The Entertainer! - November 2018

PHX METRO » NOVEMBER 2018

JACKSON GALAXY SPREADS HIS

‘CAT MOJO’ TO PHOENIX

Electrifying!

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

LIGHTS UP THE NIGHT

ARIZONA’S LE ADE R IN MUSIC AL THE ATRE

Show S S onsored S onsored onsored B : B : B

NOV 23 - DEC 29 Adults just $65 | Kids 13 and under only $25 for Dinner & Show tickets! *Use Coupon Code ENTMiracle | Some restrictions apply to seating locations | Offer does not include fees SEASON 14 SPONSORED BY:

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ENTERTAINMENT AMPLIFIED Pablo Cruise

Friday, November 9 The Showroom

Jerry Riopelle

Friday & Saturday, December 28 & 29

Under the Streetlamp Friday, December 7

Daughtry

Friday, December 14

The Showroom

The Ballroom

Ana Popovic

Air Supply

Saturday, January 26 The Showroom

The Ballroom

On Sale Nov. 2

The Showroom

P L A Y

I N

Saturday, February 2

S T Y L E

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

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

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SCOTTSDALE

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

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

5

12 ELECTRIC ON THE COVER

18

HE’S THE

‘CAT DADDY’

Jackson Galaxy shares his secrets about cats on his tour.

19

DESERT Desert Botanical Garden is awash in lights for its latest exhibit.

LIGHT ‘EM UP

Black Bottom Lighters celebrate the night before Thanksgiving with pay-what-you-can show. on the cover: Electric Desert at the Desert Botanical Garden photo by Kimberly Carrillo

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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

20

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

executive editor Niki D’Andrea

DADDY’S GIRL

ndandrea@timespublications.com

editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

Jamie Bernstein gives patrons a tour of her dad’s brain at the MIM.

designer Len Loria

production manager Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

9

Top 25 • Electric Desert • The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon • Goodguys • Mesa Music Festival

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 18 Jackson Galaxy • Black Bottom Lighters • Jamie Bernstein • Matthew Morrison

THE DOWNTOWNER

22

Ambassador Hans Hughes • Top 10 • Downtown Pheast • Downtown Donut Festival and the Phoenix Pizza Festival • Arizona Hip-Hop Festival

THE TOURIST

30

Tour du Jour

THE ARTIST

32

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

28 RESPECTING THE

contributing writers

Joseph J. Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Heather Copfer, Evan Desai, Connor Dziawura, Samantha Fuoco, Sherry Jackson, Kenneth LaFave, Laura Latzko, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, Eric Newman, David Roche

UNDERGROUND

Staff Photographers

Kimberly Carrillo, Pablo Robles

Justus Samuel helps indie artists get exposure during the Arizona Hip-Hop Festival.

66

FULL CIRCLE

The Orb returns to the scene of its first U.S. date.

Arts Calendar • Henri Matisse and the Native Alaskan Masks that Inspired Him • Arizona Music Festival • On Your Feet!

THE CRITIC

Coming Attractions • Ask Our Experts! • The Report Card • Film Facts • Soundbite Spotlight • Scottsdale Film Festival • Instant Family

41

Best Food Events in November • Happy Hour Guide • Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery • Sonson’s

THE CRAFTMASTER

45

Beer Over Here • BeerFinder Directory • Beertender: Chop Block and Brew • Red White and Brew Craft Beer Festival • Beer Pairing: PNPK

THE HIGHROLLER

50

Casino Entertainment Calendar

THE GLADIATOR

52

Best Sports Events in November • John Skelton

THE YOUNGSTER

THE SHOWMAN

58

Zakk Wylde • Live Music Calendar • Steven Page • Underoath • Promise to Myself

THE NIGHTOWL

64

Best Nightlife Events in November • Mad Mixologist: Hatter and Hare • The Orb

56

Best Family Events in November • Color Run

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

David Bergman, Bradley Cole, Norm Hall/Arizona Coyotes, Tammy Hodges Photography, Nathan Johnson, Jack McKain, Ricky Middleworth, Paramount Pictures, Tara Rassas, Roney FM (K3 Media), Jen Rosenstein, Tim Sealy, Steven J. Sherman, Michael Tinker, Tim Trumble, Xanterra Travel Collection ONE COPY PER READER

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

37

THE DINER

Contributing Photographers

THE THINKER

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

DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

68

You’re Not Gonna Believe This

480.348.0343

of

“There is a massive power in this that can embrace the world. It brings great hope… It is truly

A TOUCH

HEAVEN

” .

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

“I felt like I was in heaven.

If people watch this production, their inner souls will be purified. This really is a performance for the very fortunate.”

—Choi Yun Xi, Korean President’s Award-winning artist

“Shen Yun brings out the most heavenly experience.

I feel like my troubles just walked away, it's a spiritual, peaceful and absorbing experience.”

—Steve R. Kates, TV host

“A must-see!”

—Broadway World

Where Art Connects Heaven & Earth

FEB 19–24

FEB 26–27

MAR 1–3

Tickets: ShenYun.com/AZ 800-880-0188

Orpheum Theatre

Tucson Music Hall

Mesa Arts Center

Early Bird code: Early19 Get best seats & waive fees by Nov. 30

PHOENIX

TUCSON

MESA

NOVEMBER CONCERTS AT THE MIM MUSIC THEATER DONNA THE BUFFALO Sunday, November 4 | 7 p.m.

“Donna the Buffalo is quite simply one of the groovin’est bands in America, . . . a bona-fide American institution.”

—New Haven Register

LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY JR. Tuesday, November 6 | 7 p.m.

“He’s amazing. He’s being compared to greats like Sinatra and Nat King Cole, and he deserves it.”

—Judith Hill

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH BETTYE LAVETTE Featuring Evan Mercer on Keyboards Wednesday, November 7 | 7 p.m.

She gets inside a song and shapes and twists it to convey all the emotion that can be wrought from the lyric.

THE ELECTRIC GUITAR: INVENTING AN AMERICAN ICON OPENING CONCERT Featuring John Jorgenson Fri. & Sat., November 9 & 10 | 7:30 p.m.

A tribute to Charlie Christian with special guests Jason Marsalis, Cindy Cashdollar, and the Hot Club of Cowtown.

THE ELECTRIC GUITAR: INVENTING AN AMERICAN ICON OPENING CONCERT Featuring Deke Dickerson and John Jorgenson Sunday, November 11 | 7 p.m.

“He has forged something new, exciting, and original.”

—Outlaw Country Cruise

DAVELL CRAWFORD WITH CHARMAINE NEVILLE: A CELEBRATION OF NEW ORLEANS Friday, November 16 | 7 & 9 p.m.

“Davell is a cross between Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles, a male Billie Holiday.”

—Jazz Foundation of America

STRINGSHOT Saturday, November 17 | 7:30 p.m.

A tour de force of American, Brazilian, and Paraguayan virtuosos blending Latin and blues music

KARLA BONOFF Sun. & Mon., November 18 & 19 | 7 p.m.

“Songs of soul-searching, heartache and joy.”

—Billboard

HEART SOCIETY Wednesday, November 21 | 7 p.m.

“For any of you looking for a nice easy listen of soul + rock ’n’ roll, Heart Society delivers in a powerhouse package.”

—Quirktastic

NOLAN MCKELVEY AND MUSKELLUNGE Saturday, November 24 | 7:30 p.m.

This Americana music features the traditions of the past fused brilliantly with the topics of today.

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

2018 Concert Series sponsored by

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

THE METROPOLITAN

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PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Whose Live Anyway?

Cooks + Corks

NOVEMBER 2 T. Cook’s, Fat Ox, Deseo, Proof, Jewel’s Bakery, Talavera — need we say more? Chefs from Arizona’s most acclaimed restaurants come together to cook up culinary creations partnered with picks from world-class winemakers.

This annual benefit under the stars supports the Scottsdale League for the Arts in assisting local arts and arts education programs.

Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon North, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, 480.945.7193, cooksandcorks.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., $125-$175.

NOVEMBER 2 Your favorites from the classic TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are live and in person with a completely improvised 90-minute performance.

Featuring games and gags from the show, join cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray for a foray into hysterics.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., $34-$54.

Dinner at Five

NOVEMBER 3 Senior citizen swingers— yep, you heard us right! This original new comedy centers around a dinner conversation between two married couples who consider the outrageous idea of switching partners. The show stars classic TV legends Kathy Garver, Larry Thomas, Caryn Richman and John Moschitta.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, tempecenterforthearts. com, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45.

Lea Michele and Darren Criss

NOVEMBER 3 It may not be a new season of Glee, but this concert with two Broadway powerhouses might be the next best thing. Touching on the radio cover hits that made them famous, as well as slowing down for the occasional duet, fans will not be disappointed with this expansive journey through the duo’s respective catalogues.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage. com, 7:30 p.m., $40-$125.

The Forever Hip-Hop Festival

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

NOVEMBER 7 This New Jersey-born rapper tours his latest album, Zoo, a follow-up to his platinum-charting Columbia debut. He returns after wowing the Valley this spring at Pot of Gold, bringing fans a collection of new tracks like “Missin’ You Crazy” and “The Flute Song,” in addition to hits like “Losin’ Control.”

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 9 p.m., $34.75-$49.75.

Mesa Music Festival

Mary Poppins

NOVEMBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 18 It might not be the best weather to fly a kite, but you can pretend with this special engagement of the Broadway musical. Mary Poppins is a nanny like no other; see her unique brand of magic — with a spoonful of sugar — in a completely different way with theatrical effects and costumes just in time for the Disney sequel, in theaters this December.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $28-$34.

Russ

NOVEMBER 3 Your classic hip-hop favorites aren’t going anywhere and this day-long festival proves it. Taking over Rawhide with festival fare and vendors galore, the lineup features acts like Ja Rule and Ashanti, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Fat Joe and Dogg Pound. Don’t be late because these acts are “Always on Time!”

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide.com, 3 p.m., $30-$1,700.

NOVEMBER 8 TO NOVEMBER 10 The main attraction at Mesa’s extensive free, three-day music festival is the focus on artists on the rise. The Mesa Music Festival gets bigger each year, with this incarnation featuring near 300 acts from across the country.

Performers span genres and even include local groups like Teammate Markus and Sunday At Noon. The keynote speaker is Henry Rollins.

Downtown Mesa, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 732.203.7787, mesamusicfestival.com, times vary, free.

Lea DeLaria

NOVEMBER 9 Known for her role as the raunchy “Big Boo” on Orange is the New Black, Lea DeLaria is just as loveably risqué as her character— and with even more charm. She presents her adults-only comedy/music show, featuring jazz, jokes and unbridled honesty, at the intimate Chandler Center for the Arts.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m., $48-$58.

This is Modern Art

NOVEMBER 9 TO NOVEMBER 18 ASU’s theater department presents this controversial piece about graffiti crews who risk anything to display their art and make their voices heard. When one crew finishes the biggest graffiti bomb of their careers, they find themselves at a forefront of a public controversy and the greater question of, “Where does art belong?”

Paul V. Galvin Playhouse, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

51 E. 10th Street, Tempe, 480.965.6447, herbergerinstitute.asu. edu, times vary, $8-$16.

Pinners Conference

NOVEMBER 9 AND NOVEMBER 10 Pinterest addicts unite to find the perfect “pin-spiration” for new projects at this weekend full of classes, presentations and retail shopping. In its third year, the Pinners Conference features more than 300 local and national brands, connecting crafters with DIY demos, décor galore and an abundance of creative exuberance.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 801.822.1333, az.pinnersconference.com, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, $8-$129.

Mustache Crawl

NOVEMBER 10 Handlebar, goatee, chinstrap, drawn in Sharpie on your finger — despite its name, this bar crawl does not discriminate. Join your friends for a descent down to some of Old Town Scottsdale’s hottest spots in the name of facial hair. Admission includes drink vouchers and a complimentary fake ‘stache!

Old Town Gringos Restaurant and Bar, 4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale, 480.423.3800, bit. ly/2IS21KC, 1 to 7 p.m., $10-$20.

Mystery Puppet Slam

NOVEMBER 10 This 18-and-up puppet slam takes skits and your favorite feltcovered friends to a whole new level. The theme is so wild the Great Arizona Puppet Theater is keeping it a secret. The Great Arizona Puppet Theater’s adult engagements are a risible, R-rated ride you have to see to believe.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, 8 p.m., $12-$15.

The Color Run

NOVEMBER 10 Whether you’re a marathon runner, a 5K fanatic or prefer the escalator, you should never deny yourself the opportunity to dirty a perfectly white outfit in a sea of rainbow.

For all fitness levels, The Color Run is a celebration of community, fun and color, taking runners through blasts of neon powder.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, thecolorrun.com, 9 a.m. to ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

noon, $29.99-$54.99.

Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide.com, 5 to 10 p.m.

Fridays to Sundays, free.

Mystery in the Museum: The Counterspy Code

NOVEMBER 10 Move over, Clue, and get lost, escape rooms! The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art has a mystery experience of its own, recruiting visitors for a top-secret mission to crack codes, follow clues and puzzle their way into become top agents in the field.

Wear your best “espionage black” and bring “an undisclosed amount of cash” for a bar and light bites.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, 6 p.m., $15 per person and $25 per couple.

Family Fun Harvest Festival

NOVEMBER 11 This free festival is all about the autumn ambiance. With a live band, pumpkin decorating, face painting, bounce houses and special guest appearances, it’s a full family affair.

Adults can venture on a late round of “trick-or-treat” with local vendors like Eludesions Escape Rooms, Gold Canyon Candles and Perfectly Posh.

OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.362.3466, bit. ly/2EiWPkz, 2 to 6 p.m., free.

Paula Abdul

NOVEMBER 11 Following the success of last year’s Total Package Tour, this Grammy Award-winning performer is headlining her first solo tour in more than 25 years. A beloved singer, dancer and choreographer, Abdul is expected to take concertgoers through her biggest hits like “Straight Up” and “Forever Your Girl.”

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver. com, 8 p.m., $59-$109.

Community Day

NOVEMBER 13 On the second Tuesday of each month, the Desert Botanical Garden hosts Community Day, inviting Arizonans for a free afternoon of badlands beauty. Enjoy how the garden’s collection of flowers, trees and plants develop with a taste of fall air with its signature activities and dining experiences.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg. org, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free.

Kyle

NOVEMBER 14 This California-based pop-rapper was named “one of the 10 artists you need to know” by Rolling Stone. He released his debut album, Light of Mine, earlier this year and now he’s taking his show – and the hits “iSpy” and “Playinwithme” – on the road with a night at the intimate Club Red. Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.200.7529, clubredrocks. com, 8 p.m., $28-$32.

Mac and Cheese Fest

NOVEMBER 17 TO NOVEMBER 18 Ditch the boxed macaroni and cheese, this festival is devoted to the innovative styles of the comfort food. It features a Coachella-worthy lineup of food from local restaurants.

Catch options from Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, Whiskey Row, Cici’s, The Duce, Backyards and High and Rye and top it off with craft beer, a festival atmosphere and a little bit of bacon. We’re sold!

Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, macandcheesefestaz. com, 11 a.m., $10-$75.

Spark! After Dark

NOVEMBER 17 Enjoy an artistic night out on the town with Mesa Arts Center’s free monthly party. Spark! After Dark stars a new artist monthly and is curated around a different theme, inspiring its enticing selection of live art, music, tasty eats and menu of delectable drinks.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m., free.

Snowy Christmas

NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 23 Get a head start on your seasonal activities with opening weekend at Rawhide’s signature Christmas takeover. Enjoy a nightly snowfall down Main Street, family photos, thousands of lights and a special drop off for letters to the North Pole. You can even catch Santa for a nightly tree lighting ceremony on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop

A Magical Cirque Christmas

NOVEMBER 26 Jaw-dropping magic, breathtaking circus acts, angelic voices and seasonal carols – what more can you ask for in the theater? This spectacular event for the whole family is filled with holiday cheer, awe and wonder, taking audience members through music, comedy and Christmas tradition.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $30-$55.

Dear Evan Hansen

NOVEMBER 27 TO NOVEMBER 30 This Tony Award-winning musical hits the road for the first time since its Broadway debut, telling the story of Evan Hansen, a high schooler with social anxiety who ends up in the limelight for the first time after a terrible incident. Featuring music by La La Land’s Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, grab tickets to this heart-wrencher while you can!

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage. com, times vary, sold out.

Tempe Festival of Arts

NOVEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 2 It’s the 50th anniversary of the beloved community festival that showcases art from every medium, handcrafted by over 350 artists from around the country. From cottage arts – seasonings, soaps and candles – to live music, a kids’ block and wine tasting, there’s a craft for every taste and every age.

Downtown Tempe, 480.355.6060, tempefestivalofthearts.com, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., free.

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

‘ELECTRIC Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

D

esert Botanical Garden Executive Director Ken Schutz and visual artist Ricardo Rivera would rather guests see the venue’s new installation, Electric Desert, than talk about it.

“It’s just extraordinary,” Schutz says.

“It’s 3-D mapping and it’s – for lack of a better word I think of – psychedelic.

It’s sort of Peter Max-ish in terms of its colors and shape and the way it changes.”

He adds those elements combined with its underlying score make it “mesmerizing.”

Electric Desert was unveiled in October and runs through May 12. The rainor-shine installation is sponsored by APS, Chase Private Client, The Steele Foundation, the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, American Airlines and the Tempe Tourism Office. Doors open at 6 p.m., though it is recommended to be viewed after dark.

Designed by Rivera and his Klip Collective, the “light and sound experience” is impressive, combining the Desert Botanical Garden’s plant life ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

with the artists’ projection-mapping techniques and original music. Rivera essentially helmed the project as its creative director while bringing other collaborators on board to bring what he calls his “baby” to life.

“You really have to go there and see it to really understand what it really is, the nuance of it,” Rivera suggests. “There’s seven distinct areas, in my opinion, of pieces, if you will, that people traverse through and explore. Some are big; some are small; some are to be taken from afar; some are to be walked through.”

Upon arriving at the garden, guests will see Neon Overture, a mesmerizing barrel cactus display that gives visitors a taste of what’s in store.

Farther into the garden, the Desert Discovery Loop Trail takes guests to locations two, three and four. Location two, Cacti Synesthesia, lights up the Sybil B. Harrington Cactus Gallery, while the ambiance of location three, Succulent Chlorata, washes over the worldwide plants that comprise the adjacent Sybil B. Harrington Succulent Gallery. Location four, the Infinity Crystal, serves as a centerpiece between the two galleries.

After continuing down the Desert

Discovery Loop Trail toward the Kitchell Family Heritage Garden, visitors will find location five, Swhorl.

Pulsing, rhythmic music and hypnotic lighting emanate.

Farther back, visitors of Ullman Terrace can set their sights upon location six, Desert Chorale, and maybe even grab a bite to eat at the Patio Café.

Colorful patterns and dancing, dazzling lights blast across the butte, which can also be viewed from afar throughout the garden.

A bit east, the seventh and final site-specific location, Sonoran Passage, is accessible from the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop trail, where guests can also see the butte light up.

Schutz was inspired to bring Electric Desert to Desert Botanical Garden when he saw a previous Klip Collective garden installation, Nightscape, at Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia.

“I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it,” Schutz says. “I watched the audiences at Longwood respond to it. They just loved it. People lingered and just really enjoyed it and ‘Oohed’ and ‘Aahed’ all the way through the exhibits. I thought this is one I’d really like to bring to the garden.”

RICARDO RIVERA

The Phoenician take is a different beast. Rivera says they up the bar each time an installation of this magnitude is constructed.

“There are similarities, meaning there are techniques and modalities that I’ve kind of garnered. Certain plants do different things based on those textures, et cetera,” Rivera says. “But they’re sitespecific pieces. So, this is very different than Nightscape and I’m very excited about it because Nightscape was very successful.”

Rivera considers it to be a “true collaboration” between him and the

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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DESERT’ Desert Botanical Garden launches immersive ‘light and sound’ experience garden’s plants.

“What’s being projected onto the plants is calculated in the sense that we planned for it and certain characteristics of the form of these plants,” he explains.

“Not only the color, but their form is reflected in how the projected content manifests itself. There’s definitely something that happens between what I’m projecting and then when it actually hits the three-dimensional form, all these beautiful, chaotic moments kind of explode and happen.”

Though the lights will undoubtedly be the focus for Desert Botanical Garden guests, Electric Desert couldn’t be accomplished without its musical compositions. From ambient soundscapes and meditative pieces to rhythm pulsations set to dancing displays, the music is essential to the installation’s visuals.

“The sound is a very big part of our work and it’s a very big part of this installation. There’s no narrative thread through my work, especially this piece,” Rivera says. “I mean, there are moments where there’s a somewhat of a narrative, but it’s mostly an abstract experiential journey, if you will. But the music is really the backbone to the entire show.

It’s everywhere. It’s present in all the installations and it drives a lot of the content, as well.”

Klip Collective was founded in 2003.

The Philadelphia-based experiential video shop uses virtual reality, projection mapping, storytelling and soundscapes for its projects, and has done work for clients ranging from W Hotels to Target and Nike. Its global presence has reached St. Petersburg, Moscow, Canada and Mexico, Rivera says.

With all its growth, diverse past projects, and more future projects in store for Klip Collective, “experiential” is ultimately the keyword for which Rivera is looking.

“It’s hard making these things. This work is so temporal,” Rivera says. “It’s sad that I can’t go and see the Nightscape anymore … It’s not there anymore. And, it’s kind of sad, but at the same time it’s really profound and that’s what makes these experiences true experiences, is that you can Instagram them all day but not until you go and see them in person do you really grasp the digital nature of the art. That to me is really important.”

As fall rolls into winter, Electric Desert will become an even more dazzling experience as it crosses paths with

the garden’s annual Las Noches de las Luminarias installation. That one is up from December 1 through December 23, and December 26 through December 31. Schutz calls it “two for the price of one.”

“Everything we do we hope is different and helps people see nature in a different way. In the case of this one, I think it’s because the technology uses our plants as the movie screen,” Schutz says of Electric Desert.

“What’s so cool about 3-D mapping is before (Rivera) creates any images to project, he comes and maps the parts of the garden where he will be showing the movies and then that part becomes

movie screen. So, our plants, even though it’s dark, are front and center throughout the entire show. So, it’s people coming to the garden after the sun goes down to see our plants but with an entirely new story projected onto them.

“In some ways they’re completely transformed and then yet in another way the plants are front and center and the backbone to the whole experience.

It’s that duplicity, I think, that makes it really cool. I mean, you may have been to the garden 100 times before, but you would never have seen it like this. So, it feels familiar and very different at the same time.”

Electric Desert Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org/electric-desert, doors open at 6 p.m. through May 12, varying price levels.

Prices Free for Desert Botanical Garden members Free for children younger than 3 $12.95-$15.95 for youth ages 3 to 17 (Electric Desert only) $24.95-$29.95 for adults 17 years or older (Electric Desert only) $19.95-$22.95 for youth ages 3 to 17 (with day pass) $34.95-$39.95 for adults ages 17 or older (with day pass) ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

E LEC T R I F Y I N G

THE WORLD

New MIM exhibit pays homage to an American icon Sherry Jackson » The Entertainer!

T

he electric guitar hit the music scene in the early 1930s and ’40s as an experiment. It has since influenced and defined American music forever.

On November 9, the Musical Instrument Museum opens its newest special exhibit, The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon. Visitors can follow the electric guitar from its early beginnings and learn the history of the instrument that spawned new genres of music.

On display will be vintage amplifiers and personal instruments of groundbreaking artists who were among the first to play and popularize the electric guitar, such as Alvino Rey, Charlie Christian, Les Paul, Bo Diddley and Eldon Shamblin. Authentic guitars played by next generations of influential musicians, such as Pete Townshend, Ron Wood and Keith Richards will also be on display. Interviews with Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist George Benson, guitar historians and collectors, friends and family of the pioneers of the electric guitar will round out the exhibit.

“We hope visitors will gain a new appreciation of the origins and new development that really went into amplifying these stringed instruments at the start,” says Richard Walter, MIM’s lead curator on the exhibit.

“People were being quite resourceful and using the technologies that were available at the time. This was real cutting-edge stuff. This new exhibit will provide a new appreciation of musical genres that embraced the electric guitar right off the bat, even before there was such a thing as rock ‘n’ roll.”

Many of the items in the exclusive exhibit are from the private collection of avid guitar enthusiast and collector Lynn Wheelwright of Utah. Walter said he realized the “scope and depth” of Wheelwright’s collection after a conversation with the collector, especially the unusually rare and early amplified instruments that could be turned into something special.

“We started envisioning a prequel of sorts of the electric guitars’ story to show people everything that had to happen along the way, for several decades before that energy got it going in the ’50s and ’60s with artists such as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles,” Walter says.

“Once we realized we had the core of an unusual and thoughtprovoking version of the amplified electric guitar

story, we reached out and found other collectors to round out the collection to bring in other aspects that we wanted to touch on.”

It took about a year to pull everything together, says Walter, and the exhibit showcases more than 80 of the rarest electric guitars and amplifiers in the world from some of the first ever heard, to those played by the most famous electric guitarists

known today. “We probably have more individual pieces in this exhibition than other special exhibitions,” he says.

One of the special pieces on display is Rey’s Electro A-25 (1932). This instrument was likely the first electric guitar played on a national radio broadcast. Considered the “Father of the Electric Guitar,” Rey was not only a performer but also a direct contributor to the research and development of amplified instruments for brands such as Rickenbacker, Gibson and Fender.

“That very guitar was basically the first electric guitar that much of the country as a mass audience would have heard,” Walter says. “That is especially exciting for us as it takes us back to, in some cases, the first exposure that a wide audience had to the concept of an electric guitar. It’s a defining instrument in a lot of ways.”

The MIM will also have on display some of the earliest known prototypes and early demonstration models of the electric guitar. “A lot of the designs, the construction details and the construction materials themselves were bold, stylized instruments that were quite futuristic and looked radically different than the standard acoustic guitars that were common at the time,” Walter says. “It’s really an eye opener.”

The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, various hours November 9 to September 15, $7 with paid museum admission, $10 special exhibition only.

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

Laura Latzko » The Entertainer!

CELEBRATING

T

hrough gritty performances, one-on-one interactions with fans and heartfelt original music, local bands and musicians can reach audiences in an evocative way.

The fourth annual Mesa Music Festival from Thursday, November 8, to Saturday, November 10, brings together about 260 up-and-coming artists and bands to perform for local audiences.

Founder Indian Antao says the event lets music fans see bands as they are developing and building audiences.

“The cool thing about our event is you get to experience talent when it is fledgling,” Antao says. “The thing I loved the most when I was working in the business was seeing Nine Inch Nails play to 80 people, seeing the band that nobody knows who they are, seeing the progression.”

Visual artists will also display and sell their work during the festival.

The event is modeled after the Jersey Shore Festival, another music festival Antao organizes.

This year, musician, writer and actor Henry Rollins will give a keynote speech at 8 p.m. Friday at the Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street.

Rock ‘n’ roll photographer Bob Gruen will also share his insights on the music business on Friday evening.

The Dreamers, a cosmic rock trio out of California, will headline on Saturday evening.

Last year, producer, musician and TV star Randy Jackson was the keynote speaker, and rock group P.O.D. was the headliner.

The bands and artists at this year’s festival represent a range of genres, including rock, hip-hop and acoustic music.

Antao, a promoter, record company owner, A&R representative and executive producer with 30 years of experience in the music business, says the event appeals to audiences with different music tastes.

“You walk into a venue, and you don’t like what you hear. You can walk two doors down and check out another band.

You can experience tons and tons of talent, all in one weekend,” Antao says.

Often, music fans discover new groups while wandering around Downtown Mesa.

The artists will perform in traditional and unconventional venues.

For the event, buildings such as bank offices, empty storefronts and a cookie shop are turned into pop-up performance spaces.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

HENRY ROLLINS

MUSIC SUNDAY AT NOON

Mesa festival gives local, regional and national acts free exposure

Antao says having performances in different venues lets local businesses get more involved in the event.

“It’s really cool, the way it brings the community together,” Antao says.

Along with pop-up spaces, the festival will have stages for larger bands on Macdonald Street and in front of the Mesa Arts Center.

The vibe of Downtown Mesa drew the organizer to the area when he was organizing a football event during the Super Bowl. He found Main Street to have a vibe like the music scene in Austin, Texas, in the 1960s.

“Mesa is getting this cool underground music scene,” Antao says.

Local, national and regional groups take part in the festival.

This year, artists will travel to Arizona from as far as New York, Maryland, Georgia and Canada.

The performers go through a

submission process to be chosen. Last year, 4,000 groups and musicians applied.

Antao says to be chosen, bands need to stand out in some way.

“We curate in a way that there’s something there. It might need some more polishing. It might need to evolve or grow, but we pick some good talent,” Antao says.

During the festival, the performers can take workshops from and meet one-onone with industry professionals.

The workshops touch on topics such as how bands can distinguish themselves, build fan bases and navigate the business side of music industry.

Antao says even though musicians have tools at their disposal such as social media, it can be harder than ever to have a presence in an oversaturated music industry. This makes meeting with industry professionals even more

important.

“I think what happens when they do the one-on-ones is they actually create relationships, and that’s the most important thing in the music business,” Antao says.

Artists also network with each other during the event, leading to collaborations after the festival.

Sunday at Noon, a local group in its third year at the festival, discovered its touring partner, hip-hop group Team Markus, during the event. This year, the local rock band went on its first national tour.

Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jack Vanderpol says the festival has also given him and his bandmates more experience in interacting with people in the music industry.

“As far as meetings like that, you learn how to conduct yourself and what to ask about,” Jack says.

The band’s influences range from ’70s rock to more modern groups. Jack describes the music as high-energy rock with an ’80s vibe.

“I would say it’s in a stadium rock phase right now, where everything is big sounding,” Jack says.

Since it started over three years ago, the band has had different lineups.

Jack and his brother Nate Vanderpol, the band’s drummer, have been the mainstays.

Jack started playing the guitar at age 6, and Nate began learning the drums at age 8. By the time they were in their teens, they were performing together at local venues.

The four-member group, which also does local events such as the Ostrich Festival, released its first full-length album, Beat Up & Bitter, in September.

During the Mesa Musical Festival, the group will perform new and reworked originals from the album, such as “Honey,” “Dirty Mouth,” “Like the Last Time” and “Thunder.”

Jack and Nate write most of the band’s music. Jack says his brother’s influence is evident in many of the band’s songs.

“With Phil Collins, his music is very on-time. It’s very syncopated. Our music turns out the same way on songs that Nate writes. They’re well-timed and rhythmic but also loose,” Jack says.

Mesa Music Festival various venues in Downtown Mesa, mesamusicfest.com, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, November 9, noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, November 10, free admission. The welcome party is 7 p.m. to midnight Thursday, November 8, at The Galleria, 29 W. Main Street.

17

How to enjoy Goodguys There is a slew of entertainment at the Goodguys 21st Southwest National Car Show. Here are some of the events.

→ Vendor exhibits and vendor midway

→ Giant swap meet and cars for sale corral

DRIVING SUCCESS

Goodguys brings Southwest Nationals to town

→ The Top 12 Cars of the Year presented by Meguiar’s and Snap-On

→ Saturday specialty parking

areas featuring the Tri Five Chevy corral, Camaro corral, Homebuilt Heaven and more

→ Goodguys AutoCross racing competition

→ The Duel in the Desert

AutoCross Finals Shootout on Saturday

→ Model & Pedal → Musical entertainment → Fuelcurve.com Nitro

Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition on Friday and Saturday

→ Kids’ zone – featuring the PPG coloring contest, arts and crafts and fun for little ones.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

B

efore Ernie Oakes retired from his governmental position, he moved frequently, often to unfamiliar towns. There was always one thing he could rely on to meet friends: the hotrod community.

“When I moved from Salem, Oregon, to Kansas City, I knew nobody,” says Oakes, who now lives in Anthem. “I had my ’47 Chevy convertible. I’d go to a cruise-in on Saturday night and the next thing I knew I had 10 to 15 new friends.

If you’re a hotrodder, you’re always a hotrodder.”

For the last 34 years, Oakes bolstered his circle of friends with Goodguys, a large, outdoor “cool cars, cool people and good times” event featuring more than 3,000 hotrods, custom cars, classics, muscle cars and trucks through 1987 vintage. The Goodguys 21st Southwest Nationals Car Show Friday, November 16, to Sunday, November 18, at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

“The Southwest Nationals is different from the spring event,” says Betsy Bennett, director of public relations for the event series. “The March event is the beginning of our season and the November event is the finale. Scottsdale is a special place for us.”

→ Spectre Performance All

American Sunday. Open to all years, American-made and -powered vehicles

→ Awards ceremony at 2:22 p.m.

Sunday

Goodguys 21st Southwest Nationals Car Show

Guests can also browse and shop the vast collection of vendor displays, and engage like-minded enthusiasts at the swap meet and car corral.

Goodguys has become the definitive name for hotrod and custom car shows along with autocross racing. Founded

by Gary Meadors as a platform for showcasing the classic and hotrod culture, the business is now run by his son, Marc Meadors.

Oakes, who is bringing his ’69 Buick Skylark and ’52 Chevy pickup to WestWorld, was good friends with Gary Meadors.

“We became great friends,” says

Oakes, 71. “It wasn’t an obligation, but I wanted it to continue to be successful.

I help them set up events; it’s just a passion.”

He has been involved in hotrodding most of his life. A Southern California native, he went cruising and drag racing until he had a family and funds were tight.

“When things started to get better financially, I started street rodding again,” says Oakes, whose parents bought him his first car, a ’57 Chevy.

“That’s where my passion lies.”

Oakes says he’s always been impressed with the kindness of Goodguys’

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 925.838.9876, good-guys.com/ swn-2018, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, November 16, and Saturday, November 17, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, November 18, $20, $6 for kids 7 to 12, free for children 6 and younger. Discounts available online. participants.

“You can see great classic cars and meet great people,” he says. “You can see the owner and ask him about his car and they’ll tell you everything about it. You may not go away for a while, but it’s a great family event.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a millionaire or you have a nothing car.

Everyone at Goodguys is a good guy.

That’s where it got its name.”

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

18

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

HE’S THE

‘CAT DADDY’

Animal Planet star Jackson Galaxy tames the feline beast at Comerica Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

J

ackson “Cat Daddy” Galaxy will put a theatrical spin on taming kitties when the My Cat from Hell host visits Phoenix’s Comerica Theatre on Friday, December 7.

“It’s an extension of the talk I’ve always given,” he says. “I talk about having a cat in your life, starting with what is the ‘Cat,’ with a capital C, and how that plays into the cat. Then I move into the relationship you have with your cat.”

Galaxy’s career came about organically. Once a struggling musician, Galaxy took a job at an animal shelter and found he had a special relationship with cats, which he dubs “Cat Mojo.” At the Comerica Theatre, he’ll go over cats’ history, diets and secrets.

“I improvise the whole thing,” he says. “I feel the audience and take it from there. Now I’m forming it into a theatrical experience. It’s not just me going out there and talking. It involves visuals, sound and puppets. They’re on film, but they’re still puppets. It has a sense of going to the theater and I’m your host.”

A question-and-answer period follows.

“There will be the normal Q&A time and, of course, that always leads to strange things,” he says with a laugh. “They can ask me everything except what I can’t answer about their cats. I tell them, ‘I haven’t been to your house.’ That usually whittles the questions down a bit.”

Galaxy is on a mission, though, to

educate people about cats and deepen the human-cat bond, while reducing the number of animals who end up in shelters. His “Cat Mojo” philosophy teaches cat guardians the skills to help their feline friends build confidence within their environment. Jackson has written about this in his New York Times best-selling books including Catify to Satisfy and Catification.

“Basically, the stuff I talk about is universal, without demeaning the relationship with your specific cat,” he says. “The one thing that’s true for me – and I’m sure you’ve seen this in my show a million times – I’m not emotionally invested in the outcome to a certain degree.

“I bring objectivity. I’m a detective.

That’s why doctors don’t treat themselves, either.”

Since 2017, he has also hosted Cat vs.

Dog on Animal Planet, and his latest book, Total Cat Mojo, is on shelves now.

When asked about his own feline family, Galaxy pauses.

“At the moment, um, I have five cats in the house, two who are outside in the ‘catio.’ I’d say around eight,” he says with a laugh. “Then there are three dogs and a turtle.”

Galaxy says he is thrilled he can bring together his loves of animals and performing.

“Honestly, there is at least one time a day where I stop and realize I have been blessed beyond measure. I am doing what I feel like I’m supposed to do in this world. I’m more comfortable on stage than I am in life.”

Jackson Galaxy Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 7 p.m.

Friday, December 7, $30-$65.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

19

LIGHT ‘EM UP

Black Bottom Lighters pair with Pepper for new single Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

W

hen Black Bottom Lighters’ singer, Ryan Stilwell, arrived at a studio collective in Redondo Beach, California, to work on the band’s latest single, he was nearly in tears.

He sat in the same chair as the late Sublime singer Bradley Nowell, members of Guns ‘N Roses and “any punk band you can imagine.”

“Literally, you could feel the history,” Stilwell says. “I was sitting in the same seats as them, looking at a picture of Bradley Nowell. I had a dream that I played music with him and it felt so real.”

Black Bottom Lighters was in Redondo Beach to record at Pepper’s Kona Town Recording with the band’s vocalist/bassist Bret Bollinger. The single “The Get Back” is due later this month and the band will celebrate the release with a “pay-what-you-can” concert the night before Thanksgiving.

“Pepper has done this three times as

long as we have,” Stilwell says. “It was a really good learning opportunity. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves while we were recording. I have this built-up anxiety about it. When we got to Kona Town, it was so relaxed. He put us all in the same room, instead of recording separately. The sound of the track captures more of what you would hear live.”

Bollinger was inspiring, Stilwell adds.

“It was like we had known each other forever,” he says. “They all made it really, really comfortable for us. He’s a vocalist who I’ve been compared to throughout the years. His melodies and tone and everything really complemented the way I would normally approach things.”

Black Bottom Lighters is Stilwell, who lives in Waddell; drummer Ryan McPhatter of North Phoenix; bassist Jose Aquino of Peoria; lead guitarist Phil Keiser and rhythm guitarist Mike Proctor, both of Cave Creek; and keyboardist Kelyn Weaver of Phoenix.

“We fight like brothers and we love like brothers,” Stilwell says. “I wouldn’t change any of it.”

Stilwell has fantasized about a music

career since he was young, attending his first concert (Brooks and Dunn and Shania Twain) with his family as a child in Litchfield Park.

“It was awesome,” he says, smiling.

“The first concert that was my choice was Slightly Stoopid and G. Love. That changed my whole outlook on live music. They’re a jam band and a lot of the songs you hear on the album are completely different live. Every single night, they do something different.

“I always thought sounding like the album was the best way to sound. In our industry, it’s better to do what you feel. It makes the live aspect way more real.”

A pitcher for Millennium High School’s baseball team, Stilwell didn’t take music seriously until he gave up the sport at Eastern Arizona University.

“After baseball had come and gone, I was working a 9-to-5 and I was laid off,” he says. “I figured I would start a band.

It ended up working.”

Founded in 2010, Black Bottom Lighters gained a reputation around town for its house parties. Its full-length debut, 2 or 2,000, is telling.

“Our first album was 2 or 2,000,”

Stilwell says. “It doesn’t matter how many people are there or what the occasion is, we’re going on that stage and put it all out there no matter who’s out there, no matter where we are.”

In 2016, it released the EP Pipe Dream, which features the track “Peace, Love & Smoke Rings” with Layzie Bone from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Black Bottom Lighters toured the United States in support of the single and have continued to do so. Next year, they hope to expand their reach. Now’s the time to take the music to the next step with new merchandise and revamped logos.

“We’re grown with our fanbase and it’s time to transition into the next chapter of our lives,” Stilwell says. “We’re going to continue pushing forward. We don’t hate each other and that’s awesome.”

Black Bottom Lighters, Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.296.7013, therebellounge. com, 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 21, pay what you can.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

20

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

GIRL

FAMOUS FATHER

Jamie Bernstein takes patrons on a tour of her late dad’s music Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

J

amie Bernstein remembers her composer/father, Leonard Bernstein, as an insomniac.

“My dad had this motor he couldn’t shut off,” Bernstein says. “He loved staying up at night and banging on the piano with all his pals.”

Bernstein takes fans on a guided tour of, what she calls, her “father’s brain” in Late Night with Leonard Bernstein, which comes to the Musical Instrument Museum on Tuesday, November 13.

It is an affectionate portrait of one of 20th century’s most charismatic public figures.

Bernstein hosts the evening, joined by

soprano Amy Burton and pianists John Musto and Michael Boriskin.

“I’m the guide, as it were,” she says.

“It’s a bouquet of musical material by my dad and other composers whose songs my father loved to play on the piano to amuse and impress his friends. We have a couple cool clips that we share that are very unusual and rare. There’s a little bit of everything.”

Bernstein produced a wealth of compositions, including “Symphonic Dances” for 1960’s West Side Story; “Mass: A Theater Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers,” which was commissioned in the early 1970s for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.; and “Concerto for Orchestra:

Jubilee Games” in 1989.

This year is special for the Bernsteins, as the patriarch would have turned 100 this year. She says she has a hard time keeping track of all the worldwide events, but she does her best. The database is soaring past 4,200 centennial-related events, some of which she attends.

“My favorites are the ones in schools because they remind the world of who our dad was and what our legacy consists of,” she says. “Kids today don’t know who Leonard Bernstein was. Back then, everybody knew who Leonard Bernstein was because he was on television with his young people’s concerts.”

Bernstein says her dad’s story will hit the silver screen soon, as Bradley

Cooper is working on a biopic. In June, Bernstein released the book Famous Father Girl, named after her secondgrade classmate’s nickname for her.

“I enjoyed writing it,” she says. “It reminded me a lot of being pregnant; this giant thing was going on all the time. I can’t remember on a day-to-day basis what it felt like to write the book. I was in a trance for a year and a half.

“When I wrote the last sentence, I thought, ‘Oh my God. That’s the end of the book,’” she says. “But there’s so much work to be done. I’ll continue promoting the book next year, as people continue to remember my father.”

Like Leonard Bernstein’s fans, Jamie Bernstein gets emotional when she hears her dad’s music.

“There’s so much of him in his music.

He, himself, was so emotional. One of the most amazing things about this centennial is so many people come up to me and tell me about their emotional connection to my dad.

“The music makes them feel a certain way. My dad’s whole way of being was about the emotional and human connection. He really brings something out in people.”

Jamie Bernstein Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 13, $48.50-$68.50.

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21

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

M

atthew Morrison is fiddling with a guitar when he comes on the line. Always musical, the multitalented actor/singer is excited about his return to the Valley. After all, it was here he got his start.

“I grew up going to Arizona,” Morrison says. “I have a lot of family there. They live in Peoria, Avondale and Glendale. The first time I ever did theater was in Arizona. It was TheaterWorks. I went there one summer at 10 years old and my family threw my cousin and I into the theater for the summer.

“That’s where I caught the bug.”

Morrison, who headlines the Scottsdale Arts Gala on Saturday, December 1, says theater appeased his imagination.

“I was an only child,” he says. “Theater was the first place for me to actually take what was going on in my head and put it out there to the world. When people clapped in approval, I thought it was the best thing ever.”

Morrison carried on with theater, making his mark as Link Larkin in

Scottsdale Arts Gala Featuring Matthew Morrison

THE ACTING BUG

Matthew Morrison recalls getting his start in Arizona

Hairspray. Television is on his resume, too, of course. He appeared in a continuing role on the CBS television hit show The Good Wife, where he played U.S. Attorney Connor Fox through the series finale. Other television credits include guest star roles in seasons 13 and 14 of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, and as Will Schuester in Fox’s musical-comedy show Glee.

Morrison is proud of the variety of his roles.

“For me, as an actor, I don’t want to get complacent in what I’m doing,” says Morrison, a “dance captain” on Simon Cowell’s The Greatest Dancer in England. “Even with Glee, which I spent six years doing, I always found ways to keep it interesting. I love switching it up, from Will Schuester to a character

like I had on Grey’s Anatomy, who was a wife beater and a horrible human being.

My Good Wife character was dark, too.

After I did Glee, I wanted to do darker characters.”

His favorite was Link Larkin in Hairspray.

“It was such a great time in my life,” he recalls. “Everyone was so young in that show. Everyone was the same age. The

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org, 5 p.m. Saturday, December 1, tickets start at $150. show was the biggest show in New York that year. We won all the awards.

“As for my most challenging role, it was The Light in the Piazza in 2005.

I played a young Italian man. I spoke half in Italian and I had to learn how to sing opera. I felt really good about the performance.”

Broadway is the key to his performance at the Scottsdale Arts Gala.

“They wanted a very Broadway-centric show, so I’m going to give it to them,” he says with a laugh. “I just happened to do a couple shows on Broadway. I’m going to go through the shows I’ve been a part of and the songs that touched me and inspired me along the way.

“I’m going to give my own take on those shows and performances and weave a story through it. It wouldn’t be a Matthew Morrison show without dancing.”

DISCOVER A LEGEND 141 YEARS IN THE MAKING

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

22

THE DOWNTOWNER

HIP » AMBASSADORS » MUSEUMS » PRO SPORTS » HIGHRISES

‘A MEANINGFUL

EXPERIENCE’

Hans Hughes brings ‘high touch to our high-tech Downtown’ Sherry Jackson » The Entertainer!

W

hen Hans Hughes became a Downtown Ambassador nine years ago, he put his customer service skills to use.

“I was selling and building up my resume, going along with the hustle and bustle of that,” Hughes says. “Being the great salesman. Now, I’m selling a meaningful experience.

“I like to think I bring the high touch to our high-tech Downtown. I like to be

in front of a lot of people and it’s a great opportunity for me to contribute my skills toward revitalization.”

Hughes came to Arizona 14 years ago from Detroit. When the recession hit, he was laid off from his sales job. He took a position at a Downtown Phoenix pizza parlor. When an ambassador ordered a slice, it sparked a conversation that led to his current position.

Hughes and other ambassadors can be found in their bright orange shirts, walking the streets of Downtown Phoenix, helping with directions before or after sporting events, answering questions for attendees at the convention

center and just being available to help.

“Some people try to throw us a curve ball because we have this large logo on our shirts that says, ‘Ask Me,’” Hughes says. “I’ve been asked why the sky is blue, where do clouds come from and what the lottery numbers are. We’ve got answers for all those with some very scientific facts. But I tell people if I did know the lottery numbers, they’d be reserved for my mom.”

Hughes lives in the Garfield neighborhood, and has two garden plots he tends to at the nearby Garfield Community Garden.

“I like putting my hands in the soil,” he says.

“It really connects me back to nature while living in our urban Downtown.”

If there’s one thing he could change about Downtown, he’d like to see more urban oasis and green pockets to help with walkability to provide a respite from the heat. The city is working on it, he says, but he’d like to see that sped up.

He’d also love to see rooftop gardens.

Putting a smile on someone’s face is the best part of the job, Hughes says. He strives for any interaction.

“Getting that person to smile, to finish that interaction and provide that last bit of information – that’s key. When folks think back on their trip to Phoenix, they’ll probably forget some of what they did or other details. But they’ll remember how they felt.”

To reach the ambassadors call 602.495.1500 or email ambassadors@dtphx.org.

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T A E R T E D I F A N O AB

— THE NEW YORK POST

The #1 show in the Valley for the entire family this holiday season!

NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 30 AT PHOENIX THEATRE Visit PhoenixTheatre.com or call 602.254.2151 for tickets!

ELF - EntertainerMag.indd 1

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All the best fall events in one place. dtphx.org/liveitup Sunday, Nov. 4

Pie Social

November 10-11

Arizona Hip Hop Festival

Sunday, Nov. 18

Downtown Donut Festival PRESENTED BY

Saturday, Nov. 10

NovemBEER Festival

Saturday, Nov. 17

Phoenix Pizza Festival

Friday, Nov. 23

Alternative Black Friday & Tree Lighting Ceremony

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TOP10

Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Pie Social

Fun Home

NOVEMBER 1 TO NOVEMBER 30 Phoenix Theatre takes on the Tony Award-winning musical based on cartoonist Alison Bechdel’s childhood. Charmingly honest, the musical walks through Bechdel’s life via vignettes, taking audience members on a wild ride through about grief, humor and self-discovery.

Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, times vary, $36-$86.

NOVEMBER 4 The community comes together to eat pie, drink and be merry with this annual downtown Phoenix tradition. The entire neighborhood comes out for this local benefit, which also features performances from jazz venue The Nash, a community pie art installation and a storytelling series.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, 602.534.2406, bit.ly/PIESOCIAL, 2 to 5 p.m., free admission and $15 for five tasting tickets.

NovemBEER Festival

NOVEMBER 10 This festival is for the beer purists, featuring more than 100 beer options from nearly 50 breweries and exclusive options that have never before been tapped at festivals. What started out as a small weekly beer tasting has grown into a festival of epic brew portions, providing festival goers with up to 30 2-ounce pours.

Downtown Phoenix, 602.495.1500, ticketf. ly/2OoQvfV, 1 p.m., $25-$55.

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NOVEMBER 10 AND NOVEMBER 11 You spend enough time watching animal videos on Facebook, why not invest your time on a larger scale? FilmBar hosts a two-day festival of dog and cat documentaries and shorts, including specials like Nobody Owns a Cat, Outdoor Adventure and Who Rescued Whom?

FilmBar Phoenix, 815 N. Second Street, 602.595.9187, thefilmbarphx.com, times vary, $10.

Grand Avenue Festival

NOVEMBER 10 Who needs Electric Avenue when you’ve got Phoenix’s Grand Avenue– historic, artistic and quirky in its own way. Its 10th annual street festival brings out live music, art vendors, crafts, food, a fashion show and help from favorite spots like The Lodge, Thirdspace and Bikini Lounge.

Grand Avenue, 602.391.4016, grandavenueartsandpreservation. org, times TBA, free.

DTPHX Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

NOVEMBER 23 CitySkate, Phoenix’s romantic seasonal special ice-skating rink, kicks off the season with a bang. Its opening event is set to feature professional figure skating performances, Santa and Mrs. Claus photos, the presentation of a seasonal public art installation and an official tree-lighting ceremony with Mayor Thelda Williams.

CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, 602.772.3900, phxicerink. com, 6 p.m., free.

Phoenix Pizza Festival

NOVEMBER 17 Thin, stuffed or regular crust – this festival’s got you covered with lots of cheesy awesomeness. Local pizza makers, craft breweries and businesses unite for lawn games, live music, dessert and an afternoon dedicated to everyone’s favorite pie.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, 602.534.2406, phoenix. pizza, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10.

Alternative Black Friday Vintage Market

Arizona Fall Fest

NOVEMBER 3 Formerly known as the Certified Local Fall Festival, the celebration broadens its scope to include even more Arizona flavor. Focused on showcasing the best of state, the Arizona Fall Fest will feature 200plus vendors, $1 samples from signature Arizona restaurant and food trucks, $2 tastes from local breweries and live entertainment from acts like Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra and Hovenweep.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, 602.534.2406, localfirstaz. com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Cat and Dog Film Festival

NOVEMBER 23 Ditch the department store lines and go local with an alternative Black Friday shopping experience geared toward local, vintage, handmade and artisan vendors. This year looks to best its 4,000 shoppers from last year with historic trolley tours, Black Friday ice skating and dining from CityScape faves like Blue Hound and The Breakfast Club.

CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.772.3901, cityscapephoenix.com, noon to 7 p.m., free.

Jorja Smith

NOVEMBER 29 You may remember her as Bruno Mars’ opening act. This English soul and R&B singer-songwriter is on the up and up — and she might already be there. After collaborating with artists like Drake and Kali Uchis, releasing her debut album, Lost & Found in June and dropping her haunting hit “Blue Lights,” Smith is headlining her own tour, with Ravyn Lenae set to open.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $25.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

A ‘PHEAST’

FIT FOR A KING

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Phoenix Public Market uniting chefs and farmers at PHX Pheast

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

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very Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., people from around the Valley gather at Central Avenue and Pierce Street to explore, learn about and support the farmers and businesses that comprise the Open Air Market at the Phoenix Public Market.

Looking to add a new twist, however, the weekly program and its nonprofit founder, Community Food Connections, ultimately created a standalone companion experience: PHX Pheast.

“We’re always looking for ways to support our farmers and all of our vendors,” says Community Food Connections Board President Brian Hines. “We thought it would be a fun idea and unique in terms of events going on around the Valley to pair each of our farmers up with a local chef to really showcase different chefs and farmers and what they each can do.”

By pairing local chefs and restaurants with farmers and growers, guests can “Taste the Market” at the inaugural PHX Pheast this November. Set from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, November 11, ticket holders can sample an array of different foods prepared as well as meet and learn about those who crafted them.

“We’ll have 10-by-10 tents set up, so each farm-chef team will be preparing a unique bite, like a 4-ounce bite, for everybody to try,” Hines says.

“Everybody can go to each of the different farm-and-chef teams to try something different.”

Just a few of the diverse pairings set for PHX Pheast include the larder Robson highlighting grower Michael + the delta executive chef Stephen Crowe of Southwest Mushrooms. Twelve Jones highlighting farmer David combinations are planned. Some chefs Vose of Blue Sky Organic Farms, The will offer vegetarian, vegan and glutenBreadfruit & Rum Bar executive chef free options. and owner Danielle Leoni highlighting The event ultimately serves as a Community Exchange Table, and Gallo fundraiser for the Phoenix Public TLR046_ENTERTAINER_AD_9.25x1.5_FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 10/10/18 11:39 AM Page 8 Blanco executive chef and owner Doug Market, from which Hines says

the diverse pairings can seek fresh ingredients. Since its inception in 2005, the weekly gathering has grown from around 14 vendors to more than 80.

“It’s going to be a great benefit for our farmers,” Hines explains. “All the proceeds go back into supporting the farms that are at our market each week.”

Cellar 433 will serve as the event’s wine sponsor, while SanTan Brewing Company will be the beer partner. A unique cocktail is also in the works for the event.

Tatiana Crespo will set the mood for the evening with live music, and there will be a silent auction.

Tickets cost $75 and include food and two drinks. Additional drink tickets cost $5. Hines encourages interested patrons buy event tickets online, in advance.

“People are always coming to the market and buying produce, so it’s a great way to support the farmers that they see every week and an opportunity to try out different chefs in one space,” Hines says.

PHX Pheast 721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.625.6736, phxpheast.org, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, November 11, $75.

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FRIDAY, NOV 30 @ 7:30PM

$50 VIP TICKET / $100 ULTIMATE FAN VIP TICKET

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

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P I Z Z A & DONUTS

Two wildly different food groups to occupy Downtown Phoenix Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

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t first, frequent food festival purveyor David Tyda isn’t too keen on weighing in on the pineapple pizza debate. It doesn’t take long for him to buckle and offer his opinion.

“I grew up hating it…” he admits before adding, “…and then I had it from (the restaurant) zpizza.

“There was something about the type of ham and the pineapple, the way it all came together on a slice of zpizza. I just had that transformational moment where it was like I see things from other peoples’ perspective. I truly put myself in the other person’s shoe who likes pineapple and ham on pizza. And now I’m one of them. Now I totally get it.

And I get it quite often.”

Though Tyda’s view on the pizza topping now sits in a favorable light, he’s similarly unsure the public will take a liking to his donut preferences.

“People aren’t going to like this answer, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

but I cannot get enough of a French cruller,” he reveals. “I guess I’m a texture person, and the texture of a French cruller, I just love it.”

But what the heck do pizza and donuts have to do with each other? Well, Tyda is the creator of the upcoming Phoenix Pizza and Downtown Donut festivals, set back to back at Margaret T. Hance Park on Saturday, November 17, and Sunday, November 18, respectively.

PHOENIX PIZZA FESTIVAL The Phoenix Pizza Festival kicks the weekend off from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, November 17. Tickets cost $10 online or, if they’re still available, $12 at the gate. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.

Tyda started the festival four years ago.

“I just had noticed there were a lot of mobile wood-fired ovens in town,” Tyda reflects. “That made me think there’s enough to build a festival around.”

The festival, as Tyda puts it, is a “hit.” Last year, there were around 4,000 attendees and 17 pizza vendors, he says. This year, he expects 17 to 20

pizza vendors, though attendance will likely cap around the same point to combat long lines.

“I mean, it makes so much sense because pizza is just one of the greatest foods ever,” Tyda says. “And there’s so many different styles of pizza. So it’s exciting to go to a pizza festival to get deep dish, a New York slice, a wood-fired pizza, pizza napoletana.”

Among the stacked cast of pizza peddlers lined up this year are Saffron JAK, Merkin Pizza Wagon, Triple Dot Food Truck, La Piazza Al Forno, Flying Saucer Pizza Truck, Kono Pizza and Smoothie Run. For affordability’s sake, each pizza vendor will have at least one option within the $2 to $4 price range.

Other vendors will include The Treatery, Berrie Kabobs, Phoenix Phreeze and Lulu’s Sorbetto.

On the beer and wine side are Line 39, Day Owl Rosé, NMT Brewing, OHSO Brewery + Distillery, Mother Bunch

Brewing and THAT Brewery.

The festival will also accommodate nonalcoholic beverages.

“Craft beer and pizza are obviously the best of friends,” Tyda says.

“I’m just a fan of having good wine with my pizza.”

DOWNTOWN DONUT FESTIVAL In contrast to the Phoenix Pizza Festival, its sugary dough counterpart is a new affair. This one is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, November 18. Tickets are $8 online. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free.

Tyda’s goal was to enlist around 15 vendors, a number which has been greatly surpassed. He’s expecting the event to sell out at 3,000 guests.

“I wanted to add a second day to the pizza festival, but the pizza vendors all said, ‘Man, it’s such a hard day.’ They’re

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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A STACKED WEEKEND

so busy. They just didn’t really have the capacity to go with a second day,” Tyda explains. “I thought, well, maybe I could just change the food group, because I’m all set up at the park. Why not just book it a second day?”

Ultimately, its inspiration falls in line with that of its pizza contemporary.

“I was just noticing how many great locally owned, independent shops we have here in town,” Tyda explains of its origins. “And I thought, well, I mean it

seems like there’s enough for a festival, so let’s have a festival around it.”

He adds, “More than pretty much most desserts, I just love donuts. I mean, donuts are just such a happy food. Like, you’re never depressed eating a donut.

They instantly cheer up your day.”

And it goes beyond just glazed or Boston cream, he says. Lined up to appear are Krispy Kreme, BoSa Donuts, Bites Donuts, DoNut Worry, Topgolf, sweetDee’s bakeshop, Churro

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W U O O T Y N R O W F O G N D AITI IS W

GoNUTZ, Pokitrition and more. Other vendors include Bully Brew Coffee, Mama’s Cold Brew, First Place Coffee, Smoothie Run, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, Unbaked and SanTan Brewing Company.

“When I started the (Arizona) Taco Festival, the whole idea was that it wasn’t just authentic taquerias. It was French restaurants and Chinese restaurants and all different kinds of places deciding to do a taco on the day because the taco is such an adaptable food,” he explains.

“The same thing is happening with donuts. I mean, in general it seems like everybody is so creative with the category of donuts.”

Like the pizza festival’s affordability initiative, Downtown Donut Festival vendors will have at least one $1 offering.

This allows people to budget or sample more donut types, Tyda says.

“Some people will offer a full donut for a dollar and some people will offer a sample of a donut, so if it’s one of the crazy donuts that they typically sell for $3, they might only sell a half or a quarter for a dollar on that day. So they’re still getting their price and the attendees can sample around.”

Beyond the main booths, both festivals should have additional nonfood local business vendors. Tyda says there are usually around 20 10-by-10 booths.

For entertainment, there will be live music, lawn games from AZ Board Source, a sunscreen station from Mr. Pool Party and a kids’ zone that includes children’s crafts and a bouncy house.

“There will be different crafts and a tent so kids can sort of make their own donut with construction paper and different toppings and glue,” Tyda explains of the donut festival. On the pizza festival, he continues, “They take paper plates and they’ll color them red and then they’ll add shavings that looked like cheese on it and then they’ll add little pepperonis and sort of make their pizza.”

But the cherry – or perhaps pepperoni, in the case of pizza – on top is that Tyda is using the events to support Downtown Phoenix. A portion of proceeds goes to Downtown Phoenix Inc., which has promoted the revitalization of Downtown Phoenix since its inception in 2013.

“I’ve just known some staff members from Downtown Phoenix Inc. for years and they just do amazing work,” Tyda says. “They promote locally owned small business. They support events downtown. They run the ambassadors in Downtown Phoenix … They do really great work, and since I’m at Hance Park, which is in Downtown Phoenix, it seemed like a natural fit that I would work with them as my charity beneficiary.”

Phoenix Pizza Festival Margaret T. Hance Park, 1201 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenix. pizza, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, November 17, $10 online, $12 at the gate, free for kids ages 5 and younger.

Downtown Donut Festival Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, downtowndonutfest.com, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, November 18, $8 online, free for kids ages 5 and younger.

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

#THISISHARDROCK

phoenix

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RESPECTING

THE UNDERGROUND Justus Samuel puts priority on local hip-hop artists at his festival

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

J

ustus Samuel feels the pressure every year to make the Arizona Hip-Hop Festival better than the last.

“I’m always excited about it, but it’s a terrifying kind of excited,” he says with a laugh. “It’s like bungee jumping out of a plane.”

November 10 and November 11 hip-hop fans will see a marked change: a larger-scale festival with more acts. The event, previously held at the Comerica Theatre, is such a big deal, former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton named the second Saturday in November Hip-Hop Day, during his tenure.

“It was necessary,” Samuel says of the move. “We’d outgrown our original footprint. We needed to change locations. With the support of DTPHX, we have the ability to shut down streets, like First and Second streets, and activate the alley behind the entertainment district.”

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The alley behind Majerle’s and Monarch will serve as a venue, with its vibrant murals by local artists. In another area, there will be bounce houses, face painting and festival treats like popcorn and cotton candy for kids.

“Every year we have parents who bring their small children,” he says. “They told me there weren’t activities for them.

There was nowhere to sit, nowhere to play and nowhere to eat. Nothing. I was open to suggestions on how we could improve the festival.

“The biggest suggestion was an area for children. It’s pretty rad.”

Cartel Coffee will feature spokenword performances as well as acoustic music and a conference-style Q&A with industry professionals. The Monarch, Bar Smith, Sky Lounge, Lux and Majerle’s will also host stages.

“Majerle’s will have an open mic stage on a first-come, first-serve basis,” he says.

Samuel is hesitant to name a “highlighted artist.” Instead, he prefers to steer fans to the website, which lists all the performers. The acts include Dann G,

Bauce Family, Avail Richess and Kuru.

“We pride ourselves on allowing artists to come, step up to the plate and play ball,” Samuel says. “We have so many artists here. We aren’t even aware of who’s on the open mic. They come to us two to three years later saying they rocked the open mic.”

“A-Train started on the open mic, with the goal of being a headliner. This year, he has the main stage at 8:40. The kid earned it. We get all hate and shade from elitists. They say I shouldn’t provide that opportunity to the young man. He’s not ready. It’s like kids who are trying to get their first job. Employers tell them they have to have experience. Well, they want to get experience. It’s a which came first, the chicken or the egg, question. We created tier levels on the stage to allow people to row their brand.”

Born on Norton Air Force Base in Riverside, California, Samuel calls himself a fourth-generation Phoenician, as his grandmother and greatgrandfather are buried here. The Shadow Mountain High School alum helms

Respect the Underground, a promotions and events company.

When he started the Arizona Hip-Hop Festival, Samuel admits he had his doubts.

“I thought no one would come,” he says. “Three thousand people showed up.

It was a beautiful thing.”

Because of the city’s support, the Arizona Hip-Hop Festival has donated more than 5,000 tickets to local community centers and high schools.

Students who had perfect attendance were given two free tickets to the festival.

“I wanted to make a statement and fill a venue with 5,000 people without a national big-name headliner,” Samuel says. “It worked.”

Arizona Hip-Hop Festival Downtown Phoenix across from Talking Stick Resort Arena, azhiphopfestival.com, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, November 10, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, November 11, $50 two-day pass, $35 per day general admission.

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THE TOURIST

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

TOUR DU JOUR Welcome to “The Tourist,” a section for the more than 40 million visitors to our state, as well as the locals.

But we’re not stopping at the border. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-of-a-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, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a 300-yard golf driving range with two levels and 66 bays, bumper boats, batting cages, the Bungee Dome, Alien Invasion Laser Tag, volleyball courts, the Water Wars arcade, a 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. The driving range is open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Desert Botanical Garden

Experience the 140-acre beauty of Arizona that is the Desert Botanical Garden. With more than 50,000 plant displays in outdoor exhibits, the garden has been an inspirational and educational experience to visitors for nearly 80 years. Popular attractions include Flashlight Tours, Butterfly Exhibit and Electric Desert. Times and dates vary for these attractions. The garden is open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org

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

OdySea Aquarium

Home to 6,000 animals and over 250 species, the OdySea Aquarium welcomes guests of all ages to experience the vast collection of aquatic life. Unique experiences include SeaTREK Helmet Diving, Penguin Encounter and Shark Tours where you can get a closer look and learn more about different animals and their habitats.

Dining and shopping is available inside the aquarium. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday.

9500 E. Via De Ventura, Suite A-100, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium.com

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9431 W. NORTHERN AVE., GLENDALE, AZ 85305

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ARTS

CALENDAR Randy Montgomery >> The Entertainer!

Phoenix Rising Festival

NOVEMBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 4 Belly dancing in all its forms – Egyptian cabaret, elegant American tribal, slinky tribal fusion and Bollywood – is celebrated during this multiday, family-friendly event. There will be performances throughout the day, as well as vendors selling dance couture and jewelry.

Polly Rosenbaum Building, 552 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, phxrisingdancefest. com, times vary, $5.

On Your Feet!

NOVEMBER 6 TO NOVEMBER 11 The Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team of Gloria and Emilio Estefan came to America and became crossover pop sensations. Despite their rise to fame, both lived humbly in Cuba. The production is in English and Spanish and includes hits like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Don’t Want to Lose You Now.” ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, times vary, $20-$125.

Elf: The Musical

NOVEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 30 Based on the popular hit film staring Will Ferrell, Elf: The Musical tells the story of Buddy, who was raised

by Christmas elves. Buddy’s life changes when Santa reveals to him that he is human, and not an elf.

After getting this life-changing news, Buddy goes on an adventure to New York City to find his father and learn what it means to be a human.

Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, times vary, $36-$86.

Swan Lake

NOVEMBER 15 TO NOVEMBER 18 The talents of ballet’s future stars will be on display during a special presentation by The School of Ballet Arizona students. The performance has been specially created to showcase a full range of styles. Presented by Ballet Arizona.

Dorrance Theatre, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.381.1096, balletaz. org, times vary, $30.

The Magic and Illusion of Eric Gilliam

NOVEMBER 10 World Magic champion Eric Gilliam began performing at age 12. As with all magic, Gilliam proves not everything seen can be explained.

Experience an evening of illusions, sleight of hand and special effects with a dose of comedy. Expect audience interaction as the magician and his assistant dazzle the crowd.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlerarts. org, 7 p.m., $17-$29.

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Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End

NOVEMBER 15 TO DECEMBER 2 Best-selling author and syndicated journalist Erma Bombeck was

a longtime Arizona resident whose work opened up the life of being a mother and housewife to readers around the globe. The one-woman play offers a comical and loving tribute to the beloved humorist who championed women’s lives with wit. Presented

by Arizona Theatre Company.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.256.6995, arizonatheatre. org, times vary, $35-$85.

Season of Homage

NOVEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 3 Art inspires all of us. Melissa Peck will show new works as she pays homage to artist and animator Mary Blair. Reservations are required for opening night, November 16.

Bonner David Galleries, 7040 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.941.8500, bonnerdavid. com, times vary, free.

Art Quilts XXIII: Artistic Ecologies

NOVEMBER 16 TO JANUARY 11 In its 23rd year, this juried exhibition at the Chandler Center for the Arts has exposed thousands of visitors annually to quilting as an artform. What started as a regional show has grown to a respected event for contemporary works, drawing entries from around North America. This year’s theme is Locating Ecologies.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlerarts. org, times vary, free.

Russian String Orchestra

NOVEMBER 16 Russia’s finest young string musicians make up this orchestra, which was founded in 1991 under director Misha Rachlevsky. They create high-energy performances that stay with audiences long after the concert. Having toured 24 countries, the orchestra has received the Diapason d’Or award in France and Record of the Year in Hong Kong. Presented

by Gold Canyon Arts Council.

Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, 480.893.2171, goldcanyonarts. org, 7:30 p.m., $5-$30.

The Capitol Steps

NOVEMBER 23 AND NOVEMBER 24 A Thanksgiving visit to Scottsdale has become an annual tradition for The Capitol Steps, a Washington, D.C.-based troupe that pokes funs of politics – from the left to the right and everything in between. Its fresh, timely material comes from the latest news headlines. Enjoy its political satire set to popular music tunes.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, times vary, $49-$69.

Dear Evan Hansen

NOVEMBER 27 TO DECEMBER 2 Dear Evan Hansen, the winner of six 2017 Tony Awards, is a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live. Audiences cannot get enough of the story about a letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, and a life Evan never dreamed he could have.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, times vary, sold out.

Black Nativity

NOVEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 16 Produced annually by The Black Theatre Troupe, Black Nativity sells out every year. The joyous company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians delivers Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes’ powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation that is sure to warm the heart during the holiday season.

Black Theatre Troupe, Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.258.8129, new-wp.blacktheatretroupe. org, times vary, $38.

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

BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL

I

t was once known as “the little festival that could.” Now it’s the North Valley’s cultural flashpoint.

What else would you call a performance series that has gone from 7,000 attendees in 2013 to more than 21,000 last year? Or one that grew from a few winter performances into a fall-to-spring season of more than two dozen concerts?

The name of the series: Arizona Musicfest.

“We are now a performance series with a full season, but we keep the name as part of our brand,” says Allan E. Naplan, the organization’s executive and producing director.

A

JoYfuL S O U N D

WYNONNA JUDD

The air of “festival” – the feeling of a special event – still surrounds Arizona Musicfest, more than 25 years after it began as a handful of chamber-music concerts by local musicians. But today, the special-event feeling covers a unique concert series that includes classical, pop, Broadway and hard-to-pigeonhole among its representative genres.

A registered nonprofit, Arizona Musicfest has also grown in its ability to fulfill its community mission to support youth musicians through performance opportunities, scholarships and competitions. Since 2011, the scholarship program has granted more than $70,000 to Arizona students pursuing college degrees in music.

Arizona Musicfest’s educational programs provide free instruction to more than 6,000 children every year.

Musicfest’s spectacular growth has taken place entirely within Naplan’s tenure as its producing director, which began in 2013. Naplan combines a double background of artist and administrator. He began his career as an opera singer, transitioning to arts management in 1999. Administrative positions with the opera companies of Houston, Pittsburgh, Madison, Wisconsin and Minnesota preceded his move to Phoenix and Musicfest in 2013.

Immediately on arrival, Naplan began ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Shaham will share with his audiences.

“The Violins of Hope are Holocaust survivors,” Naplan explains. “They are violins found in the death camps, covered with black soot, or found buried under the homes of Jews as they ran from the Gestapo. The founder of the project, Israeli luthier Amnon Weinstein, has recovered and restored over 60 such violins.”

Some 20 of the instruments will be on display during Shaham’s Musicfest concerts on February 2 and February 24. Shaham will perform Brahms’ Violin Concerto and John Williams’ theme for Schindler’s List.

A third work on the Violins of Hope concerts reveals yet another aspect of Naplan’s talents. “I enjoy a side career as a composer, mostly of choral works,” he explains. “In 1994, I was commissioned to compose a choral piece for Yom Ha Shoah (Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust) for Ithaca College Women’s Chorale.”

For the February 23 and February 24 concerts, Naplan has recomposed the piece to include an interlude for the Violins of Hope.

Musicfest audiences hail mostly from the populations of North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree, but when major artists appear, “we draw from all over the Valley,” Naplan points out.

As dramatic as Musicfest’s growth has been over the last five years, the potential for future growth is even greater, as those Valleywide audiences increase along with the population and its demand for quality musical performances.

“We’ve opened doors to new people with the popular concerts. It creates a relationship with the patrons,” Naplan says. “They come for one show. Then they come back for six or 10.”

Arizona Musicfest season stages four months of performances for a good cause Kenneth LaFave >> The Entertainer! to continue what he saw as the “evolving footprint” of the festival. Quality was high, but “marketing needed to be increased and the patron experience needed improvement.”

“Upping the game meant reaching more people. Musicfest was a wonderful, hidden secret, and I felt strongly that it should be known by everyone,” he says.

Without diminishing the number of classical events in the season, Naplan added popular artists from Michael Feinstein to Pink Martini and Rosanne Cash. It worked to bring more attention to the festival, as well as generate more income.

“As soon as you put a symphony orchestra of 70 people on a stage, it’s a money loser,” Naplan points out. But moneymaking popular attractions can help offset that loss. So today, while the classical attractions have actually increased, they are “surrounded by much more.”

The 2018-2019 Musicfest season opens

November 2 with a tribute concert to classic rock’s piano men, Billy Joel and Elton John. Wynonna Judd drops by November 17. January 28 brings Herb Alpert, founder of the legendary Tijuana Brass, joined by Lani Hall, former lead singer of Latin pop group Brasil ‘66, while star of the Broadway stage Brian Stokes Mitchell pays a call February 7.

The legendary Neil Sedaka performs February 15. February 17-24 is Festival Orchestra Week, seven days of classical performances featuring musicians of the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and other major national orchestras, led by music director Robert Moody. Shows take place at a variety of venues around the North Valley. Visit azmusicfest.org for more information.

A major classical draw this season is something called Violins of Hope.

Superstar violin virtuoso Gil Shaham is the featured guest artist, but the name comes from the origin of the violins

HERB ALPERT WITH LANI HALL

Arizona Musicfest Arizona Musicfest takes places at various venues throughout the Valley from November through March. For a full festival schedule and to purchase tickets, visit azmusicfest.org.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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matisse

Arctic Spirit

AND THE

‘Yua’ connects French master with indigenous people David Roche » The Entertainer!

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he Heard Museum’s original and groundbreaking exhibition and publication Yua: Henri Matisse and the Inner Arctic Spirit, which runs through February 3, tells the little-known story of one of the 20th century’s greatest artists and his connection to the indigenous people of the Arctic.

Yua is the perfect word for the exhibition title, as it’s the Yup’ik word that represents the spiritual interconnectedness of all things. Yua runs like a thread through a vast story that spans centuries, continents and cultures. It also captures its thematic essence, which is to celebrate the creative spirit that unites us all.

Matisse is celebrated for his sensuous approach to color and composition. But, largely unknown to the general public is that in the last decade of his life, while working on his masterpiece La Chapelle de Vence, he became interested in the physical forms and spiritual concerns of the Inuit, who inspired a series of 39 individual portraits depicting Inuit faces.

These striking black-and-white images were inspired, in part, by a group of Yup’ik (Native Alaskan) masks collected

by Matisse’s son-in-law, Georges Duthuit. Several of the masks in the exhibition are those that Matisse saw, so it’s remarkable to see the portraits next to the masks that inspired them.

The exhibition also gives us the rare chance to see masterpieces from different cultures side by side. Ultimately, this

encounter changed the course of art history.

The poignancy of this project struck me in a profound way on a trip to France. While there, I sought out an important Yup’ik mask that hangs at the Louvre Museum. While looking at this masterpiece, I realized that it hangs not too far from the masterpiece the Mona Lisa. A primary difference between the two works of art, aside from the massive crowds that surrounds one of them, is that the painting is attributed to Leonardo DaVinci but the mask is not attributed to anyone.

One of several important discoveries resulting from the research conducted by our curators, Sean Mooney and

Yup’ik elder Chuna McIntyre, is that we now have a name for the maker of the mask hanging in the Louvre, and many others by the same hand featured in the exhibition, that are in major institutions around the world. His Yup’ik name was Ikamrailnguq, also known as Wassily.

Recognizing the name of the maker of this mask upends the common museum practice of simply associating an object of Native manufacture with its originating tribe. This will encourage viewers to regard these masks in a new light: to see them not just as ethnographic objects made by faceless people, but as the creative expression of a specific person whose work is as worthy of consideration as that of any other great artist. In this exhibition, we explore for the first time the qualities that masks

by Ikamrailnguq share with the work of Matisse from a Yup’ik perspective.

The Ikamrailnguq masks on display were made more than 100 years ago at Napaskiak, Kuskokwim River, Alaska, for social gatherings and ceremonies.

Masks like these were traditionally made in pairs, or related groups, but due to a variety of circumstances were often separated. A critical objective has been to reunite as many of these pairs as possible

to better understand the meaning of these masks. The emotional force in seeing them together, reunited at long last after being separated by time and great distances, is undeniable and is also history in the making.

The exhibition features more than 40 Yup’ik masks, which have long been considered icons of American Indian art for their incredible sculptural qualities, psychological complexity and other-worldly beauty. It’s unlikely that there will ever be an opportunity to see an assemblage of masks like this ever again. There is 2000 years of tradition represented in these masks.

Educational programs are also being offered to ensure many points of entry for families, educators and youth, including the unveiling of the mascot, Henri the Husky. Animals play an important role in Arctic cultures and especially in the masks themselves.

Henri the Husky will be the accessible “face” to help families, youth and students engage and learn about the art and themes and will be incorporated into the Family Guide as well as the companion family exhibition It’s Your Turn: Matisse in the Sandra Day O’Connor Gallery.

David Roche is the director and CEO of the Heard Museum.

Heard Museum 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.252.8840, matisse.heard.org.

Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza In historic Old Town Scottsdale

of Scottsdale

Saturday and Sunday November 17-18, 2018 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING

Scott Sweezy

7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 At Civic Center Boulevard, just south of Indian School Road, from 75th Street to Brown Road.

For more information visit our website www.888artfest.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

‘ON YOUR FEET!’

The Estefan story comes to Gammage this month

Heather Copfer » The Entertainer!

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ancy Ticotin feels the pressure when she plays Gloria Estefan’s mother in the musical On Your Feet! The family matriarch, Gloria Fajardo, died at age 88 before the production made its way to her hometown of Miami.

“I had to honor her memory for those who knew her and loved her, so it was a big responsibility,” says Ticotin about Gloria Fajardo.

It’s paying off, judging from a fan encounter she had in Miami.

“We had a fire marshal in the backstage area with us and he told me he was a student of Gloria Fajardo when he was in the sixth grade,” Ticotin recalls.

“He told me that I was exactly like her.

That was a great confirmation for me.”

On Your Feet!, which launched its 31-city national tour in October 2017, is based on the lives of Cuban-American musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

The musical features the hits “Conga,” “1-2-3” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and dances its way onto ASU Gammage stage November 6 to November 11.

Ticotin, a New York City-born veteran actress, says preparing for the matriarch’s role was emotional.

“We had to hold each other,” she says.

“She was crying because her mother never saw the show. She passed away before we got to Miami, so that was a very painful experience for her.”

The show features a Tony-winning creative team: lighting designer Kenneth Posner, sound designer Steve Kennedy, scenic designer David Rockwell and director Jerry Mitchell. Miami native Christie Prades stars as Gloria and Ektor Rivera as Emilio.

The show has graced stages in major markets like Orlando, Dallas, Baltimore and San Francisco. Ticotin says each

audience’s response has been different.

“We just came from San Francisco and they were more restrained, more polite,” she says. “They loved the show and gave a standing ovation, but they were much more conservative in their vocal appreciation.”

Other patrons were dancing in the aisles during the show. The best audience, which came as a surprise to her, was Los Angeles.

“We have a lot of Hispanics there but also music people, so they appreciated the music in a different way than other cities,” she says. “When we would start a song like “Anything for You,” they clapped at the recognition of the music even before the song was sung. So that was new for us and special.”

On Your Feet!

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, asugammage. com, various times Tuesday, November 6, to Sunday, November 11, tickets start at $20.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

THE CRITIC

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LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this

NOVEMBER?

BEHIND THE SCREENS

Ask our experts!

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

Arizona

Set in the nearly desolate fictional town of Harding, Arizona, during the 2009 housing crisis, Arizona stars Rosemarie DeWitt as a struggling real estate agent who witnesses a murder and is then kidnapped by a disgruntled home buyer (Danny McBride). What sounds like a straightforward thriller is excellently executed in a comedic fashion that offers sharp commentary on the real estate industry. It is a sometimes sick-and-twisted ride with plenty of fun cameos along the way – including Seth Rogen, Luke Wilson, Kaitlin Olson and David Alan Grier. Now available on VOD, the movie is darkly hilarious and genuinely hair-raising – thanks especially to a brilliantly bonkers performance from McBride.

RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

A Star is Born

While this Bradley Cooper-directed remake may not qualify as the best film of the year come awards season, he and Lady Gaga deliver nomination-worthy performances. This is not the first time the story of a troubled performer who helps launch the career of an up-and-coming talent has been retold. In fact, this is the fourth version, but the story is just as relevant today. Lady Gaga’s musical numbers in the movie are goosebump-inducing and her acting is genuine and memorable.

FLICK FACT

SOUNDBITE SPOTLIGHT

The Nun snagged one the highestgrossing opening weekends of any September in history upon its release earlier this year–second only to last year’s It. In fact, the flick now also holds the record for the secondhighest-grossing opening weekend for an R-rated horror film, with It’s massive $123.4 million tally still reigning supreme. The Conjuring spinoff’s $53.5 million domestic haul easily marks the best debut in the franchise’s five-film history.

“What I loved most about playing Lee was looking for the redeemable in a person who is perhaps not the easiest person to get along with. I was always looking for the motivation behind why Lee was so grouchy and caustic and, in the process, I really fell for her. There’s a real joy in playing someone opposite to you, in trying to become your best version of who they are.” — Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)

‘The Oath’ roasts holiday dinner disarray Joseph J. Airdo >> The Entertainer!

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riter/director Ike Barinholtz experienced something that surprised and inspired him in November 2016. It was a night when many Americans gather to give thanks, but end up bickering and throwing turkey at one another.

“Right after Trump won, I had Thanksgiving at my house,” Barinholtz says. “And after dinner, my family and I got into an argument about the election.

The strange thing was we were all pretty much aligned politically. So, I thought if we’re getting this angry at each other, I can only imagine what’s happening to other people around the country.”

That experience may have soured the cranberry sauce but it got Barinholtz’s creative juices flowing. It was his inspiration behind The Oath, a new comedy in which a family’s Thanksgiving dinner is turned upsidedown because a controversial White House policy that requires citizens to sign a loyalty oath to the president.

“More than any other holiday, Thanksgiving has a combustible quality,” says Barinholtz, who also stars in the film. “When you get a lot of relatives from different parts of the country all coming together to share a meal and

talk, it’s only natural that someone will mention politics. So I asked myself, what’s the worst thing that could possibly happen if you talked about politics around the Thanksgiving table with your family?”

The Oath also stars Tiffany Haddish, Barinholtz’s younger brother Jon, Nora Dunn, Chris Ellis and John Cho. The strong cast is one of two things that attracted Cho to the project, the other being the thought-provoking scenario of what goes down at the dinner table – a significant departure from his own holiday gatherings.

“My Thanksgivings are mostly dullsville,” explained Cho, noting The Oath shows how little things can spark then explode with unintended consequences. “There’s a lot less murder around my table than there is in this movie. I’m not saying there’s no murder – just less.”

Barinholtz hopes The Oath not only entertains audiences and offers them some food for thought during these politically divisive times but also encourages them to find a way to survive this upcoming holiday season.

It is something he learned himself while making the movie.

“If you can get through Thanksgiving dinner, two drinks in, surrounded by friends and family, and you know that a slice of pie is coming soon, there’s really not a lot to fight about,” Barinholtz says.

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

COMING

ATTRACTIONS Joseph’s Most Anticipated New Releases The Ballad of Buster Scruggs

The Grinch

NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 16

NOVEMBER 9

My favorite film genre is and always has been Christmas. When the magic of movies intersects with the magic of the holidays, the result tends to be truly transcendent.

Therefore, I have big ho-ho-hopes for the new family comedy The Christmas Chronicles, in which Kurt Russell portrays Santa Claus, who has been captured by two kids who must then help him save Christmas.

The project – which hails from producer Chris Columbus, whose work on the Home Alone franchise proves he knows his way around Yuletide cheer – will be available on Netflix and select theaters.

Conceived as a sixpart anthology series but later melded into a single motion picture, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is the latest project from writers/ directors Joel and Ethan Cohen – the filmmakers responsible for Fargo, The Big Lebowski, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, No Country for Old Men and the underappreciated A Serious Man. Tackling the Western genre once again, the duo tells a series of stories about the American frontier. Stars include Tim Blake Nelson, Liam Neeson and James Franco.

In addition to playing in select theaters, the comedy will also be available on Netflix.

The Grinch, the new take on Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic from Illumination Entertainment – the studio behind the Despicable Me franchise – is without a doubt something to which I have been looking forward ever since the big-hearted green guy’s even bigger balloon debuted in last year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Despite the strong list of talented individuals who lend their voices to the characters (including Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role), it will be hard for this animated update to beat the original special that airs on TV each December or the 2000 live-action version starring Jim Carrey that made my heart grow three sizes the day I saw it.

The Christmas Chronicles

Randy’s Most Anticipated New Releases El Angel

Bohemian Rhapsody

NOVEMBER 9

NOVEMBER 2

In the crowded box office season of blockbusters, sequels and animated features, it is a breath of fresh air to have options such as independent and foreign films.

El Angel is a biopic that satisfies both of those desired genres.

Carlos Robledo Puch is the longest-serving prisoner in Argentina’s history. Despite believed to have committed 40 thefts and 11 homicides, his young age and good looks make him a celebrity.

This fictionalized portrait of the killer follows his crime spree, which began in high school until his ultimate arrest in 1972.

In what promises to be one of the best films of the season, if not the year, Rami Malek stars as Freddy Mercury and chronicles the years leading up to music group Queen’s performance at the 1985 Live Aid Concert. Malek never disappoints and the music of Queen is universal. Simply watching the preview makes audiences sing along and instills a sense of Oscar nods to come. Through the film, we will learn more about Mercury’s departure from the group.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web: A New Dragon Tattoo Story NOVEMBER 9 Swedish Author and journalist Stieg Larsson passed away in 2004, but his book The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo was a posthumous bestseller. Part of the Millennium series, the international sensations became a series of films produced in Europe and starred Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace. This series of thrillers was intense and destined for Hollywood remakes, which not surprisingly happened shortly after initial release. This installment continues the story of the journalist and hacker, as they encounter a web of spies, cybercriminals and government corruption.

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

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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M AG I C

Scottsdale International Film Festival expands for 2018 Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

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cottsdale International Film Festival founder Amy Ettinger listens to her guests.

When they told Ettinger they wanted more films over a longer time period, she couldn’t let them down. The festival’s 2018 rendition will double in length to 10 days, Friday, November 2, to Sunday, November 11.

“I took in all the feedback,” she says. “Now I’m getting emails from people saying, ‘Thank you so much for expanding across two weekends. It’s heaven.’ The festival had the financial wherewithal to pull it off. We had the staff to help do it. Up until just last season, it was a much more daunting thought. Now it’s not nearly as daunting.”

Ten films will have their Arizona debut as part of the 18th annual Scottsdale International Film Festival. The diverse slate of more than 50 films weave stories of love and laughter, war, religion and history. The Toronto Film Festival was an original partner and since then, the

Scottsdale International Film Festival has presented more than 650 movies to over 100,000 attendees.

“The five-day (schedule) was so compressed,” Ettinger says. “We would cram films in. Now they have time to grab something to eat, which makes me happy for those few people who fell ill going from film to film and not eat. It’s not healthy. I want people to be ‘festive,’ which is buried within ‘festival.’”

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV personality Tara Hitchcock, the opening night festivities will be held at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and feature a screening of Roma from Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron. The film has piqued the interest of patrons at the Toronto, Venice and Telluride film festivals.

“For us to land a film (Roma) of that caliber stature in our 18th season, it feels like we’ve arrived,” Ettinger says.

Harkins Shea 14 Theatres will host the rest of the films, many of which were helmed by female directors such as Ondi Timoner or feature notable female leads, including Nicole Kidman, Elizabeth McGovern, Molly Shannon, Penelope

Roma and the Scottsdale International Film Festival Opening Festivities Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, scottsdalefilmfestival.com, 6:15 p.m. Friday, November 2, $28.

stand on the mountaintop Cruz and Mary Kay Place. or proclaim things. I feel “Thirty percent of programming can entertain programming is women and educate. directors,” Ettinger says.

“So many people are “They all made it on their hungry for a different own merit. take. We touch on a lot “The stories told in the of headlines and topics films we have selected through the movies that beautifully address a may have been made in number of cross-cultural SCOTTSDALE INTERNATIONAL different countries, but it’s issues facing men and FILM FESTIVAL FOUNDER a universalizing notion that women, including AMY ETTINGER no matter where you go, sexuality, religious conflict, there you are.” cultural expectations, and a fair amount A special, yet underreported, feature of comic relief,” Ettinger says. “We have of the festival is a children’s animated always prided ourselves on our ability shorts program on November 1, to offer audiences a wide-screen view of the world through the art of cinema, and sponsored by Act 1. Students, primarily those from Title I schools, are gifted this season’s slate is extraordinary.”

A Private War, one of the films making admission to the show.

“One child was so blown away she its Arizona debut, joins other highly forgot to eat her popcorn and drink her anticipated titles including Boy Erased, The Chaperone, Diane, Everybody Knows, soda,” Ettinger says. “Another boy had never been on a freeway.

Cold War, Mapplethorpe, Peterloo and “The festival to me celebrates Studio 54. She recommends Amateurs, humanity. I celebrate the people who Good Manners, Rafiki, Woman at War and Zagros. attend this festival and the people who “If you look at the program, you’ll see support independent and international a little statement,” Ettinger says. “I don’t film.”

Scottsdale International Film Festival Harkins Shea 14 Theatres, 7354 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, scottsdalefilmfestival.com, various times, Saturday, November 3, to Sunday, November 11, various pricing.

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

DIRECTOR/FORMER MESA RESIDENT SEAN ANDERS DIRECTS TIG NOTARO AND OCTAVIA SPENCER ON THE SET OF INSTANT FAMILY.

Instant Family Ex-Mesa resident Sean Anders shares his story on the big screen Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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ean and Beth Anders were hesitant about having children.

It would be a financial burden and they were too old. One day, Sean came up with a half-baked

idea.

“Why don’t we just adopt a 5-year-old and it will be like we started five years ago,” he recalls with a laugh.

Well, three children later, the Anders family is complete and so is Sean’s Mark Wahlberg-starring film Instant Family, which opens nationwide Friday, November 16.

Instant Family tells the story of how Pete (Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child, but things change when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15-year-old girl (Isabela Moner). Now, Pete and Ellie must try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hopes of becoming a family. Instant Family also stars Academy Award-winner Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro and Margo Martindale.

Anders and his wife’s children were 18 months old, 3 years old and 6 years old when they adopted them. They were removed from their mother, who had a drug problem.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MARK WHALBERG AND ROSE BYRNE STAR IN INSTANT FAMILY.

“We adopted three kids almost seven years ago and that’s what inspired the movie,” says Anders, who lived with Beth in Mesa and Tempe in their 20s and 30s.

“It’s my experience. Along the way, we met many other families and we incorporated their stories about kids and adults who had been affected by foster care and adoption.”

The subject is a rarity for film, Anders

acknowledges.

“Oftentimes, it’s negative and there’s another side to it,” Anders adds. “There is a lot of laughter and that’s not represented in movies and TV. “I think the hardest part about this is there’s so much that goes into foster care or adoption. It was really difficult to boil it all down to one movie. That was tricky. There’s so much more I wanted to tell. It’s also important to me that we

make a captivating, entertaining story that holds their attention.”

Anders began the project three years ago with his writing partner, John Morris, whom he met in Phoenix.

“He and I wrote our first draft about three years ago, but we were working on other films,” he says. “Ultimately, once we really went after it, it happened incredibly quick. Mark Wahlberg jumped in almost immediately.

Kids in foster care was something he cared about. As soon as Mark was in, everything fell into place.”

Anders and Wahlberg worked on three movies before Instant Family, including Daddy’s Home and Daddy’s Home 2.

“He’s the ultimate professional,” he says. “He always shows up with his pencil sharpened. He knows what he’s going to do. Give him an idea and he runs with it and turns it into something wonderful.”

The other cast members were a joy, too.

“We went through the standard process of casting,” Anders says. “I wanted kids who had really interesting personalities. Julianna Gamiz, who plays Lita, was rambunctious and funny. She had a big personality for a little kid. The character of Juan was written a little differently at first. When we met the actor, Gustavo Quiroz, he was so sweet and had such kind eyes and a good heart.

You could see it right away. We rewrote the character to suit him. What I love about him is the character we came up with is a lot like my real son.”

In Instant Family, Lita has nuclear meltdowns. Juan is nervous and anxious

“We adopted three kids almost seven years ago and that’s what inspired the movie” and Moner’s Lizzy is a rebellious teen. So how did Anders’ children react?

“They loved it,” he says. “It’s been interesting and I would say therapeutic,” Anders says. “I’ve been very lucky to have this experience because we talk about our family a lot with each other and other people. To be able to see your family up on the screen, I think it’s helped all of us to get a better understanding of our family.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

THE DINER

41

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

NOVEMBER FOOD EVENTS American Lebanese Festival

Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Brews, Blues and BBQ

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

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

Cooks + Corks

NOVEMBER 2 Hosted by The Scottsdale League for the Arts, Cooks & Corks features Arizona’s top local chefs in a culinary spectacle featuring live cooking, showmanship and artful presentation. To complement the flavorful tastings, guests will sip on libations provided by a superb collection of fine wines, spirits and craft beer.

Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon North, 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive, Scottsdale, 480.945.7193, cooksandcorks.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., $125-$175.

and vendors will be available.

Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler, 480.782.2717, pardnersoftumbleweedranch. org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

NOVEMBER 3 TO NOVEMBER 5 Celebrate Lebanese history and heritage with authentic dishes like tabbouleh and baklava, folk music, traditional dabke dance and more.

St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, 5406 E. Virginia Avenue, Phoenix, 602.667.3280, americanlebanesefestivalaz. com, hours vary, $3.

Mac and Cheese Fest

NOVEMBER 17 TO NOVEMBER 18 Ditch the boxed macaroni and cheese, this festival is devoted to the innovative styles of the comfort food. It features a Coachella-worthy lineup of food from local restaurants.

Catch options from Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, Whiskey Row, Cici’s, The Duce, Backyards and High and Rye and top it off with craft beer, a festival atmosphere and a little bit of bacon. We’re sold!

Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, macandcheesefestaz. com, 11 a.m., $10-$75.

Palette to Palate

NOVEMBER 3 AND NOVEMBER 4 A two-day art retreat to awaken the senses, soothe the spirit and create picture-perfect memories. Guests craft their own palette by choosing from an array of events, including workshops by award-winning artists and a culinary celebration: Fall Harvest Dinner. It highlights Arizona-sourced products, including produce, dairy, meats and wines.

Hermosa Inn, 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley, 602.955.8614, hermosainn. com, 6 to 9 p.m., $105.

Food and Cultural Festival

NOVEMBER 3 In its 15th year, the Food and Cultural Festival highlights authentic Serbian cuisine, pastries, live folk music and dancing, and shopping. The kidfriendly event offers a guided tour of the Serbian Byzantine-style church.

St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 4436 E. McKinley Street, Phoenix, 602.275.7360, stsava. com, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., $3.

VER 1 BILLI N S LD! SINCE 1910

KOSHER BAKERY INSIDE! WE CATER! nybbaz.com

Chiles & Chocolate Festival

NOVEMBER 9 The festival gives new meaning to sweet and spicy. Sample and shop your way through Arizona’s top chile and chocolate vendors.

Indulge in gourmet chocolates, zesty sauces and fresh fire-roasted chiles.

Listen to catchy musical mixes and enjoy fiery live performances of Latin, Brazilian and Spanish dance on Boppart Courtyard.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $24.95.

Arizona Harvest Festival & Open-Air Market

Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off

NOVEMBER 10 The Chuck Wagon Cook-Off is a Chandler tradition that demonstrates 1880s Old West lifestyle. Teams from around the Southwest partake in an old-fashioned culinary competition, as they prepare foods from their authentic chuck wagons using 1880s methods. Meals are available for the public to purchase. Stage entertainment, family activities

BREAKFAST!

NOVEMBER 11 Celebrate the season with a farmers market featuring local produce and artisan gourmet foods, holiday items, home décor, jewelry, clothing, art, home improvements and health and wellness services and products.

Tired of shopping? Take part in a pumpkin toss, pumpkin pageant, cornhole, pie-eating contest, corn shucking and a cakewalk.

There are plenty of activities for the kiddos, too. For those 21 and older, a beer garden will pour local pumpkin ales and seasonal brews.

Arizona Harvest Fest and Farmers Market, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 480.855.3539, downtownchandler.org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

LUNCH! Secret Menu Item!

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

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

Happy Hour Guide Brat Haus

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

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

Buck & Rider

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

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

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

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

Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.

Copper Blues

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

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

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

Craft 64

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

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

CRUjiente Tacos

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

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

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

El Chorro

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

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

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

Freezer’s Ice House

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

Come see us! Happy hour is 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. $2 Tuesdays (open to close): $2 domestic drafts, $2 tacos and $2 per hour person pool time.

ASU Night Thursdays (6 p.m. to close): free pool for the ladies and $2 drink specials. UFC Fight Night Saturdays: UFC pay per view is offered as scheduled with only a $5 cover charge to attend. $10 Pool Pass Sundays: Play pool all day for only $10.

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe.

“At the corner of Mill & Broadway”

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

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

Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.

Hard Rock Café

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

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

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

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

Rehab Burger Therapy

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

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

The Stockyards

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

Complimentary tenderloin sliders are also offered.

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

Hungry Monk

SunUp Brewing Co.

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

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

Luxe Lounge

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

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

Pedal Haus Brewery

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

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

EVO

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

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

Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale

com.

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

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

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

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

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

Tutti Santi

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

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

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

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

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

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

Wasted Grain

Pig & Pickle

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

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

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

Friday.

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

INTRODUCING SAPPORO PREMIUM

BLACK

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

CREATIVITY IS

NO. 1

Two Brothers’ new chef is mixing things up

pork butt.”

Patrons of Two Brothers can expect to see a new menu in January paired with the restaurant’s craft brewery offerings.

Stansell also plans to add more smoked meats and barbecue dishes along with guest favorites such as avocado toast, hummus plates and charcuterie.

Creativity is Stansell’s No. 1 focus in the kitchen. He recently brought on a new sous chef, and once he gets his core team in place they’ll drive preparation, menu and production changes. Stansell runs his kitchen by a mantra taught to him by one of his mentors, Michael Bujold, executive chef at the Shangri-La resort in Oklahoma.

“If the food you’re working with once had life in it, treat it as such and it will always be amazing.”

Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery 4321 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.378.3001, twobrothersbrewing.com.

SHOW US YOUR GAME FACE!

Sherry Jackson » The Entertainer!

S

ince coming on board in April, Don Stansell has been focusing on quality food and an enhanced guest experience in his new position as executive chef at Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery in Scottsdale.

“I like the feeling of the family-owned business atmosphere and camaraderie at Two Brothers,” Stansell says. “They’re also growing, and I like to think I might be an instrumental part of that. That’s the reward.”

So far, Stansell has been sourcing local ingredients, instituting proper techniques and cooking methods and building his core team at the craft brewery. Two Brothers has five restaurants – four in Illinois and the Scottsdale location.

Stansell’s 22-year culinary career has included stints at the Cherokee Nation Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Cherokee Yacht Club, Southern Hills Country Club and Lone Butte Casino.

Before joining Two Brothers, he was an executive sous chef at the Double Tree

“My background has shaped my experience in who I am today – the private resorts, the gaming resorts experience and traveling the world with the Navy,” Stansell says. “The first time I worked in a pantry and started building salads and desserts from scratch, I knew I really liked the kitchen feel. The reward for me is the satisfaction of the guest, knowing I was part of that.

That was the drive.”

Stansell’s specialty is international cuisine such as South American, Latin and Peruvian dishes. “Seafood is always my favorite thing to prepare,” he says.

“Seafood with a good Veracruz or a shrimp ponzu sauce are my go-to ingredients.”

He’s amassed a “couple hundred different recipes” from mentors. His favorite technique is braising, smoking and curing. “It’s a lengthy process and there are a lot of steps involved. You have to have everything right – the dry rubs, the temperature and the process. It’s a delicate balance but when combined properly, you come up with this beautiful brined brisket or smoked

43

Join us for our Daily Specials

MON ----------- Super Burger - $5.99, Turkey Burger - $5.99, Tenderloin - $5.99 TUES ---------- 10 oz Prime Rib, Fries & Salad - $12.99 WED ----------- 30 Super Salads - $9.99, BBQ Ribs - Half Rack $11.99 THUR ---------- BBQ Ribs - Half Rack $10.75 w/Cole Slaw, Beans or Fries!

FRI ------------- Shrimp Platter $10.99 SAT/SUN ----- Breakfast until 11am. Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar until 4pm.

Starting at 4pm: Jack Daniels Rib-Eye Steak, Salad, Baked Potato - $13.99

2 Resort by Hilton Worldwide.

Stansell began his career at a sports bar as a teen. After that, he was a saucier in the U.S. Navy, cooking for foreign dignitaries, ambassadors and in the galley on base. After leaving the military, he formalized his education, attending Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. Stansell also spent three years training under certified master chef Fritz Gitschner

SHUFFLEBOARDS!

POOL TABLES!

480-675-9724 DukesSportsBar.com 7607 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale 85257

(SE Corner of Miller & McDowell)

VOTED SCOTTSDALE’S NUMBER 1 SPORTS BAR

Duke’s Now Open in Rocky Point!

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

J

A SHOP BUILT ON

DREAMS

Sonson’s Pasty Co. is worth the wait for Julie Mercer Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

ulie Mercer believes everything in life comes down to timing.

A native of Cornwall, England, Mercer dreamt of having her own shop that sold Cornish pasties, a pastry shell filled with beef, sliced or diced potato, rutabaga and onion and then baked. On September 22, she achieved her longtime dream.

Sonson’s Pasty Company, at Brown and Recker roads in Mesa, features a small menu of pasties, cakes and sausage rolls. Mercer says many Americans need to be schooled on pasties.

“The history of the pasty is very interesting,” says Mercer, who moved to the United States in 2002. “They were made by miners’ wives to take to the tin mines for their husbands.

“The men ate pasties with their hands, but threw away the crimp because their hands were filled with arsenic. They are a delicious meal in one.”

Mercer learned to make pasties by working in a bakery, one of five in her town of 3,000 people. She worked for them from age 22 to 30.

“The owner offered to sell me her other one, but I was too young,” Mercer says.

“Instead, I moved here, worked for a company for 18 years, good company, good pay. I stayed with that until I was laid off in January. If I did this in my 20s, for sure I would have failed.”

Mercer took her severance pay and invested it in her pasty shop. She learned about finances and business during her 18 years as a retail manager. Her shop is named after her mother, Sonia, who

moved to Mesa in 2007. Mercer and her mother worked in the same pasty shop in Cornwall.

It took Mercer a year to get to the point where she felt comfortable selling her pasties. Still, she doesn’t believe she’s at her best.

“I think I’ve improved since I started making them in February,” Mercer says. “I took me a while because I was trying to find out what meat to use, what shortening to use, flour and all that good stuff. It was different in England. I have to like what I’m making. If I don’t like it, I’m not going to sell it.”

Her menu is simple. Small beef pasties is $6.50; large ground beef pasty, $8.50; steak and cheese, $8 and $10, for small and large,; small sausage roll, $3; large sausage pasty, $8; steak pasty, $7.50 and $9.50; and chicken pasty, $8.

Vegan offerings include lentil and walnut base, layered with sweet potato fries, garlic and herb red sauce, peas and green beans ($8.50). The chickless alfredo pasty features pasta twists, onions, garlic and alfredo sauce for $8.

So far, Sonson’s is everything she’s wanted.

“I’m putting in these long hours every day, but it doesn’t matter,” Mercer says.

“This is what I was supposed to do and here it is, I’m doing it.”

Sonson’s Pasty Co. 6060 E. Brown Road, Mesa, 480.845.8485, sonsonspastyco. com.

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

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

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

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

THE CRAFTMASTER

45

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this NOVEMBER Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Brews, Blues and BBQ

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

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

Brewery, Rickety Cricket Brewing, Prescott Brewing Co., Mother Road Brewing Co., and Verde Brewing Co. London Bridge Beach, 1340 McCulloch Boulevard North, Lake Havasu City, 928.486.7286, chillin-nswillin.org, 1 to 5 p.m., $25.

SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER Grab your mat and experience yoga with a twist. Have an ice-cold beer and increase your relaxation in the warrior pose. The one-hour yoga class is taught by experienced instructors while cracking a cold one with your closest friends.

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

NOVEMBER 3 Meander through Salt River Fields and enjoy exclusive releases from Arizona breweries, varietals from Arizona wineries and exemplary tastings of the finest spirits being distilled in Arizona. More than 50 Copper State breweries, distilleries and wineries will participate.

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, azbottlesandbrews. com, 1 to 5 p.m., $50.

NOVEMBER 4 The North Mountain Blues, Brews & Arts Festival features performances

by Ray DeSylvester, JC and the Juke Rockers, Chris Hiatt, Tommy Dukes, Sistahs Too and Pete Pearson.

It’s about more than music, beer and arts. North Mountain Brewing Company wants to bring together the community with the universal language of arts and food.

North Mountain Brewing Company, 522 E. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, 602.861.5999, northmountainbrewing. com, 11 a.m., $15.

NovemBEER Festival

NOVEMBER 10 NovemBEER started as small, weekly beer tastings, but transformed into a full-fledged festival. More than 50 breweries are joined by food vendors like Hogg Doggs, Tacos Huicho and Que Chevere and musicians in the heart of Downtown Phoenix.

Downtown Phoenix, 100 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.229.8482, novembeer. com, 1 to 5 p.m., $30.

Birds ‘n’ Beer

Chillin’ and Swillin’ Beer Festival

NOVEMBER 3 Lake Havasu City hosts the Chillin’ and Swillin’ Beer Festival, offering handcrafted and premium beers.

The casual gathering also serves great food. Participating beer vendors include Romer Beverage Co., Barley Bros. Restaurant and

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

North Mountain Blues, Brews & Arts Festival

Arizona Barrels, Bottles and Brews

Yoga + Beer in the District

celebration features an array of inventive bacon-based dishes from chefs from around the Valley.

Founders Park Community Center, 22407 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, 602.341.5724, baconsbluesandbrewsaz. com, noon to 9 p.m., $10.

Bacon, Blues and Brews

NOVEMBER 3 Who doesn’t love bacon, music and craft beer? Celebrate the trio of tasty treats at Bacon, Blues and Brews. The family-friendly

NOVEMBER 15 Stop by the Rio Salado Audubon Center every third Thursday of the month to learn a few things about birds and other wildlife while enjoying a cold beer by Gilbert’s Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. This happy hour-inspired event is educational and fun.

Fall Beer Dinner Series

NOVEMBER 15 Join the group for a four-course meal paired with four beers from Grand Canyon Brewing Co. The Wigwam’s chef and a Grand Canyon representative will educate through the dining experience.

The Wigwam’s Reds Bar and Grill, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 623.935.3811, wigwamarizona. com, 6:30 p.m., $49.

2018 Beer Mile Challenge and Food Drive

NOVEMBER 30 Enjoy this fun event involving beer and running that helps support families in need during the holidays.

Bring any size non-perishable food donation that will help provide great meals for families in need. After the adult race, there will be a kid race.

Tribe Multisport, 7624 E. Indian School Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.421.9442, tribemultisport.com, 6:30 to 10 p.m., free.

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

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

Craft 64

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

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

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

Papago Brewing Company

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

Boulders on Broadway

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

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

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

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

Scottsdale Beer Company

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

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

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Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

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

Freezer’s Ice House

Main Ingredient Ale House

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

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

The Casual Pint Central Phoenix

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

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

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

Brat Haus

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

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

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

House of Brews Sports Bar

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

47

BEERTENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

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ecently, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, which is part of Caesars Entertainment and the state’s only tribal casino to have an international management partner, opened its newest restaurant concept, Chop, Block & Brew. Featuring gourmet burgers and a wood-burning mesquite grill, the rustic and relaxed environment serves as a perfect venue to enjoy pureaged steaks, prime rib and seafood.

The 3,454-square-foot restaurant seats 159 guests and features Native American-inspired artwork and design elements that highlight the culture and traditions of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.

Chop, Block & Brew is part of the Harrah’s multimillion-dollar expansion that includes an additional guest rooms, a spa and conference center with increased ballroom space, additional restaurants and a multilevel parking structure.

Oh, and it doesn’t have “brew” in its name for nothing. The restaurant features more than 30 draft and bottled craft beers as well as – of course – wine, hand-crafted cocktails, premium whiskey and scotch.

We sat down with Chop, Block & Brew’s resident beer expert Nathan Kinstlinger, who also serves as the beverage operations manager for Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, to learn more about the concept, his hand in the beer program, and the story behind his passion for pints.

chance and quickly fell in love with food and beverage service, so much so I would eventually pursue it as my career. After whetting my teeth there, I moved on to a concept club in downtown Cleveland, where the bartender introduced me to Great Lakes Brewery, and into craft beer.

Eventually, I got inspired to start my own place. So, I moved to Tempe and opened my own bar, which did well for a few years. While here, I met a distributor of Arizona craft beers, and my mind was blown.

By 2012 when I joined Harrah’s, I was already thick into the local beer scene.

And, as luck would have it, I moved into the beverage operations manager position just as Harrah’s was starting to plan for both Oak and Fork – our small plate wine bar – and Chop, Block & Brew. Kismet!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CRAFT BEER? I love that with beer, a brewer can start with an idea and then have a finished product ready to taste in a matter of weeks or months. I also love how the craft beer community is not just open to teaching newbies without judgment, but

they always seem to be open to learning something new themselves. It is a very open, collaborative community.

TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL BREWERIES DOING IT RIGHT. Obviously, I have to pay homage to Four Peaks. Their Kiltlifter truly did help put Arizona on the craft beer map. I am also really into Arizona Wilderness out of Gilbert. And, College Street in Lake Havasu has some wild ideas, and they all end up tasting delicious. Outside of Arizona, I have to also mention Great Lakes again. I may not be here today if not for its Dortmunder Lager 20 years ago.

TELL US ABOUT THE BEER PROGRAM AT CHOP, BLOCK & BREW. We have 12 beers on draft, including seven from Arizona breweries: Papago, Oak Creek, Prescott, Four Peaks, Barrio, Lumberyard and Huss. Other draft options include popular IPAs and seasonal offerings from the folks at Oscar Blues, Founders, Elysian and a few others. Prices range from $7 to $8.

Then, we have 16 additional craft beers by the bottle. These run the gamut from lagers to porters to stouts, and everything in between. We even have a peanut butter milk stout just in time for fall and winter. Some stand-out brands here include Grand Canyon, Kona, Alaska, Belching Beaver and Big Sky, as well as several other regional favorites.

They are all $6 each. Of course, we carry the more standard options, too, such as Coors Light and Budweiser.

And finally, there is the best part: we offer tasting flights. For $11, we offer guests the chance to choose four draft beer selections to sample, each with a 5-ounce pour.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEERS? Of course, my Great Lakes Dortmunder is an all-time fave. On our current menu, the Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout is already a staff and customer favorite. Then, I am also a huge fan of Huss Coffee Kolsch, Prescott’s Liquid Amber Ale, College Street’s Big Blue Van (it tastes like blueberries and vanilla – wild!) and Hermitage Blood Orange American Sour.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN CRAFT BEER? I grew up across the street from a country club in an Ohio suburb, so ended up working summers at its golf course. One day, toward the end of summer, the chef for the club saw me walking home and asked if I wanted some winter work (golf courses aren’t exactly busy when there is 10 feet of snow on the ground). I jumped at the

Chop, Block & Brew Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000, caesars.com/ harrahs-ak-chin.

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

TAKEOFF

READY FOR

TARA AND SEAN RASSAS

Ground Control hosting Red, White and Brew Craft Beer Festival Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

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round Control owner Tara Rassas says exposing beer drinkers to new ideas is a goal of her West Valley bar and restaurant.

“Our goal has always been education and trying to expose people to new and different ideas or just kind of expand everybody’s knowledge on craft beer,” Rassas says.

One way of furthering that mission and the growing the craft beer culture in western Maricopa County is through Ground Control’s annual Red, White and Brew Craft Beer Festival. The fifth one will be held in the Litchfield Park bar and restaurant’s parking lot from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 17.

“It was just a way to kind of bring more excitement to it instead of just having beers on draft; to actually do an

event centered around craft beer and give people the opportunity to try things kind of side by side and make it a fun event,” she continues.

“We do live music and we serve food outside and just try to make it a fun, lively event where people can either, if they’re brand new, learn more about craft beer, or, if they’ve been drinking craft beer, introduce them to something different.”

Among the more than 30 breweries expected to be showcased this year are 12 West, State 48, Huss and Left Hand.

Hensley Beverage Company will be there, too. But that’s just scratching the surface. Though brands aren’t exclusively regional, many will, in fact, be local.

“We have some beers that are from local, smaller breweries that are just trying to get their names out there, and then we also kind of have what we call our flagship breweries like Arizona Wilderness that everybody loves to drink

and knows about but it’s just fun to have them because of the name recognition,” Rassas says.

“We really love Borderlands and a couple of the other local beers as well.

But we do get beers from breweries in California, and a lot of times they’ll send people from their own brewery out to pour and to talk and educate and build their brands.”

Though Ian Harwell, Ground Control’s self-described “beer guy,” says specific beers haven’t yet been revealed, the Red, White and Brew Craft Beer Festival will accommodate those who have a taste for styles ranging from lagers to ambers, IPAs, stouts, sours and even mead.

“The ones that will get everyone most excited would be Arizona Wilderness, Dark Sky, Superstition Meadery, Tombstone Brewing and Wren House,” Harwell says. “Don’t get me wrong, all the breweries coming are outstanding in their own right, but the ones mentioned are all local and the best of the best of what Arizona has to offer right now.”

He calls Arizona Wilderness, Dark Sky, La Cumbre, Rowley Farmhouse Ales and Wren House some “big additions” this year.

Rassas acknowledges that Arizona Wilderness, Borderlands and Tombstone are popular, though she says beer style preferences range from person to person.

“We just try to make sure that there is something there for everybody, because we have our stout drinkers and we have our IPA drinkers and we just want to make sure that they all have something that they can enjoy,” she says.

“Light weight” tickets cost $17 and include six drink tickets and a souvenir cup, while “heavy weight” tickets cost $35 and include 15 drink tickets and a souvenir cup. Early birds who purchase tickets before November 10, however, can get these tiers for $15 or $30, respectively.

Though the brews are the prime focus, a limited menu will also be offered at the festival. Limited menu offerings, according to Harwell, will include pulled pork sliders, buffalo chicken sliders, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, French fries and personal pizzas. The

OUR BEERS HAVE EARNED THEIR GOLD STARS

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restaurant will still be open inside, too.

Once appetites are filled and thirsts quenched, guests can bear witness to live entertainment.

“The beer is obviously the main draw but the band Los Gringos will be playing the whole duration of the festival,” Harwell explains. “They are awesome and are all former Luke Air Force pilots.”

Speaking of Luke Air Force Base, proceeds from the Red, White and Brew Craft Beer Festival go the Fighter Country Foundation (FCF). This hits close to home for Rassas, who comes from a military family.

“My husband is Air Force Reserve,” she says. “He’s been in the military for 22 years and so we always love giving back to the military.”

The FCF is a nonprofit corporation, which was established in 2006, that supports “programs and services at Luke that aid, support and honor airmen and their families in need,” according to its website.

“Luke Air Force Base is right down the street from Ground Control and we obviously have a strong connection to the base and military,” Harwell says, adding, “and the people who represent Fighter Country are outstanding people.

Last year, more than 400 people attended Ground Control’s Red, White and Brew Craft Beer Festival. Those attendance numbers mark a significant growth for the parking lot event, growth which Harwell and Rassas would love to see continue.

“It grows I think just because people enjoy it and nobody has to drive to Phoenix to go or to Scottsdale or something,” Rassas says. “It’s something that’s right in their backyard. It just makes it a lot more accessible.”

Red, White and Brew Craft Beer Festival Ground Control, 4860 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 103, Litchfield Park, 623.535.9066, redwhitebrew.brownpapertickets. com, groundxcontrol.com, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 17, $15-$35.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

49

GREAT BEER PAIRINGS

PNPK

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

“My aim with PNPK, when I opened it earlier this year, was to help food and drink ‘take flight’ together – quite literally. The cheeky menu really does offer flights of food and drink for everyone’s fancy. We have a special focus on elevated comfort food as well as local and regional beers and cocktails. As such, we generally recommend guests pair one of our food flights with a beer or wine flight, which we can help them design, or they can choose on their own. Given the wide variety of flavors available in our flights, pairing it with a full beer flight is recommended. It’s our seasonal rotation, so we really want folks to come in and choose Uncle Bear’s as part of their lineup. We love that the brews are inspired by the fun-loving labrador mix named Bear, given our own passion for dogs.”

—Kellie Pruitt, PNPK Craft Slider + Wine Bar

Over 300+ Unique Craft Beers

BEER

BREWERY: UNCLE BEAR’S BREWERY STYLE: IPA Name: Beach Bum About: Brewed with honey, caramel and two-row malt, the body of this beer is light. It is semisweet with hints of grapefruit, berry, passion and citrus on the nose, and then all the hoppy goodness you would expect from an IPA.

DISH

CUSTOM SLIDER FLIGHT A stand-out on the menu is certainly the option to mix and match about 10 craft slider options, each available on brioche bread, gluten-free bread or in lettuce wraps. Just some of the mouth-watering munchies include: ■ Maple candied bacon: a white cheddar angus burger with maple candied bacon and fresh jalapeños

Pints & Singles for Here Growlers, Crowlers & Packaged to go ■ Crispy hot fried chicken: southern fried chicken with a housemade spicy aioli sauce, slaw and dill pickles ■ Bacon jam: an angus burger with gruyere cheese, bacon jam, caramelized onions and arugula ■ Turkey meatloaf: turkey meatloaf with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes and spicy balsamic glaze ■ Short rib French dip: juicy braised short ribs with melted muenster, creamy horseradish and a side of au jus for dipping ■ Bangers + mash: a Schreiner’s locally made sausage topped with whole grain mustard and garlic mashed potatoes

PNPK 23335 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.305.0907, pnpkaz.com.

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

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

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

NOVEMBER 4

AEROMYTH

Catch a Wave: Beach Boys Tribute

Colt Ford

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

AARON LEWIS

NOVEMBER 2 Aaron Lewis

NOVEMBER 6 Back to the Future Trivia Night

Casino Arizona’s Arizona Room Patio Grill, casinoarizona.com

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

NOVEMBER 9

Rockin’ the Paradise: Tribute to Styx

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

NOVEMBER 3 Aaron Lewis

Pablo Cruise

Three Dog Night

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

NOVEMBER 11

Rockin’ the Paradise: Tribute to Styx

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

BlueWater Resort Amphitheatre, bluewaterfun.com

Paula Abdul

NOVEMBER 18 Diamond Rock: Neil Diamond Tribute

NOVEMBER 16

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Queen Nation: A Tribute to the Music of Queen

NOVEMBER 23

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Bonfire: A Tribune to AC/DC

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

NOVEMBER 17 Vietnamese Holiday Concert with Nhu Loan, Quoc Khanh and Ha Ngo Hung

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Bonfire: A Tribune to AC/DC

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Aeromyth: A Tribute to Aerosmith

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

NOVEMBER 24 Aeromyth: A Tribute to Aerosmith

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

NOVEMBER 30 Amor Yu Productions Presents Aegis Doble Dekada USA Tour Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

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A TABLE FOR TWO? Phind it

52

THE GLADIATOR

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

NOVEMBER’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

Cactus League Wrestling

NOVEMBER 2 Former WWE wrestlers get in the ring to compete in this intimate space. Card not available at press time.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 520.318.5513, universe.com, facebook. com/cactusleaguewrestling, 6 to 10 p.m., $12-$75.

ASU Sun Devils vs.

California State Fullerton Titans

NOVEMBER 6 The Sun Devils men’s basketball team opens its regular season against Cal State Fullerton. The Sun Devils reached the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament last season.

Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.727.0000, thesundevils. com, 6 p.m., tickets start at $15.

Arizona Wildcats vs.

ASU Sun Devils vs.

UCLA Bruins

NOVEMBER 10 The ASU football team hosts UCLA in the last home game of the regular season. Both teams will likely be competing for lateseason rankings and a spot in a postseason bowl game.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.3482, thesundevils. com, noon, tickets start at $33.

Tucson Roadrunners vs.

San Jose Barracuda

Phoenix Suns vs.

Toronto Raptors

NOVEMBER 2 The Suns take on last season’s Eastern Conference top-seed Raptors, who have retooled and will feature star forward Kawhi Leonard.

The game will be the only time in the 2018-19 season that Toronto visits Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, nba.com/suns/ tickets, 7 p.m., tickets start at $16.

Avondale Boulevard, Avondale, 623.463.5400, ismraceway. com, start times vary by event, ticket prices vary by event.

Houston Baptist Huskies

NOVEMBER 7 The Wildcats men’s basketball team, after losing top-overall draft pick DeAndre Ayton to the Suns, look to have another successful season.

Arizona opens its regular season this day against Houston Baptist.

McKale Memorial Center, 1721 E. Enke Drive, Tucson, 520.621.2211, arizonawildcats. com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $25.

Can-Am 500 NASCAR Weekend

NOVEMBER 9 TO NOVEMBER 11 Newly renovated ISM Raceway will host several races from Friday to Sunday, including the Lucas Oil 150 in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series 200 and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Can-AM 500.

ISM Raceway, 7602 S.

NOVEMBER 11 Tucson takes on area rival San Jose in Salute Our Military Night presented by T-Mobile. Though still early in the season, both teams will be looking to further their AHL standings and playoff hopes.

Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, 520.791.4101, tucsonroadrunners.com, 7:05 p.m., tickets start at $10.

NAU Lumberjacks vs.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks NOVEMBER 17 The NAU football team ends its season with a home game against North Dakota. The Lumberjacks will be celebrating senior night, but the Fighting Hawks have put up good showings against some of the nation’s top teams.

Walkup Skydome, 1705 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, 928.523.6792, nauathletics.com, 2:30 p.m., tickets start at $20.

Arizona Cardinals vs.

Oakland Raiders

NOVEMBER 18 The Cardinals face the Oakland Raiders under new coach Jon Gruden. This will be the first

matchup between the two teams in three seasons, and is the Cardinals’ only home game in November.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, 2:05 p.m., tickets start at $65.

Arizona Coyotes vs.

Las Vegas Golden Knights

NOVEMBER 21 The Coyotes take on defending NHL Western Conference champion Las Vegas for the first time in the 2018-19 season. The Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final last year in just their first season as a franchise.

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

Arizona Wildcats vs.

ASU Sun Devils

NOVEMBER 24 The Arizona Wildcats football team hosts Arizona State in both teams’ final regular-season matchup. Both teams suffered tough losses early in the season, but could be fighting for a bowl game. ASU won last year’s game, Todd Graham’s last regular-season contest as coach of the Sun Devils.

Arizona Stadium, 1 National Championship Drive, Tucson, 520.621.4917, arizonawildcats.com, time TBD, tickets start at $18.

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

POST-GRIDIRON

GRIND

John Skelton is making new career moves off the field Evan Desai and Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

F

or many pro athletes, their career goals come down to sports or bust.

This isn’t the case for some, like former Arizona Cardinals quarterback John Skelton, who is in a new career path thanks to his business administration and marketing studies at New York’s Fordham University.

Skelton, who was a four-year starter at Fordham, works as commercial insurance broker at Brown & Brown.

Skelton’s brand has helped him land clients, he admits.

“Right now, I try to use name recognition with people who might be football fans to try to get my foot in the door with some of these companies to talk to them about insurance,” Skelton says.

The fifth-round draft pick in 2010, Skelton played 16 games over three years

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as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback before being released in 2012. Skelton played two more seasons in the NFL spending time with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans before officially retiring from the NFL in 2015. He dabbled in commercial real estate before finding his place at Brown & Brown, the sixth-largest brokerage in the world.

Skelton supports the community through his job and through volunteer work. When he was with the Cardinals, he started working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley’s Guadalupe Branch. He’s continuing with the group, while sitting on the board for the Tempe Community Action Agency, a nonprofit that fosters dignity and self-reliance for the economically vulnerable. The organization assists with utilities and shelter, food pantry, senior

services, pre- and postnatal services and has several community gardens.

He is also a “rookie member” of Suns Charities 88, a group of young, like-minded adults looking to have an impact in the community while enjoying themselves.

When partnering with an organization, Skelton looks for nonprofits he knows are making a difference.

“As a Tempe resident I get to see the good and bad side of Tempe,” Skelton says. “Where most see ASU’s bustling campus, Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake, I also see the homelessness, underserved youth, poverty and social inequalities. By joining the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley and the Tempe Community Action Agency, I am able to assist those people in my neighborhood and city.”

He says he owes a lot to the NFL and the Cardinals.

“Two of the biggest things the NFL taught me was to be humble and show humility,” Skelton says. “Actively helping those less fortunate and those who sometimes need a helping hand is the least I can do after all the good fortune and advantages I had growing up. Giving back is also a reflection on my parents, upbringing and my time at Fordham and the school’s focus on services.”

As for his position with Brown & Brown, the El Paso native hopes people start recognizing him for his business acumen, not just his gridiron skills.

“Ultimately, the conversation usually starts about football and my past, and things like that, which is good, because it’s a way to get in the door and talk to people,” Skelton says.

“But I want to steer them toward what I do now in insurance and how I can help their company. I’ve used some of my football contacts to try to talk to people and figure out what they’re up to in life.

I’ve been focusing on connecting with company owners, CEOs, CFOs, guys who are maybe football fans in the past, from watching me play, and trying to use that to get in front of them.”

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56

THE YOUNGSTER

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN NOVEMBER Samantha Fuoco » The Entertainer!

Gilbert Off the Street Art Festival

NOVEMBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 3 Gilbert’s vibrant energy will be shared with live musicians, street performers, food truck entrepreneurs and artisan and craft vendors during the Gilbert Off the Street Art Festival. Joining this year’s event is Tasteabout Gilbert.

Heritage District, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, 480.503.6871, gilbertaz. gov, 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, free.

Pumpkin Smash

NOVEMBER 3 A family-friendly event focusing on the benefits of sustainable gardening practices. Guests can bring used jack-o-lanterns for composting, sample pumpkin recipes and watch a pumpkin catapulting competition.

Las Milpitas de Cottonwood Farm Free, 2405 S. Cottonwood Lane, Tucson, 520.882.3303, downtowntucson.org, 1 to 4 p.m., free.

North Pole and presents young passengers with bells representing the spirit of Christmas.

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

Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off

NOVEMBER 10 The Chuck Wagon Cook-Off is a Chandler tradition that demonstrates 1880s Old West lifestyle. Teams from around the Southwest partake in an old-fashioned culinary competition, as they prepare foods from their authentic chuck wagons using 1880s methods. Meals are available for the public to purchase. Stage entertainment, family activities and vendors will be available.

Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler, 480.782.2717, pardnersoftumbleweedranch. org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Holiday Open House

Polar Express

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

Santa boards the train at the

NOVEMBER 10 Old Towne and Catlin Court transform into a Christmas Village, with complimentary gift wrapping at select shops, treats at restaurants and dazzling holiday window decorations. New this year is the Tree Trail featuring festivethemed trees. A synchronized storefront lighting ceremony kicks off the festivities at 5:30 p.m.

Historic Downtown Glendale, 7102 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, 623.930.4500, visitglendale. com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Teen Science Social: Harry Potter

NOVEMBER 10 Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw, this event is for you. Gather at the Arizona Science Center and meet witches and wizards while exploring the magic of the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Listen to the science behind Harry Potter while you’re there, too.

Admission includes admission, one dinner and one drink ticket.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.716.2000, azscience. org, 6 to 10 p.m., $5.

Reading Fur Fun

NOVEMBER 17 Is your kiddo not yet old enough to volunteer but is an animal lover? Reading Fur Fun is a special reading program that gives kids the opportunity to hang out with the dogs at the shelter while improving their reading skills. Kids ages 8 to 11 can sign up to read to the dogs.

Arizona Humane Society, Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, 602.997.7585, azhumane.org, 8 to 11 a.m., $10.

Dogs’ Day in the Garden

NOVEMBER 17 Bring the whole family—dogs included—for a walk on garden trails.

Meet other dog lovers, heel for family photos, learn about local dog-related nonprofits, shop and enjoy samples with your pup. All dogs must be on a leash and remain on marked trails at all times. Garden admission and $4 admission per dog benefits the Arizona Humane Society.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg. org, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., $4.

Mac and Cheese Fest

NOVEMBER 17 TO NOVEMBER 18 Ditch the boxed macaroni and cheese, this festival is devoted to the innovative styles of the comfort food. It features a Coachella-worthy lineup of food from local restaurants.

Catch options from Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, Whiskey Row, Cici’s, The Duce, Backyards and High and Rye and top it off with craft beer, a festival atmosphere and a little bit of bacon. We’re sold!

Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, macandcheesefestaz. com, 11 a.m., $10-$75.

Snowy Christmas

NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 23 Get a head start on your seasonal activities with opening weekend at Rawhide’s signature Christmas takeover. Enjoy a nightly snowfall down Main Street, family photos, thousands of lights and a special drop off for letters to the North Pole. You can even catch Santa for a nightly tree lighting ceremony on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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

Fridays to Sundays, free.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

57

Color Run Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, thecolorrun.com, 9 a.m. Saturday, November 10, $34.99 to $54.99 for adult participation kits, $29.99 for Sidekick Color Runner participation kit, $14.99 for Hero in Training kit for 5 and under, free for basic event entry for children 5 and under.

Color Run offers vibrant 5K experience Laura Latzko » The Entertainer!

M

ost people know the importance of being active but working out can be a drag.

The annual Color Run makes running and walking fun and colorful.

The superhero-themed Color Run Hero Tour will visit Rawhide Western Town and Event Center on Saturday, November 10.

Produced by Bigsley Event House, the 5K run has been held in over 35 different countries since its inception in 2011.

Kylee Hutchinson, event director for Bigsley Event House, says the run lets participants take part in a noncompetitive 5K race.

“I think it’s a good experience to come and try your first race where there’s not a lot of pressure. There’s no time. It brings more of the fun element so that you forget that you’re running,” Hutchinson says.

By the end of the 5K run, known as the “Happiest 5K on the Planet,” runners and walkers are covered in powders of varying colors.

Each year, the colors change based on the themes and sponsors.

This year revolves around the inner superhero unleashed through fitness.

HAPPIEST 5K

ON THE PLANET Attendees are encouraged to sport superhero costumes or capes in the spirit of the run.

Participants have dressed up as superheroes such as Wonder Woman and Superman for Color Run events in other cities.

During this year’s Phoenix run, Nickelodeon characters SpongeBob Squarepants and the four turtle superheroes from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will make special appearances and take pictures with fans.

In one of the color zones, participants will get sprayed with the four colors of the turtle characters. They also

“It’s not just about running. It’s about bringing out your friends and your family, doing something different than just running a normal race,” Hutchinson says.

Each adult participant will receive a medal, commemorative T-shirt, large headband and color packet. Some packages also come with specialty items such as capes, masks and tutus.

The event will start with a 30-minute warmup and end with an after party with DJed music and vendors.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Banner Health Foundation.

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go through three other zones, where volunteers pour powder on them using ketchup-like bottles.

The powder is made of cornstarch and dye. In a fifth zone, runners will get covered in foam. Hutchinson says each run is slightly different, based on where it is held. Usually, the 5K events draw anywhere from 3,000 and 10,000 runners.

New and returning participants take part in the fun run each year.

Hutchinson says for many runners, being in the 5K has become an annual tradition, shared with friends and family members.

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THE SHOWMAN

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

GOING

WYLDE

Ozzy’s guitarist talks Diana Ross, lip gloss and touring Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

R

enowned guitarist Zakk Wylde has high expectations for his Generation Axe tour with Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen and Animals as Leaders’ Tosin Abisi.

“There’s going to be a lot of dancing going on at this thing,” Wylde says with his smoky laugh. “Seriously, we’ve all known each other for years. I didn’t know Tosin, but he’s a great dude and an amazing player.”

The quartet, Wylde adds, will tell Spinal Tap-like stories about how the music business has ripped them off. But mostly the tour is filled with laughs – just like a conversation with Wylde.

“There’s going to be a lot of rouge and eyeliner. A lot of lip gloss, fishnets and stilettos,” he says. “Diana Ross was a huge influence on all of us. You’ll see feather boas and sparkles.”

In a statement, Vai gave a more realistic take on what to expect.

“The Generation Axe experience goes way beyond simply gathering five guitar greats on one stage to jam,” Vai says.

“The idea was to create a seamless show with one backing band and five completely accomplished and astonishing guitarists who take to the stage in various configurations, performing some of their solo music and merging together as cohesive cocreators of lushly orchestrated guitar extravaganzas. Guitar jams like this can get really messy when there is no organization. My idea was to create parts for everybody to play in harmony and off each other so it’s not a mess of noise. This worked out remarkably well. There are

Generation Axe w/Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen and Tosin Abisi Marquee Theatre, luckymanonline.com, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 10, $49.50 and $69.50, VIP packages available.

places where everyone is playing together in wild harmony.”

Grammy winner Wylde has had a notable career. He had a lengthy tenure with Ozzy Osbourne, for whom he cowrote and recorded several albums, including the multiplatinum No More Tears, featuring the single “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and the bulk of the double platinum 2002 set Ozzmosis.

With Osbourne, Wylde has played on countless world tours and television appearances, with his signature bullseye guitar in tow. Wylde has his mitts imprinted on Hollywood’s Rock Walk of Fame; guest starred alongside Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Aniston in the movie Rockstar; and momentarily joined Axl, Slash and Duff in Guns N’ Roses.

This year he’s spent time with Zakk Sabbath and Black Label Society.

“I went home for a week so the kids can go, ‘Oh, you’re our father!’” he says with a laugh. “I say, ‘Yes, I am your father,’ then I leave.”

Wylde chalks up his success to his workaholic nature, and often lectures fledgling musicians about it.

“Don’t make it a hobby,” he says.

“Make it your life. For Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin isn’t a hobby. It’s still his life.

Everything revolves around that band.

“If you’re not practicing or writing, you should be working on merchandise ideas. You should be constantly promoting your band. Everything should revolve around music and bands.”

He follows his own advice, too.

“I’m always running scales. I love playing every day,” Wylde says. “I’m not one of those people who has to pick up the guitar and start practicing when we’re getting ready for tour. I’m always playing and I’m not going to stop.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

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IT’S ALL BEEN DONE Former BNL singer Steven Page opens new doors with ‘Part II’

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

W

hen Steven Page briefly reunited with Barenaked Ladies for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame ceremony, it wasn’t out of love for his former bandmates.

The event, which was part of the Juno Awards earlier this year, shut the door on that chapter of his life.

“All I needed was to express to them how fond I am of what we did together.

I was grateful to have the opportunity,” Page says.

“I’ve spent 10 years working on this stuff. I don’t know what their band dynamic is. It was great to see their grown kids and hear bits about their lives, share some inside jokes and make music together.”

That aside, it was still emotional.

“When it was over, I went right into the studio with the Odds to record six songs,” Page says.

The result was his fourth solo effort,

Discipline: Heal Thyself, Part II, which he recorded with the Odds’ Craig Northey and Kevin Fox. “I’m so glad I went in the studio,” he says. “Otherwise, I would have crashed and felt depressed. It was this thing that built up and then it was done. I figured I had to go and be creative and work hard and be with my friends.”

The trio will come to Crescent Ballroom on Monday, November 26.

“Craig is my production partner and my best friend, my foil and guitar player,” he says. “Kevin Fox is on cello.

I’ve played with him the longest since I left Barenaked Ladies. He was the first guy I called after I split from the band.

After leaving them, I had to get out there and play every folk festival I could across Canada.”

He met Fox during his time with Barenaked Ladies.

“He was playing with Sarah Harmer in 2000,” he says. “I said, ‘Do you want to play cello with me?’ Thankfully he said yes and we’ve been inseparable since.

“I was doing duo shows with Craig and Kevin, and I thought I should put

the two different duos together and make a trio. It was magic. As soon as it happened, I knew it was something special. We all clicked personally and musically. It’s a pleasant way to spend an evening. We all have our own lives. We don’t have baggage. We just have laughs, which is nice.”

The trio feels bigger than it might imply, Page adds.

“We’re not doing jazz cabaret versions of ‘One Week,’” he says, before launching into the line “Chickity China the Chinese chicken.”

“It’s energized. There is a lot of banter and passion. We do songs all the way from Gordon to the new stuff.”

Discipline: Heal Thyself, Part II is the second half of the songs he wrote for part one. Page didn’t want to release 30 songs at once, so he split them and re-recorded some of the tracks for part two.

“It would have been a sizeable double album,” he says. “I thought it was, perhaps, presumptuous of me to think people would want to wade through 30 songs.

“I thought, ‘If people aren’t going

to dive into it all at once, am I just throwing this material away?’ So, I split it into two records.”

His plans changed, however, when he returned home. The songs didn’t feel comfortable nor could he connect with them. So, he re-recorded the songs, reedited them and replayed them.

“I can’t stop touching stuff,” he says with a laugh. “It’s a bunch of new songs I’m super excited about.

“There are a lot of artists and bands who can sing songs into a mic, say, that’s good and ‘Here’s my new song.’ That’s not how I make music. There’s a saying: 'A sculpture’s already in the stone, you just have to chip away at the stone until the sculpture’s revealed.’ I have a head full of white noise. I chip away at the white noise to get to the thing I hear. I get fixated on making sure it’s as close to what I can hear in my head as possible.

Sometimes that takes me some time.”

Part of that lends to depression. Page says when anything ends, like a tour, an album cycle or a departure from a band, it’s hard.

“Those are things that should be positive, but they suck the life out of me in a way,” Page says with a sigh. “I feel like that’s sometimes when I slide, while other people might celebrate.”

Steven Page Trio w/Wesley Stace Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Monday, November 26, $35.

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

NOVEMBER 7 Bettye LaVette

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $48.50-$53.50

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Keith Harkin

Last Exit Live, 3:30 p.m., $30-$75

Stolie

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $15-$20

Death from Above 1979

Vundabar

Milo w/Kenny Segal

NOVEMBER 11

The Pressroom, 8:30 p.m., $25-$30 Monarch Theatre, 8 p.m., $12-$15

NF

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $37.50$87.50

Russ

Gila River Arena, 9 p.m., $34.75$49.75

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $13-$15

The Blood Feud Family Singers Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $8-$10

Charlotte de Witte

Shady Park, 2 p.m., $20

Dermot Kennedy

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

NOVEMBER 4

NOVEMBER 1

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $18-$20

Emmet Cohen Trio

The Nash, 3 p.m., free-$20

NOVEMBER 8

David Luning

Eyehategod w/Cro-Mags

Donna the Buffalo

Psychostick

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $32.50-$85

Underoath

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $35-$38

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $11-$49

Kathy Mattea

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

MarchFourth

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$22

Maxwell

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $50.50$299.50

The Selecter

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $29.50-$30

NOVEMBER 2 EDGE Happy Hour: Furious Styles Crew

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Long Beach Dub Allstars The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22

The Menzingers

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25

Power Trip

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $18-$20

The Struts

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$45

Travis Tritt

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $46-$68

NOVEMBER 3 Cole Swindell and Dustin Lynch Comerica Theatre, 7:15 p.m., $53.75

Derez Déshon

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $20-$60

EDGE Happy Hour: Sandra Bassett

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Lea Michele and Darren Criss

ASU Gammage, 7:30 p.m., $41-$459

The Motet

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $22$35

Spafford

191 Toole, 9 p.m., $20-$25

The Steeldrivers

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$40 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Big Data

Danny Long Trio

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$45.50

Jam Session: Zach Wiggins

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

Raven

Club Red, 6 p.m., $14-$16

Rubblebucket

Suffocation

Club Red, 6 p.m., $27-$30

Club Red, 6 p.m., $23-$25 Club Red, 6 p.m., $15-$18

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $31.50$61.50

YBN Nahmir, YBN Almighty Jay and YBN Cordae

The Van Buren, 8:30 p.m., $27.50

NOVEMBER 9

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$35

The Dirty Nil

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Esteban

The Listening Room, 3 and 7:30 p.m., $65-$80

The Internet Pusha T

NOVEMBER 12 Greensky Bluegrass w/ The Lil Smokies

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $25

Phosphorescent

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $28-$30

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Atreyu

The Wldlfe w/Phangs

NOVEMBER 5

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $25

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Birdtalker

NOVEMBER 13

Azizi Gibson

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $18-$65

Duckwrth

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $17-$65

Evan + Zane

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $20$23

Felly

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$149

Lucero

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30.50$99

NOVEMBER 6 G Herbo w/ Southside, Queen Key

The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $25-$100

Great Lake Swimmers Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Khruangbin

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $20

Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$43.50

Metal Alliance Tour 8

Club Red, 5:30 p.m., $22-$25

The Record Company

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $29-$32

Royal Bliss

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

Tall Heights

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $14-$16

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Drug Church w/Gouge Away Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $12-$14

John Jorgenson

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$68.50

Inner Journeys Trio

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

Lost in the Sun

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$15

Them Evils

Club Red, 7 p.m., $10-$13

NOVEMBER 10

Billy F. Gibbons

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $41.50$275

Just Juice

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $15-$18

mewithoutYou

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$23

Open Mike Eagle

Sun Devil Stadium’s Coca-Cola Sun Deck, 8 p.m., $21.50

SOJA

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

Todd Rundgren

Andy Grammer

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $34-$57

Collidoscope

Iceage w/The Black Lips

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $35-$199 Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$15

Emo Nite w/3OH!3, Lil Aaron The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $25-$28

Five Finger Death Punch w/ Breaking Benjamin

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6 p.m., $30-$525

Generation Axe

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $49.50$250

Ghost

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50$174

John Jorgenson

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$68.50

NOVEMBER 14 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25

Kyle

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $28-$60

Rodney Crowell

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $40

NOVEMBER 15 AJR

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $25-$164

Awadagin Pratt

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $20

Bells Atlas

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER 19 Every Time I Die

Club Red, 7 p.m., $22-$25

Karla Bonoff

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

Korpiklaani w/Arkona

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$30

As a founding member of the legendary Italian progressive rock band Goblin, keyboardist Claudio Simonetti has contributed to the act’s most iconic works, including memorable scores for films like George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead and Dario Argento’s Suspiria. This tour focuses on the latter. Simonetti and his band, which is one of several active lineups of the now-fragmented Goblin, will perform the score live during a screening of Suspiria, followed by additional songs. This show comes at the perfect time, as Call Me by Your Name director Luca Guadagnino’s updated take on Suspiria (scored by Radiohead’s Thom Yorke) hit theaters at the tail end of October.

NOVEMBER 20 Boys of Fall w/ In Her Own Words

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$25

Descendents

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$45

Eli Young Band

Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $27.50

Old Wounds

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $13-$15

The Wind + The Wave Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

Ural Thomas & The Pain

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

NOVEMBER 16 1964 Beatles Tribute

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$45

The 44s

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Archenaut

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$13

Blockhead

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Carole Pellatt & Boneyard The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Dead Floyd

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

EDGE Happy Hour: Flamenco Por La Vida

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Haken w/Leprous

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $24$26

The Helio Sequence

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

Rittz w/King Lil G

The Nile, 7:30 p.m., $25-$30

NOVEMBER 17 Dead Floyd

Orpheum Theater – Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $10-$12

EDGE Happy Hour: Romen Buffalo & The Loyal Order

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Lil Xan

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $27.50-$199

Oliver Francis

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $14-$60

Raul Midón

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Bogle Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $26-$38

Seaway w/Trophy Eyes The Nile, 6 p.m., $17-$20

Southern Culture on the Skids The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $20

StringShot

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Cat Power

Jane Monheit

NOVEMBER 26 Steven Page Trio

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $35

NOVEMBER 27

Celtic Thunder

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Dom Kennedy

John Nolan & His Band

Joe Bonamassa

Metalachi

Like Moths to Flames

NOVEMBER 28

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$68.50 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$85 Tucson Music Hall, 8 p.m., $59-$565 The Nile, 6 p.m., $15-$18

Machine Head

Club XS, 8:30 p.m., $25-$28

Daley

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

NOVEMBER 25

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$45.50

MARQUEE THEATRE, 7:30 P.M. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, $25-$65

Strolling Bones w/ Chalmers Green

Ian Sweet

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin

61

A Perfect Circle

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $49.50$303.50 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$18

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20 Fleetwood Mac Talking Stick Resort Arena, 8 p.m., $410-$585

The Number Twelve Looks Like You

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $55$225

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

The Skatalites

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20-$22

NOVEMBER 21

The Rock, 8 p.m., $18-$299

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20

Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Heart Society

PJ Morton SoMo

NOVEMBER 29 Jorja Smith w/ Ravyn Lenae

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $23.50-$33.50

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

Postmodern Jukebox

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $34-$205

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $90-$925

NOVEMBER 22

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

NOVEMBER 23 Ghostemane

Club Red, 7 p.m., $22-$150

Good Charlotte

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $40

Justin Timberlake Unlimited Gravity

NOVEMBER 30 Bruce Hornsby

Fox Tucson Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $34$84

EDGE Happy Hour: DJ Mün Jale

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

Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

NOVEMBER 18

Meat Puppets

Club Red – East, 6:30 p.m., $20

NB Ridaz

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

Tokyo Police Club

Circa Survive

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $25

Justin Martin

Shady Park, 2 p.m., $20

Karla Bonoff

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$22

Fortunate Youth Hoobastank

Rialto Theatre, 7 p.m., $42-$57

Justin Courtney Pierre

NOVEMBER 24

Petula Clark

Bogan Via

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $23-$25

Valley Bar, 6 p.m., $12-$15

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $48$101.50

Kiiara w/Abir

L.A. Guns

The Story So Far

With Confidence w/ Broadside

Nathan Carter

Vista Kicks

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$45.50 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25

The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $15-$18

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25-$55 Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $38-$58

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27-$47 The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $12-$15

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PROMISE TO MYSELF T Heather Copfer » The Entertainer!

he alternative pop-punk band Promise to Myself likes to keep things light and fun but also “relatable in some way.”

Promise to Myself is among the bands playing the Mesa Music Festival set for November 8 to November 10.

Promise to Myself – rhythm guitarist/ back-up vocalist Zack Bruge, drummer Tony Galvan, singer/bassist Karl Nagy and lead guitarist Brad Stockton – is scheduled to play at 6:50 p.m. Friday, November 9, at Milano’s Warehouse.

The venue is located at 30 W. Main Street, Mesa.

The show is in support of its five-song EP, One for the Runaways, which was released earlier this year. Promise to Myself’s music falls in the pop-punk category, finding influence in the likes of 5 Seconds of Summer and Blink-182.

“Our favorite bands are all alternative pop-rock bands, so we figured we might as well play that genre,” Bruge said simply. “It’s what we know and what we like so we never changed it (playing the genre).”

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Recently, the quartet hit a musical high when it released its first video for the song “Another Tragedy.” The twoday video shoot took the teens to various locales like Castles N’ Coasters and Cave Creek. On the first day, the teens arose at the crack of dawn, but their enthusiasm for the project made it well worth the lack of sleep.

“We had such an energy high from filming in Cave Creek,” Bruge says about their first day on set. Eager to continue filming, the band “went to bed at 3 after the first day and woke up at 5 the next.”

On the shoot’s second day, the men spent three hours filming in a warehouse without air conditioning.

“We were just four sweaty dudes chilling in a warehouse getting a video camera pointed at us. So, it was kind of fun.”

The music video tells the story about a record label’s demand for the band to conform to its needs. First it’s a country look, complete with plaid shirts and cowboy boots. The record label emails them to say it looks horrible, try “the boy band thing.” And still, the label isn’t pleased with that either. After attempting a variety of looks, the group eventually fires the label and finds their

Musicians inject energy into relatable music

own style.

The EP also features the tracks “It’s Okay,” “Eyes as Mirrors,” “There Goes My Heart (Again)” and “Monster,” “Another Tragedy” is one of the most relatable songs on the EP. “Everyone goes through a time when they feel ostracized and alone, especially kids in high school and around our age,” says Bruge, 18. “But it’s cool to be different, it’s cool to be another tragedy.”

In creating the music video, the goal wasn’t to make “Another Tragedy” a song of sorrow, but a fun and celebratory way of being different. It wasn’t meant to be perceived as sad, like it may seem from the title. Since it’s a huge fan favorite and one of their more fun songs it made sense to be their music video debut, according to Nagy.

Promise to Myself wasn’t always a quartet. Nagy, Stockton and Bruge, all of whom graduated in 2018 from Pinnacle High School, formed the band their freshman year at their school’s guitar class. The three of them played covers until they were introduced to Galvan, a Paradise Valley High School student, who solidified Promise to Myself’s lineup.

All four of them hail from different

hometowns: Stockton from Scottsdale; Nagy is from Austin, Texas; Galvan from Phoenix and although Bruge has lived in Phoenix most of his life, he was born in Fullerton, California. For now, the group plans on staying in Phoenix.

With its mix of vibrancy and musical ability, the quartet has left its mark throughout the Valley by performing at the likes of the Rebel Lounge, Club Red, Joe’s Grotto and The Nile. Other highlights include playing the 2017 Warped Tour and hearing “It’s Okay” on ALT AZ 93.3.

Amid work, school and band practice, Promise to Myself has no intention of slowing down. The group is writing new material and plan on recording it in February for a spring or early summer EP. “We definitely want this to be our fulltime jobs,” Nagy says. “We don’t take ourselves very seriously, but we take our music seriously.”

Promise to Myself Milano’s Warehouse, 30 W. Main Street, Mesa, mesamusicfest. com, 6:50 p.m. Friday, November 9, free.

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A TENTATIVE

COMEBACK Underoath swears to play its career by ear Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

U

nderoath had an idea in 2016 to reform and play shows in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Define the Great Line. The gigs proved to be more than a party. It was a study in the musicians’ maturity.

“When we got on that tour, we realized how much we had changed and grown as people,” says keyboardist Christopher Dudley.

“When we were around each other again, we decided we wanted to keep playing. All these pent-up creative juices just started coming out.”

They thought they would write and

record and see where things went “We didn’t tell anybody we were writing and recording,” Dudley says.

“We didn’t want the pressure. We hadn’t written together in so long and we were worried we wouldn’t be feeling what we were doing. That was the opposite of what happened. It was nice to go in and write and enjoy our time, instead of feeling pressured.”

The result is Erase Me, the band’s first album in eight years. It debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Album Sales chart.

Music isn’t a longtime dream of Dudley’s; he wanted to follow in his Air Force father’s footsteps.

“I wanted to be a pilot,” he says.

“That’s all I wanted to do. I wanted to fly fighter jets, but I got too tall. You

can only be a certain height. My dad said I could fly cargo planes, but I couldn’t fly fighter jets.

“I was in high school, floating around, not doing anything. I didn’t have a whole lot of aspirations in life.

When I was a sophomore in high school, someone asked me if I wanted to be in a band. I said sure.”

Dudley is 36 and he’s still playing music.

“I had no idea what I was signing up for,” he says with a laugh. “I am super grateful. The fact that I’m able to do it for this long and make a career out of it is pretty crazy.”

That’s especially true with Underoath: drummer/vocalist Aaron Gillespie; guitarist Timothy McTague; bassist

Grant Brandell; vocalist/guitarist Spencer Chamberlain and rhythm/lead guitarist James Smith.

“One of the things that’s great about being back together is we’re not road dogs like we were 10 or 15 years ago,” Dudley says. “We’re doing things a lot smarter and we’re doing stuff that makes sense to us and our lives. It’s fun.”

Underoath w/Dance Gavin Dance, Crown the Empire and The Plot in You Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m.

Thursday, November 8, $31.50-$61.50.

AND THE

BIG WILD JUNGLE

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THE NIGHTOWL

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR NOVEMBER Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

too. Gestalt Theory will do live visuals. This show is 21 and older.

Bar Smith, 130 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Dusk 2018

Riva Starr

NOVEMBER 8 From London, Snatch! Records owner Riva Starr will bring a set to Tempe’s Shady Park. The DJ/producer is eclectic, with a wide range of influences, but the important thing is you can catch Starr this November.

This show is 21 and older.

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, shadyparktempe.com, 9 p.m., $18-$20.

NOVEMBER 10 AND NOVEMBER 11 A stacked cast of musicians will come together for Tucson’s twoday music, food and art festival, Dusk. Just a few of the big names set to make appearances are Dillon Francis, Phantogram, Big Gigantic, Cold War Kids, Jai Wolf, Kyle and A-Trak. Fools Gold Records will also do stage takeovers.

Armory Park, 222 S. Fifth Avenue, Tucson, duskmusicfestival. com, $49-$449.

The Orb

NOVEMBER 9 British electronic music legends The Orb will perform a 30th anniversary greatest-hits set, plus selections from new release No Sounds Are Out of Bounds at this Pressroom show. With a discography dating back to the late ’80s and spanning 15 albums, not to mention plenty of EPs, singles and remixes, The Orb has plenty of cuts to choose from. Special guests Sean Watson and Michael Hooker will provide support. This show is 21 and older.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, thepressroomaz. com, 9 p.m., $20-$25.

Shaded

NOVEMBER 9 Shaded will help Bar Smith celebrate the fifth anniversary of its Big Fun Fridays. Sean Watson, Cormac and Klü will take part,

Shlump

NOVEMBER 10 Join Shlump on the Hyper Space Tour this November, as the DJ/ producer brings his “Alien bass musik” to Shady Park near ASU. Sayer is coming along for the ride. This show is 21 and older.

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $15.

G Jones

NOVEMBER 14 Learn The Ineffable Truth at G Jones’ titular tour this November.

Otherwise known as Greg Jones, this DJ/producer hails from Santa Cruz, California. This show is 18 and older.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15.

YOOKiE

NOVEMBER 15 Brothers Anthony and Christopher Alfaro are YOOKiE. These two Lords of Bass will show Southern Arizonans what they’re all about when they bring the tour of the same name to Gentle Ben’s in the middle of the month. And what they’re about is sure to be about the bass, if the tour name has anything to say about it. This show is 18 and older.

Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, 520.624.4177, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Blastoyz

NOVEMBER 16 Israeli trance DJ/producer Kobi Nigreker is Blastoyz. If you’re not familiar with his psychedelic take on the genre, you’ll just have to find out firsthand this November when Nigreker delivers a free (with RSVP, of course) show at Māyā. If you miss out on the reservations, don’t fret – tickets can still be purchased for $10. This show is 21 and older.

Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., free admission with RSVP, or $10.

John Digweed

NOVEMBER 16 British DJ/producer Thomas John Digweed, known simply as John Digweed, is coming to Shady Park, with openers Turner & Heit and Michael Hooker in tow. Digweed has a multidecade career. This show is 21 and older.

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $35.

Justin Martin

NOVEMBER 16 San Francisco’s Justin Martin will Set It Off with this tour when he stops at Orpheum Theater. Though he’ll bring his house music to the crisp, chilly Flagstaff air, Martin’s true interest, as he says on Facebook, is pizza. But isn’t that the case for all of us? This show is 18 and older.

Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.556.1580, relentlessbeats. com, 8 p.m., $15-$35.

Origins 2018

NOVEMBER 17 One of several EDM festivals in November, Origins 2018 will bring a handful of artists together at Rawhide’s Riverwalk. Performers, in order of appearance, are Duke Dumont, Lane 8, Justin Jay, Autograf, Nora En Pure, EDX and Sean Watson. This event is 18 and older.

The Riverwalk at Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, relentlessbeats. com, 3 p.m., $39-$89.

Sandra Collins

NOVEMBER 21 Lead into Thanksgiving the right way – by seeing longtime DJ/ producer Sandra Collins at Bar Smith. At only $10, this show could be considered a steal, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to catch this proponent of progressive house and trance. This show is 21 and older.

Bar Smith, 130 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

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MAD MIXOLOGIST Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

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s you can probably tell from the name, new bar concept Hatter and Hare draws inspiration from all things Alice in Wonderland. It takes over the space most recently occupied by Joe’s Midnight Run and is designed to be a one-of-a-kind fantasyland for adults with elevated food and cocktails designed to match the theme.

Loosely themed on the White Rabbit’s perspective of Wonderland, the décor features bright colors, bold-yetwhimsical designs, murals and oversized furniture. Guests can cozy up in the Mad Hatter’s teacup or lounge on the Let-Them-Eat-Cake couch, for example.

The staff is in on the fun, too. Each is dressed in a costume fitting the theme and happy to help guests get into the eccentric spirit.

One of the mad mixologists – quite literally in this sense given the “mad hatter” theme – behind the bar is Sean Wright. He got his start behind the bar at Joe’s Midnight Run. When the new owners came on board, Wright fell in love with the concept and earned a spot with the new team in helping design the bar menu.

We recently sat down with Wright – a fan making classic cocktails with clever twists – to learn more about his story and his madly marvelous cocktails at Hatter and Hare.

TELL ME ABOUT THE ODDEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE GOTTEN. I have two. Once, I had a guest ask for an old fashioned, which is a classic cocktail generally made with bourbon, Angostura bitters and a sugar cube, except he wanted to sub the bourbon with smoky mezcal. Talk about a change to the flavor profile.

I’ve also had a request for a margarita, which we all know and love with tequila, except they wanted me to add an egg white to it. Thinking they just wanted extra froth, but it was an out-of-the-box request nonetheless.

WHAT IS YOUR NO. 1 PET PEEVE WHEN WORKING? For me, cleanliness is next to godliness behind the bar, and everything has its place. If team members make any sort of mess and don’t clean it, or move

THE MAD HATTER 1.5 ounces of Green Spot Irish Whiskey 0.5 ounces passion fruit liqueur 0.5 ounces apricot brandy 1 ounce tea simple syrup 3-4 dashes of tiki bitters 0.75 ounces lemon juice Add all ingredients, shake, strain into tea cup and serve.

Hatter and Hare 6101 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 480.865.2447, hatterandhareaz.com.

something without putting it back, it messes with the entire bar. Thankfully, smooth sailing at Hatter and Hare since opening.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK WHEN YOU’RE AT A BAR OTHER THAN YOUR OWN? Great question! As far as specific cocktails, I love the Vieux Carré, which was invited in the French Quarter of New Orleans and has cognac, vermouth, bitters and more. I also love The Last Word, which consists of equal amounts of gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and freshly pressed lime juice, which are combined in a shaker with ice.

Of course, I also love checking out other great cocktail spots including Camp Social, Bitter & Twisted, UnderTow and the newly opened Pobrecito, and then leaving it up to the expert bartenders to make me something.

WHAT DOES ORDERING A VODKA TONIC SAY ABOUT A PERSON? It might mean they have tried going the route of experimental or creative cocktails before and not been happy, so they are playing it safe and going back to basics.

TELL US ABOUT THE COCKTAIL PROGRAM AT HATTER AND HARE. If you’re familiar with Alice in Wonderland, you will remember Alice was given a potion that said “Drink Me” once in Wonderland. The magical liquid made her shrink down so she could fit through a little door that led to a gorgeous garden, and then all the wildness ensued. In homage, our cocktail program is called “Drink Me” and features concoctions that push the creative envelope while remaining approachable. To paint the picture, our Cheshire Cat libation changes colors

before guests’ very eyes as “potions” are added; and our Jabberwocky is served in a vintage-style apothecary bottle. Of course, even in this mad world, we also offer a full menu of fantastic beers and wines as well.

WHAT IS ONE COCKTAIL YOU WOULD LOVE FOR US TO FEATURE IN THE MAGAZINE THIS MONTH? The Mad Hatter WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS DRINK? Visually, serving it in a tea cup really ties together with our theme. And then flavor-wise, there is a lot going on. It’s pleasing, especially with the combination of the passion fruit’s tang, the whisky’s strength and apricot’s sweetness. And finally, thus far it has been a crowd pleaser for both men and women 21 and older.

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Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

T th h e to O rb returns

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very show is special, The Orb’s Alex Paterson says after answering his phone from a bar in Liverpool. In just a few hours, The Orb is set to perform a show at Invisible Wind Factory.

“It’s never the same thing twice, so, therefore, in essence, you’re never going to get the same gig,” Paterson continues.

The ambient house pioneer and electronic group’s founding member says the tour has new visuals, and it is collaborator Michael Rendall who takes the stage with him at live engagements.

Those performances will continue Friday, November 9, when The Orb is supported by Sean Watson and Michael Hooker at The Pressroom in Phoenix. Paterson says he’s looking forward to the Valley, where The Orb launched its first U.S. tour in 1991.

Posters bill the 30th anniversary tour as a greatest hits set plus songs from this year’s No Sounds Are Out of Bound. Paterson says setlists vary.

“We’ll be playing tracks off the new album, but not the whole new album,” he says in his heavy English accent, changing focus to older tracks. “We’ll be playing what we consider favorite tunes.

Sometimes we’ll drop “Plateau;” sometimes we’ll drop, oh, (“Star 6 & 7 8 9”); sometimes we’ll drop “Blue Room.” It depends on the evening; depends how we feel. Or, we might play all them. But, depends how long we got.”

He estimates it to be a 50/50 balance between new and classic material.

“We’re picking out real classic favorites – ‘Perpetual Dawn;’ ‘(Little) Fluffy Clouds;’ ‘Blue Room,’” he adds. “And I think, more than likely, Americans will know from the first two albums.

‘Towers of Dub,’ for example.”

But when it comes to keeping it fresh while touring the world, spontaneity is the key. Being less calculated is perhaps what works best for Paterson.

“There’s no method in madness,” he says. “But my method is to try and create a different style of the same tune … That’s the trick I have to play for myself to keep myself interested in the song. Otherwise I’d just play the CD and that would be really boring for me.”

Since its inception in 1988, Paterson has remained The Orb’s sole consistent member. He has worked with a rotating cast of members over the past three decades, namely Thomas Fehlmann.

The Orb’s new album, No Sounds Out of Bounds, however, is a bit different from recent projects, looking outside just Paterson and Fehlmann to involve a larger lineup of collaborators ranging from Killing Joke bassist Youth to Rendall, Roger Eno, Roney FM, Hollie Cook, Guy Pratt and many others.

“It became less Thomas and more of the people that I really wanted to work with,” Paterson explains of the change in process. “Thomas didn’t want to work with anybody else, so I got kind of bored and stuck in a rut, really. I come from London, Thomas comes from Berlin, and I felt that The Orb was becoming too Berlin-based, too German-based.”

He cites their Cologne-based former record label, Kompakt, as well as Fehlmann’s Berlin studio.

“I just wanted a change. I wanted it to be kind of British again,” he adds. “I asked Thomas to stay on board and he didn’t want to, because he didn’t want to work with various people.”

Paterson clarifies that Fehlmann still did a handful of tracks. “It’s not like he’s disappeared completely.”

Among No Sounds Are Out of Bound’s personnel is former Public Image Ltd. bassist Jah Wobble, who The Orb previously worked with on U.F.Orb’s “Blue Room” in 1992. Though that track is a significant moment in the group’s 15-album

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discography, this new collaboration elicits some friction in the group.

“It gets frustrating when you’re talking to someone who you’ve known for a long time who turns around and tells me he doesn’t like Jah Wobble’s bassline when we’ve been using Jah Wobble on a bassline for ‘Blue Room’ for the last 25 years,” Paterson says. “Got a little bit kind of confused on that one, me.”

Though he repeatedly suggests it should be Fehlmann who speaks on his own input, Paterson adds with finality, “I’m not the one who decided to leave because I was bringing other people in to enrich the sound.

And then what was the first album like? The first album was exactly the same thing. I didn’t hear anybody moaning about that. What it was is 25 musicians or something on the first album. But then, you know, that’s how it goes.”

Though No Sounds Are Out of Bound is similar to The Orb’s Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld in terms of bringing in external help, Paterson says it’s not an attempt to replicate past works.

As to whether performing has changed since The Orb was founded 30 years ago, Paterson says he doesn’t dwell on such things.

“Everything changes,” he clarifies. “Life is about change. The change is in everybody. It depends how much you want to change, and maybe I should change the name of The Orb and change it to something else next year, because it’s all about change.

“Life is all about change and The Orb is about change anyway,” he continues. “I have always changing personnel, I’ve changed people, but I’ve just kept the name.

And, it’s kind of a popular name now.”

The Orb w/Sean Watson, Michael Hooker The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, 602.396.7136, thepressroomaz. com, 9 p.m. Friday, November 9, $20-$25.

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YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

The Guinness Book of World Records reports the

HEAVIEST TURKEY weighed

Most Americans like THE PILGRIMS DIDN’T EAT TURKEY at the first Thanksgiving.

They had deer, ducks, geese, oysters, lobster, eel and fish.

THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS more than the meal.

The Butterball TURKEY TALK LINE answers almost 100,000 calls each year.

WILD TURKEYS CAN RUN

20 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THEY ARE SCARED.

THANKSGIVING BECAME A NATIONAL HOLIDAY AFTER SARAH JOSEPH HALE PERSUADED ABRAHAM LINCOLN TO DECREE IT.

86 pounds.