The Entertainer! - April 2017

WHAT RACY RESTAURANT DOES BASTILLE

LIKE IN PHOENIX?

REANIMATED +BEER

N’

BONES

Mesa’s Brandon Jeffords Follows Dream with Smurf Revival

Jon

Friday,

Cheech

Friday,

MAKE YOU BAD IT DOESN’T A

“Delicious and full bodied. A genuine, no-nonsense, 100% corn, well-made American pot still vodka that deserves every accolade.”

Paul Pacult, Editor, Spirit Journal

46 BOIL AND BREW

18 DRIVING SUCCESS

Growing up in Mesa, Brandon Jeffords was inspired by animated films. Now, he’s making his own.

The men of No Doubt and AFI take their new project to the stage.

The Great Southwest Cajun Festival brings a taste of New Orleans to Chandler.

SAVING GRACE

THE METROPOLITAN

TOP25

Dillon Francis

APRIL 1

Talking Stick Resort’s EDM poolside parties kick off with an afternoon of Dillon Francis. His latest single, “Anywhere,” has more than 13 million streams on Spotify. Even though his debut dropped in 2014, hits like “Get Low” and “Love in the Middle of a Firefight” have already made him a staple in the EDM scene. The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, 11 a.m., $30.

An Evening with Neil Gaiman

APRIL 1

Neil Gaiman describes his writing process as “making things up and writing them down.” Modesty aside, Gaiman is one of today’s bestselling writers. His critically acclaimed books

have bent genres and reached out to all ages. His live show will entail storytelling, story reading, Q&As and oddity. Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $35-$65.

DogFest Walk ‘n’ Roll

APRIL 1

DogFest celebrates the community of people and dogs that make assistive canine companions possible. Come to learn more about their service or to support the work they do. The morning begins with a quartermile dog walk and finishes up with vendors, assistance dog demos, inflatable archery and an appearance by the Phoenix Mercury mascot. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 1.800.572.2275, cci. org/dogfestphoenix, 9 a.m., donations accepted.

Soledad O’ Brien

APRIL 1

The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy brings journalist, documentarian and philanthropist

Soledad O’Brien to the Valley. O’Brien has numerous Emmys under her belt for her reporting on the 2012 election and the Haiti earthquake, as well as a Peabody award for BP oil spill

coverage. Make sure to snag your free tickets before the house gets packed. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.496.1376, csrd.asu.edu/ DeliveringDemocracy, 4 p.m., free.

Phoenix Pride Festival

APRIL 1 TO APRIL 2

The theme at this year’s Phoenix Pride Festival is “Stand Up, Stand Proud.” The two-day festival features five stages of entertainment, like Belinda Carlisle and Ninel Conde, from open to close. Plus, there will be food, shopping, community resources and dancing. This is one celebration of the LGBTQ community that gets bigger each year.

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.277.7433, phoenixpride.org, times vary, $15-$75.

Country Thunder

APRIL 6 TO APRIL 9

If the Phoenix heat has you feeling beat, go sweat your sorrows out with Arizona’s biggest country music fans. Between the campgrounds, vendors and nonstop music, you’ll find surely find something to tap your boots to and probably make some friends along the way. This year’s headliners include Blake Shelton, hometown hero Dierks Bentley, Chris Young and Thomas Rhett. Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 E. Price Station Road, Florence, 866.802.6418, countrythunder. com, times vary, $75-$190.

KC and the Sunshine Band

APRIL 8

There are two rules when KC and the Sunshine Band take the stage—

wear boogie shoes and be ready to get down tonight. For more than 40 years, the Grammy-winning act been known for its upbeat bops and unique sounds on songs like “Shake, Shake, Shake” and “That’s the Way I Like It.” They perform with aptly named special guest Boogie Nights for A Night at the Ballpark, with proceeds benefiting Tempe Diablos and Mesa HoHoKams.

Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe, 480.350.5205, https:// go.ordermytix.com/event/ballpark, 7 p.m., $29.99-$200.

Phoenix Lights

APRIL 8 TO APRIL 9

The lights return to downtown Phoenix for two nights of EDM. This year’s Phoenix Lights brings together acts like Zeds Dead, Tiesto and Alesso. Attendees can opt for the VIP ticket and receive two complimentary drinks and access to a special deck. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 323.908.0607, phoenixlightsfest. com, times vary, $159-$399.

Bastille

APRIL 11

The boys of Bastille can’t take you to Italy, but they can bring “Pompeii” to the stage. The English indie pop band has enjoyed hit after hit since it broke onto the scene in 2013. Expect songs like “Flaws,” “Good Grief” and “Of the Night,” as Bastille pushes its newest album, Wild World Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m., $29-$45.

Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Front Porch Pickins 12 Kentucky Derby Party 13 CO-OP 14

Maricopa County Fair

APRIL 12 TO APRIL 16

This annual fun fixture in Maricopa County brings carnival favorites to the Valley before the summer heats up. The fair features 39 rides, live entertainment, more than 60 vendors, agriculture and enough fried food to satisfy any craving. Turkey legs, deep fried coffee and the Mac Doggie Dog? Yes, please. Try reading that without your mouth watering.

Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.252.0717, maricopacountyfair. org, times vary, $9, free for kids younger than 8.

Disney On Ice Presents Dream

Big

APRIL 13 TO APRIL 16

Disney brings its biggest dreamers to the ice to skate and tell their stories. Watch Ariel, Rapunzel, Cinderella and even Anna and Elsa from Frozen, as they tackle acrobatics, flying jumps and skating stunts. This family show has a bit of Disney for everyone. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, times vary, $11-$95.

Diaspora Day Phoenix

APRIL 15

Dedicated to African culture, Diaspora Day brings food, music, entertainment and dance to the masses. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.730.4572, blackwallstreetphx. org, 8 a.m., $5-$10.

BruFest

APRIL 15

Presented by Barrio Brewing Company, BruFest follows its namesake by delivering craft beer, tacos and music. This year’s headliners include The Offspring, Pennywise, All That Remains and Atreyu. Add Lucha Libre wrestling and you have a rock festival completely out of the norm. Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, 623.826.5632, 98kupd. com, brufest.com, 1 p.m., $49-$125.

The All-Star Comedy Explosion

APRIL 15

John Witherspoon, Michael Blackson, Rickey Smiley, Deray Davis and Marlon Wayans make the up the hilarious lineup at the AllStar Comedy Explosion. Between

romance and women, growing up and pop culture, these men cover it all in their comedy—which is sure to crack you up. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.3800, comericatheatre. com, 8 p.m., $50-$125.

Shrek The Musical APRIL 20 TO APRIL 23

It’s a tale as old as time: ogre meets donkey meets princess meets dragon. This unlikely musical based on the hit animated films features favorite characters from the movie and will keep you laughing and dancing with a catchy score. The ASU production has matinee and evening performances. Lyric Opera Theatre at Arizona State University, 50 E. Gammage Parkway, Tempe, 480.965.3371, music.asu.edu/lyric-opera-theatre, times vary, $8-$21.

Blade Runner Screening with Commentary

APRIL 20

Watch the 1982 classic starring Harrison Ford with a whole different perspective. In time for a new version coming soon to theaters, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art hosts a commentary panel with an ASU engineering professor, the manager at Fashion by Robert Black and the SMoCA director. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, 7 p.m., $7.

Say Anything and Bayside

APRIL 21

Longtime friends Say Anything and Bayside team up for jaunt featuring Reggie and the Full Effect. Having sold more than 500,000 albums worldwide, Say Anything is pushing its seventh full-length, I Don’t Think It Is. Bayside, meanwhile, is touring

behind its latest album, Vacancy, a collection that singer/guitar player Raneri wrote while living in a Nashville motel following his divorce. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m., $21-$31.

Pat’s Run

APRIL 22

The 13th annual Pat’s Run will take runners through Tempe on a 4.2-mile course and it honors football playerturned-hero Pat Tillman. Proceeds go to the Pat Tillman Foundation, which invests in military veterans and their spouses by providing academic scholarships. This year, runners will finish inside Sun Devil Stadium and receive plenty of swag at the postrun party.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 773.360.5277, patsrun.com, 7:05 a.m., $47-$50.

Bubble Run

APRIL 22

Welcome to the only running event that celebrates bursting someone’s bubble. The Bubble Run brings participants through 3.1 miles of bubbles and colored foam. You can opt to run, walk, dance, twirl and frolic, but, according to the rules, feeling like a kid is an absolute must.

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, 623.882.3120, bubblerun.com, 8 a.m., $20-$50.

Lesley Stahl: More Than 60 Minutes

APRIL 26

This Emmy Award-winning journalist, known for her time on 60 Minutes, has interviewed a virtual who’s who of global and national officials, including Margaret Thatcher, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Recently, though, she dabbled on the personal side and explored her role as grandma in her latest book. She comes to the Biltmore as part of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute Distinguished Speaker Series.

Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, 602.955.6600, oconnorinstitute.org, noon, $100$500.

Sinbad

APRIL 28

This Michigander’s real name is David Adkins but you probably know him as Sinbad. The stand-up comedian found fame in the 1990s after starring in his own HBO specials, as well as films like Necessary Roughness and Jingle All the Way. With a few TV shows under his belt, Sinbad returns to the stage to do what he does best: make people laugh.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, 8 p.m., $35-$72.

Sweets Con and Desserts Expo

APRIL 29

If you like cupcakes, chocolate, ice cream, gelato or anything sweet, this expo is for you. It’ll be easy to get a cavity from the sweet, salty and savory among the vendors, classes, demonstrations and the Candy Land Soiree.

Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.773.8700, sweetsconexpo.com, 10 a.m., $11-$45.

Wet Electric

APRIL 29

Waterpark meets music festival as Wet Electric returns to kick off summer in Arizona a little early. Come for the bars, waterslides and wave pool, but stay for some of the biggest names in EDM like Diplo, Borgore, Audien and Anna Lunoe. Just remember the sunscreen because there’s nothing like a sunburn to ruin a good vibe.

Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480.994.2297, wet-electric. com, 11 a.m., $15-$3,499.

Kings of Leon

APRIL 29

Kings of Leon returns to Arizona to promote its album, WALLS. With a stable of sing-along anthems like “Sex on Fire” and “Use Somebody,” the indie rock band is known for its no-frills, allabout-the-music show. Warming up the crowd Deerhunter and Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, kingsofleon.com, 7 p.m., $22-$354.

Jamey Johnson

APRIL 30

Jamey Johnson is about as country as it gets. The singer-songwriter has written cuts for George Strait, Trace Adkins and Willie Nelson. But he’s best known for his Grammynominated song, “In Color,” which took home ACM and CMA awards. He will be joined by fellow country acts Margo Price and Brent Cobb. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 6:30 p.m., $35-$39.50.

Kickstart your spring cleaning by donating your used clothing and housewares at the North Phoenix Savers Community Donation Center. Your donated items become funding for our nonprofit partner Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona and helped protect planet Earth!

Donations Benefit:

Seniors and Military members save 30% every Tuesday!

Plus get extra savings with your Super Savers Club Card!

Savers Thrift Store North Phoenix 3517 W Bell Rd Phoenix, AZ 85053 (602) 938-1616

Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 9:00pm Sun: 10:00am - 8:00pm

savers.com

SLOAN PARK

(Spring Training home of the Cubs) 2330 West Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, AZ 85201

NO PETS ARE ALLOWED AT THE STADIUM Saturday and Sunday Starts at 9 am and will end at 3 pm (approx).

A POLICE DOG

Different events both days. Fun family event. Food concession stand will be open. Vendors and static displays.

We are looking for sponsors or full color program, donations for money donations, vendors, ads in our raffles and donations of food and drinks for the volunteers, decoys, judges, explorer kids and competitors. We will trade vendor spots and program ads for donations. We are also looking for help in advertising this event. We are a 501 C 3. Contact person – Owen Keefe (602)509-2498

A TRUE PASSION PROJECT

From shabby chic to chippy, Front Porch Pickins is a vintage lover’s dream

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

As a participant at vintage sales, Desiree Byrne saw plenty of fellow vendors, but sometimes very few shoppers.

To find success, she and others created Front Porch Pickins Vintage & Handmade Market, which comes to Tumbleweed Park in Chandler on Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22.

“We actually started out as vendors ourselves, going to smaller shows,” Byrne recalls. “One of our priorities is focusing on PR and marketing by making a big buzz.”

Front Porch Pickins is Arizona’s

largest vintage market, Byrne says. About 100 vendors will sell antique, shabby, rusty, chippy, handmade, knitted, crocheted, galvanized and farmhouse items, along with custom clothing and signage.

Those seeking something new and novel for the home can check out the custom, farmhouse-style woodworking pieces of Scottsdale Design Co., while La Vida Patina’s boho industrial goods and the His, Hers and Ours Custom Shave Shop’s vintage-inspired safety razors serve as additional draws. Runof-the-mill items aren’t here.

“We’ve had pickle-scented soap,” she says with a laugh. “We had one lady who upcycled old doll heads and made them into planters. It’s one of those things where

you say, ‘I think I need to own that. I don’t know why.’ We have cool and funky items.

“We had a vendor who sold cigar boxes made into guitars, and people who bring old pick-up truck beds and made them into benches.”

This has been a passion project for Byrne, who moved from Illinois to Arizona as a teenager.

“I’ve always been obsessed with vintage” she says. “My dad took me to auctions and estate sales. It’s been surrounding me. My dad has a vintage room at their house. There’s always been some sort of vintage vibe going on in my world.

“The passion stayed with me as I was growing up. I was obsessed with all the different TV shows; the ones where people are flipping and upcycling things. I love it. They always say find what you love and make it a job. That’s what I’ve done.”

This time featuring a car show, Front Porch Pickins continues its tradition of showcasing the area’s top food trucks. Woodfired pizzas from local favorite Doughlicious are among the culinary options available at April’s event, and crepes,

salads, frozen yogurt and other snacks and sweets will also be available for purchase.

The food, Byrne says, provides the perfect opportunity to take a break.

“A lot of people walk through part of it, stop and eat, get back up and keep walking,” she says. “Shoppers should make a whole day of it with their friends. Bring the girlfriends.”

No matter how many people attend, Byrne is thankful for the support.

“If you’re running a business, you have to have the sales to make it work— not just on market day, but year-round. We’re in this together. We’re hoping small businesses. We’re working together to make sure these mom and pops can make it.”

Front Porch Pickins Vintage & Handmade Market and Classic Car Show Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler, frontporchpickins.com/chandler, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, tickets start at $6, children 12 and younger are admitted free.

BETS PLACE YOUR

The biggest Kentucky Derby Party in Arizona offers live action and betting at Turf Paradise

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

When Jason Rose kicked off the Stella Artois Derby Dayclub event at Turf Paradise last year, it sold out in eight days.

As a result, more than double the Derby fans can enjoy the May 6 party, which includes a tent close to the Turf Paradise races, a VIP area, and Hefeweizen and Craft Beer Garden.

“We put tickets on sale a little earlier this year, too,” Rose says. “We’ve expanded the size of the tent, so they’re as close as 20 feet away and the horses are zipping by.

“We have VIP tickets, which include all the food and drink for the day. You’re in a tent. It’s all hosted. Tables include a complimentary bottle of Chandon champagne.”

Partiers can place bets on the day’s racing at Turf Paradise and the Kentucky Derby, all while enjoying mint juleps, DJs, and the beer garden, sponsored by Hensley Beverage Company.

“Turf Paradise is the only live horse racing track in Arizona,” says Rose, who is also behind the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships. “Our PR firm represented them for a number

of years. Separate of that, we have the Polo Championships, which received a tremendous response. We decided to fuse the two for a one-of-a-kind Kentucky Derby party.”

Tents will sprinkle the grounds. The polo-style enclosures will be in the grass, near the finish line and on the backstretch.

“It’s the only Kentucky Derby event in Arizona that has live horse racing and gambling,” he says. “It’s a fun, different day. We saw people dress up a lot, like they do at the polo event.”

The idea for the Derby event was “years in the making,” Rose says.

“People had suggested this concept as a party on the rail, which, as far as we know, has not been done anywhere in horse racing,” he adds.

“We finally convinced Turf that this is something worth doing and, voila, it was off the charts. I didn’t appreciate how much people wanted to get out, dress up, and celebrate Derby day.”

Stella Artois Derby Dayclub

Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, 480.423.1414, thepoloparty/derby, gates open at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, May 6, $25-$110.

LIKE LIKEFATHER,SON

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

Growing up in the Valley, Dash Cooper didn’t understand why the neighbor kids were so hesitant to visit.

“At a really young age, I learned that the image everybody sees is the shock rocker he is on stage,” says Cooper, about his father, Alice Cooper.

“Not a lot of people got that that was just a persona. Other kids wouldn’t come over to my house and play. They thought he would be hanging kids in a noose or

putting them in a guillotine.”

When Cooper retorted with, “Well, what does your dad do?” Kids would answer with myriad of answers.

“But with us, music was a normal thing,” he says about his dad. “I guess I can see from an outside perspective. He sits on the couch at home watching golf.”

Meanwhile Cooper and his band, CO-OP, are carrying on the rocker’s tradition, although on a much less dramatic scale.

“He really taught me how to write lyrically,” says Cooper, during an interview at his dad’s Solid Rock Foundation/ The Rock Teen Center office. “I’ll treasure those lyric-writing sessions forever. He

turned me on to the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Frankie Valli. As simplistic as they were, they were the foundation of rock ‘n’ roll.”

CO-OP, for which Cooper serves as vocalist, and which also includes lead guitarist Court Stumpf, drummer Mark Savale, bassist Justin Swartzentruber and guitarist Kolby Peoples—have been making a name throughout the Valley for years. They will continue that mission with a show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8, as part of Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld. At 9 p.m., the band will back Alice Cooper for his show. In December, CO-OP released its self-titled debut.

“Our CD release party was at Joe’s Grotto last December and a lot of the kids from The Rock were there,” says Stumpf, the Teen Center’s music director. “We play mostly 21 and older shows. For many of them, that was the first time they had seen us play.”

Cooper says the EP took a little longer than anticipated to hit the stores. Life’s events—babies, jobs, etc.—took precedence.

“We have had these songs for a while,” Stumpf adds. “It was hard for us because we constantly had something else going on—shows or going out of town to play events.

“It was tough for us to sit down and say, ‘We’re going to knock this thing out.’ But now we’re hitting the ground running. We’re already in the studio doing the full length.”

The band considers itself “desert hard rock” that considers the musicians’ different tastes. Stumpf prefers industrial music by the likes of Nitzer Ebb and Skinny Puppy, while Cooper follows Bullet for My Valentine.

The band has received help from EMP, the label backed by Scottsdale resident and Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and music veteran Thom Hazaert.

“Alice Cooper took Megadeth out on our first big tour, and we’ve always had a great relationship,” Ellefson says. “He wrote the foreword to my book. So, when Thom was talking to Dash and the CO-OP guys, and we had the chance to sign them, it was a really cool opportunity to shine a spotlight on some incredible local Phoenix talent. And when I finally heard the finished EP, I was blown away.”

Stumpf, a Scottsdale Community College film student who has been writing music for movies and TV since 2009, explains the effect the signing had on the band.

“With EMP, we really have that wind in our sails,” he says. “We’re really going to do this full-on now. It’s amazing to have that now.”

Although it’s taken some time, now is the perfect time for CO-OP.

“It all worked out,” Stumpf says. “It’s just the way life works. The timing was up to God.”

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

BACK TO HER ROOTS

LeAnn Rimes breaks down her new album and her Scottsdale performance

Jordan Blitz » The Entertainer!

LeAnn Rimes wanted to makeover her pop-country sound after 20 years in the business. So, she traveled back to her roots in Mississippi and surprised her fans with the results.

“I want to spark a conversation,” Rimes shares via email from England.

The 34-year-old performer let the power of love be her guide for her album dubbed Remnants. For it, she worked with writer/producer Mark Batson, whose credits include songs by Seal, Eminem and Alicia Keys, and longtime friend Darrell Brown, who hails from Scottsdale.

“With this album, we wrote about all aspects of love and all of its angles— from giving it, receiving it, making it and standing up for it,” she writes. “I wanted to be intentional with this record and release music that means something to me, to bring love and positivity into the world.”

The artist will bring her fresh sound—and remnants of her classic music—to the Scottsdale Culinary Festival on Saturday, April 8, at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. The event, which continues Sunday, April 9, also features performances by The Black Moods, Vaughn Willis & Ear Candy and Wyves.

Inspired by the “greats,” Rimes began her career at age 13.

“For me, personally, it was Janis Joplin, Aretha and, of course, Patsy

Cline,” Rimes said.

She soared to fame after her debut, Blue, went multiplatinum and hit No. 1on the Top Country Albums chart.

Not only were these great performers her yellow brick road to success, the southern belle had a wide range of support.

“A lot of people helped me along the way,” she wrote. “They say ‘it takes a village.’ It definitely does. My parents, of course, my family and my team, of course, are huge parts of my journey. I am thankful for everything because it has brought me to where I am today. This clearly was supposed to be my path, so I try to soak up the moments as best as I can and cherish those around me.”

Her set at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival will recall her career— but with a change.

“I am adding some of my favorite songs from my new album, Remnants,” she wrote. “I will sing lots of hits, but I am also rearranging a few of the fan favorites into new grooves.

“I also like reaching back into my catalog and adding some deep track favorites to reintroduce to the show as well. I am very excited for people to see it all.”

LeAnn Rimes

Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second Street, scottsdalefest.org/, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 8, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 9, $12-$15.

FOLLOWING A DREAM

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

For most of their adult lives, Tom Dumont, Adrian Young and Tony Kanal have performed behind one lead singer—Gwen Stefani—as part of No Doubt.

Now the trio is moving toward a darker side with Dreamcar, fronted by AFI and Blaqk Audio’s Davey Havok.

“I’m incredibly fortunate to do what I love,” says Dumont, calling from his home in Long Beach, California. “To be able to keep doing it and do it with my old friends Adrian and Tony is really fun.

“The whole genesis of Dreamcar was starting over with a new singer and

a new band. The whole idea was to make sure this is fun and something we love to do. That’s our main objective here. So far, so good.”

Set to play a sold-out show at the Crescent Ballroom on Thursday, April 20, Dreamcar will release its self-titled debut on May 12. The band will make its network TV debut performing its first single, “Kill for Candy,” on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday, April 18, on ABC.

“I think the last time I played in Phoenix was with No Doubt in 2009,” Dumont says. “I can’t believe that’s eight years ago. It’s been way too long—way too long.

“The fun thing about this is we’re playing small clubs again. It reminds all of us of those early days in No Doubt.

We did that for so many years. It was always sweaty and intense, and we would walk offstage drenched in sweat. We’d have this connection with everybody in the audience.”

The No Doubt veterans met Havok when his side project, Blaqk Audio, opened for the seminal pop-punk-ska band in 2012.

“Tony and Davey kept crossing paths,” Dumont says. “When Tony, Adrian and I wanted to do a new band project and find a singer to partner with, Davey was the first name that came up.

“It was like we asked him on a date. We asked him to go to dinner and talk about music and what we were thinking of doing. We asked if he had time, if he was interested. We know that AFI is an

institution. We knew that. From that dinner, we had the impression that he had the time to be creative and wanted to try it.”

After dinner, Dumont, Young and Kanal sent demos of four instrumental songs to Havok. Dumont says that Havok immediately “dug the vibe” and wrote four songs over them. The album grew one track at a time until they hit 20 tunes.

“We looked at each other and said, ‘We have a band. We have an album here,’” Dumont recalls.

“There was a chemistry between our personalities. We felt the same things about life and the things in the world. The songwriting process was instantly comfortable and easy with him. Davey is an interesting guy to get to know. He’s the perfect lead singer in that he is flamboyant and extroverted on stage, and confident.”

Dumont adds that he loves Havok’s courage to go outside of his comfort zone.

“This is a different musical direction from AFI,” Dumont says. “With this band, we wanted to differentiate ourselves from both of our earlier projects and we had no problem doing that and going somewhere new with us. Both of those are amazing traits. We wanted that big, brash frontman and we wanted someone who’s creatively bold. He fits both of those descriptions.”

Speaking of songs, Dumont explains it was hard to choose the first single, as he sees Dreamcar as a collection of 12 stories—kind of like a book.

“I’m so proud of all of them,” he says. “They stand on their own. We paint with so many different colors, too. We have three songs that have saxophone on them; saxophone in the vein of early Duran Duran albums, not like the Jamaican and ska music we played with a horn section in No Doubt. It’s an early ’80s new wave saxophone vibe.

“Everybody has their influences. On this album, I kept going back to the first two Duran Duran albums. I’m not saying we are copping that vibe, but for me, as a guitar player, that was definitely the inspiration.”

He’s just excited for fans to hear the album.

“I love it,” he says. “It’s funny. A lot of times when you make an album, by the time you get to writing and recording an album, you get sick of the songs. That hasn’t struck me yet, as I’m rehearsing them to play live. I love this.”

Dreamcar w/Dear Boy

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Thursday, April 20, sold out.

THE TOURIST

TRIPS

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!

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, call 480.998.2800, CrackerJax.com

Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou

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

HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Kief Manning knew other wine regions hosted festivals, and six years ago it was time for Sonoita

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Winemaker Kief Manning noticed that every wine region in Arizona had their own festival—except his in Sonoita. So, six years ago, he founded the two-day Southeast Arizona Wine Growers Festival + Chili Cookoff, Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, that celebrates the state’s three major regions.

“We are once again bringing together winemakers from all across Arizona,” says Manning, who is hosting the event at his Kief-Joshua Vineyards in Elgin. “This year we want to celebrate that on October 26, 1984, the Sonoita/Elgin Wine Growing Region was granted AVA (American Viticultural Area) status, making it one of oldest federal government-granted viticulture areas in the United States.”

The event includes new wine releases, 20 Top Arizona Wineries or acclaimed winemakers, award-winning wine, gourmet food, a professional two-day chili cook-off and hot salsa contest and live music.

“We have representatives from three major wine-growing regions,” he says. “We

have a good representation of all different regions. We bring them all here to our place. We’re the only wine festival in the state that’s actually thrown at a vineyard.

Beyond wine, there is the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) and its regional two-day professional chili cook-off. Cooks from as far as Texas will compete for a spot in the national challenge. Guests can purchase tastes of the chili and join in the People’s Choice competition, with proceeds benefiting the rotary for which Manning serves as president.

“Chili cooks from all over the Southwest compete,” he says. “The winner of the competition get an automatic pass to the national championship in Terlingua, Texas.”

The Ohio-born Manning has worked with wine for some time in Arizona and Australia. He earned his undergrad and master’s degree in vinicultural industry Down Under.

As for the festival, Manning promises a larger event, more art vendors and an added salsa competition and new bands, like Professor James and Dr. T, and onetime “The Voice” contestant Blaine Long.

Southeast Arizona

Wine Growers Festival + Chili Cookoff

Kief-Joshua Vineyards, 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, 520-455-5582, kj-vineyards.com, 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

THE ART OF MUSIC

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Scott Stapp is upbeat and secure. That’s pretty much the norm these days, as the frequently reported emotional troubles are behind him. Now, he’s excited about Art of Anarchy, the band he fronts. Behind him are Disturbed bassist John Moyer, Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and the Votta twins, Jon (guitars) and Vince (drums).

Formerly featuring singer Scott Weiland, Art of Anarchy released The Madness on March 24.

“We’re excited about the record, which initially has been a success at radio,” Stapp says. “The record company is releasing three more singles from this record. Nowadays, you’re lucky to have one.

“The chemistry really happened quickly. I think you can attribute that to the experience of the guys—Bumblefoot from Guns N’ Roses, John Moyer from Disturbed and me coming from Creed. We’re all pros. We all knew exactly what we wanted and we didn’t want, based on our experience. I had a lot of positive influences and we had a desire to write the best songs we could.”

Stapp calls The Madness one of his most passionate projects.

“I poured my heart and soul into the lyrics,” he says. “I took advantage of the opportunity to have an outlet for the things that happened three and four years ago.

“It was a great way for me, artistically and almost therapeutically, if you will, to support my soul with the music. I’m really excited about how everything turned out for a group of guys who never worked together before. We all came from different types of rock backgrounds. All of our styles are complete different—and you can

hear the influences of every band member in every song.”

The album was created in about three months, spread out over a year.

“We all had different things going on,” Stapp says. “It’s a fresh new direction for me, though. I’m pretty excited about it. The band is just amazing.”

Art of Anarchy is headlining the Rock into Spring Festival on Saturday, April 29, in Henderson, Nevada.

Other performers include, on Friday, DJ Lethal, Buckcherry, Alien Ant Farm,

9eletric, Never Say Die, DJ Josh Todd, Reclaim the Sky and State of Mine.

Saturday features DJ DaethStar, Art of Anarchy, Adelitas Way, Shallowside, Artifas, Vyces, Silent Theory, Quor and Behind the Fallen..

Hitting the stage on Sunday are Sick Puppies, Trapt, Eve to Adam, Bobaflex, Another Lost Year, Blacklite District, Alive in Barcelona, Lola Black and The Broken Thumbs.

VIP guests are Chino XL, Rama Duke and Jared Lee Gosselin.

For Art of Anarchy’s show, Stapp says fans can expect the same passion and drive behind his solo and Creed shows.

“I’m going to carry that over into AOA,” he says. “The songs are the engine to drive that. I’m excited, man. I can’t wait to get into Rock into Spring near Vegas.”

He has a secret for tour success.

“I run 5 miles a day, five days a week,” he says. “One of the ways I prepare for tour is listen to the record while running. I let it ferment in my brain. Objectively, it’s got a lot of energy. It’s a really good record to put in when I want to exercise or run. It’s quite the rock ‘n’ roll experience.”

Rock into Spring

The M Resort Spa Casino, 12300 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Henderson, Nevada, 702.797.1000, rockintospring.com, 4 p.m. Thursday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30, $39-$113.

THE ARTIST

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

THE SOUND OF NEW YORK

Virtual Manhattan, actual China on Boys

Choir itinerary

Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

The Phoenix Boys Choir is a travel agent. Not the kind that books you into that special hotel, but the kind that takes you places without you ever having to leave your seat in the theater.

The venerable Valley institution will take its audience to Manhattan Sunday, April 23, with “New York State of Mind” at the Orpheum Theatre.

“People enjoy hearing songs about places, and New York is rich in songs, from both Broadway and pop,” says Georg Stangelberger, in his 17th season as artistic director of the 70-year-old group. Stangelberger came to Phoenix following a stint as deputy artistic director of the globe’s best-known boys ensemble, the Vienna Boys Choir.

The Billy Joel song that lends the concert its title will be featured, along with other New York-themed songs, such as “New York, New York,” made famous by Frank Sinatra, and Duke Ellington’s “Take the ‘A’ Train.”

Unsurprisingly, Broadway will hold down he majority of the program for the group’s annual spring pops concert.

“We’re doing songs from Phantom of the Opera, Cats, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, and even a song from Hamilton,” Stangelberger says.

The latter was included by popular demand.

“I had to put it in,” Stangelberger explains. “When I mentioned the show to the boys, they started rapping it at me!”

The Austrian-born conductor calls the musical style of the Broadway sensation that is Hamilton “measured rap,” and says it is perfectly adaptable to the more lyric approach of the youth choir.

The Phoenix Boys Choir was founded in 1947 in the tradition of the great boy choirs of the world. Currently, 125 boys between the ages of 7 and 14 participate in four levels of choral groups: Training, cadet, town and tour choirs, with the latter group, traveling nationally and internationally as musical ambassadors for Arizona.

Its members come from almost every central Arizona community, from Apache Junction to Maricopa to Sedona, and hail from a range of ethnic groups and economic backgrounds. About 25 percent of them receive financial aid for their tuition and tour expenses. The group’s performances reach more than 100,000

concert-goers a year, not including such special appearances at Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding and the national anthems it has sung for every major Phoenix sports team.

Funding such an enterprise is not a piece of cake, however, and each spring, in addition to the pops concert, there’s a major fundraiser. This year’s takes place April 8 at the home of architect David E. Dodge at Taliesin West. A $200 ticket covers an elegant meal as well as a performance by the Boys Choir in a setting with “incredible views,” Stangelberger says.

But April, busy as it is, does not end the season for Stangelberger and the boys. From New York, they start packing for China. Not virtual China—the real thing.

Every year, the tour choir goes on a summer tour. The route can be anything from the East Coast of the United States to various places in Europe. For only the second time in the choir’s history, the 2017 summer tour will be of Asia’s largest country.

The names of the cities on the tour choir’s itinerary read like music themselves. In alphabetical order, they are: Anhui, Beijing, Dalian, Changzhou, Changsha, Changshu, Chongqing, Fujian, Hefei, Huai’an, Hunan, Jiangsu, Kunshan,

Liaoning, Lishui, Maamshan, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shandong, Shanghai, Shenyang, Taizhou, Weifang, Wenzhou, Xiamen, Yantai, Yixing, Zhangjiagang, Zhejiang and Zhoushan.

Of course, those names have been transliterated. The language barrier, which in Italy or Mexico or France is minimal, will be a big deal in China, Stangelberger admits. He has learned to say some key words in Mandarin, such as hello and farewell, but freely admits: “I have to rely mostly on Google translate.”

Wherever they go and however they get there, the Phoenix Boys Choir continues to be one of the Valley’s most universally esteemed performing arts organizations. The fall will mark the 70th anniversary of the group’s founding. Plans are afoot to take the choir—and audiences—to places not yet thought of.

Phoenix Boys Choir: “New York State of Mind” Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.264.5328, boyschoir.org; 3 p.m. Sunday, April 23, $15 and $20.

ARTS CALENDAR

Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash TO APRIL 16

Johnny Cash has been inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music halls of fame, and placed 48 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart. Cash also delivered more than 130 hits to the Billboard country singles chart. Experience the life of Cash, through the only show given approval by the artist himself, featuring 38 of his classic tunes. Presented by Arizona Theatre Company Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.256.6995, arizonatheatre.org.

Mesa Arts and Crafts Festival

APRIL 1 AND APRIL 15

Get out and enjoy the arts in the beautiful springtime air. The last two MacFest events of the season will feature the work of established and emerging artists. Find crafters, woodworkers, metal crafters, food items, jewelry, art, photography, handmade soaps and other gifts. North Macdonald Street, between Main Street and Pepper Place, Mesa, macfestmesa.com.

A Few of Your Favorite Things

APRIL 4

Jeffrey Siegel’s enthusiasm is contagious. His credentials are world class. His virtuosity is astounding. The acclaimed pianist presents his concerts with commentary, captivating remarks, and world-class performances of masterpieces of the piano repertoire. The show concludes with a fast-paced Q-and-A session with the audience.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.TKTS, scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

The Scottsboro Boys

APRIL 5 TO APRIL 30

Phoenix Theatre and the Black Theatre Troupe join forces to bring the true story of the Scottsboro Boys to the stage. Chronicling one of the most infamous court cases in American history, this has been regarded as one of the most visionary Broadway productions ever produced, and has won 12 Tony Awards. Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com.

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

PAPA APRIL 7

Tom Papa

APRIL 7

Tom Papa is a veteran stand-up comedian who began his career more than 20 years ago, when he was the opening act for Jerry Seinfeld. Since then, he has performed in film, television, radio and on the stage. Bringing a fresh perspective to everyday topics, Papa celebrates the funny side of life. Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg, 928.684.6624, dewpac.org.

Cinderella

APRIL 7 TO APRIL 9

The Phoenix Symphony presents a delightful version of the fairytale classic. Real-life couple Daniela Mack and Alek Shrader add an additional level of romance to the story of Angelina, her stepfather and his two daughters. Sung in Italian with English supertitles, the production offers arias and outlandish hijinks, as Angelina searches for her prince, with the help of a tutor, and a pair of bracelets. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.266.7464, azopera.org.

Ripcord

APRIL 7 TO 23

Abby and Marilyn are roommates at the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility. One is cantankerous, the other chipper. Their head butting

turns into a game of one-upmanship. Their tenacity is put on display during this comedic production, as are deep truths, which they prefer not be brought out into the light. Presented by Two Old Broads Productions

Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Suite 406, Scottsdale, 602.765.0120, thestudiophx.org.

First

Friday Opening

APRIL 7 TO APRIL 30

Visit the Fair Trade Café for coffee and delicious baked-in-house pastries. While there, take in the latest exhibit curated by Philip Talarico of the Downtown Artists Collective, featuring the works of Gabriela Muñoz, who is an interdisciplinary artist and arts educator. As a Latina living in the southwest, Muñoz is concerned with social justice and equality. Her works function as a growing archive that documents alternate stories and histories.

Downtown Artists Collective, Fair Trade Café, 1020 N. First Avenue, Phoenix, 602.354.8150.

Edge of the Forest

APRIL 13 TO MAY 3

The latest exhibit at the Marshall Galley features the work of Frank Balaam. His work in oil painting can best be described by the artist himself: “I paint from a viewpoint which immerses the viewer in an impenetrable tangle of trees with no

NEW, MUST-SEE EXHIBITIONS

Marjorie Thomas: Arizona Art Pioneer

Through late December 2017

More than 40 artworks by Scottsdale’s first resident artist

Marjorie Thomas, Grey Burro, c. 1930s, oil on canvas; Collection of Frances and Edward Elliott.

The Scottsdale Craftsmen: A 70-Year Legacy

Through late December 2017

Discover the artistic origins of downtown Scottsdale

Ernest L. Blumenschein, The Chief Speaks, 1917, oil on canvas; Private Collection, photograph courtesy Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe, N.M.

Lloyd Kiva New, Cherokee, Kiva Handbag with Metal Ornament by Charles Loloma and Men’s Silk-Screened Shirt with Metal Buttons by Charles Loloma, c. 1950s; Courtesy of Joan C. Fudala.

earth, no distance, no forest creatures and no visible path in or out. The solitary viewer is thus part of the timeless forest, rooted and growing inexorably.”

The Marshall Gallery of Fine Art, 7106 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.970.3111, themarshallgallery.com.

An American in Paris

APRIL 18 TO APRIL 23

The magic and romance of Paris meets the unforgettable tunes of George and Ira Gershwin. This production won more awards during the 2015 than any other show, and is on its first nationwide tour. Set during the aftermath of war, the play traces an American soldier and a mysterious French girl yearn who for a new beginning.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com.

Jazz Under the Stars with Carlos Henriquez

APRIL 19

The weather is beautiful and the spring evenings are perfect for a concert under the stars. Bronx-born Carlos Henriquez blends modern jazz and Latin rhythms. His performance is presented in the Valley with the cooperation of New York’s Lincoln Center. Having taken the stage with the biggest names in the industry, Henriquez has been performing since the age of 14.

Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main

Street, Mesa, 480.644.6560, mesaartscenter.com.

Back to the ’80s

APRIL 21 AND APRIL 22

Neon. Big hair. Music videos. Weeknight sitcoms. Travel back in time as a show choir celebrates the 1980s through a variety of hits, ranging from soulful rock ballads to upbeat pop dance hits. Like, this is going to be totally rad.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, 480.987.SHOW, qcpac.com.

That Irving Berlin Thing

APRIL 20 AND 21

Enjoy a mix of more than 40 of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits and rarely heard songs during a toe-tapping, two-act musical revue. Celebrate the songs that chronicles the life of the legendary composer, the cultural impact he made, as well as his connections to Hollywood, his military service, and celebration of the holidays. Presented by Scottsdale Musical Theater Company Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.909.4215, scottsdalemusicaltheater.com.

Dolan Ellis, Arizona’s Official State Balladeer

APRIL 26

Experience the history of Arizona with a true living legend. Dolan Ellis was appointed the title of Arizona’s

Official State Balladeer in 1966 by Gov. Sam Goddard. Ellis will offer a wide repertoire where storytelling is weaved with humor and musical performances that tell the story of Arizona and its people.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480.686.9539, scottsdalemuseumwest.org.

Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition Open Studios Tour

APRIL 28 TO APRIL 30

Head north to the beautiful red rocks and sweeping vistas of Sedona and the Verde Valley for a self-guided tour of more than 50 private art studios scattered throughout the region. Works include glass, ceramics, paintings, mixed media, digital art, fiber, photography, jewelry, watercolor, and more. Presented by Sedona Visual Artists’ Coalition Various locations, Sedona, 928.239.9967, sedonaartistscoalition.org.

Once Upon a Mattress

APRIL 28 TO MAY 14

The season is coming to an end, and the folks at TheaterWorks are going out with a hilarious bang. If you thought you knew the story of the Princess and the Pea you are in for a walloping surprise. This spin on the classic tale of courtship and comeuppance will deliver hilarious shenanigans, and feature hilarious, raucous, and romantic melodies. Presented by TheaterWorks Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org.

TIMELESS TUNES AND COMPOSERS

APRIL 30, MAY 2, MAY 7

Beauty and the Beast

APRIL 29 AND APRIL 30

See the movie on the big screen and then enjoy a live production of the timeless classic on stage at Chandler Center for the Arts. Ballet Etudes presents the world-premiere production of the classic fairy tale. Follow Belle and the Beast as they offer a tale of promise, friendship and love. Presented by Ballet Etudes Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org.

Timeless Tunes and Composers

APRIL 30, MAY 2, MAY 7

Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix presents its annual Timeless Tunes and Composers concerts, featuring a number of popular songs that have stood the test of time.

American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, April 30; Velda Rose United Methodist Church, 5540 E. Main Street, Mesa, May 2; Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley, May 7, orpheus.org.

Woven Through Time:

American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art ONGOING

Fiber weaving is an ancient Southwest tradition. Considered the oldest craft on earth, these pieces of art are examples of cultural resilience and artistic survival. This new, permanent exhibit features an extensive collection of basketry and other pieces of fiber art. View this and other exhibits at the oldest and largest anthropology museum in the region. Arizona State Museum, 1013 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, 520.621.6302, statemuseum. arizona.edu.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Interact with, and marvel at, artists using innovative technology and media. We also honor SMoCA Emeritus Advisory Board

Member Dorothy Lincoln-Smith. Expect the unexpected!

Tickets: Call 480-499-8587 or visit SMoCA.org

V IP Virtual Table: $2,500 (up to 10 guests), 6 – 10 p.m.

VIP Tickets: $250/Guest, 6 – 10 p.m.

General Tickets: $175/Guest, 7 – 10 p.m.

Sponsorship opportunities: Contact Catherine Turner, corporate relations and events manager, CTurner@ScottsdaleArts.org or 480-425-5353

Squidsoup, Submergence. Photo: Paul Blakemore

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A MUSICAL JOURNEY

Aaron Neville to recall career during sold-out MIM show

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Legendary singer Aaron Neville has performed at venues throughout the world in his five-decade career.

But when he returns to Phoenix to play the MIM Music Theater, he’s keeping it intimate, joined only by pianist Michael Goods.

“You can expect anything,” Neville says. “I call it my musical journey. We mix it all up. We take songs from different albums, the stuff we all grew up listening to and the songs I was singing back in the day.”

Neville has wavered between his solo work and his role in the Neville Brothers.

His first single was “Tell It Like It Is,” which spent five weeks at No. 1 on the R&B charts in 1967. He went on to win Grammy Awards for his triple-platinum 1989 collaboration with Linda Ronstadt, Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind, and reached the country charts with “The Grand Tour” in 1993.

Recently, he released his solo album Apache, which reflects Neville’s social and spiritual concerns. The words were culled from a poetry journey he started keeping in the 1970s.

“I’ve been writing poetry for years and years,” he says. “‘Yellow Moon’ was a poem I wrote and I turned it into a song—the same with ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ and ‘Brother Jake.’ I can’t sit down and plan to write anything. I write on my iPhone because, by the

time I would try to write it down on paper, the idea is gone. The phone is right there.”

Neville is planning on recording another album, but he’s not sure of the direction. Nevertheless, at 76, he still doesn’t see himself slowing down.

“I made it to 76 and I’ll make it to 77 and 78,” he says. “I feel fantastic. Like I tell everyone, age and numbers are just concepts made up by man.”

Aaron Neville Duo

MIM Music Theater at the Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mimmusictheater. themim.org, 7 p.m. Monday, April 10, sold out.

MAKING IT UP AS YOU GO ALONG

Phoenix Improv Festival brings unscripted actors from nine countries

Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

If you think “improv” and envision Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you need to visit the 16th Phoenix Improv Festival International Thursday, April 20, to Saturday, April 22, at the Herberger Theatre Center. There, for four shows over three days, ensembles of unscripted actors from nine countries will go well beyond the bounds of obvious gags.

“There’s nothing wrong with that kind of improv,” assures Bill Binder, festival producer. “Being funny in short skits is one valid part of it. But the long form does a lot more than that.”

The “long form” can go from 15 minutes to 90 minutes, and include some very serious displays of unscripted acting. The art of creating characters and situations on the spot leaves no aspect of human experience untouched. Actors can be called on to recreate moments of trauma or despair or lovesickness as much as instances of hilarity.

Nor do the differences stop there. The actors who make improv their lives have a different attitude toward the lack of a script.

“The idea in Whose Line is It? is that the lack of script is an impediment and let’s show how clever we can be, filling in that gap. We look at the lack of script, not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity,” Binder says.

The opportunity is one of emotional openness, he says.

“If I am an actor in Our Town or Into the Woods, I need to stick to the words written for me,” Binder explains. “If I am profoundly moved in one of those situations, I may not be able to bring that out in the words I’m given. But as an

unscripted actor, the emotions and vulnerability we feel go right into what we say and do. It’s the difference between creating real emotions, and just re-creating them in one performance after another.”

Binder spends most of his time globe-trotting to participate in the more than 60 improv festivals in North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere. The phenomenon is growing in South America and even the Middle East. For the Phoenix festival, actors from Ireland, Canada, Australia, the United States, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Turkey will be in residency for one week before they take their art to the public.

“Unscripted acting takes years of training, just like any other craft. If you’re on stage with an actor you’ve known for 20 seconds, playing a couple that’s been together 60 years, you need to have honed your skills and acting practices,” Binder points out.

How do the actors get the ideas for the characters and situations that spark their improvised journeys?

“The most common way is to ask he audience for suggestions,” Binder notes. “The actors will ask, ‘What’s on your mind right now? What affects you?’ Or they will just ask for a noun, a single noun, and they’ll personify that.”

The word can be common, and still unleash a torrent of emotions and associations.

“Suppose the word is ‘pencil,’” he says. “It’s a writing implement, yes, but it’s also something that’s kind of out of the past, something that’s outlived its usefulness.”

The situation allows the actor to explore what it feels like to be out of date—in a serious way.

Although not all the groups in the Phoenix event are from countries where the main language is other than English, all the troupes will perform in English, which has become a de facto international language. Binder has, however, found himself in countries that did not use English—sometimes to amusing effect.

“I was once in a show in France where everyone had to speak French. Beyond

‘bonjour’ and ‘oui,’ I don’t have any French, so it was challenging. I had to use eye contact and physicality and, just through that, I was able to react emotionally,” he recalls.

Binder promises that the nine companies will have different approaches.

“Some use music, some electronics, another uses animated gifs to inspire them,” he says.

The bottom line for improvising actors is pretty much the same as for all of us in reality: We make it up as we go along. The major contrast might lie in the actors’ need to do something we often forget in daily life: “On stage with other actors and no script, you really need to listen and hear what other people say.”

Phoenix Improv Festival International Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, 602.252.8497, phoeniximprovfestival.com, Thursday, April 20, to Saturday, April 22, $10-$20.

UPCOMING CONCERTS AT THE MIM MUSIC THEATER

JON MCLAUGHLIN:

THE INDIANA TOUR 2017

Saturday, April 8 | 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

Propelled into stardom with his Oscarnominated song, “So Close,” for the Disney film Enchanted

CHARLES LLOYD AND THE MARVELS

Featuring Bill Frisell, Reuben Rogers, Eric Harland, and Greg Leisz

Sunday, April 16 | 6:00 & 8:00 p.m.

“Charles Lloyd is an international treasure.”

—Carlos Santana

SUZY BOGGUSS

Wed. & Thu., April 19 & 20 | 7:00 p.m.

“Bogguss is a versatile singer, navigating jazz as easily as country or folk.”

—Chicago Tribune

AFRO-CUBAN ALL STARS

Sunday, April 23 | 6:00 & 8:00 p.m.

“Brings Cuban big band firmly into the new millennium.”

—Choice Magazine

HAPA

Wednesday, April 26 | 7:00 p.m.

“HAPA is the most successful Hawaiian music group in recent history.”

—New York Times

CHERISH THE LADIES

Saturday, April 29 | 7:00 p.m.

“Cherish the Ladies has been a leading group in the Irish traditional world. . . . It is simply impossible to imagine an audience that wouldn’t enjoy what they do.”

Boston Globe

LIZZ WRIGHT

Monday, May 1 | 7:00 p.m.

Singer Lizz Wright seamlessly weaves through the genres of  jazz, folk, pop, blues, and gospel, handling them like colors on a palette.

ZAKIR HUSSAIN WITH RAHUL SHARMA

Tuesday, May 2 | 7:00 p.m.

Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and master of the santoor Rahul Sharma team up for an evening of incredible Indian music.

ANAT COHEN & TRIO BRASILEIRO

Sunday, May 7 | 7:00 p.m.

“With the clarinet she becomes a singer, a dancer, a poet, a mad scientist, laughing—musically—with the sheer delight of reaching that new place, that new feeling, with each chorus.”

—JazzTimes

TIFT MERRITT

Monday, May 8 | 7:00 p.m.

“It’s material that’s straight out of the Dolly Parton or Tammy Wynette songbook, but Merritt makes it her own.”

Elle Magazine

COMING ATTRACTIONS

1 Mile to You

NR - 104 MINUTES

Graham Rogers plays a teenager who, after his friends die in an accident, finds running allows him to remember them perfectly. Running, however, also brings him notoriety. He is caught between keeping the past alive and making new memories in the present. Opens April 7.

Aftermath R - 92 MINUTES

Scoot McNairy plays an air traffic controller whose error causes the death of a construction foreman’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger) wife and daughter. The two strangers’ lives become inextricably bound together after the devastating plane crash. Opens April 7.

Mine

NR - 107 MINUTES

Armie Hammer plays a soldier who, after a failed assassination attempt, finds himself stranded in the desert.

Exposed to the elements, he must survive the dangers of the desert and battle the psychological and physical toll of the treacherous conditions.

Opens April 7.

The Void NR - 90 MINUTES

Aaron Poole plays a police officer who discovers a blood-soaked man limping down a deserted road and rushes him to a local hospital with a barebones, night shift staff. As cloaked, cult-like figures surround the building, the patients and staff inside start to turn ravenously insane. Opens April 7.

Colossal R - 110 MINUTES

Anne Hathaway plays an out-of-work party girl who, after getting kicked out of her apartment by her boyfriend, is forced to leave her life in New York and move back to her hometown. When news reports surface that a giant creature is destroying Seoul, South Korea, she gradually comes to the realization that she is somehow connected to this phenomenon. Opens April 14.

The Fate of the Furious

PG-13

- 136 MINUTES

Vin Diesel reprises his role as Dominic Toretto who this time is seduced by a mysterious woman (Charlize Theron) into the world of crime and a betrayal of those closest to him. Meanwhile his crew faces trials that will test them as never before. Opens April 14.

Sandy Wexler NR - 130 MINUTES

Adam Sandler plays a talent manager working in Los Angeles in the 1990s, diligently representing a group of eccentric clients on the fringes of show business. His single-minded devotion is put to the test when he falls in love with his newest client (Jennifer Hudson), a tremendously talented singer who he discovers at an amusement park. Opens April 14.

Sand Castle NR - 120 MINUTES

Nicholas Hoult plays an inexperienced soldier in Iraq during the early days of the second Gulf War who is ordered to the outskirts of Baqubah to repair a water pumping station damaged by U.S. bombs. He discovers that trying to win the hearts and minds of the locals is a task fraught with danger. It’s here, in the streets, squares and schools that he discovers the true cost of war. Opens April 21.

For more movie reviews, in-depth celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, tune in to breakthrough entertainment 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com.

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

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

The Report Card

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

Beauty and the Beast

After an abysmal adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (not to mention an even-worse sequel), decent adaptations of Sleeping Beauty and The Jungle Book and an excellent adaptation of Cinderella, Disney has finally plucked the perfect rose with Beauty and the Beast, its live-action take on one of its most beloved animated classics. At long last the Mouse House has not only retained but built upon the cherished musical element to create a near masterpiece that will have audiences in tears due to the nostalgia of its approach, the enchantment of its visuals and, well, the sheer beauty of its story.

RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

Get Out

More times than not, horror films tend to fall into predictable, familiar territory, with plots so obvious, you can predict the entire storyline before you have even eaten half of your popcorn. This is not the case with Jordan Peele’s latest entry into the genre. What he has created is not only groundbreaking, but smartly written, expertly acted, and a heck of a lot of fun. Blending horror, comedy, and social issues worked well in this case, promising a career that will be long and well received, and better yet, will hopefully add additional releases that are just as satisfying.

M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

Get Out

Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a young black art photographer in New York City, goes upstate for a weekend in the country with his white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams), to meet her affluent family. They seem, initially, like nice folks, a little self-conscious about Chris’ race, but well-intentioned. Hints of the sinister soon crop up, however. To say much more would be to give away too much about this horror tale from writer/director Jordan Peele. Suffice to say that it’s a splendidly successful, witty shocker, using the theme of racial unease to generate terror along an old-fashioned, Ira-Levin-ish Gothic structure.

JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a film critic, producer and onair personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

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.

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.

CARTOON LOGIC

A Mesa illustrator’s journey to the ‘Smurfs’ is one of perseverance

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

When Brandon Jeffords saw the animated film The Fox and the Hound as an elementary school student, he was transfixed. It didn’t seem possible that his artwork may one day dance across the big screen.

“I couldn’t believe that people drew pictures like I did and they were bringing them to life,” says Jeffords, a 1990 Dobson High School graduate.

“Because I loved the whole acting and singing parts just as much in these animated movies, I could put everything I loved into one place.”

On April 7, the Sony Pictures animator will celebrate the release of the movie Smurfs: The Lost Village, for which he served as head of story. His credits also include Hotel Transylvania 2, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and The Looney Tunes Show

In this fully animated film, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends, Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty, on a race through the Forbidden Forest to find a lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads to the discovery of a big secret. The feature stars Ariel Winter, Michelle Rodriguez, Julia Roberts, Joe Manganiello, Mandy

Patinkin, Rainn Wilson, Demi Lovato and Meghan Trainor.

“What really turned me on to the project was that they decided to do something different with it,” says Jeffords, who spent three and a half years on the film.

“The other two movies were live-action hybrids. The Smurfs didn’t look like the original comics that I loved growing up as a kid. The director, Kelly Asbury, said let’s go back to their roots and design things the way they were meant to. They have a cartoony feel to them. There’s a brand-new cast. Gargamel is animated. It’s definitely like the cartoons I grew up with.”

In the production notes, Asbury explains further.

“We went through the early comic books and studied the work of (Smurfs creator) Peyo to try to find a visual look for the movie that honored the origins of the Smurfs and how they really look,” says Asbury, who previously directed Shrek 2 and Gnomeo and Juliet

“That was important to how we conceived each location, the look, the design of the Smurfs, themselves, their mushroom houses and the colors.”

ARTIST IN THE MAKING

Jeffords spent his elementary school years in Warren, Michigan, and moved with his family to Mesa in junior high. It was

at Rhodes Junior High that he acquired a love for performance.

“I was put in choir because I came late to the school year,” he says. “I didn’t want to be in a singing group. My choir teacher saw I was shy and introverted and they turned it upside down and made me love music.

“I started getting into musicals and things like that.”

After graduating from Dobson, he attended the Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida, from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in illustration.

For the last decade, he has been working in the film and TV industries for clients like Disney, Warner Bros., Hasbro, Nickelodeon and Sony Pictures. He does art on the side as well, as seen on his website, brandonjeffords.com.

He admits he’s been lucky to make it as far as he has in his career.

“It was definitely a huge dream that I doubted many times throughout my childhood and my career,” Jeffords admits. “Many people helped get me where I am. I’m a pretty optimistic person and, strangely, probably, unrealistic at times.

“I think I’ve always been that way as a kid. I was weaned on the old Disney films. That’s where I found a love of animation. The theme is 90 percent fulfilling your dreams or your dreams coming true. Those are the types of films that I admire the most: Somebody who, against

It was definitely a huge dream that I doubted many times throughout my childhood and my career.

all odds, defeated whoever and became who they are.”

Smurfs: The Lost Village didn’t always make the aforementioned point. The story went through several revisions after Sony’s management was overhauled.

“This one, in particular, went through a lot of changes,” says Jeffords, who is married with four kids, ages 8 to 16. “You wouldn’t recognize it. Once new management came in, they looked at it with fresh eyes. They said, ‘You guys have a story in there. It’s secondary right now. You have to bring that to the forefront.’

“As a storyboard artist, 90 percent of the job is throwing drawings away. You have to have thick skin. There is a lot of artwork that is never seen, unless it gets into the cut scenes.”

He was wholeheartedly supported by his parents, including his father who was heavily recruited by minor league baseball. Jeffords explains that his family never questioned how he would make a living through illustrations.

“He turned it down because of being a dad, a family guy,” Jeffords says. “He really tried to get me into sports as much as he could. I was horrible. Thank goodness, my younger brother came along and was great at all of that stuff and took the spotlight off of me. I just say follow your dreams and do what you

love and eventually it’ll pay off.”

That resonates with Smurfs: The Lost Village

“The whole idea of the film is there’s a character, Smurfette, who doesn’t have a purpose,” he says.

“Smurfette is the only one who has a name that doesn’t match what she does, not to mention she’s the only female.

“That’s part of her journey and my journey. Moving from Michigan to Arizona was a culture shock to me—especially going from elementary school to junior high school. Identity for me was a huge thing. I didn’t know who I was or what my trajectory was. Now, the idea of being able to draw for a living, even to my kids, sounds like it’s made up. They ask, ‘Dad what do you do all day?’ I tell them I draw pictures. For them, that has to be the coolest thing ever.”

THE DINER

APRIL FOOD EVENTS

two hours of live entertainment and activities. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

Dinner with Wolves

APRIL 2

Dine at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center next to the endangered Mexican gray wolf. The evening begins with a cocktail hour where guests can take a self-guided tour of the grounds. A silent auction, dinner and presentation will follow. All proceeds go to the Defenders of Wildlife at Arizona’s Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th Street, Scottsdale, 602.374.3906, dinnerwithwolves.com, $250, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Journey Through French Wine Country: The 4/4 Pour

APRIL 4

Enjoy an intimate dinner filled with elaborate food like wood-grilled Kauai prawn, Bakkafrost salmon belly and Top Knot Farm moulard duck. Each dish is paired with wine from the vineyards of France.

Cuisine and Cocktails, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.875.8080, matchphx.com, 6 p.m., $194.

Flavors of the West

APRIL 8

Celebrate the culinary talents of the West Valley in downtown Litchfield Park. Each ticket includes two hours of food sampling and an additional

Downtown Litchfield Park, 106 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 623.223.1982, flavorsaz.com, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., $60.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival

APRIL 8 AND APRIL 9

This food festival packs in more than 40,000 guests to experience some of the greatest food from around the Valley. Throughout the weekend there will be cooking demonstrations, a beer garden and a teen cooking challenge. There will also be a family zone for the little ones to enjoy. LeAnn Rimes headlines on Saturday, April 8; other acts include The Black Moods and 76th Street.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.945.7193, scottsdalefest.org, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, $12-$150.

Arizona Wine and Dine

APRIL 13

Enjoy the finest wine from around the Valley at the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association’s sixth annual AZ Wine and Dine. Some of Arizona’s most talented resort chefs will create dazzling meals to pair with the wines. Throughout the night, dance under the stars to live jazz performances. Scottsdale Quarter, 15279 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 602.604.0729, azwineanddine.com, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., $69 to $150.

Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails Easter Picnic

APRIL 16

Executive Chef Sean Currid at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix is adding a unique twist to Easter this year with a Southern-inspired menu. The buffet will include cornbread, spiced watermelon, chicken and waffles and barbecue oysters. A variety of desserts will be available.

Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails, Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.258.0231, bluehoundkitchen. com, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $19-$65.

Taste of the Islands Art Walk

APRIL 21

Relax and let loose to the island vibes in downtown Chandler. Sample dishes such as a Hawaiian Luau plate or a pulled pork sandwich. Artisans will sell jewelry, paintings and a variety of other products. The Corona del Sol Steel Drum Band is set to add Caribbean vibes.

Downtown Chandler, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, downtownchandler.org, 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., free.

The Great Southwest Cajun Fest

APRIL 22

Transport to Louisiana this spring at the Great Southwest Cajun Fest. Sample some of the brightest and most colorful flavors of Cajun culture. Different themed zones will rep New Orleans, like the French Quarter and

Bourbon Street. Guests are encouraged to dress up in parade attire.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, southwestcajunfest.com, noon to 9 p.m., $8-$125.

Original Taste

APRIL 22

Presented by Executive Council Charities at the Scottsdale Waterfront, the event combines more than 40 of the Valley’s best restaurants, over 50 wines from across the world, select brands of beer and premium liquor and entertainment. Proceeds from Original Taste benefit Executive Council Charities to fund critical youth programs.

Scottsdale Waterfront, near Camelback and Scottsdale roads https://www.ec70phx.com/theoriginal-taste, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., late night 10 p.m. to midnight, $125-$250.

Sausage Fest

APRIL 23

Benefiting Honor Flight Arizona, the second the sausage-themed soiree includes live music, yard-style games like corn hole and life-size Jenga, a stein holding competition and Arizona’s largest brat. Sausage connoisseurs and general attendees alike can enjoy a variety of craft beers, different flavored homemade brats and soft pretzels.

Brat Haus, 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.947.4006, brathausaz.com, noon to 8 p.m., $5 donation.

Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

Happy Hour Guide 38 Franco’s Italian Caffe 40 The Great Southwest Cajun Fest 46

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE

Brat Haus

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

$2 off all drafts, $1 off bottles, cans, liquor and wine and food specials

Buck & Rider

4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix

Weekdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 9:30 p.m. to close

$6 signature cocktails, house pours and featured glasses of wine

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 117, Scottsdale

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$3 domestic pints, $4 local pints, domestic aluminum bottles and premium well drinks, $5 house wines

Craft 64

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale

Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$1 off all beers and $2 off all wines

Dirty Dogg Saloon

10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

$1 off domestic beers, well drinks and call

Donovan’s Steak & Chop House

3101 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$9 All Signature cocktails and Martinis! $6 Wines by the glass. Delicious appetizers (4-6p.m.), Prime Beef Quesadillas $6, Beef Carnitas Tacos $6, Prime Beef & Cheddar Wraps $6, Fried Calamari $7.

Duke’s Sports Bar & Grill

7607 E. McDowell, Scottsdale

Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

$3.50 domestic drafts and bottles, $5.25 house wines and $8.99 domestic pitchers

El Chorro

5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley

Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$3 glass of house wine and domestic bottled beer and $5 El Chorro Margaritas and well drinks

EVO

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale

Daily 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$3 beers, $4 well drinks, $5 wines and $6 cocktails

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Five locations across the Valley Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight

$2.75 well drinks, $3.25 domestic drafts, $3.50 house wine and several food specials

Hard Rock Café

3 S. Second Street, Phoenix

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$3.50 domestic bottle and draft, $4.50 select craft beer, $5 premium well, house wine and double shot of Fireball

Hungry Monk

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler

Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

$1 off all alcohol, but ask about daily specials! For example, Wednesday is $3 pints of craft beer all day!

Lucky Strike Bowling

50 W. Jefferson Street, #240, Phoenix

Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails, house wine and food specials

Luxe Lounge

16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa

Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and all day Sunday

$3 well drinks, house wines and 16 oz. domestic drafts

Old Town Tavern

7320 E. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

1826 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday (Excludes UFC, Boxing, ASU events) 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

$4.50 Select appetizers, $3 Domestic Drafts, $3.50 Premium Drafts, $5 Guinness 20oz., $3.50 Coastal Vines Wines

Pig & Pickle

2922 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale

Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$5 select small dishes, select cocktail and select wine and beer

Pure Sushi Bar & Dining

20567 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale Mon-Fri, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sat/Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

$3 off regular-priced cocktails, wines by the glass and sake. $2 off regular-priced bottles of beer. Wide selection of sushi, appetizers and signature cocktails and Japanese beers & bombers.

Pure Sushi Colony

5538

beer.

selection of sushi, appetizers and signature cocktails and Japanese beers & bombers.

Rehab Burger Therapy

7210 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and

Rosati’s

7570 E. 6th Ave, Old Town Scottsdale

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$4 Well Drinks, $5 House Wines, $5 Delicious Bar Bites - Many to choose from!

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

$1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and food specials

Stockyards Steakhouse

5009 E. Washington Street, #115, Phoenix

Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

$2 off draft beer and Saloon Snacks, $3 domestic bottles, $5 well drinks and $5 house wine with complimentary tenderloin sliders

TapHouse Kitchen

Hilton Village, 6137 N Scottsdale Rd #108, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

7 Days! 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$2 off all draft beer, spirits and wine on tap. $2 off all beer flights, house wine. $2 off all Tap House Kitchen custom cocktails, Tap “House" Margaritas and $1 off all well drinks. And more!

Tutti Santi

6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Select beers $3, well drinks $3 and select glasses of wine $5

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; Brewery: 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix

Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to close

$3.50 Uncle Bears craft pints, domestic bottles, wells & house margs, $4.50 22 oz. Uncle Bears crafts, guest craft pints, Deep Eddy cocktails & house wine, $5.50 22 oz. guest crafts & sangria

Wasted Grain

7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale Wednesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Scottsdale’s Longest Happy Hour

$5 shared plates, $5 drink specials

MOLTO BUONO

Franco’s Italian Caffe is ‘something special’

Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

Photos by » Kimberly Carrillo

Franco’s Italian Caffe feels as if it was lifted from a venerable Italian neighborhood in New York and plopped down in Old Town Scottsdale.

It’s a small dining spot—owner Franco Fazzuoli, who handles all bookings personally, jotting customers’ names in a big black book on a tall desk by the front door, says he’ll only accept 20 customers per half hour so the tiny kitchen can keep up the quality.

“Everything is to order, so they take time,” he says.

The setting is intimate, dark and cozy, with large black-and-white photos evoking Italy of the ’50s. Sinatra would be at home here. And the family from “Moonstruck.” And me.

Some of his customers have followed him from New York, Fazzuoli says. “One guy used to eat at my place in New York all the time. He bought a house in Mesa for the winter, and he comes here.”

Fazzuoli, a native of Florence, has been welcoming people to his restaurants, here and in New York City, since his first, Il Ponte Vechio, opened its doors in 1975. While his restaurants have won praise from Zagat, TripAdvisor, Gourmet Magazine, the New York Times and reviewers here in the Valley, his was an accidental career.

“I didn’t like too much to go to school,” he says. “I always played hooky. My father found out and to punish me he sent me to work as a dishwasher at a grand hotel in Florence. I was 14, 15 years old. When I was there, everybody liked me because I was a skinny little kid and I did my job the best I can. The chef said, ‘Do you want to learn to cook?’ And I said, ‘Yes, teach me,’ so after two months he sent me to learn to do salad. I loved it.

“After that, my dad, he said ‘I hope you got the lesson,’ and I said, ‘Dad, it really was not so bad, I actually liked it and I made some money.’ I came back and

Giuseppe, the head chef, started teaching me how to cook.”

Fazzuoli’s mother also was a profound influence on his cooking, and many of her recipes have found their way on the menu. Stephen Martin, Fazzuoli’s colleague for more than two decades, learned some of the dishes during frequent stays with Fazzuoli’s mother in Florence.

Franco and a partner opened his first restaurant in Florence, and it hummed along successfully until it literally was washed away by the flood that caused massive damage there in 1966.

“After that I couldn’t get a good job,” he says. “I packed up my suitcase and went to New York in 1967. I worked three jobs and saved my money, and I opened

Il Ponte Vechio. The first six months I couldn’t get a liquor license. The people who give the licenses thought I got the money from the mob, because the head of one mob family lived one street behind my restaurant and came to eat there all the time. But one judge, who was in charge of immigration in the city, liked to eat in my restaurant. He knew that I worked and saved the money, and he say, ‘I’ll take care of you. Next week you have a liquor license.’ After that, my place exploded.”

In subsequent years, Fazzuoli opened another restaurant, Zinno, in Greenwich Village. The combination of great food and jazz was an instant success. Fazzuoli quotes a New York magazine that said of Zinna, “No matter what the kitchen does

with pasta, it’s splendid.”

There’s a lot more to Fazzuoli’s story, involving more restaurants, moves to Arizona and to New York and back, but I really need to tell you about the pasta, and the rest of Fazzuoli’s terrific menu, so I’ll compress the rest and just say that, happily for Arizonans, he opened Franco’s Italian Caffe four years ago and says this will be his last move.

The food at Franco’s is deceptively simple, traditional Tuscan cuisine with forthright, clean flavors served up by a cadre of old pro servers in long black aprons. They know every detail of the menu specials, as well as the excellent, if abbreviated, wine list, and are happy to guide diners.

These days, Fazzuoli handles the front of the house while Martin heads up the line cooking.

Here’s a recent evening’s dining, just to give you a taste.

We started with burrata, its mozzarella shell opened to reveal a creamy center topped with black caviar and served with tomatoes. New Zealand green-lipped mussels, the plumpest and most succulent I’ve ever sampled, were next, happily paired with a delectable tomato sauce fortified with fish stock.

Next came a sampler of three of the restaurant’s signature pastas: Pappardelle in wild boar ragù, fettucine in truffle-laced cream and Strozzapreti pasta with cream, prosciutto, leeks and herbs. I would have been happy with any of the three as a main course, but this last was a knock-out.

The pasta (the name means “strangle the priest,” of all things) was perfectly cooked and the sauce beautifully balanced with leeks and ham—a dish that demonstrates this kitchen’s deft hand with classic, deceptively simple dishes.

Main courses were lamb chops with grilled polenta and vegetables—four juicy chops marinated in olive oil, a little balsamic vinegar, garlic and herbs and served with silky demi-glace; and impeccably fresh and succulent sea bass in a beautifully seasoned tomato sauce. We didn’t have it this night, but I can testify that the veal scaloppine—available in several variations each night—also is spectacular. I didn’t think we would have room for dessert, but somehow we made headway through three favorites: mascarpone cheesecake scented with lemon, a flourless Governor’s Chocolate Cake that defines decadence, and—the standout in my mind—Merenghata, frozen feathery meringue layered between more meringue, this in creamy, crispy layers.

Coffee and Limoncello topped off the meal.

What more can I say? Perhaps Fazzuoli himself says it best: “When you come to Franco’s you get something special.”

LAMB CHOPS

THREE PASTA SAMPLER

BURRATA

MERENGHATA

NEW TO THE MARKET

The Valley’s latest, greatest culinary haunts

The culinary scene in the Valley is growing by the day. Don’t believe us? Check out just some of the new venues that have opened their doors in recent months or are set to start serving.

SWEET PROVISIONS

Sweet Provisions will take you back to being a kid with gourmet treats for all ages, including fresh-churned ice cream, frosty floats, cookies, and decadent shakes. It’s the perfect stop after your meal for a sweet treat with family or a sweet afternoon pick me up. 8120 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.275.2676, sweetprovisionsaz.com.

MODERN MARKET

Modern Market features clean, simple food made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients, ordered from a counter and served fast. Modern Market Scottsdale’s location is an adaptive reuse of a historical midcentury modern bank. It is set to breathe new life into this stunning setting, thanks to an artful remodel that mixes rustic woods, vintage light fixtures and cozy seating with the sleek, bustling backdrop. 4821 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, 480.947.1131, modmarket.com.

BREAKFAST KITCHEN BAR

Located at Scottsdale Quarter, BKB is a cozy neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot with a laidback-yet-hip vibe. Here you’ll find mouthwatering dishes such as croissant French toast, lobster omelets,

churro waffles, health protein plates and pizza hash, as well as salads, sandwiches and a full bar and coffee menu.  Scottsdale Quarter, 15147 N. Scottsdale Road, Unit H133, Scottsdale, 480.361.6698, breakfastkitchenbar.com.

HEARTH ’61

Hearth ’61 is the ingredient-driven on-property restaurant at the new Mountain Shadows resort in Paradise Valley. Featuring a wood-fired hearth that prepares a featured daily roast, the restaurant is headed by Valley legend Charles Wiley. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, showcasing a seasonal menu, along with an inventive cocktail program, unparalleled hospitality and some of the best views in the Valley. Mountain Shadows, 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 855.485.1417, hearth61.com.

LIBERTY STATION AMERICAN TAVERN AND SMOKEHOUSE

Liberty Station Tavern is open at Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Liberty Station serves American comfort food with regional touches. High-quality smoked meat, shareable appetizers and even vegan-friendly options reign at this “neighborfood” spot. Craft cocktails, local beer and an excellent wine list quenches everyone’s thirst for libations. 34522 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 180, Scottsdale, 480.595.9930, libertystationtavern.com.

DOUGHBIRD

The newest restaurant from Sam Fox, Doughbird, is a bold concept that marries imaginative, house-made pizzas with rotisserie meats and classic comfort eats, all in a bright, comfortable setting that feels as familiar as your own backyard. Indulge in savory pizzas like crispy pastrami (aged gruyere, pickled mustard seed, purple kale, rye) and spiral ham (shishito pepper, spicy pineapple, Thai basil, smoked mozzarella) or rotisserie options like Rocky free-range chicken and Creekstone Farms prime rib accompanied with guest’s choice of a side and sauce. 4385 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.345.9161, eatdoughbird.com.

SONATA’S RESTAURANT

Sonata’s Restaurant introduces residents to a breadth of dishes inspired by Old World Europe, such as pork shank with sauerkraut and potato pancakes served with duck or smoked salmon and a

vegetable chutney. The interior design incorporates European finishes and even pays tribute to the namesake owner, Sonata, in a stunning portrait. 10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 127, Scottsdale, 480.477.1390, sonatasrestaurant.com.

ZEN CULINARY

Zen Culinary’s bold bill of fare includes everything from handcrafted sushi and sashimi to thick-cut wood-grilled steaks and chops, all prepared with a vibrant blend of Asian-American ingredients and cooking techniques. Beverage Director Michael Liberatore brings up the libation front with irresistible craft cocktail concoctions featuring Asian ingredients and liquors. 15544 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.296.0030, zenculinary.com.

HAND CUT BURGERS & CHOPHOUSE

Old Town Scottsdale has a new neighborhood hotspot from the folks behind Farm & Craft, El Hefe and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. Fast-casual by day and full-service by night, Hand Cut specializes in grass-fed and finished burgers, steaks and chops; house-made ice cream; and a generous selection of wine, cocktails and craft beer.

Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Suite 154, Scottsdale, 480.494.2008, handcutchophouse.com

MORA ITALIAN

The Seventh Street stretch got its latest destination restaurant in Mora Italian. With chef Scott Conant at the helm, Mora has done more than give central Phoenix a sure-to-be award-winning restaurant. Expect reimagined Italian classics as well as entirely new, innovative creations.

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

SUSHI BROKERS

Finally, the East Valley gets the chance to fall in love with the vibrant fare that Phoenix and Scottsdale have already fallen “head over eels” for at Sushi Brokers’ other two locations. One of the latest additions to Heritage Marketplace in Gilbert, Sushi Brokers is serving up an impressive, all-natural menu in a space that’s equally remarkable.

350 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 101, Gilbert, 480.515.5000, sushibrokers.com.

THE GRAND BLUE

This eatery comes from the same trio that opened the first Pita Jungle restaurant in Tempe more than 20 years ago. Their concept is an ambitious one—a highend seafood restaurant at an affordable price. The menu is varied and includes everything from sushi to ceviche and even Italian cioppino.

7318 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.3482583, thegrandblue.com.

HAND CUT BURGERS & CHOPHOUSE

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

BOIL BREW

Downtown Chandler goes Cajun for Abita Brewing event

Steven Solomon » The Entertainer!

Don festival parade-style attire and get a taste of the Big Easy at the Great Southwest Cajun Fest in Chandler on Saturday, April 22.

Showcasing the heart and soul of New Orleans, paired of course with Arizona fusion and flavor, Cajun Fest is filled with cultural festivities, food and entertainment.

“I’m so excited to bring Southwest Cajun Fest back to downtown Chandler this year,” says Landon Evans, event coordinator with the HDE Agency, a multimedia marketing company. “Now that we are in our third year, we’ve fine-tuned all the details and plan to make it the biggest and best year yet.”

Brought to Chandler by Abita Brewing, Cajun Fest celebrates Cajun culture, cuisine and handcrafted beer, and will feature live music by jazz, blues and contemporary swing revival bands. The event is from noon to 9 p.m. at Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue.

MUSIC AND FOOD TREATS

Headlining the event is Zach Deputy, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter based in Savannah, Georgia. On the food side, regional dishes will be featured from a variety of vendors, including Honey Bear’s BBQ, Creole Cajun Bistro, Angry Crab Shack and Ragin’ Cajun. Organizers say that crawfish was a big deal last year, with patrons waiting in long lines to get it. Evans increased the number of crawfish boil booths to diminish the lines.

The activity schedule begins with a procession at 2 p.m., followed by a watermelon-eating contest at 3 p.m., a wing-eating contest at 4 p.m., a crawfish-eating contest at 5 p.m. and another procession at 5:45 p.m. The processions

will be led by the mayor and council, and include alumni from Louisiana State University and a puppy parade. Anyone can bring their pup, especially dressed up in a costume, and be in the parade.

Sign-ups for the eating contests will be handled on site, starting at noon the day of the event. A maximum of 15 people will be registered for each event and participants must be at least 18 years old. The first person to eat half a watermelon wins that contest, the first to eat 12 wings wins that contest and the first to eat 12 crawfish wins that contest. The events are not timed and winners receive gift cards to local businesses.

“I love producing events in Chandler, it’s my home and I take great pride in the strong community our events have helped to build,” Evans says. “A portion of the proceeds will go back into the downtown Chandler community through the Downtown Chandler Community Foundation, and that makes me very proud of the work we’re doing.”

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children 12 years old and under will be admitted free. Tickets for VIP admission, which are only available in advance, are $125 and include catered food, six adult beverages, access to private seating in the VIP area, private restrooms and front stage access.

So how popular is Cajun Fest? “Last year about 7,000 people attended,” Evans says. “This year we’re looking to hit about 10,000.”

THE CRAFTMASTER

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

Tres Rios Nature Festival

APRIL 1 AND APRIL 2

New this year is the Crescent Crown Beer Garden, located on the bridge over the river with a perfect view of the stage. Headliners include Chuck E. Baby and the All Stars on April 1, and The Haymarket Squares on April 2. Base and Meridian Wildlife Area next to Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Boulevard, Phoenix, tresriosnaturefestival.com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 2, free admission.

North Mountain Brewing Blues, Brews and Arts Festival

APRIL 2

The North Mountain Brewing Blues, Brews and Arts Festival brings together the local community through the universal language of the arts and food.

522 E. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, 602.705.5446, nmbluesbrewsandartsfest.com, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $15.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival

APRIL 8 AND APRIL 9

More than 30 craft breweries join local restaurants, national and Valley bands headlined by LeAnn Rimes, and a slew of activities for the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Taste, sip and celebrate Arizona’s food culture. Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, scottsdalefest.org/2017-scf/, noon to 9 p.m. April 8, and noon to 6 p.m. April 9, $12-$150.

Penitentiary Pint Fest

APRIL 15

There’s no escaping this event, which features live music, samples of craft brews from around the Southwest and food. Must be 21 or older. Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, 1 Prison Hill Road, Yuma, http://yumapintfest.com/ ypf/, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., $35-$45.

Brufest

APRIL 15

Brufest is an afternoon of music, craft beer, tacos and lucha libre wrestling. Locally sourced food trucks and restaurants will be on site to serve artisan nibbles. The Offspring, Pennywise, Atreyu, All That Remains, Hell or Highwater and Through Fire provide the soundtrack.

Fear Farm Festival Grounds, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, brufest.com, 1 p.m., starts at $49.

Lagunitas Beer Tap Takeover

APRIL 20

Tavern Americana will host a pizza party with a Lagunitas Beer Tap Takeover. Chef Ian Ray will make several scratch-made pizza sauces with varying Lagunitas beers and the dough will also be infused with suds. Tavern Americana, 20469 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.502.6740, urbantaverngroup. com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., $4-$6 a pint, $10-$12 per pie.

Original Taste

APRIL 22

Presented by Executive Council Charities at the Scottsdale Waterfront, the event combines more than 40 of the Valley’s best restaurants, over 50 wines from across the world, select brands of beer and premium liquor, entertainment and a scene you will not want to miss. Proceeds from Original Taste benefit Executive Council Charities to fund critical youth programs.

Scottsdale Waterfront along Camelback, https://www.ec70phx. com/the-original-taste, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 10 p.m. to midnight, $125 general admission tickets, $250 VIP tickets.

Great Southwest Cajun Fest

APRIL 22

Stop by Dr. AJ Chandler Park to celebrate Cajun culture, cuisine and handcrafted beer. Live jazz, blues and contemporary swing revival bands provide the soundtrack in themed zones like Bourbon Street, French Quarter and Garden District. Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, southwestcajunfest.com, noon to 9 p.m., $8-$125.

Beer n’ Bones 5

APRIL 28

Have a beer and walk among the dinosaur bones at the Arizona Museum of Natural History’s annual fundraiser. Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, 480.644.2230, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory. org, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., cost TBA.

Beer for Brains’ Epicuriad Spring 2017 Food, Craft Beer and Wine Pairings

APRIL 29

The Beer for Brains Foundation’s Epicuriad Spring 2017 Food, Craft Beer & Wine Pairings event has a new twist. Street Food Chefs get out of their trucks and into the kitchen to create a new dish for a gourmet pairing competition. The main event follows with a large sampling of gourmet food, craft beer and wine from 12 Street Food Chefs, breweries and vineyards in an intimate setting. Event attendees will vote on the category of “Best Pairing.”

Allstate Appliances, 15250 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, thebeerforbrainsfoundation.org, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., $95, $150 for VIP.

BeerFinder DIRECTORY

Where to find the best craft beer bars in town

Craft 64

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale

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

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

2490 W. Happy Valley Road, 5350 E. High Street, 740 S. Mill Avenue

Locations throughout the Valley

Incredible Pizza and amazing beer make Mellow the place to go for a craft beer experience.

Papago Brewing Company

7107 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale

The granddaddy of Arizona beer bars, there is something for every beer lover at Papago.

Boulders on Broadway

530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe

Boulders has the appeal of a neighborhood bar with a beer list that’ll make your eyes pop.

Hungry Monk

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler

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

Harvey American Public House

1524 E. Williamsfield Road, Gilbert

First class food and first class beer, all set away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Rosati’s

7570 E. 6th Ave, Old Town Scottsdale

Old Town’s newest sports pub! Over 30 great, icecold beers on tap including domestic, imported and a constantly rotating variety of new craft brews!

Spokes on Southern

1470 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe

A comfortable bike-themed grill with 24 draft handles and food made from scratch.

Culinary Dropout

5640 N. Seventh Street, 7135 E. Camelback Road

Locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Located at The Yard, Culinary Dropout has everything you look for in a great restaurant experience, especially great beer.

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale

Quality craft beer made right here in Scottsdale.

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

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

4420 N. Saddlebag Trail

Scottsdale

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

Garage Wine and Tap

1534 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix

With a small selection of great beers and a reputation for outstanding food, Garage should be on your list.

Thirsty Lion

2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway

Tempe

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

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix

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

Brat Haus

3622 N. Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale

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

Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, 20831 N. Scottsdale Road

Scottsdale

Do we need to say more? The name spells out everything you need to know.

Fox Cigar Bar

1464 E. Williams Field Road

Gilbert

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

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).

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

1805 E. Elliot Road

Tempe

Home of the Third Thursday Tap Takevoer. The rest of the month is pretty good, too.

Phoenix Public Market Café

14 E. Pierce Street

Phoenix

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

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.

House of Brews Sports Bar

825 S. Cooper Road

Gilbert

Is it a sports bar or a craft beer bar? It’s both!

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

232 S. Wall Street, Chandler

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

TapHouse Kitchen

Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale

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

Ground Control

4860 N. Litchfield Road

Litchfield Park

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

The Brass Tap

1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104

Mesa

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix

Stop by to enjoy some local craft beer including Uncle Bear’s and other guest taps as well as delicious bites and a great happy hour!

BEERTENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

Beer and sushi?

According to John Sanchez, sous chef and resident “beer geek” at Sushi Roku, the answer is a resounding yes. And, he adds, sushi pairs well with more than just traditional Japanese lagers. He says craft and regional beers are a picture-perfect pair with every kind of roll imaginable. Sushi Roku, in fact, is more than a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, nontraditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g., jalapeños) and Europe (e.g., olive oil) into its edible works of art. Let Sanchez take you for a virtual tour of Sushi Roku’s offerings and his personal passion when it comes to the perfect pour.

What do you think makes craft beer special?

Many people talk about local first—but local craft brewers really mean it. Most that I work with—and so many in the Arizona community, specifically—take great pride in sourcing ingredients, including hops, malts and even fruits from local farms in their own backyards. Heck, many grew their own farms to really get back to basics. In addition, being small is a good thing in craft beer because it gives the brewer freedom that big beer businesses just don’t have to experiment with wild flavors and test seemingly crazy new methods for brewing. A great example: So many people are able to use winemaking processes or even bourbon barrels in their beer making, and a lot of those ideas came from craft brewers just taking a chance and being creative.

How did you get your start in craft beer?

I got my start thanks to my culinary background—and a Barnes & Noble gift card. Growing up in Southern California, cooking always came easy to me. So much so, it was a natural fit for me to attend cooking school out of high school, where I excelled. Around the same time, my uncle gave me a Barnes & Noble gift card one Christmas. Because I already had a heaping helping of cookbooks and chef biographies, I thought it would be fun to buy a book on home brewing. About three pages in, I was hooked. About 30 pages in, I started seeking out local breweries to start taste testing, with Ballast Point and Stone practically in my own backyard. By the time I was 22,

I was adept at home brewing my own beer, something I kept up as I started my career as a chef, which included working for LGO Hospitality Group and the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland before joining Sushi Roku in 2015. I brought my passion for beer and brewing with me to Sushi Roku, where it has been wholly embraced.

What is your favorite part about the beer culture in Arizona?

The malleability of everyone at every brewery I have come across. More specifically, many of us home brewers and even craft brewers on the move in the Valley and beyond haven’t worked for years with one specific style, brand or even brewing process. We are all still learning—from

each other, from mentors and from experimentation in the daily. And while what I would call “young guns” in the world of beer, Arizona brewers are ironically the ultimate nod to the old school—craftsmen from back in the day doing it right, doing it local.

Why is Sushi Roku the perfect place for craft beer?

Variety is the spice of life – and there are more beer, sushi roll and menu item combinations than you can possibly imagine at Sushi Roku right now.

One of my favorite pairings has to be the tuna jalapeño roll. Given it is a fattier fish, its really stands up to the IPAs we offer, especially Uncle Bear’s. Another great pairing, would be Hitachino White with our baked crab hand roll. The citrus and peppery notes of the wit really cut through the creamy, rich crab. And beyond just sushi, our entrée items pair really nicely with several of our beers too. A great example, would be our Ribeye Japonais with Echigo Rice Lager.

In addition to simple pairings, which we are always happy to provide advice on, we believe in supporting local brewers. As such, we now have one tap that is exclusively for local craft beer, which we revolve with the seasons and months. We also try to bring in something special for our guests to make them feel at home when it comes to beer. Case in point, during Spring Training, given our proximity to the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark, we are considering adding a San Francisco brewer, Anchor Steam, to our mix for a few months.

What are your favorite beers?

In general, I tend to geek out most on IPA, Belgian-inspired beers and wild fermented beers. The funkier, the better! As far as breweries, I am a huge fan of Firestone Walker, Arizona Wilderness and The Beer Research Institute right now. In fact, The Beer Research Institute in Mesa is making fans beyond me. I hear they are expanding in coming months due to demand.

Sushi Roku 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, sushiroku.com.

CRAFTED WITH ROASTED DARK MALTS AND REFINED HOP BITTERNESS

EXPERIENCE THE DARKER SIDE OF SAPPORO

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Games, music and brews lined up for fundraiser

Dave Clark » The Entertainer!

Imagine enjoying local craft beer, playing games and hanging out with dinosaurs, all while raising money for a great cause.

Beer N’ Bones 5 allows patrons to do just that at the Arizona Museum of Natural History from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, April 28. VIP entry is set for 6 p.m. The event will showcase the best of local and national craft breweries. Those confirmed at press time to attend include Uncle Bear’s, Odell’s, Oro Brewing, The Perch, Colorado Brewing Company, Scottsdale Beer Company, College Street, Wren House and O.H.S.O.

Representatives from many of the local breweries will be present, and several of them will be bringing beer specifically created for the event.

“The breweries love to be part of this event because it is very informal, compared to a typical beer festival, and they get a lot of one on one time with their current and potential future customers,” says Kathy Eastman, the museum’s curator of education.

But there’s more than just beer here.

“Speed Dating with Scientists is a game show-like event that pairs patrons with scientists,” Eastman says.

“Though it’s set up like speed dating, the purpose of the event is to learn more

COME OUT AND PLAY

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski »

exter Holland has been The Offspring’s singer for 33 years, so he pretty much knows the ins and outs of the concert and festival world. A Lake Havasu resident, Holland is looking forward to playing and promoting

about your favorite scientific field. A group of scientists are introduced, each describing their area of specialty. Patrons then get to select which scientist they’d like to sit and chat with, speed dating style.”

For a nominal fee, patrons can purchase a Beer Tasting Passport which allows them to sample an array of different beers, introducing them to many different styles and flavors. Beer Tasting Passports are automatically included in the VIP package. Beer, wine, hard cider, gluten-free options and nonalcohol drinks will be available for purchase along with food provided by local vendors. The admission fee includes the first drink.

The chamber folk ensemble North

his hot sauce line at the April 15 BruFest in Phoenix.

“It’s funny that they say this is a beer festival,” Holland says. “Whenever we play a gig, it’s always a beer festival. There’s just not always a whole lot dedicated to beer.”

Holland’s Gringo Bandito hot sauce, which is sold throughout the world, started humbly, as gifts that he created for friends and family. In 2013, a spicy green hot sauce was released and carried on the company’s tradition of mixing flavor with a tolerable heat level.

On Cinco de Mayo 2015, Gringo Bandito released its third hot sauce product called Super Hot, which contains jolokia and scorpion peppers, taking the heat level closer to intolerable. According to a press release, Gringo Bandito has 70 percent less salt than other major competitors, contains no preservatives, and is paleo friendly, gluten free and all natural.

“I figured, the world is your oyster so go out and do the stuff you like,” Holland says. “The band is the main priority, but I like to do different stuff. The hot sauce is doing really great. In the United States, it’s in 5,000 stores now.

“It’s fun to do. It’s a fun hobby. It’s not my day job.”

The website for Gringo Bandito, gringobandito.com, lists recipes for dishes like candied “pee-cans” and Fletcher Dragge’s “imfamous pepper belly,” while

Brother Island will blend acoustic chamber music with a live band experience on the patio.

Live animal stations will be dispersed throughout the museum letting patrons get up close and personal with some of their favorite creatures. Snake specialists will be present along with experts from The Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Reptile Center and OdySea Aquarium showcasing their beloved animals. Various creepy crawly insects will also make their presence felt.

“The insects really seem to draw a lot of interest and people really seem to enjoy seeing them in this environment,” she says.

New additions this year include Crafting with Craft Beer, Fun Science Activity Stations and Beer Bingo.

VIP tickets, which are $40 in advance, not only feature early admission, but a Beer N’ Bones custom glass, food and drink vouchers as well as the session “Dino Bytes,” led by Dr. Andrew Farke, a renowned expert in paleontology and archaeology who is also an avid homebrewer.

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is a large indoor museum with a three-story waterfall. It’s open six days a week, except Mondays and major holidays.

Beer N’ Bones 5 Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, azmnh.org, https://beer-n-bones. eventbrite.com, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, April 28, $20-$40.

offering traditional dishes like guacamole and primo chicharrones.

“Some recipes are just silly,” he says with a laugh.

Like Holland says, The Offspring is his baby and he’s going to spend the year touring with the pop-punk band. Fans can expect to hear songs that they know.

“You can’t shy away from your hits,” he says. “That’s why you’re there. A long, long time ago, I saw the Polecats. If was probably five years after their one hit. I love the genre and stuff, but I’m more of a casual fan.

“I saw them at a Long Beach club and I was one of those fans. They didn’t play their hit. I was like, come on, man. I loved the show, but I wanted to hear the song.”

BruFest Fear Farm Festival Grounds, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, brufest.com, 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. for 21 and older, 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for all ages, tickets start at $49.

The Entertainer!

BEER GEAR

Cäk

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

There’s nothing worse than a watered-down beer. So, a well-insulated cup is necessary. That’s where cäk comes in. Unlike any other tumbler, this clever cup comes with a n’ICE pair—blue ice balls designed to keep drinks cooler longer, without watering it down. The cäk 30-ounce Tailgater ($23.99) features double-walled, vacuum-sealed insulation and air-tight clear lid with embossed cäk. It includes two reusable n’ICE pair balls to keep drink cold. Available in black, orange and teal. The n’ICe pair ($4.99) reusable blue ice balls are perfect for white wine. It chills longer without diluting the taste, and includes a reusable tube. Simply freeze in container, use, wash and then freeze again. Ice balls can stay usable for more than four hours. cakshop.com

GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

BEER

Brewery: Helio Basin Brewing Co.

Style: Porter

Name: Robust Porter

A beautiful dark and flavorful beer that is sure to please your senses without filling you up. Notes of burnt caramel, coffee and dark chocolate hit the nose from the special blend of malts in this brew. The flavor backs up the aroma and then some. Complex and subtly, yet pleasantly bitter, this Robust Porter finishes dry and clean leaving you ready for another—any time of year.

LIBERTY STATION

“When pairing beer with food, there are a few general rules that we try to show our guests (despite the fact that these rules are generally meant to be broken). Most folks looking to pair food and beverage are familiar with wine and food pairings so we try to build on common ground. With that in mind it’s an easy (though not foolproof) comparison to look at lagers and similar as white wines; hoppy beers can be swapped for more acidic wines; and ales as red wines.”

—Garrit Guthrie, Liberty Station Beverage Director

DISH

Dish: Smoked Texas Brisket

Liberty Station opened just a few months ago as the latest culinary endeavor from Keeler Hospitality Group, who owns Market Street Kitchen in DC Ranch and Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops in Omaha, Nebraska. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Liberty Station serves American comfort food with regional touches, including several nods to the Keeler family’s roots. Given this, so much of our menu lends itself to beer pairings.

We especially love Helio Basin’s Robust Porter with our brisket because, while it’s a robust beer with notes of caramel and chocolate, it has a pleasant bitterness with a clean finish. That clean finish leaves you read for more salty and smoky brisket without weighing your palate down.

Station

N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.595.9930, libertystationtavern.com.

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

OTTONWOOD & THAT BR E YREW

, ARIZONA

WE GIVE LOTS OF PRIZES

US ON PHACEBOOK

THE HIGHROLLER

THE BEST CASINO EVENTS IN APRIL

Piff the Magic Dragon

APRIL 1

The stand-out star of season 10 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent was without question Piff the Magic Dragon. Piff, along with his trademark Chihuahua named Mr. Piffles, performs impressive magic that leaves the audience dumbfounded. Previously, he was the opening act for Mumford & Sons on their 17-date U.K. tour and has just completed a six-month residency at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in its flagship show Vegas Nocturne.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, wingilariver.com, 8 p.m., $25-$50.

APRIL 7

Herman’s

career in 1964 and remained hugely successful throughout the rest of the decade. Peter Noone left the group in 1971 but continues to play solo shows billed as Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone to consistently sold-out venues worldwide.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000, harrahsakchin.com, 8 p.m., call for charge.

Snoop Dogg & Cypress Hill

APRIL 19

MerryJane.com presents the “Mount Kushmore, Wellness Retreat Tour 2017,” featuring Snoop Dogg and Cypress Hill with special guest Berner. A clear-bag policy will be in effect. Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, tickets.casinodelsol.com, 855-7657829, 7 p.m. $40-$250.

Clint Black

APRIL 21

A country music traditionalist from Texas, Clint Black was largely responsible for kick-starting the mass-market popularity of country in the ’90s. Now, Clint Black is back with a new album, On Purpose. His set will feature new songs as well as the hits that made him famous.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, wingilariver.com, 8 p.m., $40-$100.

The Mavericks

APRIL 22 AND APRIL 23

Celebrated Grammy Award-winning band The Mavericks step out to support its latest album Brand New Day

The 10-song collection opens with the Tejano/bluegrass-inspired “Rolling Along,” which sets a tone before the wall-of-sound power of the title track thrusts the listener deep into the musical journey. From the ‘60s-flavored and election-campaign inspired “Easy As It Seems” to the accordion-fueled shuffle of “I Will Be Yours” to the heart-melting beauty of “Goodnight Waltz,” Brand New Day finds the eclectic unit inspired.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., call for charge.

Bostyx

APRIL 25

Bostyx features all the hits of Boston and Styx with David Victor, former Boston vocalist/guitarist, at the helm. Victor’s resume as a member of Boston includes two North American tours and a No. 1 single in 2014 as lead vocalist on the song “Heaven On Earth.”

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000, harrahsakchin.com, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., call for charge.

Jon Lovitz

APRIL 28

Best known as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, Jon Lovitz has also starred in The Critic and appeared in numerous other TV series and films. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., starts at $40.

Sinbad

APRIL 28

Sinbad, whose real name is David Adkins, lent his voice to the animated series Slacker Cats and was a competitor on Celebrity Apprentice in 2010. He has starred in his own reality show Sinbad: It’s Just Family, focused on his domestic life with his wife, Meredith, daughter, Paige, and son, Royce. Sinbad, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, 8 p.m. $35-$72.

Travis Tritt

APRIL 29

Country singer-songwriter Travis Tritt’s 25-year career has produced two Grammy award wins and multiple No. 1 singles on the country charts. Enjoy his trademark hits like “Modern-Day Bonnie and Clyde,” “Here’s a Quarter” and “It’s a Great Day to be Alive.” William Michael Morgan, who scored a hit with “I Met a Girl,” opens. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., starts at $40.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Herman’s Hermits Starring

Peter Noone

Hermits kicked off its

CALENDAR CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

APRIL 1

Basketball Championship Weekend Viewing Party

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Piff the Magic Dragon Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Food Fest & Farmers Market Desert Diamond Casino, ddaz.com

The Walkens

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 2

Marble Heart

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 3

Basketball Championship Weekend Viewing Party

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

APRIL 4

Battle of the Sexes Trivia Night Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Stanley Serano Trio Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 5

Silhouette

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Miguel Melgoza Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 6

Walkens Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 7

Herman’s Hermits Starring

Peter Noone

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Live DJ

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 8

Club Night Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Chuck E. Baby & The All Stars

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 9

Gemini

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 11

Stanley Serano Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 12

Silhouette

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

HIGHROLLER TIP

Casino newbies should start gambling online because it’s far less intimidating than a brick-andmortar attraction. Just make sure you have the rules of the game down pat, as well as a set budget.

Thaddeus Rose

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Live DJ

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 13

AZ Blacktop Band

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 14

Chad Freeman and Redline

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 15

Thaddeus Rose Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 16

Quantum Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 18

Stanley Serano Trio Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 19

Snoop Dogg & Cypress Hill Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

ABBAFAB

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Thaddeus Rose Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 20

WFF MMA Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Fito Olivares

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 21

Don’t Look Back - The Boston Experience

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Aeromyth - Aerosmith Tribute Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Clint Black

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Bostyx Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Live DJ

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 22

Tejano Shootout 2017 Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Furious George

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

The Mavericks Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

APRIL 23

Sun City Groove Band Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

The Mavericks Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

APRIL 25

John Eric Duo Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 26

Joe Costello Syndicate Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Walkens Trio Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 27

Chuck E. Duo Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 28

Jon Lovitz Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Sinbad Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Quantum Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

APRIL 29

Soundwave Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

‘A WILD RIDE ’

Sinbad promises laughs at his Wild Horse Pass show

Carson

Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Traveling and performing standup is old hat for comedian Sinbad. After more than 30 years in the business, it still doesn’t get old.

“I’ve been on the road since ’83,” says Sinbad, who was born 60 years ago as David Adkins in Benton Harbor, Michigan. “I never stopped doing standup and I never will. I love it.”

Audiences may know him best from Jingle All the Way or The Sinbad Show, but the multifaceted entertainer is doing what he does best—perform live, on Friday, April 28, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler.

A basketball star at the University of Denver, the 6-foot-5-inch Sinbad took an untraditional route to comedy. He served in the U.S. Air Force and, while assigned to the 384th Air Refueling Wing at Kansas’ McConnell Air Force Base, he

competed as an MC in its talent contest in 1981. It was then that he realized he could make people laugh.

“I said, ‘Hey I like this. This is what I’m going to do,’” he says simply.

Since then, the comedian, who was inspired by Bill Cosby, Lenny Bruce and Redd Foxx, hasn’t adhered to any rules while developing material.

“I don’t know what I talk about until I get there,” he says with a laugh. “A lot of it is improv right at the moment.”

And how do all the laughs come together? The comedian is similarly concise.

“I try not to overanalyze it,” he says. “You put the time in and somehow it works.”

As for his plans, Sinbad hinted toward TV and movie projects, potentially with his filmmaker son.

In the meantime, he’s focusing on his live performances.

“It’s going to be a wild ride, that’s all I have to say.”

NOW – APRIL 27

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Race to the GRAND FINALE DRAWING at 8PM on April 27 — you could bring home up to $10,000 CASH!

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THE GLADIATOR

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

APRIL’S BEST SPORTS EVENTS

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants

APRIL 2

It’s opening day at Chase Field and the first 40,000 fans will receive a T-shirt and a schedule magnet. However, all attendees will witness starting pitcher Zack Greinke and the D-backs kick off what everyone hopes will be a better season. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, arizona. diamondbacks.mlb.com, 1:10 p.m., $19-$275.

Final Four Dribble

APRIL 2

Bounce into action with the NCAA

Final Four Dribble. Youth ages 18 and younger are invited to participate in this unique and free Final Four event, joining thousands of fans dribbling their way through the heart of downtown Phoenix.

Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, ncaa.com/final-four/ final-four-dribble, 11 a.m., free but preregistration is required.

Takis Foam Finger Night

APRIL 7

Sticking with the Valley sports teams’ reputation of giving away goodies, the Suns will offer the first 4,500 fans Takis foam fingers. Use them to cheer on the Phoenix Suns as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7 p.m. $19-$2,025.

Arizona

Coyotes vs. Minnesota Wild

APRIL 8

Come see former Yote Martin Hanzal lead the Minnesota Wild as our hometown team closes the books on its 2016-2017 season.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 6 p.m., tickets start at $14.

Jake Lamb Bobblehead Night

APRIL 8

The first 20,000 fans grab a bobblehead of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ resident goofball—his words, not ours. On the evening game, the snakes take on the Cleveland Indians, who came this close to a World Series berth.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, arizona. diamondbacks.mlb.com, 5:10 p.m., $19-$275.

Redneck Run

APRIL 9

The Redneck Run is a country music run/walk that helps servicemen and women through a donation to Dogs on Deployment, an organization dedicated to finding foster homes for servicemen and women’s pets when they are deployed. Music provided by Mary Hoffman, the Shari Rowe Band and the Geetars. There’s a 5K, 10K, country mile and a two-person “plunger” relay.

Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Boulevard, Glendale, 480.609.3978, redneckrunaz.com, $45-$90.

Rugged Maniac

APRIL 15

Thrill seekers can tackle 25 adrenaline-pumping obstacles and a day-long party during the Rugged Maniac 5K Obstacle Race powered by Men’s Health. The Phoenix area stop has quickly become a twice-a-year tradition for maniacs in the region.

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, ruggedmaniac.com/events/ phoenix, 10 a.m., $69-$79.

Step Up 4 Kids Walkathon

APRIL 17 TO APRIL 23

The event is designed to encourage children and adults to be healthy and active by walking the most steps for one consecutive week. Funds raised will be used to help combat childhood obesity by supporting underserved children and organizations wishing to join the Healthy LifeStars program. A celebration fundraising dinner will culminate on November 8th in Phoenix.

Valleywide, healthylifestars.org, various times, $25 adults, free for children 17 and younger.

Pat’s Run

APRIL 22

The 13th annual Pat’s Run will take runners through Tempe on a 4.2-mile course and it honors football playerturned-hero Pat Tillman. Proceeds go to the Pat Tillman Foundation, which invests in military veterans and their spouses by providing academic scholarships. This year, runners will finish inside Sun Devil Stadium and receive plenty of swag at the postrun party.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 773.360.5277, patsrun.com, 7:05 a.m., $47-$50.

Bubble Run

APRIL 22

Welcome to the only running event that celebrates bursting someone’s bubble. The Bubble Run brings participants through 3.1 miles of bubbles and colored foam. You can opt to run, walk, dance, twirl and frolic, but, according to the rules, feeling like a kid is an absolute must.

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, 623.882.3120, bubblerun.com, 8 a.m., $20-$50.

JDRF One Walk

APRIL 29

Valley residents and visitors will join together to raise funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes at the JDRF One Walk. Participants will walk a 5K (approximately 3 miles) to benefit the local JDRF chapter. Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, http://dsw.jdrf.org/, 9 a.m., donations accepted.

JDRF Rock & Run 5K

APRIL 29

The run supports fitness and fun. Thousands of advocates will join for this inaugural run to raise funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes. Afterward, enjoy entertainment and gourmet food trucks. The price includes a T-shirt, giveaways and one ticket for beer, wine or liquor. Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, https://www.athlinks.com/event/ jdrf-rock-run-1811, 6 p.m., $45.

Girls on the Run 5K/1-Mile Spring 2017 Race

APRIL 30

The inspirational event features super soft event shirts, colorful 5K medals and scenic and flat 1 mile and 5K courses. There will be music, snacks, free photos, a happy hair station, massages and other fun activities.

Wesley Bolin Plaza, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, gotrmc.org, 8:30 a.m., $15-$40.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

SAVING GRACE

D-backs’ hero Mark Grace returns to Fox Sports Arizona as game analyst

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

Baseball is in Mark Grace’s blood. Everything he has purchased in his adult life has been courtesy of money he made from America’s Pastime.

“I can’t sing. I can’t dance. I can’t play a musical instrument,” the Arizona Diamondbacks’ former first baseman says. “I don’t really have any other talent besides baseball.”

After a stint coaching in the Diamondbacks’ organization, Grace is returning to the small screen as a pre- and post-game analyst on Fox Sports Arizona’s D-backs Live.

The D-backs’ first baseman from 2001 to 2003 was a key part of the team’s 2001 World Series title and will bring his knowledge, passion and joy for the game to TV.

“I’ve been blessed enough to play it for 16 years, broadcast it for six years and coach it for a few years,” says Grace, who served as hitting coach for the Class-A Hillsboro Hops in 2014, and the D-backs’ assistant hitting coach in 2015 and 2016. “I’ve done just about everything. Now I’m back to doing pre- and post-.”

This marks a return to the TV side of baseball. After he retired from a 16-year MLB playing career in 2003, he was hired by the D-backs as their TV analyst from 2004 to 2012, working alongside Thom Brennaman and Daron Sutton. From 2007 to 2011, he was also employed by Fox Sports.

Grace will team with hosts Todd

Walsh and Jody Jackson, analyst Brandon Webb and game announcers Steve Berthiaume and Bob Brenly.

“I’m going to enjoy working,” he says. “I have a good friendship with Todd and Jody. Comfort won’t be a problem. I’m pretty close with both of them.”

Grace was a four-time Gold Glove winner, three-time All-Star and Major League Baseball’s hit leader in the 1990s while playing for the Chicago Cubs. Throughout his career, he has collected a wealth of knowledge.

“We’re going to have Brandon Webb who has forgotten more about pitching than I will ever know,” Grace says. “I’ve forgotten more about hitting than he will ever know. That’s the good one-two punch that we’ll have, whether I’m there or Brandon is there.

“Brandon was a highly successful, terrific pitcher. I had a very, very long career as well. I guess what I bring to the table is knowledge of the game that 99 percent of the people don’t have.”

Whatever Grace does, he injects into it his high-spirited personality.

“I’m not very everybody, but I love what I do and I know it worked pretty well for a while on TV with Thom Brennaman and Daron Sutton.”

Even though he played for the Cubs as well, Grace stresses it’s the Diamondbacks to whom he is loyal.

“They didn’t always have to stand beside me when I made mistakes,” says Grace, referring to his drunken driving arrests. “They did and I will forever be grateful to the organization and forever be willing to do anything they want.”

FOR A GREAT CAUSE

Larry Fitzgerald swings a bat to raise funds

for children, breast cancer research

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Dressed in a purple buttondown shirt and black pants, Larry Fitzgerald walks through a High Street restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day, without garnering as much as a glance from fellow diners. Like many celebrities, he prefers to keep his private life exactly that.

But there’s one thing that he wants to drive attention to and that’s the fight against breast cancer. His mother, Carol, died during a battle with the disease in 2003.

“For me, two very important issues that affect me the most are breast cancer and providing youth with opportunities,” Fitzgerald says.

“That’s made an impact on my life. I’ve had positive mentors, wonderful teachers and resources so I could get an education.”

To raise money for these causes, Fitzgerald is once again hosting the Larry Fitzgerald Double Play Celebrity Softball Game on Saturday, April 22, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. For the seventh year, celebrities and superstar athletes will try their hand at softball for charity.

The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recipient has rallied his buddies for the event that benefits nonprofit entities that assist children and families across the nation. A list of participating celebrities was not available at press

time. This, Fitzgerald says, is his favorite time of the year.

“I love to help the community,” he says. “A lot of times I go to schools and some kids don’t even have writing utensils and paper. How can you write about what you learn? Equipping kids with what they need to fulfill their dreams, I think, is important.”

During the Double Play Celebrity Softball Game, fans have been able to interact with the celebrities, which enhances the experience. A 6 p.m. home run derby precedes the game that starts at 7 p.m.

“We want it to be fun for everybody,” he says. “We want fans to go back home and tell their aunt, brother or sister that Larry Fitzgerald’s event was competitive and fun to watch. The auction items were great. The parking wasn’t bad and the concession people were friendly. I want them, from every aspect, to have a good time.”

Larry Fitzgerald Double Play Celebrity Softball Game

Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, http://bit.ly/2nwu8GJ, 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, $20-$500.

Jalapeno Butter

Spicy Cajun Rub

Painted Mountain Golf Resort

The Painted Mountain 18-hole championship golf course offers great conditions, amazing amenities and excellent value. It features a complete golf resort experience that’s open to the public, and annual memberships are available. Our par-70, championship golf course and complete short game practice facility offers tournament and league play.

Come and enjoy exceptional dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, served daily, with live entertainment at the Painted Mountain Restaurant, Patio & Lounge. Shop at the Trends Sports Boutique for fine ladies’ and men’s golf apparel, as well as women’s fashions, unique gifts and accessories. Ask us about scheduling a charity golf tournament fundraiser as Painted Mountain is the perfect venue.

Come see why we are your place to play!

6210 E. McKellips Road, Mesa 85215, 480.832.0156 (tee times), 480.832.0158 (dining reservations), PaintedMountainGolf.com

Arizona Golf – Resort Style

Exceptional golf is a tradition at the Arizona Golf Resort. Well known for some of the most picturesque and challenging par three holes, the Arizona Golf Resort offers 18 holes of PGA-rated championship golf. The lush fairways are lined with massive cottonwood and eucalyptus trees, serene lake settings, mature vegetation, expansive fairways and gently sloping, well-manicured greens. The 6,542-yard, par-71 course boasts a slope of 120, a rating of 70.8 and offers an excellent test for all skill levels.

Full practice facilities include driving range, putting and chipping green area and greenside sand bunker facility. Arizona Golf Resort also offers certified club fitting, PGA staff and instructors, individual/ junior lessons, and golf schools and clinics. Its retail shop features all brand-name men’s and ladies’ apparel, accessories and merchandise. Multiple popular dining options from snacks to fine dining are available.

425 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizonagolfresort.com Book tee times online or call 480.832.1661

Foothills Golf Club

This exquisite, par-72, championship links-style course offers nearly 7,000 yards of lush, rolling fairways, blue lakes and 65 challenging bunkers in harmony with a rocky desert terrain. One of the top courses in Phoenix, the Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish design has earned a four-star ranking from Golf Digest and with four sets of tees, appeals to golfers of all skill levels. If those skills could use improvement, enjoy a full, 300-yard, mountainside driving range with targets, a 5,000-square-foot putting/ chipping green, plus a large practice bunker/pitching area for short game refinement. If all this golf activity makes you hungry, the Sunset Grill dishes up tasty breakfast, salads, sandwiches and snacks with gorgeous course views. Foothills GC also has excellent facilities for indoor/outdoor weddings or special events, too.

2201 Clubhouse Drive, Phoenix

or

WATERFRONT RETREAT

In 1964, a man by the name of Don Laughlin opened a small motel in a dusty, mostly deserted, old mining town called South Pointe along the Colorado River where Arizona, Nevada and California meet. The eight-room motel was accompanied by a tiny casino with 12 slot machines and two gaming tables.

It was hardly an auspicious beginning for what would eventually grow into a sizable gambling mecca. Today, Laughlin, Nevada, boasts more than 10 major hotels and casino resorts with over 10,000 rooms, and has become a huge tourist magnet, drawing gamers, boaters, water skiers and revelers of all types.

And then there’s the golf, with one of the more enticing options being a stay at the top-rated Avi Resort & Casino, which

partners with two championship courses: Mojave Resort and Huukan golf clubs.

“We offer a Vegas atmosphere in a small town located on the Colorado River,” says Mike Magnera, the general manager at both courses. “It’s one resort, two courses and fun times on the Colorado River.”

While many guests have little reason to leave the resort, golfers don’t have to travel far to enjoy a round—Mojave Resort is located less than a mile away, while Huukan is about a 10-minute drive.

Mojave Resort features a 6,939-yard championship track brought to life by the renowned architect team of Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley, who have teamed to design more than 150 courses worldwide. Magnera calls the layout a hidden gem that is tucked away from the hustle and

bustle of the busy Colorado River. Routed along the lowlands on the banks of the river, Mojave Resort features wide fairways, rolling terrain, dunes shaped by the desert wind, natural wetlands and gorgeous native landscaping set against the backdrop of scenic mountains. It also offers plenty of risk-reward opportunities.

“The par 5s are reachable in two if you’re positioned well off the tee, but hazards lurk on shots into the greens,” Magnera said. “It is a tough championship course that rewards golfers who play smart and can navigate the large, undulating greens.”

In contrast, Huukan Golf Club is shorter but also “walker- and player-friendly—and it’s the best value in town,” Magnera says.

The championship tees at Huukan measure 6,444 yards, but Magnera advises not letting the shorter yardage fool you; you still must hit quality shots if you intend to score well. The small greens demand accuracy, but also give players plenty of opportunity to make putts.

“Golfers can play to their handicap out here more often than not,” Magnera says. “In fact, both courses are very playable.”

Following their round, guests can return to the Avi Resort and Casino for gaming, dining and entertainment. The 465-room hotel is located on the banks of the river on land owned by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe. It features Vegas-style gambling and ambiance, including a top-rated sports book along with slots, 18 table games, 875 slot machines and a poker room.

It also offers the largest private beach on the river, along with a heated resort pool. Boaters can enjoy the casino’s private boat launch, and jet ski rentals are available.

After the sun sets guests and visitors can enjoy six dining options, from the romantic Moon-Shadow Grille to fresh seafood at the Native Harvest Buffet. There’s even a year-round fireworks stand.

Mojave Resort Golf Club

9905 Aha Macav Parkway, Laughlin, Nevada, 89029, 702.535.4653, mojavegolf.com.

Huukan Golf Club

5835 Desert Lakes Drive, Fort Mohave, Arizona, 86426, 928.330.1000, mojavegolf.com.

THE FUNNEL CAKE BLOG:

SOCAL ESCAPE THE HEAT

San Diego’s theme parks are cool—literally

It’s that time of year when the masses flee Phoenix and visit the much cooler San Diego area—and there is plenty to do in this coastal town.

Sea World offers a variety of animal shows, thrilling rides and interactions with sea creatures. Its famous orca show came to end recently after much controversy and public pressure. While constructing a new habitat, SeaWorld will be offering “All Day Orca Play,” which will allow guests the opportunity to see killer whales through a variety of events and activities. These encounters will shy away from entertainment and focus on education and each whale’s personality.

Legoland California opened in 1999, and was the first location outside of Europe. Visitors of all ages will control the elements to defeat the Great Devourer while experiencing Lego Ninjago: The Ride. This interactive, dark indoor ride will become even more popular when the animated film is released by Warner Bros. later this year.

A highlight for all visitors is the massive, Lego Miniland. Replicas of famous American cities and landmarks have been recreated using millions of the popular toy bricks. Exhibits include San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, along with Washington D.C., New Orleans and the Las Vegas strip. Don’t forget to check out the Lego “Star Wars” Miniland. The San Diego Zoo is home to

more than 3,700 animals of over 650 species and subspecies. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo boasts the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which takes guests on an aerial journey above the treetops with spectacular views of the grounds, animals and plant collection.

Farther north, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers 1,800 acres and features more than 300 species of African and Asian animals. Walk through the numerous exhibits, but don’t forget to take The Africa Tram, which is an exciting expedition into the grasslands where you can get a closer look at many of the majestic inhabitants who call this park home.

Schedule a quick trip to Belmont Park. The oceanfront amusement park dates back to 1925. Take a ride on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster while you are there.

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN APRIL

Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

Moonlit Drive-In Movies at the Promenade

SATURDAYS IN APRIL

Families are welcome to attend this free movie series and watch some of the best children’s movies released last year. The films include The Secret Life of Pets, Moana, The BFG, Sing and Finding Dory . Guests can bring their own blankets and lawn chairs or watch the film from their cars. Before the movie, a balloon twister will be making fun creations. The Promenade, 16427 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, scottsdalepromenade.com, 7:30 p.m., free.

Sandfest 2017

APRIL 1 AND APRIL 2

Kids get the chance to do something that isn’t readily available in the Valley—build sandcastles and other masterpieces during the Children’s Museum of Phoenix’s Sandfest 2017. On Saturday, “Sand Guys” from Travel Channel’s “Sand Masters” will be there to create a sand sculpture and share some insider tips. On Sunday, grandparents and grandchildren who attend the event together receive free admission. Throughout the weekend, different sculptors will create sand masterpieces. Guests can view them and vote on their favorites.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, childrensmuseumofphoenix.org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free to $8.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

APRIL 1 AND APRIL 2

The Renaissance Festival wraps up its 2017 run this weekend, continuing with 13 stages, a craft fair, jousting tournament and more. Families are invited to walk through the grounds and discover mermaids and enchanters. The excellent food, including the famous turkey leg, have returned, along with the Pleasure Feast.

Festival Village, 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon, 520.463.2600, arizona.renfestinfo. com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $14 to $24.

Phoenix Children’s Festival

APRIL 8

Come celebrate what it is to be a kid. There is a diaper derby and teddy bear checkups for toddlers. For the kids, there will be Zumba, along with five discovery zones to enjoy. Food trucks will satisfy any hunger after a day’s worth of activities.

Cityscape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, phoenixchildrensfestival. com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $10.

City of Chandler’s Family Easter Celebration

APRIL 15

Meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for eggs this Easter weekend at Snedigar Park. Face painting, carnival games, inflatables and crafts are on the docket. Children up to 9 years old are welcome to join in the free Easter egg hunt; each egg contains candy or a toy. Various food and beverages will be sold around the park as well. Snedigar Sportsplex, 4500 S. Basha Road, Chandler, 480.782.2735, chandleraz.gov, 9 a.m. to noon, free.

Junior Chef

APRIL 19

Children and their parents are encouraged to sign up for this hourlong class to learn about making smart eating choices. Health care experts will discuss what it means to be healthy, how to stay active throughout the week and what types of eating habits lead to long and healthy lives. Throughout the hour kids can work with food and even sample a couple nutritious options for them.

Paper Cranes Healthcare, 5980 S. Cooper Road, Suite 1, Chandler, 480.704.3474, papercraneshealthcare.com, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., $10.

Vestar Chalk Art Festival

APRIL 29

Watch artists from the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance create beautiful works of chalk art on 6-by-6 foot canvas murals at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Tempe Marketplace and the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. Children wishing to join in on the fun can head to the kids’ zone to color with chalk and learn tips from the professionals. Multiple locations, 520.797.3959, saaca.org, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

DREAM BIG A ‘Frozen’ adventure awaits with

Disney on Ice

Meghann Finn Sepulveda » The Entertainer!

Disney favorites like Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Tinkerbell and, of course, the Arendelle sisters, Elsa and Anna, will glide along the ice at Talking Stick Resort Arena April 13 to April 16 as part of Disney on Ice Presents Dream Big Disney officials and cast members hope that little princesses and princes will be inspired to be strong, fearless and kind. One of the stars is Alexe Gilles, who portrays Queen Elsa from Frozen. She began ice skating when she was only 2 years old. Gilles, now 25, is one of the leading performers in this highly anticipated production, which is on tour in cities across the United States.

TALENT AT AN EARLY AGE

Growing up in a large family with four siblings in Rockford, Illinois, Gilles and her twin sister immediately took to skating.

“My mom signed up my siblings and I for ice skating lessons because my oldest

brother skated,” Gilles says. “She said it was an activity that helped us get the wiggles out.”

For years, Gilles continued to skate, eventually moving from recreational lessons to competition. When she was 9, her family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, so she and her siblings could train at the prestigious Bradmoor Skating Club.

“Colorado Springs has a lot of resources, good coaches and choreographers,” Gilles says.

She began competing nationally and internationally, and was awarded the 2008 U.S. National Junior Champion. She was also a Junior Grand Prix Final Medalist, four-time Senior Grand Prix competitor and U.S. and Canadian Senior National Competitor.

Gilles graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 2010 and attended Pikes Peak Community College.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

In 2014, Gilles’ choreographer, who also worked for Disney on Ice, came to the rink to watch her practice. Unlike a traditional audition, Gilles was privately

observed for six weeks and eventually asked to join Disney on Ice and portray Queen Elsa from Frozen

“It was fate,” Gilles said. “I knew the role would be powerful and I was ecstatic to portray a character who has so many people looking up to her.”

During her first tour, Disney On Ice Presents Princesses and Heroes, she traveled internationally, visiting Europe, Asia, South America and the United Arab Emirates.

“It’s incredible to combine my love of ice skating and traveling,” Gilles said. “I am able to inspire others and learn about different cultures, which is an opportunity not many people get.

LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

Now on her third tour, Gilles is thankful for the close relationships she has developed with the nearly 100 cast members and crew. She considers her Frozen sister, Anna, a real sister.

“We all get along so well,” she said. “Because there is so much travel, it does add a bit of pressure but we all try out best to make it a great environment.”

INSPIRATION

Gilles takes her role as Queen Elsa seriously and is convinced that Frozen was made for ice skating. The audience motivates her when she performs during the second act and finale.

“When I see all the kids and their moms singing along to the songs, I’m in awe,” she said.

She realizes the performance could be the only opportunity for some of the children in the audience to see Disney characters.

“It’s a big deal for us,” she said. “It’s hard to put into words what that feels like.”

Disney on Ice Presents

Dream Big Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, talkingstickresortarena.com, disneyonice.com, various times Thursday, April 13, to Sunday, April 16, starts at $11.

THE SHOWMAN

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

ONE STEP AHEAD

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

Known as Foxygen, the California duo of vocalist Sam France and multiinstrumentalist Jonathan Rado are constantly a step ahead. It’s no surprise, therefore, that they plotted their fourth album, Hang, even before they finished the predecessor, the ambitious 2014 double collection, ...and

Star Power

“It was a concept for a long time— to do a record as one suite,” says France, who cofounded the band in 2005 at age 15. “It is one piece that flows into each other. We had the whole thing written from start to finish.”

Rado and France brought in an arsenal of collaborators who ranged from the Flaming Lips’ Steven Drozd to indie rockers The Lemon Twigs, a band whom

Rado produced. Spacebomb Records’ Trey Pollard and Matthew E. White brought the 40-plus-piece orchestra to the table.

“We worked with really great people,” France explains. “We were lucky, I feel. I mean, we’re intuitive, and we’re good at curating talent at this point. We do it lot because it’s just the two of us.”

Foxygen’s albums breathe 1960s psychedelic rock and the music of the 1970s. However, Hang is a different beast,

as France describes it as the journey of “dudes from the 1970s who took a time machine to the 1930s.” That influence is apparent through the shift to a more orchestral-, theatrical- and vaudeville-inspired sound.

Hang had been germinating for years prior to its release, but the songs aren’t necessarily old, France says.

“We write like maniacs,” he explains. “The albums are pretty precise in what we want to actually make, believe it or not— even Star Power.

“There are really strict aesthetics and rules to Foxygen that we follow. Normally the songs are written in fits of spontaneity or just kind of long, prolonged gestations of the mind. We have a soup of songs constantly in our heads.”

Having released Hang in January, Foxygen is preparing to bring the new songs on the road, with a Tuesday, April 11, stop at Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix. They originally planned to fuse their set with a play, but they ultimately decided to keep things simple. The sweeping string arrangements were translated to horns for the tour.

“Rado and I wrote a play for Hang with a beginning, a middle and end, and some dialogue and acting. However, we dropped that. We decided to just use that as a springboard for the kind of show,” he says.

“We dropped the theatrics, because we decided we wanted to just do the songs and treat the album properly without any gimmicks. So, it’s a very simple setup, like avant-garde surrealist; very simple lighting.”

While Hang is still fresh in fans’ minds, the future is never out of sight for Foxygen, who are already planning its next move.

“It’s really exciting. I can say that we’re going to get it out sooner than later,” France says. “There won’t be like a four-year lull in between records like there was with this one. So it’s definitely in the works.”

Foxygen w/Gabriella Cohen Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, $20-$23.

CALENDAR LIVE MUSIC

APRIL 1

Alvin Risk

Monarch Theatre, 9 p.m., $15

Angelmaker

Club Red, 6 p.m., $12-$15

Brent Cowles

Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $8-$10

BroLoaf

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Bubble Bobble 9

Club Red – East, 9 p.m., $10-$50

Downhome Blues Revue

Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., $8

Fur Coat

Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $10-$15

GDV Band Underground, 6 p.m., $11

Häxan

Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $13-$15

Mayday Parade

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35

Mindi Abair

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Pentaphonic

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Shinedown

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50-$49.50

Sinshrift Pub Rock Live, 6:30 p.m., $10-$13

There Is No Us w/ Souless Joe’s Grotto, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Third Annual Road to Country

Thunder Downtown Florence, 5 p.m., free Union/32 Quintet Performs the Music of The Beatles

“Revolver”

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $7-$40

Why?

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $15-$18

APRIL 2

Afton Showcase

Rhythm Room, 6:30 p.m., $11-$14

Badfish Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $10-$15

Cold Kingdom

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10

Dick Dale

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

Festival of Carnage

Joe’s Grotto, 5 p.m., $12

Fortunate Youth

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15-$30

Jarabe De Palo

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $35

Lydia Ramsey w/ Sydney

Sprague, Justin Moody, Willetta

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $5-$7

Mayday Parade

Rialto Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35

Michael Kocour

The Nash, 3 p.m., $15-$25

Mika Singh

Celebrity Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $39-$110

Outlier

Fiftyonewest, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Vince Gill

Fox Theatre, 7 p.m., $39-$89

Why?

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$75

APRIL 3

Generationals

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

The Orwells

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $16-$19

The Paper Kites

Club Congress, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17

Social Distortion

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$140

APRIL 4

Alex Culbreth

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Cadillac Angels

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $6

Chronixx

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $25-$28

Mod Sun

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $20

Parachute w/Kris Allen

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $23-$25

Phil Vassar

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $23-$32

Social Distortion Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$140

APRIL 5

Bret Michaels

WestWorld, 9 p.m., $28

Cherry Glazerr Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $13

gnash

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $20

Lil Pump

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $20-$50

Old 97’s

Livewire, 7 p.m., $23-$26

River Whyless

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $23.50-$30.50

Social Distortion

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$140

Wilkinson’s Quartet Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $8

APRIL 6

Acapulco Five-O Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Bestial Mouths w/ Лøn, DJ

Zander Valley Bar, 10 p.m., $10-$12

Creedence Clearwater

Revisited WestWorld, 9 p.m., $28

Gaby Moreno

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

Hippie Sabotage

Livewire, 7 p.m., $17-$97

Lee Harvey Osmond

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Uno. Dos. Tres. Shoot! Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $5-$7

APRIL 7

Acid Mothers Temple Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$14

Amy White and Al Petteway Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30.50-$38.50

Bataré

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

Blu Jama Pajama Party The Pressroom, 9 p.m., $10

Bring Me the Horizon Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $38.50

Classic Example Band Village at Arrowhead Shopping Center, 6 p.m., free

Expiration Date

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Morrissey

APRIL 10

Fox Theatre, 8:30 p.m., sold out

This April, former Smiths frontman Morrissey will be passing through Tucson as part of a brief new West Coast solo tour. While his latest album, “World Peace Is None of Your Business,” was released in 2014, Moz has plenty of material with which to fill his set. Tickets may be hard to come by, however, as Morrissey’s notoriously dedicated fanbase has already helped to make this a sold-out show.

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

George Bowman & Bluesmen

Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Gunhild Carling Fox Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $22-$54

Hell’s Belles

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Korn WestWorld, 9 p.m., $33

Necronauts

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Sammy J Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $18

APRIL

8

Alice Cooper w/ CO-OP WestWorld, 7:30 p.m., $33

21 Savage Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$42.50

Bob Log III

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Clean Bandit

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $20

Dope w/ Combichrist Club Red, 6 p.m., $22-$25

Gary Puckett & the Union Gap w/The Vogues Fox Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39-$75

Greyhound Soul

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $5-$8

Hannah Wants

Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $20

Harper and the Moths

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Illenium w/ Crywolf

Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $30-$50

Jon McLaughlin

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $20.50-$28.50

KC and the Sunshine Band Tempe Diablo Stadium, 7 p.m., $29.99-$200

Luau

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $6-$8

Phoenix Lights

Margaret T. Hance Park, Time TBA, $119-$399

Recycled Percussion

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $32

Roberto Tapia

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $46-$106

Scott H. Biram & Jesse Dayton

Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $15

Teenage Bottlerocket w/ The Mr. T Experience

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15-$20

Y&T Livewire, 7 p.m., $17-$22

APRIL 9

Amorphis

Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $25-$60

Classic Albums Live presents

David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $26-$38

The Delta Bombers

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Francine Reed

The Nash, 3 p.m., $15-$25

Gost

Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $10-$13

Hi-Rez

Pub Rock Live, 7:30 p.m., $15-$20

Igor & the Red Elvises

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Keys N Krates w/ Crizzly

Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $25-$45 of Montreal

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $14-$17

Phoenix Lights

Margaret T. Hance Park, Time TBA, $119-$399

Steven Moeckl

Musical Instrument Museum, 2 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

The Werks

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$12

APRIL 10

Aaron Neville Duo

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

Ali Ryerson and the M-Squared Quartet

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$15

Big Lazy Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10

Minus the Bear Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $29.50-$32.50

Morrissey Fox Theatre, 8:30 p.m., sold out

A Perfect Circle Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45-$250

Thursday Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$45

APRIL 11

Bastille Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $29.50-$45

The Big Lazy Rbar, 7:30 p.m., free

DJ Shadow

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$45

A Perfect Circle

APRIL 10

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45-$250

While A Perfect Circle hasn’t released a full album of original music since 2003’s “Thirteenth Step,” the supergroup has been successfully touring for the past several years. Despite the lack of new material, this doesn’t detract from its shows, as its musicianship and the distinct, powerful voice of Arizona’s Maynard James Keenan are perfectly recreated in the live setting.

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

The Maine

191 Toole, 7:30 p.m., $22-$25

Power Trip

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

Simple Plan Livewire, 6 p.m., $27.50

APRIL 12

Dave B w/ Salty Brasi

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $14-$17

Frank Lloyd Wright Experience – Symphony No. 12

Frank Lloyd Wright, 6 p.m., $200

The Head and the Heart Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $39-$54

Lucky Devils

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., free

Mondo Cortez

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Red

Club Red, 7 p.m., $20

APRIL 13

24th Street Wailers

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $8

Black Violin

Fox Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $20-$55

Breakbot

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20

Chicano Batman 191 Toole, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Glass Animals

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $26

Sadistik w/ Nacho Picasso, Rafael Vigilantics

Last Exit Live, 7 p.m., $12-$14

Susto

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

APRIL 14

AudioDrama Octet

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$15

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Symphony Hall, 7:30 p.m., $25-$93

Black Irish Texas

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Blues Traveler

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$39

Dayshell w/ Silver Snakes

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$14

Dead Rabbits

Club Red, 6 p.m., $15

The Father Figures Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $5

Grown & Sexy Weekend

Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., $45-$127.50

La Santa Cecilia

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

Lethal Injektion Club Red – East, 6 p.m., $10-$12

Foxygen

Mason w/Harper and the Moths, The Lonesome Wilderness

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

Reverend K.M. Williams Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12

APRIL 15

98 KUPD Brufest w/Offspring

Fear Farm, 12 p.m., $49-$125

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Symphony Hall, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $25-$93

Bookends – Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years Fox Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $19-$44

Grown & Sexy Weekend

Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., $45-$127.50

Los Hell Gamblers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Peter & Will Anderson Trio

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $15

Phunk Junkeez w/ Moonshine Bandits

Livewire, 7 p.m., $17

Pirupa

Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $15-$25

Soul Power Band

Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Suicide Girls

The Pressroom, 9 p.m., $20-$240

APRIL 16

Charles Lloyd and the Marvels Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $38.50-$53.50

Ghost Island

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10

NF

Livewire, 7 p.m., $23

Simple Malfunction

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Taylor Bennett Club Red, 7 p.m., $15-$18

APRIL 17

Chiefs

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Hinds w/ Twin Peaks

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $16-$18

APRIL 18

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

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

David Lindley

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m.,

$35.50-$40.50

Empire of the Sun

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $35

Erra Underground, 6 p.m., $13-$15

Kehlani

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$45

Nick Moss Band

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

SOHN

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20

Whiskerman

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $8-$10

APRIL

19

B. Dolan w/ DJ Abilities

Last Exit Live, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Carlos Henriquez

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30

Coheed and Cambria

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $30-$110

Joe Hertler & The Rainbow

Seekers

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Kehlani

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$36

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Reverend Horton Heat w/ Dale Watson

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $25-$50

Suzy Bogguss

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m.,

$38.50-$48.50

Tove Lo

Livewire, 7 p.m., $23

The Wild Reeds

Club Congress, 8 p.m., $10-$12

The xx

Mesa Amphitheatre, 7 p.m., $40

APRIL

20

Anthrax w/ Killswitch Engage

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $30-$200

Blossoms

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Dandy Brown

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Dreamcar

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Micky & the Motorcars

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Nicolas Jaar

Livewire, 8 p.m., $23

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $22-$24

Suzy Bogguss

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m.,

$38.50-$48.50

Trap Them

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $13-$15

The 1975 APRIL 22

Mesa Amphitheatre, 6 p.m., $42

For the past several years, the English pop rock group The 1975 has been increasing its reputation for pushing itself. While the group maintains its pop appeal through singles like “Love Me” and “The Sound,” its last album reached well over an hour in length, leaving fans with plenty of new material to digest. The group also injected a healthy amount of New Wave and shoegaze influence into the record, and it paid off, as the album reached No. 1 on both the U.K. and U.S. charts. Now, the increasingly popular band is returning to Arizona for a much-anticipated show at Mesa Amphitheatre.

APRIL

21

Bob Ravenscroft Inner Journeys Trio

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$15

Clint Black

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $40-$100

Eric Sardinas

Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $12

Jenny and the Mexicats

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$45.50

Mastodon w/ Eagles of Death Metal

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38.50

The Phenomenauts

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Say Anything w/ Bayside Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $21-$31

Scottsdale Musical Theater Company

Tempe Center for the Arts, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $28-$34

Schubert’s Symphony No. 9

Symphony Hall, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., $18-$93

Sebastian Maniscalco Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., $43.75-$285

Tech N9ne

Rialto Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35-$50

APRIL 22

The 1975 Mesa Amphitheatre, 6 p.m., $42

Ab-Soul

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $22-$65

Bill Charlap Trio

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

The Crystal Method

Monarch Theatre, 9 p.m., $20-$40

John Primer w/ Bob Corritore Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10-$14

Katie Thiroux & Ken Peplowski The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $20-$40

Kool Keith

Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $15-$20

Maria Bamford

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $24-$35

The Mavericks

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $30

Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 Symphony Hall, 7:30 p.m., $25-$93

Tech N9ne

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40-$60

Todd Terry

Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $15-$20

The Unlikely Candidates Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $13-$15

APRIL

23

Ab-Soul Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $22.50-$70

Afro-Cuban All Stars

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Anilyst w/ Slo Pain Club Red – West, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Ariana Savalas

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$14

CJ Ramone

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Ghost Bath

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $12

Kansas Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $48-$68

LightningCloud Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Little Dragon Livewire, 7 p.m., $29.75

The Mavericks

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $30

Tacocat

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Two Door Cinema Club Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $27.50$42.50

The Wailers Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $22-$26

APRIL 24

Breaking Benjamin Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39-$59

CJ Ramone Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Gregory Alan Isakov Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $24-$33

Tacocat

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $12

APRIL 25

Tomorrows Bad Seeds

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $15-$18

Twin Peaks

191 Toole, 7 p.m., $13-$15

Willie Nelson & Family Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $71-$131

APRIL 26

HAPA

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

Jungle Exotica Hipster’s Extravaganza!

Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $5

Orgone w/ Monophonics

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $15-$18

Pile

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Sallie Ford Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

State Champs

The Pressroom, 6 p.m., $19.99

APRIL 27

Colton Avery Rhythm Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$13

Intronaut

Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $15-$17

Lany Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $16-$19

Lil Peep Club Red, 7 p.m., $17-$20

The Slackers

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20

CARRYING ON

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Since guitarist Richard Williams co-founded Kansas, he has learned to live in the moment; no expectations, no regrets.

As a result, Williams’ 43-yearrun in Kansas has gone quickly.

“I never thought I’d be doing this when I was 30,” says Williams via telephone from Atlanta, where the band has been based since the 1970s. “I just turned 67. I’ve had almost 40 years of surprises.

“Our goals were set pretty low when the original six of us got together. We wanted to make an album, in the hopes of breaking out of the Midwest bar market. We didn’t play the kind of music that club owners would love to have. We played a lot of weird stuff. They wanted people up there dancing, so they’d get thirsty and drink more beer.”

Kansas stuck to its guns and found success along the way.

The band is now celebrating the 40th

APRIL

28

Blaq Peso Underground, 6 p.m., $11

Cody Johnson

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $15-$18

San Fermin Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$65

The Sugar Thieves Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

APRIL

29

Cherish the Ladies Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $48.50-$58.50

Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Gritty City Stringfest Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Guild

Rebel Lounge, 11 p.m., free Kings of Leon w/ Deerhunter Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $22.25-$225

Rally for Riley Benefit Show

Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., $5

Rhiannon Giddens

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$29

Rush Club 11 Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $25-$85

Son Volt w/ Justin Townes Earle Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $29.50-$45

Travis Tritt w/ William Michael Morgan

Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $45-$55

Veterans Benefit

Rhythm Room, 1 p.m., $15

APRIL 30

Afton Showcase

Rhythm Room, 6:30 p.m., $11-$14

Boondox Club Red, 6 p.m., $25

Brant Bjork Club Red, 6 p.m., $15-$18

The Garden Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $14-$16

James McCartney Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$20

Jamey Johnson Marquee Theatre, $35-$39.50

Justin Townes Earle 191 Toole, 8 p.m., $20-$22

Kevin Sharp Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Missio w/ 888, Coast Modern Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Nikki Lane Club Congress, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Rhiannon Giddens

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $48.50-$63.50

Salt River Brass Mesa Arts Center, 3 p.m., $15-$24

The Slackers Flycatcher, 8 p.m., $15-$17

SpawnBreezie Livewire, 7 p.m., $12-$25

anniversary of the album Leftoverture by performing the collection in its entirety.

The show at the Chandler Center for the Arts will also feature hits, deep cuts and new songs from The Prelude Implicit

“The show is two and a half hours long,” he says. “It’s the longest show we’ve ever done. It’s very satisfying for the band. I always felt like, with one-anda-half-hour shows, we were just getting warmed up. It wasn’t worth the trouble and expense to get somewhere. Now, I feel it’s really worth my time and I know the crowd agrees.”

Leftoverture was released in 1976 and includes the million-selling single “Carry on Wayward Son,” as well as “The Wall,” “Miracles Out of Nowhere” and “What’s on My Mind.” The album peaked at No. 5 on Billboard’s album charts and reached sextuple-platinum status.

The Prelude Implicit hit stores on September 23 and reached No. 14 on the top 200 album chart, No. 41 on the Billboard 200, No. 5 for rock albums,

No. 6 for physical albums, No. 17 on the vinyl albums chart.

When Leftoverture was recorded, the goal was simple; just to break out of the Midwestern market.

“There wasn’t a lot of future thought on that,” he says. “We didn’t come from a place where big dreams come true. That was as big of a dream as we had.”

But music publisher, producer, talent manager and songwriter Don Kirshner had other thoughts.

“He was putting a lot of money into us,” he says. “With Leftoverture, he got the hit he wanted and then suddenly we were selling millions of records, which

helped sell the past catalog.

“We achieved dreams so far beyond our dreams. I do this now because it’s simply what I love to do. I love to travel. I love the performances. I love the guys. It is so much fun. Instead of waiting for a goal to be reached to expect happiness, I’ve learned to slow it down and just appreciate the day.”

Kansas Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 7 p.m. Sunday, April 23, $48-$68.

CORONATION SONG

Anthrax’s ‘For All Kings’ delivers vintage metal

Dave Clark » The Entertainer!

Some things just seem to get better with age. Anthrax is back with its 11th album, For All Kings, and now it’s co-headlining a tour with its friends in metal, Killswitch Engage, which stops at the Marquee Theatre on Friday, April 20.

Bassist Frank Bello calls the show an “insane fight, full of metal, from start to finish.”

“Right now, we are performing some headlining shows celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Among the Living record,” says Bello, calling from Denmark.

“It’s a six-week tour and right now we have 14 shows in 16 days, including five in a row. We do 50 minutes in the first set which is, essentially, a best of Anthrax, then we take five before coming back and playing the Among the Living album

in its entirety. It has been extremely well received so far.”

On the North American jaunt, the band will showcase its well-received recent record, For All Kings The collection delivers vintage metal by tapping into chord structures and melodies that created the classic Anthrax sound in the ’80s.

“People are saying this is our best work so far and we don’t disagree,” Bello says. “We are just getting started. Most importantly, we are doing exactly what we want to do. Nothing is ever contrived or planned with Anthrax. It takes a while (to complete a new album) and it’s a complete band effort. We tend to focus on writing heavy riffs with melodic vocals to fit Joey (Belladonna’s) wide-ranging voice, and it goes from there.”

Anthrax established its trademark sound with Spreading the Disease (1985) and located it in with Among the Living

(1987). The act cemented its legacy with State of Euphoria (1988). From that point forward, the band progressed, got a little harder and less hook-driven, changed singers in 1992 and even explored a punk/ metal phase for a brief period before coming full circle with Worship Music (2011) and its latest For All Kings (2016).

As part of the ‘big four of thrash metal” (along with Metallica, Megadeth and Slayer), Anthrax delivers equal parts time travel and modern metal excellence on For All Kings. Produced by Jay Ruston, For All Kings debuted at No 9 on the Billboard 200. It marked Anthrax’s highest-charting album straight out of the gate.

“You Gotta Believe,” a natural show starter, begins with eerie anticipation, leading into a full-blown showcase of drummer Charlie Benante’s double bass drum skills. It transitions into “Monster at the End,” an anthemic song that builds energy up to the breaking point where Belladonna exclaims.

Next up is the album’s title track. “For All Kings” is heavy and complex, with rhythms and timing that support the memorable chorus.

“Breathing Lightning” reminds fans of “Now It’s Dark” or “Lone Justice” off earlier Anthrax offerings. Upbeat but not overly heavy, “Breathing Lightning” is instantly memorable. The shredding guitar work of new lead guitarist Jon Donais and the mellifluously flowing vocals of Belladonna highlight this track.

The band is focused on putting its best effort into each show it performs.

“Attendance during our current tour has been great, all packed houses,” Bello states. “We are in the middle of a six-week tour and we are loving it. Though it is cold and I haven’t seen the sun in a couple of weeks, we are having a great time and our fans are, as well.

“But we are happy to be coming home soon.”

The full-throttle performances take every ounce of energy out of the band, it isn’t resting on its laurels. Rhythm guitarist and band founder Scott Ian is a published author, writing I’m The Man;

The Story of That Guy from Anthrax in 2014. Around the same time, the band released two different small batch bourbons, named after songs “Indians” and “The Devil You Know.”

Drummer Charlie Benante has a line of gourmet coffee. And the band’s latest venture is stepping into the craft beer realm with the soon-to-be released Wardance, brewed by Butternuts Beer and Ale Company of Garrattsville, New York, just outside of Cooperstown. The beer was scheduled to debut in New York at the end of March.

“The band really enjoys beer and we’ve traveled around the world several times and truly understand what styles we enjoy. It was a band decision for Wardance to be a pale ale since it’s a style we all like to drink ourselves,” explains Bello, who has a side project, Altitudes and Attitude, with Scottsdale resident and Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.

“It was a fairly intense process of dialing in the flavor profile going back and forth with the brewery until all five members were satisfied. It’s not every day we all agree on something, but we definitely are 100% behind the flavors of the beer and the entire concept of Wardance.

Back to the Big Four, the acts have stayed in contact and even performed a watershed large venue tour in 2011.

Anthrax and Killswitch Engage are co-headlining this tour, playing equal time slots and alternating who plays last. It’s a great opportunity for vintage metal fans and the next generation of metalheads to enjoy a band still at the top of their game after 35 years.

Killswitch Engage and Anthrax w/The Devil Wears Prada and Code Orange Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, 480.829.0607 luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20, $30-$200.

A WILD WORLD

Bastille is looking forward to U.S. shows and Buffalo wings

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

Chris “Woody” Wood doesn’t hesitate at all when asked what he’s looking forward to most when his band Bastille hits U.S. stages this spring.

“As a group—Buffalo wings,” the drummer says with a laugh via telephone from Estonia. “Apart from that, we enjoy grasping just how big and varied your country is. We like to do different things culturally. Plus, we’re going to New Orleans. That’ll be my first time.”

The English alt-rock band is coming to the Comerica Theatre on Tuesday, April 11, to promote its sophomore effort, 2016’s Wild World, which features the hit “Good Grief.” Bastille—which also includes vocalist/keyboardist Dan Smith, pianist/bassist Kyle Simmons, guitarist/ keyboardist Charlie Barnes and guitarist/ bassist Will Farquarson—cracked the U.S. market with the song “Pompeii.”

Bastille is known for taking a dour topic, turning it on its head and creating an upbeat pop anthem.

“We’ve made a bit of a career out of dressing up dark subject matter and making it upbeat and happy,” Wood explains.

“I think Dan is a pessimist. I’m the eternal optimist. The other two are in between. We’re four very different people. I think this album overall reflects that more. Before, it was a little more hidden. This time around, we took rock sounds,

synth-heavy stuff and bluesy things as well. It’s a broad mish-mash of influences.”

Smith’s songs are based in fact, but they arrive to the record as a well-imagined story, Wood says.

“Well, it’s quite often a jumping off point as well,” he adds about Smith taking anecdotes from his life. “When you write your first album, it’s essentially the greatest hits of your life up to that point. With this one, half of the album was written in backstage rooms in Europe and South America.”

Perhaps the cleverest part of Wild World are the snippets from movies like Weird Science that appear between the songs.

“We’ve made three mixtapes, and for them we sampled bits from different documentaries, movies or hit series,” Wood says. “We wanted to try and incorporate that mixtape feel onto the actual album.

“We had different bits and bobs, some from the BFI archive and more recent stuff like Kelly LeBrock from Weird Science. It gives a different texture to the album, and gives the listener a break, a different voice to latch on to.”

Bastille added texture to its appearances, too. LeBrock joined the band on a recent TV spot.

“It was nice,” Wood says. “She’s absolutely fantastic.”

As for the rest of the recording process, Bastille took it seriously on the road, bringing along co-producer Mark Crew.

“It’s always been fun,” he says. “You should enjoy it. It shouldn’t be a chore. As a matter of fact, Dan is in the

room next door writing some new songs at the moment.”

Smith is prolific, he adds.

“It comes in bursts as well,” he says. “I know this sounds cliché, but it’s like a muscle. You have to keep working it. You have to keep knocking ideas out—whether they’re good or not so good.”

Wood isn’t a slouch in the music category, either. He has a studio in his back garden in England.

“The neighbors are absolutely thrilled about it,” he says with a laugh. “I keep my band awards near my snare drums.”

Awards aren’t something that are necessarily important to Bastille, but they’re nice nevertheless, Wood added.

“It’s nice that anyone cares,” he says. “I’d be lying if I said otherwise. But it’s not the reason we play music. It’s not a contest. I just like making music with my friends and I feel immensely fortunate.”

And he doesn’t take his love for Buffalo wings for granted.

“I love my wings,” Wood says. “When we were in Phoenix, I think we actually spent an Easter at a Hooters. It was tragic.”

Bastille w/Mondo Cozmo Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, $29.50-$45.

THE STORM ROLLS IN

Country Thunder

corrals the best new and established talent

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

» The Entertainer!

While superstars like Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and Chris Young headline Country Thunder this month, a slew of up and comers support the big names between Thursday, April 6, and Sunday, April 9, at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence. Those include Frankie Ballard and Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys, both of whom are using the festival to show fans what they’ve got.

FRANKIE BALLARD

Growing up in Battle Creek, Michigan, Frankie Ballard was inspired by the likes of Bob Seger. Recently, Ballard found success with his cover of the Silver Bullet Band frontman’s song “You’ll Accomp’ny Me.”

“My music is that classic combination of blues and country,” Ballard says via telephone from Texas. “There is definitely a lot of country influence up there (in Michigan).

“There are blues and country influences even in Detroit. I know I was inspired by people like Bob Seger and Stevie Wonder.”

He’s promoting El Rio, his third studio album that incudes “It All Started with a Beer,” “Cigarette” and “You’ll Accomp’ny Me.”

Ballard found a woman to accompany him; he married Christina Murphy in March, but that’s not stopping him from Country Thunder. He performs at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8.

“Those big festivals are really exciting for me,” he says. “I work really hard to get people see me play year-round. That’s why I look at Country Thunder as a big opportunity to try to show them what we’re doing.

“It’s an energy that’s different than an energy in a club or theater. Even if the place is packed, with that many people, it’s like a club but on steroids— the stage is bigger, the energy is bigger, everything is bigger.”

He compensates for that with an energetic show.

“I feel God gave me an extra gear or something,” says Ballard, who is based in Nashville. “I have a lot of spare energy. I love to be out there running and gunning.

“I love getting on stage more and more every day. I really feel like there is a lot of music left in me to be made. I don’t feel I’m the best version of myself. I’m getting better. I feel great about it. I’m so blessed to make music for a living.”

GUNNAR AND THE GRIZZLY BOYS

Grand Rapids, Michigan-bred Gunnar Nyblad works hard. When he’s not at his 9-5 job in Nashville, where he and his wife reside with their newborn, he’s happy being on the road pushing his band Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys.

His band is performing at Country Thunder at 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 7.

“I was opening for Jerrod Niemann at Livewire in Scottsdale a little ways back,” Nyblad says. “Everyone told me, ‘You have to play Country Thunder.’

Lo and behold, we’re playing it. We’ve done a couple festivals for the same company. I think it’s going to be a really good show.”

Nyblad sees Country Thunder as a way of cracking the national market.

“Hopefully we can fill the stands and make some good noise,” he says. “That proves a lot. We are one of the most energetic bands. We jump around a bit. We’re closer to a rock show than a country concert.

“Country music is a little wild, as Sam Hunt or Florida Georgia Line are always jumping around. We have a little pop-punk influence and add to that our love of Bob Seger.”

Nyblad says he expects to hang out at the merchandise table to meet and greet fans.

“We’re just a hard-working band,” he says. “We work as hard as we can on the weekends to entertain people. We’re juggling as many balls as we can with work and the pursuit of this band.”

we’re still juggling as many balls as we can with work and the pursuit of this band.”

Country Thunder Canyon Moon Ranch, 20585 E. Price (Station) Road, Florence, countrythunder.com, 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 6, 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, $50-$190.

Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys Frankie Ballard

THE NIGHTOWL

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

MAD MIXOLOGIST

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

HGetting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers THE

ead bartender Conor Cook joined awardwinning chef Matt Carter—of The Mission, House Brasserie and Zinc Bistro fame—last year as Carter took on his newest venture called Fat Ox with partners Brian Raab and Mark Drinkwater. The venue, housed in the historic former space of The Quilted Bear in Scottsdale, is focused on giving guests a modern take on Italian cuisine—from all regions of Italy, not just those using marinara sauce. Its approach to cocktails is the same. Cook was drawn to the concept as his focus in crafting cocktails is to pay homage to tradition while experimenting with flavors and textures. His road to Fat Ox has been an interesting one, starting on more the hospitality side of the business at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson and JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix before taking on a bar position at RnR in Scottsdale and then traveling back to his native Seattle to work.

When love brought him back to the Valley in 2016, the matching with Fat Ox was kismet. Today, he works hand in hand with the culinary team to develop drinks that pair well with the menu. The entire second self of his bar is stocked

with Amaro, aperitifs, digestifs and other Italian and European-based spirits new to many guests. Starting this month, Cook and Fat Ox have something new up their sleeves – a barrel-aged cocktail program using spirits they’ve aged in house. The new menu—which will join the more than dozen regular and specialty cocktails available daily—includes a traditional barrel-aged cocktail (think Manhattan) that will change regularly; a barrel-aged negroni; and a revolving “experimental” barrel-aged cocktail, which will also change regularly.

We sat down with Cook to learn a little bit more about his work behind the bar and some of his favorite things to drink in his free time.

Tell me about the oddest drink request you’ve gotten.

Ever eat a scorpion? Neither have I –but I drank one! Back when I was a bar back, I had a manager try to entice me into eating a scorpion by saying it would go a long way in showing my dedication to the job and get me closer to a formal bartender position. Eager to get behind the bar I earnest, I chopped off the scorpion’s tale and paired it with a nice Mezcal, drinking my scorpion cocktail down in seconds. And while it was certainly gross, the Mezcal gave the little bugger (literally) a nice smoky flavor that helped me choke

it down. I did get the bartender position; it should be noted, but months after this “drink request.”

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working?

When you are bartending, it is your job to make sure everyone at your bar is comfortable, safe and having fun. And every so often, there is “that guy.” Be he too eager to jump into another group’s conversation, or he be a little too eager to chat up the pretty female enjoying a cocktail. It’s my job to protect the group/female from said fellow while also protecting the fellow himself, from his ego, his feelings, his own experience. It’s a very delicate job, and one that drives me crazy when I have to do it all night while still focusing on making great drinks.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

Growing up, my dad was a gin guy. And while the handful of times I snuck a little of his gin as a kid and hated it, by my early 20s I fell in love with its herbaceous flavor and versatility. If you think about it, gin is kind of the “original” flavored vodka, albeit not a sweet flavor, but certainly a rich, earthy one. It is not uncommon to see me enjoying gin on the rocks with lime or in a gin martini, which I like slightly dry with a big lemon twist. Brand-wise, I have always loved London Dry, but also recommend Leopold’s American Small Batch Gin, which is harder to find. Most gins are made by simultaneously distilling juniper and other botanicals within the same still. Leopold’s distills each botanical: juniper, coriander, pummelos, orris root, Valencia oranges and more, separately to bring out only the purest flavors and aromas to be blended together for a softer and brighter spirit.

What does ordering a gin and tonic say about a person?

Given the above—it says they are brilliant bartenders and know a great spirit when they taste one! Or, it says they are my dad. Or, perhaps more broadly, it often means the guest has his or her mind on something other than just a cocktail list— perhaps his/her date or the amazing menu.

What is one cocktail you would love for us to feature in the magazine this month?

With 15 specialty cocktails—not to mention the barrel program cocktails coming onboard—this is a toughie. But The Navigation is something really special.

What do you like about this drink?

The Navigation is neither a stereotypical “men’s” or “women’s” drink the way some others are often pigeonholed. I also like that it starts with a good base spirit in Ketel One vodka—no well base here—and uses a unique ingredient custom-made at Fat Ox, our housemade chamomile syrup. The preparation of it also makes the drink really special. We rinse the glass with Chartreuse before pouring in the Ketel One, chamomile and fresh lemon juice, leaving just a touch of the sweet-yet-spicy spirit in the glass to mix with the other flavors.

Yield: Makes 1 cocktail

2 oz. Ketel One vodka 1 oz. chamomile tea syrup

3/4 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice One egg white

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Meanwhile, rinse a chilled coupe glass with green chartreuse. Strain into the large coupe and garnish with a large lemon peel.

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR APRIL

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Dillon Francis

APRIL 1

Talking Stick Resort’s EDM poolside parties kick off with an afternoon of Dillon Francis. His latest single, “Anywhere,” has more than 13 million streams on Spotify. Even though his debut dropped in 2014, hits like “Get Low” and “Love in the Middle of a Firefight” have already made him a staple in the EDM scene. The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, 11 a.m., $30.

APRIL 1

A newbie to the scene, singer and producer Alvin Risk has already garnered support from Skrillex, Designer Drugs and Steve Aoki. He was featured in Pendulum’s BBC Radio One Essential Mix. Quix, Jphelpz and Gerry Gonza perform as well.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.

Busta Rhymes

APRIL 1

A member of the rap group Leaders of the New School, Busta Rhymes has collaborated with several top artists including A Tribe Called Quest, Boyz II Men, TLC, Janet Jackson and Pharrell. In 2016, he released his ninth album, Return of the Dragon: The Abstract Went on Vacation

Māyā Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $15.

Zedd

APRIL 2

Zedd is a Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer who began his career creating remixes in 2009. In 2012, he released the hit “Clarity,” which garnered him international attention, several award nominations and a Grammy. He has collaborated with Selena Gomez, Hayley Williams, Ariana Grande and Alessia Cara. He released his sophomore album, True Colors, in 2015 and it rose to the No. 4 spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Māyā Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, mayaclubaz.com, noon, $50-$60.

Duke Dumont

APRIL 2

U.K. producer and songwriter Duke Dumont is the man behind the deep house hits “Need U 100%,” “Won’t Look Back” and “I Got U.” The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, 11 a.m., starts at $20.

Brody

Jenner

APRIL 8

One of the stars of Princes of Malibu, The Hills and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Brody Jenner has become a sought-after DJ. His resume includes stints at Coachella, Sundance Film Festival and opening for Drake.

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, 11 a.m., free for women, men free before noon, $10 afterward.

Scooter and Lavelle w/DJ Skribble

APRIL 9

Lavelle Dupree and DJ Scooter’s talents have catapulted hits like “Beats Inside My Head” to the Top 10 XM Radio List and Beatport’s Top Download List. Spinning together for more than 15 years, they have rocked shows across the globe from Coachella to The Sundance Film Festival. The duo will be joined by DJ Skribble, who has collaborated with the likes of P. Diddy, Britney Spears and Ciara.

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, 11 a.m., free.

Nicky Romero

APRIL 15

Dutch EDM powerhouse Nicky Romero’s hit “Lighthouse” has

garnered more than 13 million streams on Spotify. He’s also remixed for Madonna and Ellie Goulding, and has produced Rihanna and Britney Spears.

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, 11 a.m., tickets as low as $25.

The Crystal Method

APRIL 22

Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland, otherwise known as The Crystal Method, mark a return to clubs. In its more than 20-year career, The Crystal Method released its iconic platinum-selling debut 1997’s Vegas, earned a 2009 Grammy Award nomination in the category of “Best Dance/Electronic Album” for Divided By Night, and wrote for film and television. But the group, which released a self-titled album in 2014, hasn’t been without troubles. Kirkland had surgery for a benign posterior fossa arachnoid cyst and subsequently came down with an infection that landed him in the ICU for 10 days.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $20-$40.

Wet Electric

APRIL 29

Some of the best in EDM—Diplo, Borgore, Audien, Anna Lunoe, Yookie, AC Slater, Jimmy Edgar, Justin Jay, Kill_Frenzy, Wax Motif, Bijou and Gerry Gonza—come together at Big Surf for one heck of a pool party. Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, relentlessbeats.com, 11 a.m., $15-$3,499.

Space Yacht with Alvin Risk

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

After countless days in the hot Arizona sun playing indie league baseball, Ben Dorman was ready for a change.

“I had played baseball my whole life,” says Dorman, who pitched for Paradise Valley Community College and the Arizona Centennials. “I didn’t like the 10-hour days in 120 degrees. Then, I was working as a promoter and I thought I would give this a shot. In November 2015, I had an opportunity where I was able to quit my day job and do music full time.”

DJ Bijou was born. Managed by Relentless Beats, the Tempe native is to play Phoenix Lights in Phoenix and Wet Electric at Big Surf this month.

“I never thought this would happen, to be honest with you,” he says.

Calling from the middle of a U.S.

tour, Dorman has brought his G-House sound to the upper echelon of festivals, including Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Coachella and Holy Ship.

“G-House stands for ‘ghetto house,’ which is a mesh of house music and hip-hop vocals,” Dorman says. “It’s still coming around in the U.S., but it’s hot right now. It’s a sound that I brought to Arizona in 2013 that people weren’t familiar with. I bring a variation of commercial and underground music.”

Music is in Dorman’s genes, as his father was a school teacher who managed bands and hip-hop artists in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

“He brought me up with sports and everything,” says Dorman, who counts British DJ, house and techno producer Carl Cox among his idols. “I grew up on reggae, a lot of older rock, like AC/DC, Metallica and that kind of stuff.

“It’s funny, though. The day I was going to quit baseball, I was scared to tell

AFTER THE LIGHTS

Nothing dims when the stages close at Hance Park

BRINGING G-HOUSE TO THE TABLES

Ben Dorman takes a swing at DJing after baseball career

my dad. He was immediately supportive, though—he and my mom, both. I played a show recently at Shady Park and they came out for that.”

The support is wide reaching, not only for him but other electronic music artists, he says. Dorman has released songs on Night Bass, Fool’s Gold and Prep School Recordings, and collaborated with Dr. Fresch on the track “Hello,” which received the support of AC Slater, Destructo, Don Diablo, Drezo, Malaa, Party Favor and Wax Motif.

“The electronic music scene is so strong right now,” he says. “We keep pushing music out and working, working, working.”

Now is the perfect time for Dorman and his alter ego Bijou, who helped create a movement online known as #Hustlelife. He hopes to start his own label, and tour Australia and South America.

“Dr. Fresch, Malaa, Wax Motif and Destructo, they’re all pushing the boundaries of the sound and taking it

Melissa Szenda » The Entertainer!

Phoenix Lights are returning to the Valley, this time in the form of a two-day festival packed with unearthly talent.

With acts ranging from Tiesto to GRiZ, Phoenix Lights guarantees good times on Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 8, at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix. Relentless Beats plans to keep it going with two nights of afterparties at four locations.

Phoenix Lights wristband holders can take their pick from three intergalactic afterparties on Saturday, April 8. Experience the vibes of Illenium and Crywolf (live) at the Supernova Afterparty at Monarch Theatre. Get down with top British house producer Hannah Wants at the Dark Matter Afterparty at Scarlet, located on the top floor of Monarch Theatre. Josh Wink will also throw down his profound techno sounds at the Stargazer Afterparty at Bar Smith.

More out-of-this-world talent follows the next night with some of

worldwide,” he says. “DJs are the rock stars of the modern day. The music has been commercialized with all of the festivals. The kids need it. It’s hard to gauge what made that happen. It’s been around forever; it’s just always been underground. The U.S. has a big part to play in that.”

Phoenix Lights

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenixlightsfest.com, noon Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, tickets start at $79. Dr. Fresch vs. Bijou perform on Saturday.

Wet Electric

Big Surf, 1500 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, relentlessbeats. com, 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, tickets start at $15.

the Phoenix Lights headliners. Keys N Krates (DJ set) and Crizzly perform during the Supernova Afterparty at Monarch Theatre. Techno legends Pig and Dan will take fans to another planet at the Dark Matter Afterparty at Scarlet. Get your funky space vibes on with GRiZ at the Planet X Afterparty at Shady Park in Tempe.

The official afterparties truly take Phoenix Lights to a parallel universe, giving a little taste of every genre. These close encounters are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but remember, tickets to the afterparties are only available to those with a Phoenix Lights Festival wristband.

Phoenix Lights

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenixlightsfest.com, relentlessbeats. com, various times, Saturday, April 8, and Sunday, April 9, tickets start at $79.

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

BANGKOK’S OFFICIAL AND FULL NAME IS

Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara

Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom

Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

las vegas, nevada, has the most hotel rooms of any city in the world.

saudi arabia is one of the only countries in the world that doesn’t have any have any rivers.

FRANCE

is the most visited country in the world.

libya is 99% desert. about 1 in 5 people have a fear of flying, or “ aviophobia.” san marino has a population of 33,000 and is the only country to have more cars than people.

The world’s longest commercial flight was a Qatar Airways commercial jaunt from Doha, Qatar, to Auckland, New Zealand, that lasted 16 hours and 23 minutes in the air.

the north pole is made up of ice on top of the sea.

Every 60 seconds, 146 cubic yards of sandcastles are being built around the world.

Kevin Palacios » The Entertainer!

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FRIDAY, APRIL 28

THURSDAY, JUNE 8