramel to round out the adventure.

“One of the things she really loves are posters advertising National Parks,” Michael says of his wife. “We wanted our artwork to look like that. They have that vintage feel; they’re retro a little bit.”

The Mother Road project has been a lifesaver for the family. Michael says the work-life balance has improved.

“The stress level is 10 times higher,” he says with a wide grin. “It’s a good stress—at least it’s something we’re both passionate about.”

The Mother Road success story is a team effort that spills over into the community.

“I think the thing that makes me most proud is when I say, ‘I own Mother Road,’ I so often heard the comment that they felt welcome here.

There was just something about that place,” she says.

“I’m so humbled to hear that and grateful we managed to keep it up,” he adds. “Radical hospitality is one of our goals.

Mother Road Butler Brewery

1300 E. Butler Avenue, Suite 200, Flagstaff, 928.774.0492; Mother Road Pike Brewery, 7 S. Mikes Pike, Flagstaff, 928.774.9139, motherroadbeer.com.

Tours are available.

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

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Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

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THE HIGHROLLER

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PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

LIVIN’ ON

THE EDGE Army vet still feels nervous with each Chippendales show Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

W

hen Joey Pena emerged from a two-and-a-halfyear military tour of Iraq, he did what he says most veterans do: He applied for a Mesa police job to be close to his family, who lives throughout the Valley.

“I made it to the interview process, but toward the end, my heart wasn’t in it,” says Pena, who now lives in Las Vegas. “It wasn’t an avenue I wanted to pursue. I started looking at other things, like modeling and going to school.”

The chiseled, handsome veteran of the 82nd Airborne was referred to the Chippendales by his agent.

“I thought they were dirty strippers,” Pena says with a laugh. “My mom was a ballerina. Strippers don’t know

what a plie is. They have no idea what it means to spend hours rehearsing.”

One night, Pena had a little too much to drink while out with his agent, who then took him to a Chippendales show. He enjoyed the camaraderie between the dancers and the upbeat attitude.

“I later auditioned and I killed it,” he says. “I was the Latino guy they wanted.”

Pena said initially it was awkward because of his values and morals that were reinforced during his six years in the Army.

“In the military, we’re all about pride and honor,” he says. “The most difficult part for me was showing my butt. I ran a lot without my shirt on, but it was a little hard to take off my pants.

“I love performing, though. I’m giving my best self and presenting my true self on the stage. I still get the little kid jitters.”

His audition was five years ago.

Besides dancing, he hosts and he works in Chippendales’ management, running the back end of the business.

“It’s an eye-opening experience,” he says. “I’m learning how the structure goes, learning promotions and marketing. I’m doing investments, too, and I’m planning to go back to college.

“Our company is one of the greatest companies to work for. They’re really good about working with us. They don’t want to lose us.”

Pena is part of the traveling team

and the group that performs regularly in Vegas. He knows how to woo the ladies, he says.

“My favorites are the old ladies,” he says. “They’re just sitting in the chair, quiet. When I go out in the crowd, I sit right next to them, put my arm around them and show them a good time.

That’s what makes it for me.

“The pretty girls always get attention. I want everyone to feel like that.

I want the little old lady who came in

from the casino to feel like that. She needs a little lovin’.”

Chippendales

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 800.946.4452, wingilariver. com, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, August 10, $25-$250.

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

‘RISING’

TO THE TOP

Goalie John Berner has championship aspirations

Evan Desai » The Entertainer!

W

hen John Berner was set to play soccer in the desert for Phoenix Rising FC, he saw potential.

The games attracted thousands of fans, and club logos and advertisements are visible around town. Six months ago, Berner signed on as goalie.

“To see the following it’s gotten over a short amount of time is incredible,” Berner says about the team that

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was founded in 2016.

Now, he’s dedicated to winning the conference and, perhaps, a championship.

“I think we absolutely have the ability to do that this year,” he says.

“The sky’s the limit with this team.

The organization has done a great job putting together a very talented team.”

The 27-year-old, 6-foot-3 St. Louis native is a longtime footballer, who played hockey and baseball in high school. He was a goalie for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from 2012 to 2013 and named Missouri Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the

Year both seasons, as well as first team All-MVC honors in 2012.

After leaving SIU Edwardsville, he was selected as the 35th overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. In March of that year, he made his debut against the New York Red Bulls.

He made 17 appearances in 2015 and 21 in 2016 for the Rapids’ United Soccer League affiliate Charlotte Independence. He played for Phoenix Rising in 2017. Both stints were while he was on loan from the Colorado Rapids.

He has enjoyed his stint in the USL. “It’s been good,” he says. “I think five years ago a lot of people looked at the USL as a lower-tier league,” Berner says. “The teams have gotten better, the players have gotten better.”

Although he’s pleased with Phoenix

Rising, Berner who likes to give European teams a shot. It would serve as great playing and life experiences “to grow as a soccer player and mature as a person.”

“I think a lot (of us) have aspirations of going over to Europe and playing in their leagues,” he says. “It takes it to another level when you’re playing in those leagues.”

For now, though, he’s happy with Phoenix Rising. He appreciates what he’s learning from star striker Didier Drogba, who is on leave providing World Cup commentary for the BBC. Still, Berner can’t pick a favorite teammate.

“Being a goalkeeper, it’s always tough to pick your favorite teammate.”

For more information about Phoenix Rising FC, visit phxrisingfc.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE GLADIATOR

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CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

AUGUST’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Evan Desai » The Entertainer!

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

San Francisco Giants

AUGUST 2 TO AUGUST 5 Check out the Diamondbacks take on the new-look division rival Giants featuring former Pirate Andrew McCutchen and ex-Marlins player Evan Longoria. It’s a giveaway weekend, with 20,000 fans on August 4 receiving T-shirts in honor of the alumni game, and the same number of guests getting baseball cards for National Trading Card Day Pack on the series finale.

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

August 2 and August 3, 5:10 p.m.

August 4, 1:10 p.m. August 5, tickets start at $16.

Summer Series Grand Prix points.

Bib pick-up and race-day registration is open from 5:30 to 6:15 a.m.

South Mountain Park, 10919 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.684.1496, arizonaroadracers.com, 6:30 a.m., $30.

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Washington Mystics

AUGUST 7 Both teams beat the odds and made it to the semifinals, but alas, they were swept. The squads know how important it is to fight for home court advantage during the regular season.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, mercury.wnba. com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $27.26.

Cardinals Red and White Practice

AUGUST 4 The annual Cardinals Red and White Practice is held so the public can see their favorite players go head to head in a scrimmage. Check out the Cardinals’ improved offensive line battle it out against the 4-3 defensive scheme of new head coach Steve Wilks.

Arizona Cardinals vs.

San Diego Chargers

AUGUST 11 In this preseason opener, fans will get to see all three new quarterbacks perform as Cardinals for the first time. It also marks the beginning of David Johnson’s comeback season after his weekone injury last year.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $6.

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Los Angeles Sparks

AUGUST 12 The Western Conference rivals meet for the last time this season. The Mercury has been carrying a chip on its shoulder against this team since the Sparks topped it in the postseason last year.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, mercury.wnba. com, 4 p.m., tickets start at $27.26.

World Fighting Federation Presents Wild Horse Pass Fight Live Mixed Martial Arts

AUGUST 18 Escape the heat at an MMA fight, featuring the return of Matt Betzold, the “leg breaker.” The rest of the card was still being compiled as of deadline. Tickets and streaming at wffmma.com.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 1:30 p.m., no cost.

Summer Series Grand Prix Race No. 5

AUGUST 5 The last of the Arizona Road Racers’ Summer Series is happening at South Mountain Park. This is runners’ final chance to earn

tricks for 91 years. On August 11, they bring their blend of acrobatics and basketball to Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., $13.

Harlem Globetrotters

AUGUST 11 The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining crowds around the world with thrilling basketball

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd.

Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $25.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

Los Angeles Angels

AUGUST 21 Forks up! ASU students are invited to purchase discounted baseline reserve tickets to the game for $25. The ticket pack comes with a special D-backs/ ASU baseball cap. Regular ticket prices apply elsewhere.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m., $25.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

Seattle Mariners

AUGUST 24 TO AUGUST 26 The D-backs take on former teammate Jean Segura and feared slugger Nelson Cruz in this threegame set of interleague play. Enjoy postgame fireworks on Friday night.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m. July 24, 5:10 p.m. July 25, 1:10 p.m.

July 26, tickets start at $16.

Vertigo Night Runs

AUGUST 25 TO AUGUST 26 This fifth Insomniac Night Trail Run Series, sponsored by Huss Brewing Co., features seven races from 7 to 8:15 p.m. The series features 52K, 31K, 20K, 10K and 6K. The race courses will be well marked with orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots, reflective markers and glow lights. Trail junctions and turns will be indicated with laminated signs.

Competitive Track at White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, aravaiparunning. com, 7 p.m., races start at $42.52 until August 21.

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Denver Broncos

AUGUST 30 This last preseason game for the Cards should be intriguing as fans await to see how the new coaching staff will shape up the roster. Watch as the remaining players fight to their fullest to secure an NFL roster spot.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $6.

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ESCAPE THE HEAT

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

Ice Den Scottsdale is fun for pros and beginners alike WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Kimberly Hosey » The Entertainer! “

W

e can stink together.”

When your kid reaches the teenage years, encouragement about family outings sounds a little different. Enthusiastic endorsements and excited anticipation?

Please, Mom. And you know I still stink at ice skating anyway.

It’s true. Though my son idolizes the grace, confidence and athleticism of skaters like Olympian Adam Rippon, we both have two left feet on the ice — and

neither of those feet glide gracefully.

Still, both my 16-year-old son and I knew we’d have a blast at Ice Den Scottsdale.

That also held true for the throngs of other teens who joined us at the ice rink’s Friday night public skate session, not to mention families and kids young enough to literally skate circles around my knees.

The Ice Den — which is also the practice home of the Arizona Coyotes — offers skating classes, hosts parties, and regularly opens the ice for a few hours of public skating.

Public skating usually runs from noon to 2 p.m. Monday through

Saturday and from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, in addition to $5 Friday Night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. and $10 Friends and Family Night on Saturdays from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.

The Ice Den also offers sports camps, such as its current summer camp in partnership with Hi-Five Sports Club that fills each full day with “nonstop sports.”

My son and I chose to hit the rink Friday night, when skating is a flat $5 fee, skates included, for a 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. session (Note: Ice skating trainers for beginners are not available during Friday night sessions.)

After receiving our passes, printed with the time and date of the session, we stuck them to our clothing—though the rink advises against affixing the passes to leather, suede or other sensitive materials and provides materials to attach them to zippers or belt loops. We picked up our skates, specially included in the admission price on Friday night.

(Tip: Your ice skate size will probably run one to one-and-a-half sizes smaller than your shoe size, though you can try on the skates and employees will help you find a good fit.)

As we hit the ice — cautiously — we were immediately drawn in by the upbeat, friendly, energetic atmosphere. We were lapped a few times by some “pros” (at least, pros compared to us), but there were plenty of other kids, teens, and adults wobbling along with us. The welcoming, lively vibe surrounded us along with the cool air whooshing over our faces and the notes of “Cha-Cha Slide” (we clapped, but didn’t risk any fancy footwork).

And we didn’t get too discouraged when two tiny skaters blurred past us to brake, dramatically, in a spray of ice shavings before hopping off the ice: It was pretty obvious this was a second home to them. Sure enough, many kids are introduced to a love of ice skating during public sessions and “graduate” to lessons, either in hockey or figure skating.

For my son and I, it will probably remain a once-in-a-while treat. Still, it was great to find an experience that makes for a fantastic family outing, no matter my kid’s age. From the amenities and staff to the atmosphere and ice, the Ice Den’s fun grew with us—even if our skills hadn’t grown much.

Visit Ice Den Scottsdale online at icedenscottsdale.com to learn more, to check public skating times, or to sign up for camps, parties, or more.

Ice Den Scottsdale

9375 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.7465, icedenscottsdale.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE YOUNGSTER

57

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN AUGUST

Samantha Fuoco » The Entertainer!

Harlem Globetrotters Old MacDonald

AUGUST 1 TO AUGUST 19 The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents Old MacDonald and his animal friends, with whom children ages 2 to 8 can sing along. The show has toddler-friendly music.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, 10 a.m. Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, $12.

Deep Time: Imagining the Ancient Inland Sea AUGUST 1 TO AUGUST 24 Presented by Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Education and Outreach, this family-friendly exhibit takes visitors to the prehistoric ocean that once covered the Sonoran Desert. Tucson-based artists Lex Gjurasic and Rachel Slick use color, pattern, light and experimental materials to create sea life.

The Gallery at the Library at Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.312.7323, scottsdalelibrary.org, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., free.

Free First Friday

AUGUST 3 The museum has hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children through age 10, focusing on learning through play. Emphasis is on early childhood education and school readiness. It provides projects, exhibits, and programming for young children and their families.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.253.0501, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org, 5 to 9 p.m., free.

AUGUST 11 The Harlem Globetrotters have been entertaining crowds around the world with thrilling basketball tricks for 91 years. On August 11, they bring their blend of acrobatics and basketball to Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Teen Science Social: Rock Out!

AUGUST 4 Smells like teen spirit at the Arizona Science Center this August with Teen Science Social. Bring your squad and play Guitar Hero on the five-story screen or take a selfie in the mirror maze. Admission includes admission to featured exhibition, one dinner and one drink ticket. For students in grades nine to 12 only.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.716.2000, azscience.org, 6 to 10 p.m., $3.

Kids’ Night Out

AUGUST 4, AUGUST 18 AND AUGUST 25 Parents can have a relaxing Saturday night without the kids, thanks to Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics and Dance Centers. Children will have the chance to enjoy gymnastics, dancing, jumping in a bounce house and on trampolines and obstacle courses, and then wind down by watching a movie.

Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics and Dance Centers, 15801 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.992.5790, arizonasunrays.com, 6 to 10 p.m.

August 4 and August 18, $30 per child, $5 off sibling discount.

Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics and Dance Centers, 3923 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.992.5790, arizonasunrays. com, 6 to 10 p.m. August 25, $30 per child, $5 off sibling discount.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., $13.

ArtVille Academy

AUGUST 16 TO OCTOBER 4 ArtVille Academy returns to the i.d.e.a. Museum to prepare kids for a smooth transition into school. The eight-week curriculum combines literacy, art, science and math for children ages 3 to 5.

i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, 480.644.2468, ideamuseum.org/artville.html, 9 a.m. to noon, call for charge.

Preschool Open Houses at KidsPark

AUGUST 9 AND AUGUST 12 Parents are invited to bring their children, ages 3 to 5, to meet KidsPark teachers and learn about the program. The preschool at KidsPark is unique in that parents can select the weekdays they’d like their child to attend and only pay for the preschool days attended.

KidsPark, 12635 N. 48th Street, Scottsdale, 602.788.2445, kidspark.com/scottsdale, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free.

KidsPark, 7337 W. Bell Road, Peoria, 623.878.2411, kidspark. com/arrowhead, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free.

Little Prince and Princess Party AUGUST 12 Meet the princesses for a grand ball in North Phoenix. Children can get their photos taken with their favorite princess. Face painting and dancing are other activities included in the ticket price.

The Legacy Ballroom, 4530 E. Gold Dust Avenue, Phoenix, 480.382.3829, enchanteddreamproductions. com, 4 to 7 p.m., $12.

Park Ranger Explorations

WEDNESDAYS IN AUGUST Children can learn about what park rangers do through special programs on a variety of topics and theme.

South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 623.334.7880, smeec.org, 5 to 6:30 p.m., free.

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

FEELING BLESSED

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

O

n tour with Yes for its 50th anniversary, singer Jon Anderson can’t believe it’s been five decades.

“I wake up every morning going, ‘What?!’ Anderson says. “What

happened to all those years. The interesting thing is I don’t dwell on it. For the next 30 years, I have work to do.

“Last week, I was listening to music I did with Yes when I started. Chris Squire was amazing.”

He is referencing bassist Squire who died in Phoenix at age 67.

“Quintessential Yes: 50th Anniversary Tour” comes to the Celebrity Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday,

August 31. The band features Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman.

“I look back at those days when we did BBC shows,” he continues. “It’s so good, so fresh. When we started Yes, it was all about stage performance, not about recordings. If you put on a good show, that’s why you’re in a band. I’m still on that band mentality.”

That hasn’t stopped Anderson from recording music. He’s writing music

Jon Anderson recalls 50 years in Yes with members of Transatlantic and others. Yes is expected to release its first new material in 28 years by the end of 2018, early 2019.

“Writing music is like breathing,” he says. “I wake up and I want to sing.

It’s very inventive.”

He’s also interested in virtual reality because “billions of people are playing videogames.”

“But they’re not spiritually stimulating at all,” he says. “In general, 90 percent of them are just to make money.

They’re blowing people apart or they’re crazy sex videos.

“If you think about it, in Asia, they have tournaments where people will go watch two people play each other on a big screen. They’re blowing people up. It’s all very vicious and part of the chaos of life. All these energies are very interesting. That’s not why we’re here. We’re connected through music. That’s the soul singing to us. In the next 10 years, virtual reality will take us to a place of love.”

Anderson is excited about bringing his music to Phoenix, as he has had great experiences in the Valley.

“The first time in Phoenix, our sound guy and I went horse riding on a local ranch,” he says. “I got very stoned. We just found California grass.

In English, we smoke hashish and stuff like that. I was pretty happy we got on these horses.

“We trotted for about 2 miles out in the bush. We turned the horses around and they galloped back to the farm. We hung on screaming. They wanted to get back and eat something.”

He has plenty of stories from his 50 years in Yes, and he feels honored to be a musician.

“I’m blessed,” he says. “Musicians are blessed to do what they do. They are so blessed to be in the entertainment world.”

“Quintessential Yes: 50th Anniversary Tour”

Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 8 p.m.

Friday, August 31, $45-$130.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE SHOWMAN

59

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

LIGHT THIS PARTY UP Rick Springfield’s ‘Best in Show’ recalls the 1980s

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

R

ick Springfield is known for his energetic, collaborative shows. He acknowledges fans close to the stage. He strums his guitar with roses given to him by fans and encourages ticketholders to sing along with him.

But off stage, Springfield is quiet and contemplative. He’s on the road with his “Best in Show” tour with Loverboy, Tommy Tutone and Greg Kihn, but admits he wasn’t really friends with his tourmates previously.

“I’ve never been real social,” Springfield says quietly. “I never sought

out bands to hang with them. I’ve actually kind of avoided that. It’s nice, though, to be relaxed enough now, to be confident enough, and secure to hang with these people. They’re all good, good guys.”

Loverboy singer Mike Reno recalls meeting Springfield on a music cruise in the Caribbean.

“We’ve been playing together a lot lately and people seem to really like the mix,” Reno says. “Rick and our band really got along well. We liked their band. They liked our band. The camaraderie is great, and the music is from the same era. That’s good and it just seems to work, and the crowds seem to love it.”

The goal of “Best in Show,” which comes to the Celebrity Theatre on

Tuesday, August 21, is to have fun while bringing back memories.

“Fans remember where they were and who they were with when they hear these songs,” Reno says. “It makes them feel young and it makes them have fun.”

Loverboy and Springfield have new material out. Springfield recently released the provocative blues album The Snake King, while Loverboy posts new songs regularly on its website. Rest assured, “We always play all the hits and everything,” Springfield says. “But it makes it exciting when we have a challenge of a new song.”

The multifaceted entertainer has been quoted as saying The Snake King was the album he’s always wanted to make. He corrects that.

“I mean, they all are,” Springfield says. “I wanted to talk about things going on in the world, and I thought the blues media would fit. It seemed like an appropriate vehicle for that. My first bands were blues bands. Blues has been the basis of my guitar playing for forever.”

“It’s me who’s writing,” he says.

“There’s going to be some kind of through line.”

At 68, Springfield is feeling more confident these days. Success and age has brought security.

“I’ve never been particularly confident myself, but I’ve always had that belief that I could do what I want to do.”

Performances help as well.

“It’s hard not to feel good when you’re playing in front of people who are there cheering and yelling and partying with you,” he says. “I’ve always loved that aspect of it—the live thing, the connection with the audience. There’s nothing else in my life that does that in that particular way. When I’m not on stage, I’m pretty quiet. I’m a bit of a loner.”

“Best in Show” with Rick Springfield, Loverboy, Tommy Tutone and Greg Kihn Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, August 21, $40-$184.

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

Novareign w/Railgun

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Slowhand – The Eric Clapton Experience

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

DesertView Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30

AUGUST 1 Lighthouse

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

Paris Combo

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45

AUGUST 2 After Funk

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12

Beach House

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$45

Dave Koz and Friends

Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, 8 p.m., $29-$61.50

The Drunken Hearts

Bodega

Feast PT 2 Tour w/Alterbeast, Reaping Asmodeia

Hallow Point

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., free

AUGUST 3

Rick Ross

Tony Bennett

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $37.50$175

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $91.65$200.20

Shooter Jennings

Lava Hot Jass Band

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$25

Zac Clark (of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness)

Safety Orange

Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., $50-$80

Whitesnake

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $30-$60 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening Keith Okie & Rebel Sol w/A-Mac & The Height

Lisa Loeb

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $27-$35 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $18-$20

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Blaine Long and Rosas del Rey

Deva Mahal

Rebirth Brass Band

Hop Along

Layzie Bone w/Train City

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

AUGUST 8

FiftyOne West, 8 p.m., $5

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $62.50$332.50

Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns

Vacationer

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $14-$16

Arms Aloft w/Guerilla Poubelle, Drats!

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $3-$5

Ted Nugent

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Banda MS

Cabaret DeStrange

Rebirth Brass Band

Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime 30th Anniversary Show

Air Supply

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., free

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$25

Rialto Theatre, 7 p.m., $30-$32

Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $30-$50

Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, 8 p.m., $25-$45

Otep

Maya Day and Nightclub, noon, free

Adrianna Marie & Her Groovecutters

Voodoo Swing

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Stephen Marley

Erin Bode

The Trunk Space, 7 p.m., $7

Girl Fry

Pegboard Nerds

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6:30 p.m., $29.50-$226.46

AUGUST 4

ModPods w/General Anxiety, Monty O’Blivion

Keith Sweat w/En Vogue

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35-$45

Enjoy

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $25-$30

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

AUGUST 7

AVA Amphitheater, 8 p.m., $20-$55

G-Eazy w/Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Uzi Vert

Dead Country Gentlemen

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Planning for Burial w/Lana Del Rabies, Rotting Yellow, A0n

Worshipper w/Old Man Wizard, Hovenweep

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $10

AUGUST 5

Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $40-$65

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $17-$42

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $10

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10

Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $10-$13

Floater

Stateside Sweet 16 Birthday Bash w/Poolside

Time Out Lounge, 8 p.m., $5 Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

AUGUST 6

Green Room, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Musical Instrument Museum, 3 and 7:30 p.m., $20-$42

LSD Tour w/Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Dwight Yoakam Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $33$122.50

Nazim Rashid & New Renaissance

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Weezer w/Pixies AUGUST 12

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $25-$237.10 Though Phoenix isn’t quite Africa, Weezer is set to bless the rains down in the Valley this August as part of a co-headlining tour with Pixies. Fresh off last fall’s Pacific Daydream and viral covers of Toto’s “Rosanna” and “Africa,” Rivers Cuomo and Co. have reportedly been at work on The Black Album. Pixies, on the other hand, saw success with projects like 2014’s Indie Cindy and 2016’s Head Carrier after making a much-anticipated return.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

Sales

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$19

States & Capitals

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

AUGUST 9 GoGo Penguin

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$35

The Sea the Sea

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

Trinidad Cardona

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

AUGUST 10 20 Pounds w/Good Samaritan Crescent Ballroom, 6 p.m., $10

The Abstract w/Shot in the Dark Underground, 7 p.m., $5

Forever Oldies Tour w/ Midnight Star, Barbara Mason, The Intruders, Sly Slick & Wicked, Slave, The Emotions, Aalon, Peaches and Herb, Trish Toledo

AUGUST 12 Borgeous

Maya Day and Nightclub, noon, $10

Charlie Hunter

Club Congress, 7 p.m., $15-$18

Coheed and Cambria w/Taking Back Sunday

Comerica Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $49.50

Coyu

Shady Park, 3 p.m., $15

General Anxiety

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Monica Shriver

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$50

Omar Apollo

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Soul Good by I Am Root Co. The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $12

AUGUST 13 Asleep at the Wheel

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $45-$55

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $28.50$128.50

AUGUST 14

Heather Hardy & The Lil Mama Band

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

The Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., $8

Kat Edmonson

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35

Slipping Into Darkness Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12

ZoSo – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Marquee Theatre, 6:15 p.m., $20-$35

AUGUST 11 Ben Nichols w/Oliver Peck

Knox Hamilton Powerglove

Club Red, 6 p.m., $15-$18

Ranky Tanky

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35-$40

Ski Mask the Slump God

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $27-$127

Summer Slaughter Tour w/ Between the Buried and Me, Born of Osiris, Veil of Maya, Erra, The Agony Scene, Allegaeon, Terror Universal

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $21-$34

Marquee Theatre, 2:30 p.m., $29.50-$57.50

Charlie Hunter Trio

Us the Duo

The Rhythm Room, 5:30 p.m., $20-$24

Ciphered Existence

Club Red, 6:30 p.m., $10-$13

Jauz

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$150

AUGUST 15 Anthony Gomes

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, noon, $25

King Shelter

Just One Look – A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt

Nahko and Medicine for the People

Fox Tucson Theatre, 7 p.m., free

The Kruger Brothers

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $45-$50

Paul Cauthen

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

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The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

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

AUGUST 16 Beach Goons

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Eliane Elias

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $30-$45

Timber Timbre AUGUST 22

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $17-$20 One of the more low-key shows at the tail end of summer is likely to come from none other than Canadian band Timber Timbre. Though slow and plodding at times, Timber Timbre’s mysterious and dark music often paints a picture of Elvis Presley if he were whisked away to another realm—think Twin Peaks’ Roadhouse—while a song like Hot Dreams’ “Curtains?!” wouldn’t sound out of place among Portishead’s catalogue. Timber Timbre’s sixth album, Sincerely, Future Pollution, was released spring 2017.

Pathology w/Within Destruction

Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $13-$15

AUGUST 17 Buddy Guy w/Johnny Lang

Avery*Sunshine

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$40

Cher & Bill Medley Tribute

DesertView Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $53.45$108.20

Christian Nodal

Elder

Katastro

Leonard Patton/Danny Green Trio

Kill Spree w/The Deadbeat Hymns, Surfside IV, Whiskey Kiss, Creepsville 666, DeathRide

Club Red, 7 p.m., $15-$17

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., free

O-Town

Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $20

Panic! at the Disco

Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., $46-$601.86

Pimpinela

Fox Tucson Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $51-$113

Summer Salt

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

Terry Bozzio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$40

AUGUST 18 American Aquarium

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $45-$200 The Van Buren, 7:15 p.m., $14.99

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Raven’s Saturday Night Rendezvous w/Soul Power Band The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10

Ry Cooder featuring the Hamiltones

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $45.50-$69.50 ($3.50 increase day of show)

Seshhollowwaterboyz

The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $30-$50

The Ultimate ’70s Tour w/ Orleans, Poco and Pure Prairie League Desert Diamond Casinos and Entertainment, 8 p.m., $20-$40

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

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AUGUST 19

AUGUST 23

AUGUST 26

CKY w/Slaves

Katie Herzig

Carvin Jones Band

John Pizzarelli

Lady Antebellum w/Darius Rucker

Dave Vito & The Volunteers

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $20-$95 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45

Quix

Maya Day and Nightclub, noon, free-$10

Rick Springfield w/Loverboy, Greg Kihn, Tommy Tutone

AVA Amphitheater, 7 p.m., $25-$75

AUGUST 20 Moonlight Magic

Valley Bar’s Rose Room, 7 p.m., free

AUGUST 21 Abigail Williams

Club Red, 6 p.m., $14-$16

Charlie Puth w/Hailee Steinfeld

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $25-$235.17

J. Cole

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $44.75-$361.47

King Buffalo

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $16-$30

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $34.25$333.25

Tinariwen

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $40-$45

AUGUST 24 Bad Bunny

Tucson Arena, 8 p.m., $39-$344.05

Cracker w/Camper Van Beethoven

Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $23-$27

Emric and Spar Afar

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Finnegan Blue

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., free

Flynt Flossy w/Turquoise Jeep Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

Los Tigres del Norte

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $75-$131

Rod Stewart w/Cyndi Lauper

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $5

Rob Zombie w/Marilyn Manson Rodrigo y Gabriela

Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra

Shakira

Pusha T

Yucca Tap Room, 6 p.m., free

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $25$2,500

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $39.50-$69.50

Yelawolf

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $27.50-$100

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6 p.m., $35-$283.08

AUGUST 28

AUGUST 31

Combo Chimbita

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12

Jack Johnson

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $35-$80

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

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

AUGUST 22

Yuridia

The Alarm

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

Jack White

The Nile, 6 p.m., off sale

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $24-$26

Zonaa

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $79-$156.78

AUGUST 25

Mariachi Flor de Toloache

Bleeding Through

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $30-$35

Parsonsfield

Club Congress, 7 p.m., free

Steel Pulse w/Tribal Seeds

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $36.50$66.50

Tony Holiday & The Velvetones The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $7

The Ultimate Tribute to Heart

by Dog ‘N’ Butterfly

DesertView Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

Jerry’s Middle Finger

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Mobina Galore

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Otis Day & The Knights

Marquee Theatre, 6:15 p.m., $7-$35

Slator Blacc w/Wilby the Great, Lord Ra

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Traveler

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $22

David Grisman Trio Gravespawn

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $18-$85

AUGUST 29

Rick Springfield w/Loverboy, Greg Kihn and Tommy Tutone

Young Dubliners

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

Rooney

HOCO Fest 2018 w/Bad Gyal, Topaz Jones, Dreamcast with Street Blues Family, Anjelica, Combo Chimbita, Mirror Gazer (DJ Set), Gila Man, Djentrification

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20

Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite

Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, 7:30 p.m., $40-$70

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

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Wiz Khalifa w/Rae Sremmurd

Symphony Hall, 8 p.m., $38.50-$59

The Sugar Thieves

Sawyer Fredericks w/ Parsonsfield

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45 The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $35-$38

Dylan Gardner

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $43-$199.90

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $48.80-$121.94

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 8 p.m., $160-$779.55

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $54.75-$214.75

The Venomous Pinks w/ Creepsville 666, No Gimmick, It’s Embarrassing, Birth of Monsters

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $32-$99

Lost ’80s Live w/A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Bow Wow Wow, Missing Persons, Animotion, When in Rome

Rage Fest w/Attila, Suicide Silence The Nile, 6 p.m., $26

Jeremih

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Hotel Congress, 6 p.m., $20-$125

Lindsey Stirling w/ Evanescence

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $25-$256.95

Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

HOCO Fest 2018 w/Black Marble, Boy Harsher, S U R V I V E (DJ Set), Death Bells, Lana Del Rabies, Terminal 11, Plastic Disease (DJ Set) 191 Toole, 6 p.m., $20-$125

HOCO Fest 2018 w/Orkesta Mendoza, Chris Thayer, Jericho Davidson, Pauly Casillas (Host), Kyle Kinane, Mexican Institute of Sound, Buyepongo, El Tambó with Riobamba and DJ Dirtyverbs Hotel Congress, 6 p.m., $20-$125

The Marcus King Band

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

Sam Smith

AUGUST 30

Gila River Arena, 8 p.m., $30.75$545.25

AWOLNATION

Song Swap Hosted by Adam Smith featuring the Music of Eric Ramsey

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $27

Dandu w/House of Stairs, Alassane

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $7-$10

HOCO Fest 2018 w/Lil B, Dean Blunt, Mhysa, Alex Zhang Hungtai, Marshstepper, Sui Blue, Positive Satan, Nghtcrwlr, Jock Club, Optimist Club with Andrew Shuta and Jalph Hotel Congress, 6 p.m., $20-$125

Jason Eady

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $15$20

Yes featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $48.45-$600

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

63

BEING BOLD

Katastro releases honest new album, ‘Washed’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

K

atastro drummer Andrew Stravers gets the chills when he thinks about his band’s new album Washed.

“I’ve never been this excited about an album,” Stravers says over coffee at Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe. “We did what we’ve always wanted to do, as far as creating songs.

We experimented a lot and did a lot of stuff in the studio that we’ve always talked about doing. It felt good and right. It’s the best body of work we’ve accomplished to date.”

Fans can hear the songs live when Tempe-based Katastro — which also includes vocalist Andy Chaves, guitarist Tanner Riccio and bassist Ryan Weddle — plays The Van Buren on August 18.

Stravers says Chaves didn’t hold back during the songwriting process.

He was honest and spoke about problems he had.

“Previously, he held back,” Stravers says. “He was afraid of what the band thought about certain lyrics. I feel like we were testing the waters, but not going for it and being bold. This album, we’re all being bold.”

That says a lot, as the four musicians are longtime friends.

“We’ve all known each other since we were 12,” Stravers says with a smile.

“Ryan and Andy grew up in the same church. I met Andy when I was 12. We were at a soccer game — I don’t know if he remembers this — between competing middle schools.

“He was wearing an Abercrombie shirt and had blond hair. He started rapping when he was 12. I thought he was just this goofy kid who rapped. My skateboarder friends and I hated him.”

Chaves repeatedly invited Stravers to join the band. At age 17,

Stravers gave in and the band was founded in his garage.

Katastro is considered rock, but it blends elements of funk, blues and hip-hop as well.

Their albums No Mud No Lotus (2014) and Strange Nights (2016), both of which debuted in the Top 20 on iTunes Alternative and landed on Billboard’s Heat Seekers chart for two weeks. Katastro has toured with the likes of Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, Pepper, The Expendables and Stick Figure.

For Washed, Katastro retreated to a cabin in Heber so the band could solely focus on music. Chaves was encouraged to talk about his troubles through music.

“I told him it would feel good for him,” Stravers says. “I had been telling him that for a while. I told him to name drop, say stuff that happened.

“There’s a song that’s toward the end of the album called ‘Bending.’ This is going to sound cheesy, but it was like a movie set. It was nighttime and we were in the cabin. There were cool purple lights covering the entire room.

It was completely silent. The song is acoustic and I had never seen Andy just pour out. I thought it was insane.”

Stravers was impressed with Chaves because he was “really, really passionate about something for the first time in a long time.

“It made for amazing songs.”

Katastro is on tour and this fall will return to the road with Iration.

“When people listen to our music, we want them to feel good,” he says.

“We’re not wondering what other people are going to like. We want to make songs we think are good. We listen to good music. We know what good music is. We’re just trying to write the best songs we can.”

Katastro w/Tyrone’s Jacket, Barefoot, Aloha Radio and Hollowpoint Vigil The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, August 18, $14.99.

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

WE WERE THERE— WHERE WERE YOU?

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill brought their Soul2Soul tour to a sold-out crowd at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The couple opened the show with the Aretha Franklin/George Michael hit “I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)” and for the next 90 minutes, they played their own songs and duetted. Check out our photos here, courtesy of staff photographer Kimberly Carrillo.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

THE NIGHTOWL

65

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR AUGUST Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

Cade

AUGUST 3

Tampa’s Cade dubs the music on his EP Warning Sign “future R&B” — and that tag isn’t exactly questionable. Paired with Cade’s poppy-yet-emotive vocals, the layered melodies, dense synths and danceable beats are clear from a rundown of his tunes. This show is 21 and older.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., free.

recently released banger “Shellz” with Frizzo and Florida rapper Denzel Curry. This DJ and producer does it all. This show is 21 and older.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., free.

AUGUST 4

Trap meets dubstep when Los Angeles-based DJ Megalodon returns to the Monarch Theatre stage.

Once again stopping by with Tisoki, Megalodon will deliver his massive tunes, which could even include cuts from his recently released Moon Rock EP, or his “Buss It” single with Leo Black. Don’t sleep on Megalodon – or Tisoki, for that matter.

This show is 18 and older.

AUGUST 17

ATLiens

After abducting the music scene with their Invasion EP, released earlier this year, Atlanta’s ATLiens are gearing up to touch down at Monarch Theatre. Sharing their name with the acclaimed OutKast album, ATLiens don masks and drop heavy tracks. “001,” the introductory track on the aforementioned EP, immediately sets listeners up for something otherworldly. But don’t take our word for it; check it out. Dark Mark and SoulSpeek open the show. This show is 18 and older.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.

We’ve covered Tampa, Houston, Los Angeles and Atlanta all the way to Johannesburg, but London is making noise, too. And that noise comes in part from Mark Knight, whose show will serve as somewhat of a centerpiece to August’s nightlife events. Coming to Maya Day + Night Club, Knight could drop tech house cuts the likes of “Shamrat” and “Jus’ Come,” which maintain that classic house flare while keeping fresh.

This show is 21 and older.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $10.

Ape Drums AUGUST 6

Kyle Watson AUGUST 11

Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Kyle Watson brings deep house rhythms to venues around the world, with layered vocals and

AUGUST 20

Even though the months may be rolling on, August is still plenty early enough for warm weather and breezy tunes when it comes to the Grand Canyon State. And there’s a reason to mention these vibes, as San Francisco’s Viceroy is coming to Maya Day + Nightclub. Fun and funky tunes like Viceroy’s take on 50 Cent’s “Disco Inferno” or the original “Improvise,” featuring Tom Aspaul, give fans plenty of diversity in his discography. You’ll just have to stop by this free show to find out what kind of tunes Viceroy is going to drop. This show is 21 and older.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., free.

Andrew Rayel AUGUST 24

If Johannesburg and London weren’t far enough away for you, how about the Republic of Moldova? Well, that’s where Andrew Rayel hails from. Billed on his own social media as “the modern-day Mozart,” Rayel will inject a little bit of trance into your life at this Scottsdale show.

The Moldovan DJ and producer uses massive, ground-shaking beats as well as bright, vibrant synths. This show is 21 and older.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $10.

Goldrush DJ Competition

Lingerieve 12

Just one month before Rawhide’s annual Goldrush festival – which is set for September 29 and September 30 – Monarch Theatre will see a host of DJs compete for a slot at the massive event. The winner will get to open on Goldrush’s lineup, which boasts a variety of electronic and hip-hop acts such as Deadmau5, Illenium, Steve Aoki, Vince Staples and JPEGMAFIA. This show is 18 and older.

Billed “Arizona’s biggest and longest running annual lingerie party,” Relentless Beats will soon present Lingerieve 12. Headlined by Dodge & Fuksi and Lady Faith, with local support from Blakeland, Butters, Dark Mark, DJ Versa, Glowver and Mangled, Lingerieve 12 will kick off at 8 p.m. August 24, and conclude at 2 a.m. August 25. This show is 18 and older.

AUGUST 18

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.

Born Eric Alberto-Lopez, Ape Drums offers Caribbean-influenced tunes like “The Way We Do This,” featuring Major Lazer and Busy Signal. His repertoire also includes “Go Crazy” with Dougie F and the

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15.

Mark Knight

AUGUST 11

Megalodon w/Tisoki

heavy bass rumblings. Songs like “Road Trips” – or, really, just about anything Watson could spin – are sure to get the crowd going come August 11. This show is 21 and older.

Viceroy

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $10.

AUGUST 24

Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.200.7529, relentlessbeats.com, 8 p.m., $10-$70.

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

SEEING RED Miss Krystle has the best of both worlds

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

W

ith her flame-red hair and confident stroll, Miss Krystle is a force to be reckoned with.

Lawyer Krystle Delgado by day and pop star Miss Krystle at night, she is dedicated to her craft and her fans.

Her latest release, Inevitable EP, has had nearly a half a million streams on Spotify alone.

“As an independent artist, I am very proud of this,” she says enthusiastically.

Delgado says she’s been singing since she opened her eyes, ears and mouth. She grew up in the Sierra Nevada area of California. She and her family moved to Scottsdale when she was 10.

Music is in her family, including her mother who is a classically educated musician.

“I learned piano, cello and violin from a classical standpoint,” Delgado says. “When I was in my teens, I realized I was a performer. I was doing shows at 15, thinking I was the next Britney Spears. Then I realized I had to work really hard to be Britney Spears.”

Hard work defines Delgado. She was homeschooled and then attended ASU, studying political science, and graduated cum laude from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Since wrapping up school, Delgado has been representing entertainment industry clients.

She did the “rock thing” for a very short time. Inevitable, she adds, is the culmination of an easy songwriting process—for the most part.

“We get to the sixth song and there was one issue after another,” she says. “We felt it was a sign that we were almost done with the EP. We just had to stick with it. It’s my strongest songwriting to date. I was so excited about the music production.”

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“For me, it’s about the moment.

At the end of the day, I want to put out good music for my fans. It’s much more difficult to win over people in the pop genre. I want to appeal to the masses, but my music feels original.

That’s a hard task. I’ve been true to my art, though, and transparent about who I am.”

Inevitable is Delgado’s missive about personal empowerment.

“There’s so much trouble in the world right now,” she says. “What we need right now is an anthem about personal empowerment.”

This year, she brought her music to South by Southwest music conference in Austin. She also started the Facebook and YouTube show Cookin’ Vegan with Miss Krystle.

“I’ll never give up on music,” she says. “I’m sharing this journey I’m on with my fans, especially for those who have followed me for a decade. I will never give up because they never give up on me.”

Julien-K, Miss Krystle, Elysian Drive and Breaklot Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, clubredrocks.com, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 14, $14-$16.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE AUGUST 2018

67

MAD MIXOLOGIST

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers

STRAWBERRY SHAMROCK

1 ounce Effen cucumber vodka 1 ounce Cruzan strawberry rum splash grenadine 1 ounce sour mix shaken, topped with a club soda garnished with a strawberry and cucumber.

stuff that’s on our menu to be completely catered to us and our vibe. Every couple months we’re trying to go for fresh drinks with fresh fruit.

Mckayla Hull » The Entertainer!

K

elly’s at Southbridge bar manager Janel Alderman planned to attend NAU to pursue a teaching degree after graduating from Gilbert High School.

A hair show changed all that.

On her 19th birthday, Alderman was all dolled up after the hair show and decided to look for a job. She approached a restaurant and management hired her on the spot as a server. Soon thereafter, she was made bartender.

“I’ve never looked back because I make such good money bartending,” she says.

Alderman has been a bartender for 17 years, the last five at Kelly’s at Southbridge. When Alderman isn’t crafting drinks at Kelly’s she enjoys going to lake, taking a trip to San Diego with her husband and two sons or simply hanging out at home.

Dive in to see the oddest drink this veteran bartender has made for a customer and what a vodka tonic says about customers.

Tell us about the oddest drink request you’ve received.

This lady asked me to muddle her drink with literally every fruit in both of my trays. So, she wanted strawberry, blueberry, mint, orange, lemon, lime, she wanted like a salad in a drink. It was very, very odd and she drank the entire thing.

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working?

Messy bartenders because I like staying clean over in my area and guests ordering drinks they’re unsure of. Someone may order a dirty martini and then they say it’s too strong, but that’s what a martini is. Or someone who wants a drink on the rocks and they say it’s too strong and they need it calmed down when it’s just liquor.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

Captain and Coke with a lime. But I never drink it unless I’m out at a bar, which I’m never out at a bar. I never buy it for my home or anything.

What does ordering a vodka tonic say about a person?

They know what they want to drink.

They don’t really go outside of the box.

They like vodka and they want vodka tonic. A lot of people I’ve noticed, when they do vodka soda or vodka tonic, have less of a hangover the next day than the people who go for the martinis or the sweeter drinks. It’s a safe bet.

Tell us about the cocktail program at Kelly’s We want drinks that aren’t like other restaurants around us. We want to create stuff to bring people into Kelly’s.

We want them to enjoy our food, our atmosphere and our drinks. I want the

What is one cocktail you would love for us to feature in the magazine this month?

Our strawberry shamrock. It is the drink that was on the menu when we opened and then everyone loved it. It went away after a year. So anyone who comes in and orders it, we know that they’ve been with us since day one. It’s one of the owner’s favorite drinks. He mentioned one day he would love it if I could bring back the shamrock. It’s just great to bring back.

What do you like about this drink?

Everything. The color, the taste, the smoothness. It’s a great drink, especially for the summer. It’s even good in the winter. It’s just a really good drink.

Kelly’s at Southbridge

7117 E. Sixth Avenue, Scottsdale, 480.393.3205, kellysatsouthbridge.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

Evan Desai » The Entertainer!

The Cardinals have the standard four preseason games this year, unlike last year, when they had five.

is just 389 yards behind Terrell Owens for the second most receiving yards.

THE CARDINALS ARE OPENING AGAINST THE REDSKINS, WHO ALSO HAVE A NEW STARTING QB, ALEX SMITH.

FLICKR :MCSIXTH

Larry Fitzgerald

This will be the Cardinals’ 13th season in the University of Phoenix Stadium.

The Cardinals are implementing a new 4-3 defensive scheme this year.

Sam Bradford had the highest completion percentage in the NFL the last time he played a majority of the season.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Former AllPro guard Mike Iupati returns to the Cards after missing most of 2017.

THE LAST TIME THE CARDINALS STARTED A QUARTERBACK OTHER THAN CARSON PALMER IN WEEK ONE WAS IN 2012. (JOHN SKELTON)

PHIND A NEW HOME FOR YOUR OLD BIKE TODAY.

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Welcome Back Students!

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One stop for-Film Processing, Contact Sheets, Digital Editing, Photographic and Fine Art Printing, Framing, Mounting, Photo Gift Ideas.

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All cameras include Canon U.S.A. Inc, one-year limited warranty/registration card

usa.canon.com/eos

usa.canon.com/eos

©2015 Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon, EOS and EOS Rebel

©2015 Canon Inc.trademarks Canon, EOS EOS are U.S.A., registered of and Canon Inc.Rebel in the are registered trademarks Canon Inc. in the United States andof may be registered trademarks or usa.canon.com/eos United States and mayinbe registered trademarks or trademarks other countries. trademarks in other countries. ©2015 Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon, EOS and EOS Rebel are registered trademarks of Canon Inc. in the United States and may be registered trademarks or trademarks in other countries.

COOL DIGS FOR HIGH TEMPS.

Hang out at Scottsdale’s summer hot spot to get in on the season’s top staycations. Kick back with weekend pool parties, enjoy refreshing cocktails, sample inventive dishes and soothe away stress in our spa for the perfect antidote to high temps.

STAY2PLAY PACKAGE Includes an arrival amenity, welcome drinks, free parking, $20 nightly resort credit + complimentary room upgrade.* *Based on availability. Available for stays May 28–August 31.

Z U Z U | V H S PA | O H P O O L B A R + C A B A N A S | O H A S I S P O O L 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | hotelvalleyho.com | 844.356.3072

Scottsdale, AZ