The Entertainer! December 2019

PHX METRO » DECEMBER 2019

HAPPINESS CONTINUES THE JONAS BROTHERS

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

CONTENTS

16

ON THE COVER

5

The Jonas Brothers return with second vibrant show

HAPPINESS CONTINUES

12

38 MR. NICE GUY

Alice Cooper reforms his band for Christmas Pudding Fundraiser

CHOCOLATE SYMPHONY

Gayle’s Chocolates finds new home in Cottonwood resort unveiling new look

on the cover: The Jonas Brothers Cover photo courtesy Republic Records

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

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

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

Executive Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura

cdziawura@timespublications.com

designer

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

Shannon Mead

production manager

Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun wants to win ‘so bad’

Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

CONTENTS UPFRONT

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

8

contributing writers

Top 25 • Alice Cooper • Jim Breuer • Jonas Brothers • New Year’s Eve Roundup • Brian Regan

CITY

55

20

Phoenix Music Scene • Asian International Film Festival Arizona • Nick Offerman

TRAVEL

24

Amara Resort in Sedona

ARTS

26

SILVER ANNIVERSARY

Authority Zero celebrates 25 years playing music for the fans

Arts Calendar • The Nutcracker Roundup • Black Nativity • Million Dollar Quartet

DINING

59

36

Dining Calendar • Gayle’s Chocolates • Corleone’s

BEER AND WINE

42

Beer and Wine Calendar • Beer Pairing • Winter Wine Talk

CASINOS

44

Casino Entertainment Calendar • 98 Degrees

SPORTS

46 48

Family Calendar • Disney Junior Holiday Party • Zoppe Circus

MUSIC

52

Live Music Calendar • Kiefer Sutherland • Authority Zero • Emarosa • New Chums • Eddie Eberle

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MAD MIXOLOGIST

Toca Madera mixology maven Charity Johnston NIGHTLIFE Nightlife Calendar • Mad Mixologist

58

IN CLOSING

Staff Photographers

Chris Mortenson, Pablo Robles

Contributing Photographers Bobby Bruderle, Laura Durant, Rob Fenn, Michael Gomez, Jim Louvau, Phil Provencio, Kevin Mazur/Getty, Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks, Li Tienan/Dongchun Films, Matt Winkelmeyer, 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.

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.

Sports Calendar • Jakob Chychrun

FAMILY

Alison Bailin Batz, Laura Latzko, Haley Lorenzen, Megan Marples, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, Eric Newman, Bridgette Redman, Octavio Serrano, Annika Tomlin, Natalie Urquiza

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DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

Diamondbacks Most Valuable Partner Celebration

480.348.0343

A Journey

Through 5,000 Years

SHEN YUN takes you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5,000 years of divinely inspired civilization.

Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, enchanting orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops. It is an immersive experience that will uplift your spirit and transport you to another world. It’s 5,000 years of civilization reborn!

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

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I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!”

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It brings great hope...”

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MAR 3–8 FEB 22–23 MAR 12–15 Tucson Music Hall Phoenix Orpheum Theatre Mesa Arts Center

ShenYun.com/AZ 800.880.0188

8

TOP25

UPFRONT

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

The Sound of Music

Snowy Christmas

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 22 Rawhide is the ultimate holiday destination. All month, the western attraction will be decked out in holiday décor and lights.

Entertainment includes visits from Santa, and tree-lighting ceremonies each Friday to Sunday. Visitors can drop off letters to the man with the bag and enjoy a nightly snowfall.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, 5 to 10 p.m., free.

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31 The Valley is alive with the sound of music! The inspiring Rodgers and Hammerstein musical follows a nun named Maria who goes to stay with the Von Trapps and finds herself in an enchanting romance with a family she never imagined, tackling battles that seemed far away. Don’t wait to grab tickets— they’re going do-re-mi-fast.

Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, times vary, $41-$138.

Lights of the World

DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31 Pack your bags and head down to the state fairgrounds for a cultural holiday celebration in the vein of age-old Chinese traditions. With a technology twist, the Lights of the World lantern festival features 75 exhibitions showcasing landmarks from around the world.

Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.252.6711, bit. ly/2CxyfIK, 5:30 to 10 p.m., $12.60 adults, $10.50 kids.

“Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” ZooLights

TO JANUARY 19 The Phoenix Zoo’s annual holiday celebration goes wild this year.

See the zoo’s glowing animal displays in a new light with a wildlife lantern safari, as well as millions of sparkling lights, food and drink, live reindeer and a polar slide. Grab your tickets online for a $1 discount.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo.org, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., $14.95-$19.95.

DECEMBER 5 TO DECEMBER 15 The iconic editorial by Francis P. Church comes to life in this heartwarming play for the whole family. In 1897, 8-year-old Virginia wonders if Santa really exists or not after a series of unfortunate events hits her family. Meanwhile, a newspaper editor struggles to face the holidays with his job on the line. A little Christmas spirit is about to bring the two together in a way they never expected.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $15.

Greyson Chance

DECEMBER 6 Greyson Chance skyrocketed to notoriety when his sixth-grade performance of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” went viral, earning him a visit to “Ellen” followed by YouTube fame. Nearly 10 years later, he’s come into his own pop, funk, electric sound with his sophomore album, “Portraits.”

The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.296.7013, therebellounge. com, 7 p.m., $15.

“Home Alone” in Concert

DECEMBER 6 TO DECEMBER 8 What happens when your family forgets you during vacation, burglars set their sights on your house, and you’re only 8 years old? The beloved holiday blockbuster comes to life in a new way this year, hitting the big screen alongside John Williams’ score performed live by the Phoenix Symphony and chorus.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1999, phoenixsymphony.org, times vary, $25-$98.

Las Noches de las Luminarias DECEMBER 6 TO DECEMBER 31 The Desert Botanical Garden glows with the light of 8,000 luminarias every weekend as part of their enchanting holiday celebration.

Visitors can stroll through the trails, enjoy live music and storytelling, and snack on hot dogs and chili at the garden’s restaurant.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., adults $34.95 and $12.95 kids 12 and younger.

Tumbleweed Tree Lighting

DECEMBER 7 The Tumbleweed Tree Lighting is an annual fixture for the Chandler community.

Each year, the city flashes its glow especially bright for an evening of ceremony, musical performances, a parade and pictures with Mr. Claus himself.

Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2000, chandleraz.gov/tumbleweedtree, 4:30 to 9 p.m., free.

PJs in the Park

DECEMBER 7 It’s a holiday double feature this month at Civic Space Park.

Shimmy into your finest pair of pajamas and grab the blankets for “The Polar Express” and “Elf” under the city stars. Bring the family and stick around for hot chocolate, snacks and festivity to spare.

Downtown Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1500, dtphx.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., free.

Scottsdale Wine Fest

DECEMBER 7 Feeling the holiday blues? Come wine about it with your friends at the Scottsdale Wine Fest, featuring pours from Babe, Kim Crawford, Sonoma-Cutrer and more than 20 other wineries. Tickets include tastings and giveaways.

Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.970.0500, scottsdalewinefest.weebly. com, 2 to 6 p.m., $20-$30.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

An Ital

9

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DEC 26 - JAN 5

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show | DEC 13

The Price Is Right Live JAN 18 | 4:00 P.M. & 8:00 P.M.

The Texas Tenors JAN 25

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PHX METRO » JULY 2019

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Electric Light Parade

DECEMBER 7 The APS Electric Light Parade has been sparkling through Downtown Phoenix streets for more than three decades. Bring the blankets and the family to celebrate with the rest of the city with spectacular floats, music and an abundance of lights.

Central and Montebello avenues, Phoenix, phoenix. gov/elp, 7 to 9 p.m., free.

Jingle Bash

DECEMBER 8 AND DECEMBER 9 Live 101.5 is in the giving mood this holiday season with a twonight, all-star lineup. A who’s who of pop music will bring the seasonal spirit to downtown Phoenix, with the first night set to feature Why Don’t We, Loud Luxury and Bryce Vine. Jon Bellion, Louis Tomlinson and Max will take the stage for night two.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx. com, 8 p.m., $62.

Emo Nite

Phoestivus

DECEMBER 12 AND DECEMBER 19 The German tradition of Christmas markets—with the spirit of “Seinfeld’s” Festivus—comes to Downtown Phoenix in this allinclusive December celebration.

Featuring more than 200 local vendors, a special Phoestivus Ale, reindeer and a hipster Santa, the two-night market is free fun for the whole fam.

Phoenix Public Market, 721 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.253.2700, phoestivus. com, 5 to 10 p.m., free.

DECEMBER 12 No one has had as big of a year as Ariana Grande. The “thank u, next” singer brings the second leg of her global “Sweetener Tour” back to the Valley for another round of self-love, slow jams and high ponytails. Rumor has it, she might even dust off the oversized hoodie for a few festive cuts from fan-favorite LP “Christmas & Chill,” as well.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena. com, 7 p.m., $45.50-$400.

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“A Charlie Brown Christmas:” Live on Stage

A Drag Queen Christmas

DECEMBER 13 Why spill the hot chocolate when you can spill the tea? Drag queens from VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” present as spicy of a seasonal show as ever, filled with wild performances from show favorites.

Last season’s hilarious and overthe-top Nina West hosts the show.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, dragfans. com, 8 p.m., $38.50-$53.50.

BS Movies: “Gremlins”

Ariana Grande

DECEMBER 14 Whether it’s jamming to the recently reunited My Chemical Romance or bopping to new Panic! at the Disco, there’s a little emo in everyone. Celebrate with your people at this dance party featuring special Emo Nite merch, drinks, live performances and your favorite moody jams.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, emonite. com, 9 p.m., $15.

DECEMBER 13 Believe it or not, “Gremlins” is a holiday film! What starts as one boy’s quirky Chinatown pet ends up threatening the whole town when it transforms into a pack of evil gremlins. BS Movie presents a special screening at FilmBar, featuring a live podcast, trivia and prizes.

FilmBar, 815 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.595.9187, thefilmbarphx.com, 8 p.m., $9.95.

12 Bars of Christmas Crawl

DECEMBER 14 Don your finest holiday onesie, Santa suit or ugly sweater for this bar crawl through Old Town Scottsdale, making stops at El Hefe, Bottled Blonde, Wasted Grain and more. Participants will receive a Santa hat, souvenir cup and drink specials, but it is BYOHC: Bring your own holiday cheer.

Old Town Scottsdale, 7340 E. Indiana Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.1112, xmasscaz.eventbrite.com, noon to 8 p.m., $16.

either the 5K or 15K, in support of Make-a-Wish. Finishers receive special chocolate-shaped medals and plenty of sweet goodies on the other side of the finish line.

Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, 1700 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, hotchocolate15k. com, 7 a.m., $49-$69.

“The Nutcracker”

DECEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 22 Delight in “The Nutcracker,” courtesy of the Ballet Etudes company, which is presenting this holiday classic for the 33rd year. Follow Clara on her magical journey as she encounters mice, enchanting dance numbers and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production even uses Tchaikovsky’s original score.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $28-$32.

Holiday Jazz and Wine at the Garden

DECEMBER 15 Take your special someone out for a snazzy evening stroll as the Japanese Friendship Garden sets the mood for an evening of drinks, jazz and nature. With happy hour prices on wine, beer and sake, as well as charcuterie boards and soulful music, it’s the perfect mood for a holiday date night— or solo selfie by the waterfall.

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, 1125 N. Third Avenue, Phoenix, 602.274.8700, jazzandwine2019.bpt. me, 4 to 7 p.m., $7-$10.

Allstate Hot Chocolate 15K and 5K

DECEMBER 15 Hot cocoa feels different after a 9-mile run through the brisk morning air! Get started on that New Year’s resolution early with

DECEMBER 26 The classic Charlie Brown special comes to life in a new touring production. Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang learn about the reason for the season when they have to produce their own Christmas play. Featuring beloved Christmas carols, as well as music from the original show, it’s a mustsee for fans and families alike.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 4 p.m., $43.50-$65.

Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus

DECEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 29 The Zoppé Italian Family Circus swings through Chandler with a new show featuring astounding acrobatics, equestrians and Nino the Clown. The one-ring circus is rooted in the Italian tradition and is presented on the grounds in a 500-seat tent for an authentic and fun experience for all ages.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, times vary, $24-$45 for adults, and $15-$40 for kids.

Decadence

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 The biggest dance party in the state returns to ring in the New Year! Taking over Rawhide for two nights of drinks, dancing and clean starts, this year’s event is stacked with a killer lineup of EDM favorites including Diplo, Dillon Francis, Skrillex and Zeds Dead.

Plenty of others are on deck, too, like Nora En Pure and Illenium.

Rawhide Event Center, 5244 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 480.502.5600, decadencearizona.com, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. both nights, $119-$789.

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MR. NICE GUY

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Alice Cooper reforms his band for Christmas Pudding Fundraiser Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

A

lice Cooper has been embedded into the Valley since he moved here in the late 1960s, but that doesn’t mean his heart isn’t in his home state of Michigan.

“Go Lions!” he exclaims as he hangs up the phone.

This forthcoming album is a love letter to Detroit. He used Detroit musicians like drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek; guitarists Mark Farner and Wayne Kramer; along with Motown session musicians.

“It’s a tip of the hat to Detroit,” says Cooper, calling from Huntsville, Alabama. “For some reason, with Detroit musicians, there’s a certain amount of R&B in guitar playing, in the drums, in the bass. They can’t get away from it. It’s built in—even with the hard rock stuff.”

He’ll spend 2020 promoting that, but this holiday season his efforts are in Phoenix, where he’ll host the Christmas Pudding Fundraiser at 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14, at the Celebrity Theatre.

Cooper’s signature event will bring together Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway from the original Alice Cooper Band. Other guests include Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford of Paradise Valley; guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa; Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme; musician/comedian Gary Mule Deer; Cooper’s guitarist Nita Strauss; Mark Slaughter of Slaughter; and comedian Jim Breuer.

“Every year, I try to get an entirely different lineup,” Cooper says. “I thought, ‘Who haven’t we had on the show?’ Bonamassa is going to be great. He’s one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Rob Halford, the guys from Extreme, the original Alice Cooper Band, Jim Breuer, Gary Mule Deer, Mark Slaughter, and we invited Nita Strauss and her boyfriend, who plays the drums. They have an album out. She was just voted one of the best female guitarists in the world. She’s going to come up and do a couple songs.

“We make it very loose. Everybody can sit in with everybody. I’ve invited Johnny Depp. He’s been to the Pudding five or six times. If he wants to drop in, he can.”

Depp and Alice Cooper, along with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, perform as the ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Hollywood Vampires, who return to the road in the spring.

“The Hollywood Vampires is entirely different than my show,” Cooper says.

“We’re one of the last hard rock bands out there. It’s fun. The Alice Cooper show is much more produced like a storyline. I call the Vampires ‘the world’s most expensive bar band.’

“The Alice Cooper Band never talks to the audience until the end of the show. I don’t want Alice to be human. I want him to be a character.

In the Vampires shows, I tell stories about Jim Morrison, The Who and John Lennon. That’s the nature of the show.”

Proceeds benefit the free music, dance, arts and vocational programs for teens ages 12 to 20 at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center.

“You’re never going to run out of teenagers who have the potential to go left or right,” Cooper says.

“They’re going to go in a really good direction or a damning sorts of direction where they’re going to get shot or go to jail. I try to give those same kids the opportunity to come in and try to learn art and dance, but mostly they come in to learn guitar, bass and drums.

Everything is free.”

The Solid Rock Teen Center sees about 100 children a day, and Cooper sees them work.

“I’ll see kids who transform from negative to being positive kids,” he says. “I just love seeing the progression. I’ll see a kid pick up a guitar, and three years later he’s a lead guitarist in a band.

“He’s more addicted to that and he has a career in front of him, rather than saying, ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll just sell drugs.’

I’m not saying every teen is like that. Some are born into it. I like the idea of the kids coming in from the worst parts of town and the rich parts of town and the common denominator is music. They say, ‘Why don’t we put a band together?’”

Solid Rock Teen Center is a Christian nonprofit, but Cooper says he and his staff don’t press guests about religion.

“We’re not sitting around beating you over the head with a Bible,” he says. “We’re not judging anybody. This is open for you. Come on in.”

Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding Fundraiser

The Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre. com, 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14, $50-$220.

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THE SCHOOL OF ROCK

Comedian Jim Breuer eschews politics for heavy metal Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

C

omedian Jim Breuer is just an average guy. He loves baseball and heavy metal. He takes care of his family and he feels all of this makes him extremely relatable.

“I come from a blue-collar family,” Breuer says. “I’m a do-the-right-thing type of guy.”

That’s how he describes his show, which will be a part of this year’s Christmas Pudding at the Celebrity Theatre on Saturday, December 14.

“I have my set material, but it often goes off the rails,” Breuer says with a frequent laugh. “I go everywhere from my father passing away to teenagers to how I see the afterlife to colonoscopies.

“I go anywhere and everywhere. I do everything I can, though, to stay away from politics.”

Instead he’s fi xated on baseball— especially the New York Mets—and music. Since 2015, his baseball video recaps have made their way to the MLB Network and ESPN “Sportscenter.” A die-hard metalhead, Breuer made his music debut, “Songs from the Garage,” in 2016. Produced by Rob Caggiano (Anthrax, Volbeat), the album features tracks such as “Raising Teenage Girls,” the throwback anthem “Old School,” and “Mr. Rock ‘n’ Roll” with Brian Johnson of AC/DC.

Breuer is a frequent guest on SiriusXM’s “The Howard Stern Show.” He hosts a podcast called “The Jim Breuer Podcast,” which is available on iTunes and at jimbreuer. com.

Breuer has appeared with Kevin James on “Kevin Can Wait” on CBS as well as in the popular films “Zookeeper,” “Dick,” “Titan A.E.” and “Beer League;” hosted MTV’s popular “Beach House” and VH1’s “Web Junk 20;” and been featured on a collection of late-night TV shows.

“I’ve never had a better time than now,” Breuer says. “Everything I’ve done is really driven by passion and inspiration. I tell my fans I want to leave them with something. I do

meet-and-greets and people say, ‘I really needed this,’ or, ‘We’re going through a lot. Th is meant a lot. Th is is inspiring.’

“That stuff is more powerful for me than, ‘You are really funny,’ although that’s important, too.”

Breuer always knew he wanted to be an entertainer.

“It was neck and neck with the lead singer of a hard rock/heavy metal band and a comedian,” he says.

“In high school, I would draw the stage and I would be opening for myself. I loved Eddie Murphy. I wanted to be as big as Eddie Murphy but have a band that was huge. I thought that would be the coolest concert ever, where someone could pull off a sold-out arena stand-up show and then a concert—the same fricking person.”

The comedy came quicker and easier for Breuer, but he could get into rock clubs younger.

“In 1985, I couldn’t really get into comedy clubs,” he says. “The rock club would let the kids in on Tuesdays. I would emcee and imitate Ozzy and AC/ DC. That is the world I’m most comfortable around. I’m not good with Hollywood. I’m extremely comfortable around the rock environment.”

These days, his musical tastes are the same. His “merlot,” depending on his mood, is Metallica, Judas Priest and “old Van Halen.”

Earlier in the day, though, he was cranking some Frank Sinatra.

“The last big rock band that I really invested my emotions into was System of a Down,” he says. “I love AC/ DC. They’re mindless and fun. I like Metallica for the aggression and the lyrics. I really relate to so many songs in so many different ways. System of a Down, for me, was really along my thought process. I loved what they were talking about.”

Breuer believes it comes from his nerdiness as a child. In high school, he ticked off his English teacher Mr. Turner, because he said he knew about George Orwell’s book “1984” from Judas Priest’s “Electric Eye.” “I know that sounds silly, but that stuff really made me think,” Breuer says. “Iron Maiden’s ‘Run to the Hills’ made a lot of sense.

It made me think about what they were saying. Music has always been my teaching—my encyclopedia, my college.”

Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding Fundraiser

The Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre. com, 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14, $50-$220.

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HAPPINESS CONTINUES The Jonas Brothers return to Talking Stick with second vibrant show Megan Marples >> The Entertainer!

T

he Jonas Brothers threw an electrifying pop party at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 5 as they transported their fans from a retro carnival to the year 3000.

And the fun continues Tuesday, December 10, at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Before brothers Kevin, Joe and Nick took the stage for their Happiness Begins Tour in Phoenix, an intro video played on curved, three-panel screens across the back of the stage. Each brother walked through a doorway to travel back in time and transform into his childhood self. As the three children wandered through an abandoned carnival, the three brothers floated down onto the stage with a burst of fireworks going off behind them.

Keeping with the carnival theme, the Jonas Brothers began the show performing “Rollercoaster” off their latest album, “Happiness Begins.”

Each brother looked sharp in

T: SETLIS • “Comeback ” ook

n You L • “W he e Eyes” ” r e t s a rc o Me in th • “Rolle Me eve” .” .S .O • “I Beli /Pa ra noid/Got usic/ • “S y M d ” y • “Ma n • “Cool uma n” /Play M H g Crazy Hold On/ ly in o n G O “ • a r III/ gers” e Roll ” World W • “Stra n ust the Way W ” J Tonight • “That’s h Me” ug” it w ly • “Loveb 00” • “F ” e B 0 o 3 t • “Yea r ’ Up” • “Used e” t in a ” n u • “Bur ” • “Hesit Love With Yo er • “Suck • “Still in ind You” F a t t o • “G us” • “Jea lo y the Ocea n” b • “Ca ke ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

a monochromatic suit. The deafening sound of screaming fans set the energetic tone for the rest of the night.

The brothers slid effortlessly into their first throwback song of the night, “S.O.S.” from “The Jonas Brothers.”

The crowd didn’t miss a beat and continued to belt out the decades-old lyrics. For the next song, “Cool,” which was their second single off their latest album, Nick joined Kevin on guitar and jammed out on a sleek, forestgreen instrument.

After belting out hits including “Only Human” and “Strangers” off their latest album, Nick and Joe, followed by Kevin on guitar, ran down a path through the middle of the arena to perform on a stage in the back. Joe slowed the pace down and sang “Hesitate” from “Happiness Begins,” which is a song he wrote for his wife, Sophie Turner.

The circular stage spun and rose in the air as the brothers performed the gentle ballad.

“Camp Rock” fans received a special treat later in the concert when Joe performed “Gotta Find You” from the famous Disney Channel Original Movie. Joe sang, “You’re the missing piece I need, the song inside of me, I need to fi nd you, I gotta fi nd you.”

Back on the main stage, Nick grabbed the spotlight, where he sang “Jealous” off his solo album “Nick Jonas.” He showed off his vocal range during the steamy pop song when he hit every high note in the chorus.

Joe didn’t let his younger brother steal the spotlight for too long. He quickly jumped onto the stage and yelled, “I know you came to party, I was born in Arizona.” Joe was referring to Casa Grande, which is where he was born. Cylindrical inflatables popped up around the stadium along with a flurry of confetti as Joe belted out “Cake by the Ocean” from his DNCE days.

As the show progressed, so did the brothers’ relationships with their younger selves on the big screen. Three videos played throughout the concert,

with each brother reuniting with his childhood self.

Kevin finished off the mini-series when he met his younger self in a forest. Fans screamed when they saw he was with his two daughters, Valentina and Alena Jonas, in the video. As older and younger Kevin sat down at a piano in the forest, a piano floated down onto the stage and Kevin took a seat and began performing “Comeback” from “Happiness Begins” with Joe and Nick.

Another touching moment came when Nick performed “I Believe,” a song he wrote for his wife, Priyanka Chopra, from “Happiness Begins.”

Before playing the song, Nick said with a grin, “We’re getting to my favorite part of the show right now.”

At the end of the concert, fans saw the brothers come together with their childhood selves in tow at the abandoned theme park. The video showed each brother having a blast riding a rollercoaster with his younger self.

For the encore, the Jonas Brothers turned up the heat—literally. While they sang “Burnin’ Up” from “A Little Bit Longer,” giant flames shot up from the stage, warming up the already sweaty attendees. Fans jumped along with the brothers as they ran around the stage to wave to as many fans as possible.

Kevin, Joe and Nick concluded the show with the song “Sucker,” which was the first single off “Happiness Begins” as well as their first song together in nearly a decade.

The Jonas Brothers threw a vibrant party filled with snappy visuals and sparkling special effects. The setlist let their new songs shine without leaving any of their old classics like “Lovebug” from “A Little Bit Longer” and “Year 3000” from “It’s About Time” in the dust. The concert solidified their successful comeback and left fans excited to see what’s next for the pop trio.

The Jonas Brothers w/Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, tickets start at $35.

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O L L HE

Ring in the the next decade with these top New Year's Eve events Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

N

ew Year’s Eve is an important time of year.

It’s a time to reflect. It’s a time to celebrate. And it’s a time to spend the night with friends and family.

It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the decade, looking back at the first nine years of the new millennium.

But alas, time flies, and the time is now to ring in another fresh 10 years.

Regardless of how the 2010s went, set your worries aside for one evening and get together with those who enjoy your company.

From early-in-the-day events to ones with countdowns and fireworks at midnight, here are some different ways to ring in the next decade.

DECADENCE ARIZONA 2019 DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 Ring in the New Year in style, when Relentless Beats’ and Global Dance’s annual Decadence festival returns to Chandler. This year’s two-day lineup will feature plenty of big names like Dillon Francis, Diplo, Skrillex and

Zeds Dead, along with a plethora of other raver-friendly acts like AC Slater, Illenium and Nora En Pure. Each date—December 30 and December 31—the festivities will commence at 6 p.m., wrapping at 3 a.m. the following day. This show is 18 and older.

Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 1.323.908.0607, decadencearizona.com, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. both days, $119-$789.

ALL-WHITE NYE BRUNCH DECEMBER 31 Before capping off December 31 with a bang, stop by Chandler’s Fashion Lounge for an elegant affair. Guests will don formal, all-white attire, and in turn be treated with complimentary appetizers, party favors and a two-hour open bar. A live DJ will keep the party going. Before heading out, guests will take part in a complimentary champagne toast.

The Fashion Lounge, 3111 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, bit. ly/2NDN5Ut, 1 to 7 p.m., $35-$75.

FLANNEL BALL DECEMBER 31 Party like it’s 1999 at this annual New Year’s Eve party and art show, where guests are encouraged to wear their

best flannels. Third Seven and 8-Bit Mammoth will provide the music.

New Belgium Brewing Co. and Tito’s Handmade Vodka will offer beer and cocktails, while Early Bird PHX is responsible for coffee and espresso to keep the night going. Food will be on hand from Mein Man, Whitty’s Chicken + Fish, Freak Brothers Pizza and The Wild Thing. As for the art, more than 50 local creatives are expected to participate. All the while, guests can play games like super beer pong, jumbo Jenga and cornhole. To round out the year, there will be a midnight countdown and piñata drop.

Limited VIP tickets—exclusively for guests ages 21 and older—will provide extras like an exclusive area, early entry and dinner from Cloth + Flame.

Roosevelt Row Arts District, 918 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 480.788.4318, flannelball.com, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., $15-$225.

December 31. The theme of the party?

Studio 54. At the FOUND:RE hotel guests can celebrate into 2020 with an evening of glamour, elegance and disco. These festivities include DJs and live music, dancing, party favors, selfie stations, a champagne toast at midnight and more. This event is 21 and older, and guests are encouraged to dress spectacularly. Prior to ringing out the year, guests can partake in a fourcourse, prix fixe meal at the Match Restaurant & Lounge. Meal tickets cost $85, while party admission is $25.

Match Restaurant & Lounge, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.875.8080, matchphx.com, 5:30 p.m., tickets start at $85.

FOUND:RE 54 AND DINNER DECEMBER 31 Eat deliciously and party extravagantly at this two-part event, which will occupy the FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and the Match Restaurant & Lounge late into the evening on

INTERGALACTIC 2020 NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION DECEMBER 31 Close out the decade at this intergalactic, planetary block party and VIP celebration, where the Clarendon Hotel and Spa will take its guests through time and space—figuratively, that is. Attendees of the block party are encouraged to wear retro sci-fi clothing while they enjoy music, food and alcoholic beverages under the stars. As for the VIP section, guests can party fancifully on the sky deck, by the poolside or in the Tranquilo Lounge, also with music, alcohol and more.

This event is 21 and older.

The Clarendon Hotel and Spa, 401 W. Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, 602-252-7363, bit.ly/2Q88qHo, 7 p.m., $20-$100.

Topgolf will ring in the New Year with a glow-in-the-dark themed event at its locations in Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tucson.

FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.875.8000, bit.ly/2ObQc5k, 9 p.m., general admission $25, VIP tables $360-$1,800.

NEW YEAR’S EVE 2020 DECEMBER 31 Golfers and fun-havers unite, as popular attraction Topgolf will ring in the New Year with live entertainment, a chef-inspired menu and midnight festivities. The theme is glow in the dark. All New Year’s Eve packages include unlimited gameplay from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. for up to six guests, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

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is sure to be one for the ages. And with that, we mean all ages. Snow may not be what you think of when you think of Phoenix, but the zoo is aiming to change that with this frosty event, which will be full of snow—with snowball targets to boot. There will also be bounce houses, a DJ dance party, and a ball drop at noon. For an extra twist, the zoo will allow guests to sign its “Noon Year’s Re-ZOO-lutions” banner.

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo.org/event-items/noonyears-eve, 9 a.m. to noon, features included with regular zoo admission unless otherwise noted.

Diplo is part of this year's Decadence festival at Rawhide.

front-row seats to a midnight fireworks show, and party favors. VIP packages with a special feast and bottle of sparkling wine are available, too.

Topgolf locations in Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tucson, topgolf.com, 9 p.m. $240-$450.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION DECEMBER 31 Get fancy with the Phoenix Symphony at Symphony Hall, as you signal out 2019 with famous Strauss waltzes, seasonal classics and Broadway and contemporary favorites.

Complimentary glasses of champagne will be provided. The show is expected to run for around two hours. Tickets are expected to sell out.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1999, bit. ly/2O6V3o1, 7:30 p.m., tickets available as part of a subscription.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE DECEMBER 31 There’s something for everyone this New Year’s Eve, including Apache Junction’s active, 55-and-older community known as Golden Vista Resort. This event is keeping it simple, with dancing, snacks and a champagne toast.

Golden Vista Resort, 3710 S. Goldfield Road, Apache Junction, 480.671.2000, bit.ly/32FcXDP, 8:30 p.m., $20.

NOON YEAR’S EVE DECEMBER 31 This twist on the end-of-year festivities

RAVEN’S NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA DECEMBER 31 Get celestial as Raven Events welcomes the New Year under the moon and stars. This gala, the 14th one, set in the grant two-level Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, has been described as having an elegant atmosphere. That atmosphere includes live and DJ-spun music, dancing, two full bars, party favors, a midnight countdown with a complimentary champagne toast, and festive décor. Valet is complimentary, but guests can park themselves if desired. Raven Events requests semiformal to black-tie attire.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7734, bit.ly/36WW7DH, 8 p.m., $60-$570.

ARIZONA COYOTES VS. ST. LOUIS BLUES DECEMBER 31 On the sports tip, the Coyotes host defending Stanley Cup winners, St. Louis on New Year’s Eve. The Coyotes are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in a few seasons, and a win over a quality team like the Blues would help ring in 2020.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave, Glendale, 480.563.

PUCK (7825), nhl.com/coyotes, 7 p.m., tickets start at $35.

THE CRESCENT NEW YEAR’S EVE 2020 BLOCK PARTY DECEMBER 31 Have the pleasure of getting into not one but four parties on New Year’s Eve for one small price. This party shuts down a whole block to ring in the New Year right. This outdoor party event has heated tents, food trucks, drinks, music and lights.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, gates open at 8:30 p.m., $15.

JUST FUNNY

Don’t call Brian Regan a ‘clean’ comedian Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

R

inging in the New Year at the Comerica Theatre, Brian Regan is known for his stand-up specials, and TV roles like Mugsy on “Loudermilk.”

But, the act of touring and telling jokes is the part of the business he fell in love with and still enjoys most.

On Tuesday, December 31, he’ll fill his act with material about himself and relatable situations.

“I try to keep it interesting for me. If it’s interesting for me, it will also be for the audience,” Regan says. “And that involves switching up the things I’m talking about. I’m caring about having OCD, dabbling a little bit into politics and crime, about things that might surprise. I try to make the jokes the kind of things both sides can laugh at.”

He wants everyone to enjoy his show, regardless of their experiences.

“Right now, I like doing ‘laugh-with comedy,’ not ‘laugh-at comedy,’” he explains.

“We’re not making fun of someone in the room so 99 people are laughing in the room and one person feels bad.

I want everyone to be laughing. At this point in my life, I kind of keep my opinions to my loved ones and my friends and not necessarily in my act.”

His act is free of profanity and adult material. For years, he has been compared to other clean comics like Jim Gaffigan. Regan eschews that label, but doesn’t plan on changing his act.

Regan just wants to be known as “funny” or a performer who “finds the peculiar in the mundane.” If he just so happens to be clean, then so be it.

“Being known as clean, it’s like putting a ‘G’ label on a movie. What adult couple wants to go see that?” he asks rhetorically.

“An empty stage is clean for an hour, and nobody wants to see that. So there’s got to be something that makes me someone who can sell tickets.”

Brian Regan

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, tickets start at $45.

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CITY

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

COME ORIGINAL The Phoenix music scene is about more than cover acts Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

W

hen multiple bands come together to make great music, something electric

happens.

During an upcoming show at Last Exit Live on Friday, December 20, music fans will have a chance to hear four local bands founded by Arizona music scene veterans.

The lineup will include Shawn Johnson and the Foundation, the Parlor Birds, Doug Preston and the Soul Searchers, and the Real Fakes. Johnson often performs with a revolving lineup of musicians, and the other three groups were recently formed.

The musicians in all four groups have played with different bands throughout their lives, and their love of music drives them to continue to make original music.

“All of the musicians in all of the bands have been playing for a long time, have a lot of respect for each other and appreciate different projects that everybody’s been a part of,” says Kevin Prier of the Real Fakes.

Johnson, who helped organize the show, wanted to showcase local groups making contributions to the local music scene.

“Everyone is a great songwriter.

Everyone is doing their own thing. We are all friends. We’ve all been doing it for a long time,” Johnson says.

Preston hopes the four-band bill will help attract bigger crowds. He says it has become more challenging to get people to come out for live music.

“That’s always the tricky thing, is getting enough people that are into live music to go out and check out a show.

That has become increasingly difficult over the years,” Preston says. “I’m guilty of it myself. My couch is really comfortable.

“It’s hard to do stuff and get people interested, but I don’t know what else I would do. That’s what I keep telling my wife: ‘This is all I got.’ I will keep playing. I just hope somebody listens.”

Guitarist Jarrod Compton of the Real Fakes has been playing locally for the last decade. He says it takes dedication and hard work to build up a presence in the music scene.

“I’ve been grinding for a long time.

It’s playing every weekend, every weekday you could possibly get your hands on just to get to where you need and want to go. It takes years to get to that,” Compton says.

On December 20, Doug Preston’s power-pop/alternative rock group and desert rock/blues duo the Parlor Birds will release singles.

“We’ve been working on an album for a while now. We just finished it,” says Mike Chapman of the Parlor Birds.

“We thought it was such a great lineup of bands and a really cool venue, so we decided it would be a good opportunity to release a single and release an album probably in early 2020.”

The Real Fakes recently released “The Steampunk Sessions,” which features the single “Desert Rats” and B-side “Afraid to Crash.” “Desert Rats” juxtaposes an optimistic sound with lyrics about living in Arizona with nothing, and the introspective “Afraid to Crash” is about the fear of crashing and desensitization.

“These songs are representative of who we are and what direction we are going,” Prier says. “It comes from real stuff. It comes from personal experiences.”

Preston, Prier, Chapman and Johnson have had a chance to be part of different scenes.

Prier started out in Missouri at age 16 with Chalmers Green, a group that later became The Black Moods.

Before moving to Phoenix in 2002, Preston played in El Paso and opened for the Flock of Seagulls with his former band Cotton. In Arizona, he has been part of different groups, including Jesse Nova, Mister Lucky, the Low Men and Ruca. At the end of 2017 he released a solo album, but he also started his new band around the same time.

Chapman moved to Los Angeles for a time with his band Dirty Lingo, which he was with for 15 years,

From left, Mike Chapman, Kevin Prier, Jarrod Compton, Shawn Johnson and Doug Preston.

but ultimately decided to return to Phoenix. He co-founded the Parlor Birds about three years ago.

Johnson has been part of the Phoenix music scene for over 20 years. Before that, he had performed in Massachusetts. He says he really started to pursue music as a profession after moving to Arizona.

Nearly two years ago, Johnson had a stroke and had to relearn everything, including playing music.

“It was super frustrating. It was really scary,” Johnson says.

Music has always been one of the most important things in his life.

“There was never anything else,” Johnson says. “Most of the musicians I know, that’s the case. It’s not just a job. It’s kind of religious. When I was first starting, I lost jobs because I was writing songs. Nothing else mattered like that—not women, not anything until I had kids.”

For him as a songwriter, it is important to bring personal music

with which others can connect.

“I’m not afraid to be honest about myself, which is the kind of music that I like. I like music that’s honest, and you believe in what the person is saying,” Johnson says.

Many of the musicians in the four groups work full-time jobs by day and play music by night. Some are also raising young children while pursuing careers in music. Balancing the two worlds can be challenging, especially with little ones in the mix. A few of them taken breaks from music or scaled down on touring when their children were younger.

Chapman, the father of a 1-year-old baby, says his passion for music pushes him to continue despite his hectic schedule.

“I was telling my wife that if I didn’t feel compelled to play music, it would be really easy to just stop,” he says.

“I’ve been playing music for 20 years now. I just can’t imagine not doing it. I don’t know who I would be.”

Shawn Johnson and the Foundation w/the Parlor Birds, Doug Preston and the Soul Searchers, and the Real Fakes

Last Exit Live, 717 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.271.7000, lastexitlive.com, 7 p.m. doors and 8 p.m. show, Friday, December 20, tickets start at $20.

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“So Long, My Son”

Tempe-based film festival giving Asian filmmakers voices

By Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

F

ilmmaker Ihman Esturco sees a distinct lack of representation for foreign cinema, namely that which is from Asian countries.

“There’s a lot of filmmakers, especially in Asia, who don’t have access,” explains Esturco, who is also an actor.

To promote awareness of these cultures, Esturco played a part in launching a longtime dream: the Asian International Film Festival Arizona (AIFFA).

From Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 8, at the Pollack Tempe Cinemas, the festival will showcase 11 films from 10 Asian countries.

The films are “Hava, Maryam, Ayesha” (Afghanistan); “So Long, My Son” (China); “Memories of My Body” (Indonesia); “Jhalki” (India); “Deep Well” (Kazakhstan); “This Little Land of Mines” (Laos); “Dark is the Night” (Philippines); “Ramen Teh” (Singapore); “Kokdu” (South Korea); “The Tailor” and “The Third Wife” (both Vietnam). Various short films will be screened, too.

Individual screening tickets cost $15 (or $12 for senior citizens and students), while bronze, silver, gold and platinum passes—that can include extras like VIP status, meet and greets and admittance to the opening and closing “Hava, Maryam, Ayesha”

(Photo courtesy Noori Pictures)

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

galas—range from $250 to $500. For screening times, visit aiffa.org.

The AIFFA will also host open forums to discuss the various works.

Actors and directors who were involved in some of the films’ productions are expected to be present, including Filipino director Adolfo Alix Jr. and Kazakhstani director Zhanabek Zhetiruov.

With a theme of “Bridging the World through Asian Cinema,” the event’s purpose, according to Esturco, the festival director, is “to discover, to develop and to distribute.”

“We want to bridge those filmmakers who don’t have the voice, especially in Asia,” he explains.

Supporting this purpose wasn’t easy, however. Esturco recalls he and producer/actress Evelyn VargasKnaebel, with whom he has attended world-renowned film festivals, began flaunting the idea of launching their own Asian film festival a decade ago.

“I really like attending festivals. I really like exposing myself to different cultures, because you don’t get it if you don’t go there,” Esturco explains.

“You don’t see the reality of what’s happening to that country, what is really happening to their lives, to their culture, to their values.”

Vargas-Knaebel, who is based in Switzerland, is the AIFFA’s programmer. She scouts films at international film festivals before bringing them to Arizona. And the planning committee is important due

to the different tastes of its members, she says.

“I don’t have anything in mind when I choose a film,” she explains. “I just go for films that interest me as a person.”

But audience, accessibility and variety matter, she says.

“What accessibility means for me is that the story is very honest, it’s very fresh, it’s very original, but it’s entertaining. It might be political, but it’s entertaining,” she explains. “We have to present the good and the bad, and then we balance it.”

To finally get the festival up and running, Vargas-Knaebel says the support of the community was needed.

That includes the Pollack Tempe Cinemas on Elliot Road.

“I think that it’s great that we’re having it here in Arizona, because unfortunately they never had (an Asian-centric film festival) here,” says Michael Pollack, the theater’s owner.

Pollack’s venue is a sub-run theater, or one that shows movies at discount prices weeks after their initial theatrical runs. Pollack says his cinema has shown everything from smaller, specialty films to the more popular ones, and has even held other events.

“We try to keep it unique and different. For us it’s not just a place like a regular movie theater,” he says. “I mean, it’s got so many different things that are here—so many different, fun things. I try to always keep it fresh, keep it new, keep it unique. That’s what it’s all about.

“With this it’s always some kind of an adventure because we’re able to do some good stuff and we’ve done a lot of really great fundraisers here for people.

I’m glad that we’ve been able to be a part of that.”

Aside from the preselected features and short films, the AIFFA launched myFILM, a short-film competition for all film students and amateurs.

Entrants were required to craft a 5- to 7-minute creative video using

their mobile phone that shows “the dynamics of the thriving Asian culture in Arizona and how it impacts the youth,” according to the festival’s website.

Three winners will be chosen and awarded $500 to $1,500. Their films will be screened at the festival.

“It’s just something new to amateur filmmakers, that they can enter,” Esturco says. “My point is we have professional, and then we have amateur.”

December’s AIFFA launch event is just a taste of what’s to come, however.

Next year’s “First Edition,” set for December 2020, will be larger in scope. It will have several sections including a main competition, a look at 100 years of Filipino cinema, children’s films and a retrospective look at classics.

“Right now (the films are) preselected. We are the ones reaching to those filmmakers. We paid for that,” Esturco explains. “Next year it’s going to be different a different story, because they will submit their films.”

At the end of the day, the goal of the AIFFA is to give international communities a presence here in Arizona.

“We want to bring cinema to the people. We want to bring Asian cinema to the Asian-Americans. We have to do it. We have to work harder for this,” Vargas-Knaebel says. “And if in the future it will be big, it’s not because of us. It’s because of the people who acknowledge the Asian International Film Festival.”

Asian International Film Festival Arizona

Pollack Tempe Cinemas, 1825 E. Elliot Road, Tempe, 480.522.0602, aiffa.org, various showtimes from Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 8, $12-$500.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

23

G N I L L E P COM W SH O Nick Offerman wants to make people think—and laugh Haley Lorenzen >> The Entertainer!

N

ick Offerman has stepped back to take a good look at the state of the world.

“I try to make fun of all of us, for the human foibles that have gotten us into the trouble we seem to be in in our country,” Offerman says about his live show, which comes to the Celebrity Theatre on Friday, December 13.

“We live in a place where we supposedly get to pick what happens, and yet everybody’s furious and shaking their fists at each other, and so I take a small step back and say, ‘Wait a second, haven’t we done this to ourselves?’”

The actor, woodworker and humorist is traveling the world with his “All Rise,” during which audiences will experience “an evening of deliberative talking and light dance,” he says.

Throughout the 90-minute show, Offerman weaves seven original songs in between a set of monologues, tackling a myriad of topics.

“I just sit down and think what do I have strong feelings about, what do I want to talk to the audience about?

And actually, one of the first things that came to mind was this strange sort of tribal tendency we have to cling to oldfashioned gender roles,” Offerman says.

“Specifically, the ways in which I am often accused of being manly by people, and the ways that men are made fun of by toxic masculinity if we happen to be sensitive to the feelings of others, or if we consider ourselves the allies of people who are being discriminated against.”

Many know Offerman from his performance as Ron Swanson in “Parks and Recreation,” where his portrayal of the no-nonsense, meat-loving, antigovernment director of the parks and recreation department has earned him critical acclaim.

Although the show has been off the air for more than five years, Swanson has become somewhat of an epitome of manliness, but Offerman, who recently released a song entitled “I’m Not Ron Swanson,” says he’s not the character with which many have come to associate him.

“In the early days of “Parks and Recreation,” about eight or nine years ago, when people didn’t yet have any idea of me or what I do, people would say to me, ‘We don’t even care if Nick Offerman shows up, we just would love 90 minutes of Ron Swanson on stage,’” he says.

“If you had Ron Swanson come perform an entire show, he probably would refuse to do it. He has no interest in appearing in front of people.

If he did, he would probably just build a chair on stage.”

Not only does Offerman want people to know he’s not Swanson, he also says he likes to be known as a humorist, rather than a stand-up comedian.

“Mainly I think humorist sounds funny. It sort of fits into my false pomposity, my sort of demeanor, where I’m known for a deadpan style and I say things with a straight face—like I’m not a comedian, I’m a humorist— and that seems to go over pretty well,” Offerman says.

“But I will answer to ‘comedian.’ As long as people are laughing, you may call me what you’d like.”

Offerman’s last comedy tour was in 2017, when he took this deadpan style

on the road for his “Full Bush” tour.

He recently returned from touring as a roadie with his wife’s band, Nancy and Beth, where he began developing “All Rise.” His spouse is the multitalented Megan Mullally.

When he started writing for the tour, Offerman says he was heavily inspired by what he calls the “old-fashioned tribal sensibility.”

“I think almost everybody has empathy in them, but when you take a step back and you say, ‘Should we give some of our tax money to this town in Michigan (Flint) that hasn’t had clean drinking water for years?’ people are like, ‘Well, are they white?’

“It’s that tendency, it’s an oldfashioned tribal sensibility, and so I said, ‘Let me see if I can make fun of that and get some laughs while secretly sneaking some broccoli into the delicious pizza.’”

Offerman also adds the show avoids major political talking points, but says, “I don’t think you can do 90 minutes of comedy these days without at least mentioning the main unavoidable lowhanging fruits occupying the White House.”

Although Offerman is busy touring, he and Mullally will launch a podcast on December 2 entitled “In Bed with Nick & Megan.”

Recorded in the couple’s bed, Offerman says some episodes will have special guests. Former “Saturday Night Live” star Bill Hader climbs in for the first episode.

“Some of them are really funny, some of them are deeply unfunny.

They’re really serious but fascinating discussions of modern issues,” he says, adding, “It’s Megan’s brainchild. It’s one of the many aspects of my life in which I have the good fortune to ride

shotgun.”

Also dropping on December 2 is “Making It,” a crafting competition show hosted by Offerman and his “Parks and Recreation” costar Amy Poehler, where crafters and creators from around the country take part in different challenges to win $100,000.

Offerman says “Making It” is a “wonderful stroke of fortune.”

“Getting to work on that show with Amy is an absolute dream,” he says.

“All of the people, most of whom are powerful ladies who produce that show, make it incredibly cushy for me to show up and act like a jackass and do some cheerleading for these brilliant makers and creative minds, and then I get to eat a sandwich, and then I get to go home.”

Although the tour kicked off in June, Offerman still has several stops left, and says he hopes he can continue to make people laugh while also compelling them to think just a little bit more.

“I feel very lucky that I get to do this for a job,” he says. “I love the live theater; I love making people laugh in person. I have had very good teachers in my life, and part of the reason I call myself a humorist is I’m not as funny as my friends that are amazing standup comedians, but I somehow manage to make people laugh while passing along the wisdom that I’ve gleaned from my great teachers.”

Nick Offerman

Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 8 p.m.

Friday, December 13, tickets start at $49.50.

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TRAVEL

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

Snowy Escape

Amara Resort and Spa offers various packages for December getaways Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

T

he snow-covered red rocks are magical in Sedona in this spiritual town. It’s quiet and peaceful, and Amara Resort and Spa offers stunning views of the towering natural monuments.

Built along the banks of Oak Creek, Amara is serene, as it sits three stories below State Route 89A. “What I like about the hotel is we’re in the middle of everything,” says Amanda Leese, director of sales and marketing.

“Amara is three levels from the street.

You have no idea you’re near anything.

I like to say it’s secluded in the middle of Uptown Sedona.”

Through the end of the year, Amara is offering several packages to celebrate winter north of the Valley. Pricing depend on dates chosen.

The “Wellness Package” includes luxury accommodations in a patio guest room; a healthy in-room welcome amenity upon arrival; a detox wrap from Amara Spa; and a healthy breakfast from its restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen, per person.

Girlfriends can get away with luxury accommodations in a patio guest room; a bottle of prosecco upon arrival; daily breakfast per person; and a $100 spa credit per room for the “Girlfriend Getaway.”

The “Bed and Breakfast Package” also includes luxury accommodations in a patio guest room, along with a full breakfast at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen.

Travelers who aren’t interested in those packages can opt for a 20% discount on rooms through February 28. To take advantage of the deal, a two-night stay is required and is nonrefundable.

ALL GAMES AND FRESH ENTRÉES Amara’s signature restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen showcases Southwestern-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, light and seasonal dishes using culinary traditions and ingredients of the Southwest and Verde Valley.

Led by Executive Chef Lindsey Dale, SaltRock serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and its outdoor patio offers views of Cleopatra Rock and the much-loved Snoopy Rock. The heated infinity-edge

pool and fire pits are nearby.

“We are known for our margaritas,” Leese says. “Lindsey’s concept is fresh, local and Southwestern. I think we’re unique in Uptown, as there are not many upscale restaurants in Uptown.

To sit on the patio and look at the red rocks and enjoy upscale food in the middle of everything is special.”

Amara Spa provides guests with a serene and tranquil spa experience with massages, facials, body treatments, complimentary daily yoga as well as all-natural products that nourish and rejuvenate mind, body and soul.

Competitive guests can take to the lawn where cornhole and Connect Four await. Amara also offers complimentary mountain bikes. Each Monday night, a local astronomy expert visits to host stargazing demonstrations.

THE ROOMS Guests may sleep soundly on pillowtop beds while enjoying the red rockview hotel rooms boasting spacious bathrooms, modern design and a choice of a king or queen bed.

Meaningful artwork is peppered throughout the resort. Above one bed are arrows that are Amara’s take on

Native American rain sticks.

“It’s that funky Sedona schtick,” Leese says.

Guests, Leese adds, sometimes regret not spending more time at Amara.

“They say they could spend weeks exploring here,” Leese says. “One of the things we get is, ‘I wish we were staying longer.’ They go to the Grand Canyon, but that takes an entire day to do it right. They go on the top three or four hikes, go to Cathedral Rock to watch a sunset. They go to the Verde Valley Wine Trail. But when they return to their room, they wish they had four more days here.

“People ask what makes us special.

Well, we have the best pool in Uptown.

It has an infinity edge and it has views of the red rocks. We have the best margaritas. We have a great spa. Part of the experience is they are using healing stones charged in the full moonlight.

If you’re getting into that spiritual, metaphysical side of Sedona, you’ll get a touch of that here.”

Amara Resort and Spa 100 Amara Lane, Sedona 928.282.4828, amararesort.com

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

26

ARTS

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION Messiah “Sing-Along”

ARTS

CALENDAR Randy Montgomery >> The Entertainer!

Ballet Etudes’ “The Nutcracker”

TO DECEMBER 8 Ballet Etudes presents its 33rd annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Let Clara’s magical journey surround you as she encounters life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy. A feast for the eyes and ears with colorful and imaginative costumes paired with Tchaikovsky’s original score, Ballet Etudes’ production is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with the entire family.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, times vary, $25-$29.

“A Christmas Story: the Play” TO DECEMBER 22 This production is based on the classic 1983 motion picture of the same name, written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, as well as Jean Shepherd’s novel, “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash.” All of the elements from the movie are here, including

the family’s temperamental exploding furnace, school bully Scut Farkas, the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on the cold lamppost, the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin, and Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking.

Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale, 480.483.1664, desertstages.org, times and ticket prices vary.

“Annie”

TO DECEMBER 22 Little Orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts, despite a nextto-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage that is run by the embittered Miss Hannigan.

Annie escapes, and adventure after adventure, she foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations. She finds a new home and family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks; his personal secretary, Grace Farrell; and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Scottsdale Desert Stages, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale, 480.483.1664, desertstages. org, times vary, $22-$28.

REAL GOLD. REAL

Burger.

“Elf the Musical”

TO DECEMBER 29 Based on the 2003 film with Will Ferrell, this musical is the tale of Buddy, who, as a baby, mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole.

When his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find The World’s Greatest Dad and discover his true identity.

Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember “there is a Santa Claus.”

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623.776.8400, azbroadway. org, times vary, prices vary.

“Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus”

DECEMBER 5 TO DECEMBER 15 This heartwarming play was inspired by the famous editorial by Francis P. Church. On Christmas Eve 1897 in New York City, 8-yearold Virginia is left wondering if Santa exists after a series of unhappy events. Meanwhile, a newspaper editor also struggles with tough holiday times as he is faced with losing his job i. Even though they don’t know each other, the two are brought together by the spirit of Christmas. Presented

by East Valley Children’s Theatre.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $15.

DECEMBER 7 The North Valley Chorale invites community members to join it in singing Handel’s “Messiah” at its holiday concert. The chorale regularly performs the Messiah every two years, but this will be its first presentation of a singalong version. The concert will also feature the chorale singing a selection of seasonal pieces.

Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley, 623.252.1746, northvalleychorale. org, 3 p.m., $20.

Frances Smith Cohen’s “Snow Queen”

DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 22 Delight in the mystical world of gypsies and ice maidens, while young Gerda seeks to rescue Kai from the Snow Queen’s Crystal Palace. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s wintery fairy tale of the struggle between good and evil, the performance by Center Dance Ensemble brings the wicked Snow Queen to life.

Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $14-$28.

“Ella Enchanted: The Musical”

DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 29 Based on the Newbery-honored book, this Cinderella twist follows Ella, a princess who is given the “gift” of obedience at birth by her misguided fairy godmother. As

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BEER AND WINE | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING 28 she grows up, Ella must outwit more than 30 years. This special her wicked stepsisters, a hungry performance includes treasured ogre and this troublesome curse holiday favorites and selections to find her own voice and live from the mariachi songbook. happily ever after. This charming Scottsdale Center for musical adventure is the perfect the Performing Arts, fairy tale for the holiday season.

7380 E. Second Street, Presented by Childsplay.

Scottsdale, 480.900.3263, Herberger Theatre Center, scottsdaleperformingarts.

222 E. Monroe Street, org, 8 p.m., $39-$59.

Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $12-$35.

Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker”

Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

DECEMBER 13 Recognized worldwide as living legends of gospel music, The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Eric Clapton, Prince and Tom Waits. In the Christmas show, the Blind Boys present holiday standards from their Grammy winning albums. With special guest Nicki Bluhm.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 7:30 p.m., $38-$58.

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 24 Celebrate the joy and wonder of the holidays with Ib Andersen’s rendition of “The Nutcracker.”

Follow Clara’s wintry adventures as she battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. With 150 performers, 100,000 Swarovski crystals, and Tchaikovsky’s cherished score performed live, Ballet Arizona’s production is a family tradition for Valley residents. Music provided

by The Phoenix Symphony.

Presented by Ballet Arizona.

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 602.381.1096, balletaz. org, various times, tickets start at $30.

Handel’s “Messiah”

DECEMBER 13 Join The Phoenix Symphony, The Phoenix Symphony Chorus and world-class soloists for the annual holiday favorite. The acclaimed “Hallelujah” chorus highlights these performances featuring some of the most glorious sacred music ever written. Featuring conductor Matthew Kasper, soprano Yulia Van Doren, countertenor Daniel Taylor, tenor Norman Shankle and bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $29-$59.

Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández Presents A Merry-Achi Christmas

DECEMBER 14 Mariachi Sol de México is a traveling cultural icon that symbolizes extraordinary musicianship and crossgenerational joy. Maestro José Hernández and his Sol de México have broken countless barriers in mariachi music, becoming the first ensemble to be nominated for a Grammy Award. Their original rhythms, fresh sounds and inspiring ideas have energized the world for

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“Assisted Living: The Musical—The Home … for the Holidays”

DECEMBER 17 TO DECEMBER 22 The hilarious comedy team of Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett are off their walkers once again in a new, hysterical holiday sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. It’s the holidays at Pelican Roost Wellness Center, the party school of

retirement communities. The 18 characters from the first musical are back and, once again, portrayed by the show’s two actors in this vaudevilleesque holiday musical revue.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.900.3263, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, times vary, $39-$59.

“Old Jews Telling Jokes”

DECEMBER 25 TO JANUARY 19 Get ready for an outrageous evening of one-liners, doubleentendres, songs, skits and hysterical routines sure to triple you over with laughter. Created

by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, the show showcases five actors in a comedy that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present. You’ll laugh ’til you plotz.

Warning: adult (bawdy) humor.

Produced by Leroy Associates.

Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $59-$74.

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Holiday Tradition

‘The Nutcracker’ makes its regular visits throughout the state Bridgette Redman >>The Entertainer!

F

or so many artists involved in “The Nutcracker,” the ballet captured their imagination—and their time—since they were

children.

Costumer Fabio Toblini, who designed the more than 150 costumes used in the Ballet Arizona “Nutcracker,” loved

the show as a child, and it was at a young age he started coming up with ideas for how it should look.

Jillian Barrell, who will dance Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen and in the Chinese dance for Ballet Arizona, can’t remember a December where she wasn’t dancing “The Nutcracker.” The 30-year-old ballerina participated in the ballet when she was 6 and has danced it ever since.

“I can’t imagine a Christmas without ‘The Nutcracker,’” she says. “I’ve heard from dancers who have retired that it’s weird—you can go to holiday parties and stuff. For me, it is pretty much hand in hand with Christmas and New Year’s.”

Ballet Arizona’s “Nutcracker,” which the New York Times calls one of the

top three in the nation, is just one of several Nutcrackers Arizona residents can attend this December.

It was originally staged in 2006, when the artistic director created this version, spending $1.8 million on sets, costumes, lighting effects and video projections.

The Ballet Arizona one hews very close to traditional expectations, according to Barrell. She says the style of the director, Ib Andersen, is very classy and classical, though the ballet also has some Balanchine influence, especially in the “Waltz of the Flowers.”

She also cited the dance of the snow fairies as having Andersen’s signature choreography.

As someone who has performed the ballet with companies around the country, Barrell agrees with the New York Times’ assessment, citing the way the choreography matches the music, the high quality of the sets and costumes and the skill of the dancers.

“The first act, especially, the sets are really magical,” Barrell says. “The costumes are really high quality. They were designed by this designer Fabio and they are really cool and different.”

Toblini worked with 12 costume shops to create and build all the costumes in “The Nutcracker.” After consulting with Andersen, he designed ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

each costume—67 designs that would be turned into the more than 150 costumes—and then found those who were capable of building each of his designs.

It wasn’t always easy. Some of his designs were so unique that tailors would say they couldn’t be done. One of his favorite designs is that of the Candy Cane dancers. He wanted it to be a continuous spiral from one shoulder to the plait of the tutu.

Everyone told him it had to be two pieces. But he searched until he found someone who shared his vision.

“This one person found a way,” Toblini says. “The tutu is made with a flexible foam that you wire at one end, and then he made a dress that stretches over the body of the dancer and this rigid shape that is the top of the tutu. Then there is actually a tutu underneath with black ruffles so you can really see them.”

Toblini says he then accessorized the outfit with black fishnets, a black garter and a choker.

“They are a combination of playful and sexy, and I think they are very original,” he says. “I have never seen anything like it.”

During the fitting, he says Andersen asked the dancers to twirl to show off the spirals that go all around the dress. He so liked what he saw that he changed the ballet’s choreography to include twirling.

“It creates this optical illusion that was really fun,” Toblini says.

Before he began creating his designs, Toblini researched and proposed to Andersen that he set the ballet earlier than the late-19th century. He suggested the first act take place in the 1840s.

“It’s more agreeable with the aesthetic of ballet,” Toblini says. “You

can really see the shape of the dancers, and the skirt is a much more romantic tutu. Also, the menswear conforms to the form of the ballet dancer. It has a very high and tight waist, which is extremely flattering to the movement of the ballet.”

The second act is the dream sequence, and Toblini committed to traveling the world and abstracting peasant clothing from different countries and abstracting them with colors and shapes. Always, he says, his goal is to flatter the dancers and ensure the lines match the choreography and its needs.

When Barrell was 6 and dancing her first “Nutcracker,” her mother asked her what her favorite part was—what she wanted to dance when she got older. Barrell shook her head at her mother’s suggestion of Clara and said instead she wanted to be one of the Arabian dancers.

Two decades later, she says she has done every role in “The Nutcracker,” most many times, except she’s never done the Arabian.

As an adult, she finds she loves both the Dew Drop Fairy and the Sugar Plum.

“They’re really different,” she says.

“Sugar Plum is more regal and elegant.

It’s harder, but there is something really satisfying about it. Dew Drop is joyful and bright. There is a punch as if she is shot out of a cannon.”

Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker”

Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, balletaz.org, various times Friday, December 13, to Tuesday, December 24, prices vary.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

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'T he Nutcracker' Roundup

C

an’t get enough of “The Nutcracker”? There are plenty to choose from in Arizona.

PHOENIX-AREA “NUTCRACKERS” PHOENIX BALLET Professional dancers perform to Tchaikovsky’s score using the choreography and unique storytelling of their artistic director, Slawomir Wozniak. The Scottsdale Airparkbased ballet includes such twists as having Drosselmeyer on stage as an emcee throughout the second act.

Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, phoenixballet.org, various times Friday, December 13, to Tuesday, December 23.

BALLET ETUDES This “Nutcracker” is Ballet Etudes’ 33rd annual and is performed by young dancers, ages 7 to 18.

They perform at two locations: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler (to Sunday, December 8), and the Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa (Saturday, December 14, to Sunday, December 22), balletetudes.net.

age 2 in the same role and the third as a little Match Girl at age 6. Now seniors in high school, the three will share the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen and Butterfly Queen.

The group’s website also has lots of Nutcracker items for sale, including T-shirts that say “I’m a Snowflake” and “I like the party scene.”

Desert Vista Fine Arts Theatre, 16440 S. 32nd Street, Ahwatukee Foothills, afnutcracker.com, various times Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15.

MOSCOW BALLET’S “GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER” The Moscow Ballet is touring the “Great Russian Nutcracker,” which features an adult Masha instead of Clara. The Russian cast performs alongside local children from Heart and Sole Performing Arts in Avondale and Surprise.

TUCSON TUCSON REGIONAL BALLET The Tucson Regional Ballet performs the “Southwest Nutcracker” with live music from the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.

It takes place in Tucson during the 1800s and includes rattlesnakes, coyotes and cavalry.

Tucson Convention Center Music Hall, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, various times Saturday, December 14, and Sunday, December 15, tucsonregionalballet.org.

DANCE STUDIO 111 This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ahwatukee Foothills “The Nutcracker,” performed by youth ages 3 to 21.

Three of this year’s dancers have a combined 40 “Nutcrackers” between them. One started when she was age 1 as a Baby Mouse, another at

BALLET RINCON Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix (7 p.m. Thursday, December 5), and Centennial Hall, University of Arizona, Tucson (7 p.m. Monday, December 16), ticketmaster.com.

SOUTHWEST YOUTH BALLET The Southwest Youth Ballet performs the traditional “Nutcracker” accompanied by the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. The company is dedicated to dancers ages 13 to 18 who want to become professional dancers.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, southwestyouthballettheatre.org, 7 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14, and 3 p.m. Sunday, December 15.

This is Ballet Rincon’s 18th year performing “The Nutcracker.” Ballet Rincon is a classical dance academy that trains young dancers.

Vail Theatre of the Arts, 10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way, Tucson, 7 p.m. Friday, December 13, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, December 14, ballet-rincon.com.

BALLET TUCSON This is Tucson’s professional ballet company performing the classical work. Supporting the professional dancers is a cast of 50 children.

Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Street, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 28, and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, December 29, ballettucson.org.

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In “Black Nativity,” the story of the birth of Jesus comes to life through song, dance, theater and spoken word. (PHOTOS BY LAURA DURANT)

ANNUAL TRADITION

Black Theatre Troupe spreads holiday cheer with ‘Black Nativity’

Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

E

ach year, the Black Theatre Troupe brings the community together to share in an evening of music and holiday cheer as part of its production of “Black Nativity.”

This year, the theater company presents the Langston Hughes piece from Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 22, at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center.

Making its debut in New York in 1961, “Black Nativity” tells the story of Jesus’ birth with a cast of AfricanAmerican actors, singers and dancers.

In 2013, the show was made into a film starring Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson.

Walter Belcher, director of the Black Theatre Troupe’s production, says the show reflects the author and is poetic in its movements and music.

“It has its own fluidity and its own iambic pentameter that are seen in the rhythms of the dancers, that are seen in the rhythm of the music. It’s all connected in a very poetic way,” Belcher says.

The show uses dance, music, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

drumbeats and spoken word to tell the story and interweaves different styles of music, including gospel songs, traditional Christmas carols and spirituals.

Audiences can expect to hear favorites such as “Go Tell It on the Mountain.” The first act is very traditional and stays true to the show’s origins while the second act is adapted each year to incorporate contemporary gospel music.

“We don’t change the story, but it is through an African-American lens, letting gospel music be the vehicle that tells that story,” Belcher says.

Many of the gospels in the second act are celebratory and weave the nativity story into a workshop scene. During this second act, the troupe will present characters that represent real people in the church setting. Audiences will see familiar characters such as a strongwilled mother with a muscular singing voice, who mouths verses of Scripture along with the pastor.

“We are looking at ways to lean into some of the humor and add some brevity to a poignant story,” Belcher says.

Belcher says the show appeals to audiences who observe Christmas in

different ways because of its powerful music.

“In general, music transcends culture and language. That’s not just gospel music. That’s any music. Music, it brings the world together in wonderful ways,” Belcher says.

This year, local performers Alexander Patrick, Shaniece Brazwell and Brittney Johnson will play the main roles of Joseph, Mary and the Angel, respectively.

Mary and Joseph are nonspeaking parts that require the actors to tell the story through dance and movement.

The 25-member cast is made up of people of different ages, including youth ages 8 to 13. In certain moments of show, these youth will be featured in singing and dancing roles. Gospel singers from local churches have helped choose music for and will perform in the show.

Music director Brenda Hankins says a mix of returning and new singers will help to convey the show’s uplifting message of hope, joy and redemption.

“We have some very gifted and talented people. It’s always fun to see them coming out to audition, see who is going to be in the show and see what they bring to the presentation,”

Hankins says.

This is Hankins’ first time as musical director for “Black Nativity.” She has been working with Jennifer Robinson and George Johnson, who have been part of the production for a number of years.

She says the show is different because it doesn’t have a traditional score. The singers learn the music by rote.

Hankins says to convey the emotion behind the music, it is important for the singers to understand its message.

She hopes audiences take something away from the music as well.

“When a person really opens himself up or herself up to really receive that message, it can be a great source of inspiration,” Hankins says.

Black Theatre Troupe’s Production of “Black Nativity”

Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, new-wp. blacktheatretroupe.org, Friday, December 6, to Sunday, December 22, tickets start at $41.

Upcoming Concerts Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley December 6 Gypsy Soul December 8 The Steel Wheels December 9 Holiday Swing with Maria Muldaur and John Jorgenson December 12 Esteban December 20 Mariachi Los Camperos December 22 Jim Brickman December 29, 30 & 31 And many more!

THE MILK CARTON KIDS

Wed., December 18 | 7 & 9 p.m. $38.50–$53.50

The Milk Carton Kids are a major force in the continuing American folk tradition, blending ethereal, oscillating harmonies and intricate, inventive musicianship.

“The band’s core ingredients—not to mention a gift for warm, intricate songcraft—render The Milk Carton Kids’ records practically irresistible.”

—NPR

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

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

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Musical traces four stars’ formative years Bridgette Redman >> The Entertainer!

S

ometimes a happy accident can turn into one of history’s sublime moments. It’s what happened on December 4, 1956, when four artists just happened to drop in at different times at Sun Record Studios in Memphis.

They started a spur-of-the-moment jam session, the only time the four of them would play together and history was made.

The artists? Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash.

A reporter came by to snap pictures and a recording was made. The next day’s newspaper sported the headline “Million Dollar Quartet,” though a recording of the session wouldn’t be released for another 25 years.

In 2010, the musical of the same name opened on Broadway, dramatizing the meeting of these four greats and the music they played.

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The musical comes to The Phoenix Theater Wednesday, December 18, to Sunday, February 16, for an encore run as part of its 100th season. It originally opened in March 2018, but the theater had to extend its run because the show was so popular.

“Million Dollar Quartet is really a tribute to these remarkable performers,” says Scott Weinstein, director. “I want audiences to feel the surprise and excitement Presley, Cash, Perkins and Lewis felt that extraordinary day. They were discovering something unexpected right in the studio, and through this show, we get to discover the magic with them. When you get four big personalities in one room, they’re going to butt heads. But that’s exactly what makes this a great show—the drama is real and authentic, and you get to see that energy channeled into an incomparable record.”

The jukebox musical features such well-known songs as “Blue Suede

Shoes,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Long Tall Sally,” “Peace in the Valley,” “I Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Down by the Riverside” and “Hound Dog.” Chris Lash, who plays Lewis, considers himself part of the “Million Dollar family” because he’s done the show so many times. His first turn was with the original Broadway show on Vegas, and he then did it on cruise ships.

When Weinstein, with whom he’d worked on the Broadway version, asked him to come to Phoenix to do the show, he couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.

“He’s such a dream to work with,” Lash says. “I didn’t really know anything about Phoenix until I went there to do the show. It was my favorite director and my friend, so it would be amazing. I thought, ‘I’m going to do this little show in the desert.’ Then I was doing my research and learned that Phoenix is the sixth largest city in the nation.”

It was an eye-opening experience for him—both the city and the 100-yearold theater company with which he found himself working.

“I was really blown away by the professionalism and the quality of work they put out,” Lash says. “It is inspiring. It makes it really easy to do your job, because they really take care of you.”

All the actors play the instruments that their characters do, so Lash performs in Jerry Lee Lewis’ flamboyant, over-the-top piano style,

which is a long way from when he first taught himself to play piano. His mother had withheld lessons because she didn’t think he’d ever be able to do anything with piano.

“At a young age, I always wanted to play piano, but my mom pushed me into dance,” Lash says. “So, I taught myself. In teaching myself, I did my own research—who are these piano players? Little Richard was a big influence, and he influenced Jerry Lee Lewis, who is the Basie of rock piano playing.”

His first memory of Lewis’ music was his mother working out to a Richard Simmons aerobics video, “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.”

“I loved that video,” Lash says. “I loved all the music in it. That’s when I learned the oldies song ‘Great Balls of Fire.’”

As he got older, he learned who Lewis was and became fascinated with his over-the-top character and his “crazy piano playing.” He has a great time playing one of his idols now that he is an adult. He says he loves tapping into Lewis’ style and character.

“The character itself is very outrageous,” Lash says. “It’s really fun to just sort of be this wild child on stage. He was so young and was trying to assert himself into this industry.

He’s so bold, and that’s really fun to play eight times a week. I like to be very chill when I’m not performing.

I’m pretty shy, so to play the opposite of myself is a challenge and it’s really fun.”

He also appreciates that almost every

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song he does is fast, upbeat and show stopping.

Shortly after finishing his contract with Norwegian Cruise Lines doing “The Million Dollar Quartet” in 2016, he happened across a flier in New York on Broadway announcing that Lewis would be performing at BB King’s three days later. He said he immediately knew he had to see the legend perform.

“It was amazing. He’s in his 80s, but it was incredible,” Lash says. “It’s a very small club, and we were packed in there like sardines. The whole room was buzzing. He came out in a wheelchair, but he was still singing and rocking out.”

While most of the musical is focused on that single afternoon in December, it uses flashbacks to tell the stories of each artist’s life. They were all at the early stages of their career—Lewis was still unknown outside of Memphis— with only Elvis having achieved the superstar status that all of them would later have.

There is also a storyline in which Sam Phillips, the record producer and founder of Sun Studios, tries to get Cash to sign an extension on his contract. Phillips is sometimes called “The Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” because of how many greats he “discovered.”

So, the musical flashes back to when Phillips met each of the performers and how he got them their start.

However, what makes this musical popular is the music. They perform many of their characters’ greatest hits along with gospel and country songs that they jammed to on that historic

afternoon.

“It really does feel like you’re there in the room with them,” Lash says.

“What I find great about working with these actors and doing this show is that everyone is such a great musician.

In order to be a good band and tight, it’s all about listening to each other, so right off the bat, the acting is elevated, too. We’re all present and listening to each other. It’s a very, very exciting thing to do every night.”

Lash says “The Million Dollar Quartet” is one of the most fun nights you can have in theater. He also says the experience is amplified by the venue that is producing it.

“You’re not just seeing a show there,” Lash says. “It’s such an experience to be at the theater, and the staff is absolutely amazing from the lighting operator to the ushers to the staff in the bar.

They go out of their way to create an experience for every single person that’s there. I just saw that tickets are $32— that’s nothing for a Broadway-caliber performance, and it really is. I’m very grateful to be a part of it. The company is just amazing and the theater is really awesome.”

The Phoenix Theatre Company’s The Million Dollar Quartet

Hormel Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, various times, Wednesday, December 18, to Sunday, February 16, tickets start at $32.

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Kids Tickets Start at $18!

Kids Tickets TALKING STICK RESORT ARENA StartJAN at $18!

16 – 19 Ages 2-12. Limit of two (2) kids tickets with purchase of a full-priced adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and

additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Purchase tickets at venue box office or ticketmaster.com.

Ages 2-12. Limit of two (2) kids tickets with purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.

DisneyOnIce.com Purchase tickets at venue box office or ticketmaster.com.

TALKING STICK RESORT ARENA JAN 16 – 19 DisneyOnIce.com uide The Insider ’s G

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DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

DINING

CALENDAR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

National Comfort Food Day at Thai Chili 2 Go

DECEMBER 5 Thai Chili 2 Go is offering buy-one, get-one-free fried rice bowls this day.

Thai Chili 2 Go, 1949 E. Camelback Road, Suite 161 Phoenix, 480.566.8064, 2895 S. Alma School Road, Suite 4, Chandler, 480.566.8066, 6510 S. Higley Road, Suite 105, Gilbert, 480.565.4700, 1887 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 101, Gilbert, 480.566.8061, 4984 S. Power Road, Suite 101, Mesa, 480.378.2601, 2750 W. Dove Valley Road, Suite 180, Phoenix, 480.566.8065, 21202 S. Ellsworth Loop, Suite 109, Queen Creek, 480.550.8041, 16203 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 105, Building 8, Scottsdale, 480.653.9158, 2010 E. Elliot Road, Suite 104, Tempe, 480.564.3570, tc2go.com, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Dinner

DECEMBER 7 Match Restaurant & Lounge’s executive chef, Orlando Parker, has created a “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”-themed five-course pairing dinner with colorful and delicious dishes and cocktails to correlate with the classic holiday flick. Course one is a “Whoville Treat” of cherry and plum bruschetta paired with The Green One cocktail. Course two is “Grinch Greens,” or spinach soup with croutons served with The Stolen Christmas Tree cocktail. Course three is the “Cindy Lou Salad,”

an orange and pomegranate salad with buttermilk dressing complemented by Martha May’s Little Helper Cocktail. Course four: rosemary roast beef, potatoes and carrots with horseradish crema, served with the Lou Who Family Recipe Cocktail. Course five is “Who-Pudding,” plum pudding with crème anglaise topped with fresh raspberries and paired with The Mean One Cocktail.

Match Restaurant & Lounge, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.875.8080, matchphx.com, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., call for charge.

Holiday Cooking Class

DECEMBER 15 Learn the art of easy-going entertaining with Holiday Cooking Classes at Litchfield’s.

The program will feature chef-led demonstrations, cocktail making and a menu tasting for participants, all choreographed to reveal how relaxed, lovely and elegant the season’s best dining can be.

Litchfield’s at The Wigwam, 300 N. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 1.833.721.5047, wigwamarizona.com, 3 to 5 p.m., $75.

Chimac Festival

DECEMBER 15 Discover the global popularity of fried chicken with traditional fried chicken from various cultures and creative interpretations at Arizona’s first Fried Chicken and Beer—Chimac Festival in Downtown Phoenix. “Chimac” is a Korean word for the pairing of fried chicken and beer. The ticket price does not include food and drink.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison

Street, Phoenix, buytickets. at/azchimac/308171, noon to 4 p.m., $4-$13.

Chef’s Kitchen Monthly Dinner Series at Omni Montelucia

DECEMBER 18 The Omni Montelucia culinary team hosts experiences that showcase visiting distilleries and winemakers from across the country. Each event invites guests to indulge in quality ingredients sourced locally in a live demonstration format. Prepared by executive chef Marcos Seville, each four-course dinner includes dishes paired with libations from distinguished winemakers and distillers. Each event is set in Chef’s Kitchen, an indoor/outdoor space featuring custom millwork, hammered brass finishes, SubZero and Wolf appliances, as well as a 2,500-square-foot, outdoor herb garden with an array of citrus, herbs and exotic mints.

Space is limited to 22 people for this champagne dinner.

Chef’s Kitchen and Garden at Omni Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 480.627.3039, 6 to 9:30 p.m., $175.

Christmas Eve Dining

DECEMBER 24 The Wigwam restaurant Litchfield’s will feature a threecourse prix fixe menu of holiday favorites accompanied by live music by local pianist Bob Dudley.

Litchfield’s at The Wigwam, 300 N. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 1.833.721.5047, wigwamarizona.com, 4 to 8 p.m., $62 adults, $22 children ages 4 to 12, free for kids 3 and younger.

Traditional Mexican Christmas Eve Dinner

DECEMBER 24 Match Restaurant & Lounge offers a traditional Mexican Eve dinner with chips and guacamole, Mexican chopped salad, chickenfilled tamales with mole, and

caramel flan with fresh fruit.

Match Restaurant & Lounge, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.875.8080, matchphx. com, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., $35.

Rusconi’s Christmas Eve Dinner

DECEMBER 24 The choices include pumpkin and roasted apple soup with spiced duck ravioli, blue crab and shrimp cake, grilled breast of natural chicken, beef tenderloin, white chocolate and raspberry bread pudding. There are separate choices for children.

Rucsoni’s American Kitchen, 10637 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.483.0009, rusconiskitchen.com, 5 p.m., $55 for adults, $24 for children.

Christmas Day Dining

DECEMBER 25 The Wigwam will double down for Christmas Day dining, starting with a hearty buffet in The Wigwam Ballroom for the entire family to enjoy along with live piano music, followed by dinner at Litchfield’s, featuring a threecourse prix fixe menu and holiday tunes by pianist Bob Sheade.

The Wigwam, 300 N. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 1.833.721.5047, wigwamarizona. com, noon to 4 p.m. lunch buffet, $54 adults, $22 children ages 4 to 12, free to kids 3 and younger; 3 to 7 p.m. dinner buffet, $62 adults, $22 children ages 4 to 12, free to kids 3 and younger.

Christmas Day Feast

DECEMBER 25 Match Restaurant & Lounge’s Christmas Day feast features roasted red and gold beet salad or butternut squash soup, beef prime rib or pan-roasted salmon, and Dutch apple pie or cherry cobbler.

Match Restaurant & Lounge, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.875.8080, matchphx. com, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., $55.

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

Chocolate Symphony

Gayle’s Chocolates finds new home in Cottonwood Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

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ouis Portnoy vividly remembers visits with Gayle Harte. The good family friend brought treats from her Royal Oak, Michigan, business, Gayle’s Chocolates, for him and his family.

“Every time she would come out here, she would bring chocolate,” Portnoy says. “We loved her chocolate.”

When it came time to retire, Harte did what many do. She moved to Arizona—Sedona, specifically. She sold her business to Portnoy and his parents, Michael and Andrea.

Harte is a legendary Michigander.

She founded the chocolates business in 1979 in her Huntington Woods, Michigan, kitchen, and moved it to nearby Downtown Royal Oak in 1985.

Thirty-four years later, she retired.

Before he secured his storefront, Portnoy worked out of Cottonwood Elementary School.

“We were using their kitchen for about 10 months,” Portnoy says.

“That’s a pain because chocolate is really temperamental with the temperature. They were using a swamp cooler over there for air conditioning.

I’d make a mold and then keep my fingers crossed about if it’s going to work out or not.”

There were times when Portnoy poured 15 chocolate bars and two or three would come out correctly.

“We were doing these Fabergé eggs, and we came in the next day and something happened to the air conditioning and all the eggs were ruined,” he says.

Now that the Portnoys have a proper building and kitchen, they find the truffles and clusters are popular treats.

“My favorite item is the clusters,” Portnoy says. “It’s like a turtle. I love caramel. It’s

really simple. She has a great caramel recipe, though, but I honestly like everything we make.

I like peanut butter, and the peanut butter cups are really good, too.”

The family created its signature candy, the Sedona-inspired Vortex Crunch. Crispy rice cereal, dried Michigan cherries, almonds, cashews, toffee, glazed orange peel and toasted coconut are drizzled with a layer of semisweet milk chocolate.

Besides the

aforementioned candies, Gayle’s offers classic chocolates, candy bars, gift tins/boxes, seasonal chocolates, specialty shapes, celebration chocolates and business gifts. The chocolate flavors available include milk, white, dark, milk toffee, milk almond, milk cherry pecan, dark almond, dark peppermint crunch, dark orange almond and dark coffee toffee chocolate.

Just like Willy Wonka, guests can walk in Gayle’s Chocolates and witness chocolates being made through large glass windows.

Everything at Gayle’s is made and packaged by hand. Gayle’s makes specialty chocolates for holidays and events including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, Mother’s and Father’s

or via the shipping kiosk at Gayle’s Chocolates’ store. To ensure flawless delivery, the chocolates are shipped in insulated boxes at no extra charge.

During extreme warm weather, chocolates will be shipped next-day air unless destination falls into one-day ground with ice packs.

“I love having this business,” Portnoy says. “It was meant to be.”

Gayle’s Chocolates

541 N. Main Street, Cottonwood, 1.888.761.COCO, gayleschocolates.com.

Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter.

“I was the production manager in Michigan and moved to Arizona when Gayle’s was sold to the Portnoys,” general manager Colleen Corson says.

“I oversee the production to ensure the same quality and taste for all our loyal and new chocolate lovers.”

Products can be shipped online

COTTONWOOD OLD TOWN CHOCOLATE WALK Historic Old Town Cottonwood is celebrating the 25th annual Chocolate Walk from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, December 7.

Old-town merchants, shops, tasting rooms and restaurants will participate in this “stroll” event whereby lucky ticket holders taste handcrafted chocolates up and down historic Main Street.

The $25 tickets are limited for 400 guests.

Ticket/bag pick up will be at the civic center/Cottonwood Community Club House at 3 p.m. Tickets will be mailed.

The merriment begins with the 65th annual Cottonwood Christmas Parade at 11 a.m. The Old Town Light Show begins at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music.

For more information, visit oldtown.org/chocolate.html.

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KEEPING IT REAL

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

Corleone’s represents Philly in the Scottsdale Airpark

By Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

O

ld news clippings, nostalgic photographs, images of characters like Rocky Balboa, autographed pictures of athletes and other memorabilia decorate the walls of Corleone’s in the Scottsdale Airpark.

The eatery—named as a tribute to owner Giovanni Caranci’s father, who was born in Corleone, Italy—has been serving what its team considers an authentic Philly experience for more than a decade and a half.

“A lot of people think that (the name is) in reference to ‘The Godfather,’ but my father was actually born in a town in Italy called Corleone,” Caranci explains, before clarifying that he did at one point have more memorabilia inspired by the acclaimed gangster franchise.

Caranci, who co-owns the concept with his brother, Jerry Salko, says he wanted Valley customers to experience what it would be like to step into an actual sandwich shop in Philadelphia.

But that experience goes beyond visuals. It must also hit all the marks for taste.

Caranci feels it does.

“Our steak is actually shipped in from the same butcher that we buy

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our steak from for (our family’s) restaurants in Philly, so that’s No. 1.

The bread (from Amaroso’s) is one of the most important things; and the Cheez Whiz,” Caranci explains, adding: “I mean, people talk about Philly cheesesteaks being original or real or not. Cheez Whiz is the best way to eat a cheesesteak. Some people like it, some people don’t, majority of people do, but everything that we get comes from Philly. All of our products.”

And while Cheez Whiz may be the original way to get it, patrons can still personalize their cheesesteak however they’d like—ribeye steak or chicken; Cheez Whiz, provolone, American or mozzarella cheese; with or without grilled onions; and plus a variety of other add-ons.

Though Caranci says the cheesesteak is “absolutely” what draws people in, the menu goes beyond that classic.

The restaurant offers a variety of other sandwiches as well as chicken wings, some sides, selections for kids, and even salad. Pizza was added to the menu around five years ago, too. A separate catering menu is also available.

Caranci feels the Italian hoagie— which consists of thinly sliced capicola, pepper ham, Genoa salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato and onion, with oil

The Original with steak, Cheez Whiz and grilled onions.

and vinegar—as well as the Buffalo chicken—served with bleu cheese or ranch—perhaps get sidelined to the more popular items.

But that doesn’t make them any less essential.

“People skip over some of the other menu items because they just get the cheesesteak, but those two sandwiches are stupid good,” Caranci says.

Through their food and atmosphere, the brothers showcase their Philadelphia roots. In fact, it was there where Caranci says he previously owned the cheesesteak restaurant, albeit under a different name.

But Salko, who was living in Arizona, couldn’t find the real deal on this side of the country, according to Caranci. After joking about bringing the concept to the Valley to avoid spending travel time and money for something as simple as a sandwich, Corleone’s became an Airpark reality.

“It kind of blew up,” Caranci says, so he sold his Philly restaurant and moved fulltime to Arizona, where he went on

to own five locations at one point.

Though Corleone’s is now down to just its Airpark site and another at 16th Street and Camelback Road, they’re doing well. Caranci says they’re looking at potentially franchising, as well as getting into the growing food truck business.

Regardless of when or if that happens, Corleone’s is focused on keeping Philadelphia alive in the Valley.

“It was impossible to find a real cheesesteak out here,” Caranci recalls.

“I mean, you can go and look at our reviews. People say this is if not the same cheesesteak as in Philly, it’s absolutely the closest that you can get to Philly. It’s just like a Philly cheesesteak in Philly for sure.”

Corleone’s

15040 N. Northsight Boulevard, Suite 106, Scottsdale, 480.483.8558, corleones.net

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BEER AND WINE

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

BEER AND WINE

CALENDAR Annika Tomlin >> The Entertainer!

includes eight different cigars, a lotus lighter, complimentary guided tasting and a barbecue dinner.

21 Degrees Cigar Lounge, 9375 E. Shea Boulevard, Suite 175, Scottsdale, 480.551.2121, prestigecigarsociety.com, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $99.

Cocktails Under the Cosmos

Holiday Jazz & Wine in the Garden

DECEMBER 5 Experience a snazzy evening strolling through the Japanese Friendship Garden as ribbons of live holiday melodies drift through the air by jazz vocalist Kim Weston and her trio of upright bass and keys. Enjoy this 21-and-over event, which includes happy-hour prices on wine, beer and sake. As you sip on a glass, meander over to Hotko Bread Co. for warm bread and dips or to The Fig and The Knife for a mini charcuterie board to pair with wine. Don’t miss this chance to make a beautiful holiday memory beside the relaxing waterfalls, beautifully shaped pine trees and gorgeous koi fish of the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix.

Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, 1125 N. Third Avenue, Phoenix, japanesefriendshipgarden.org, 602.274.8700, 4 to 7 p.m., $7-$10.

Buffalo Trace TastingOlivia Cigars

DECEMBER 6 Who doesn’t like to drink alcohol with a cigar in hand? During this event, guests can have their own bottle of alcohol for the night, the Oliva cigar sampler pack that ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DECEMBER 10 Celebrate all-things celestial with an astrology-themed cocktail reception on the scenic Camelback Overlook rooftop deck. This event features a signature cocktail themed around Sagittarius. Savor bites and drinks under twinkling lights and the beautiful night sky, seen brighter in Paradise Valley with its low-light pollution and dramatic desert backdrop.

Explore the galaxy through the lens of a telescope with an expert astronomer as your guide. The ticket includes bites along with two cocktails, glasses of wine or beer.

We’ll see you under the moonlight.

Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale, 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 480.624.5400, mountainshadows.com, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., $45.

Scottsdale Santacon

DECEMBER 14 Santacon is coming to Old Town Scottsdale. Get your squad together and start planning those crazy Santa costumes. Popular Old Town bars have planned a full day of jolly Christmas-themed specials just for you. Jam out to holiday music while having some naughty and nice drink and food specials at every bar. Bars include: Riot House, Whiskey Row, El Hefe, Casa Amigos, Bevvy, Hi-Fi and Bottled Blonde.

Old Town Scottsdale, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Suite 120, Scottsdale, scottsdale-santacon.com/ tickets, 3 to 10 p.m., $15-$50.

Pedal Haus Brewery’s Fourth Anniversary

DECEMBER 18 Eat, drink and be ugly this holiday season in celebration of Pedal Haus Brewery’s four-year anniversary and ugly-sweater contest. RSVPs include two drinks (Pedal Haus beers, well drinks and house wines), access to a large buffet and happy-hourpriced drinks for the rest of the night. Get ready to dance in your ugly sweater to live music.

Pedal Haus Brewery, 730 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 102, Tempe, eventbrite.com, 480.314.2337, 6 to 10 p.m., no cost.

Oaxacan Sip & Paint Night with Mezcal Carreno

DECEMBER 18 Come and join in on painting a Jicara (small wooden cup used for sipping mezcal) while enjoying complimentary mescal tastings.

Feel free to try out other cocktails like Mezcal Carreno’s “Ensamble 7,” which is available for purchase.

This is a 21-and-older event.

Provision, 4501 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.626.3866, provisioncoffee.com, 7 to 8:30 p.m., $25.

Global Bubble Bash!

DECEMBER 19 Sparkling wines are made around the world, with different varietals and methods that are as unique to each region as snowflakes.

Discover your new favorite bubbles to celebrate holiday gatherings, and really impress on New Year’s Eve by sabering bottles—you’ll learn how to pop that cork! This showcases five sparkling wines from around the world, accompanied by light bites representing each locale.

House of Tricks, 114 E. Seventh Street, Tempe, 480.968.1114, eventbrite. com, 6 to 7:30 p.m., $55.

National Sangria Day

by Urban Margarita

DECEMBER 20 The country is about to celebrate its love for sangria with the festive fruity libation’s very own holiday! Urban Margarita invites everyone to raise a glass in celebration of National Sangria

Day with $5 glasses of cranberry pomegranate sangria all day long.

Urban Margarita, 6685 W. Beardsley, Suite 180, Glendale, 623.561.6674, urbanmargarita. com, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., $5.

Merry Pitmas Party

DECEMBER 21 Join in for a Pitmas Brunch at O.H.S.O. in Scottsdale. They will have some fun swag to help you with that last-minute holiday shopping and their annual ugly sweater contest. So come on down, drink a beer, pet dogs, get swag and sport your best ugly sweater!

Sandy Paws will give away prizes for ugly sweater contest winners in three categories: hooman, dog and dog/hooman duo.

O.H.S.O. Distillery, 15681 N. Hayden Road, Suite 112, Scottsdale, 480.948.3159, ohsobrewery.com, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., no cost.

New Year’s Eve Pre-Party

DECEMBER 31 Want to celebrate a little earlier?

Check out Provision for a “bottle and board” special featuring any bottle of wine (including prosecco) and a charcuterie board.

Complimentary small bites and pastries are there to munch on as well as a complimentary prosecco toast at the end of the night.

Provision, 4501 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.626.3866, provisioncoffee.com, 7 to 10 p.m., $40.

The Crescent New Year’s Eve 2020 Block Party

DECEMBER 31 Have the pleasure of getting into not one but four parties on New Year’s Eve for one small price. This party shuts down a whole block to ring in the New Year right. This outdoor party event has heated tents, food trucks, drinks, music and lights.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, gates open at 8:30 p.m., $15.

GREAT BEER PAIRINGS

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

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PHOENIX BEER COMPANY BEER

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

“PHX Beer Co., a new brewery and restaurant concept, is now open in the Valley. The concept has adopted all former Phoenix Ale Brewery locations and made them PHX Beer Co.’s own, with new ownership, a new look, new food and, of course, new beer. PHX Beer Co. was born with the intention of honoring its namesake through creating inspiring craft beer. The downtown Phoenix brewery is the anchor point of PHX Beer Co., where Brewery Director Adam Wojcik will lead a team of brewers to create some of the desert’s tastiest pints, including the flagship IPA, Arizona Gold and Orange Grove IPA. Wojcik, an Arizona native and Arizona State University graduate, comes to PHX Beer Co. with 17 years of experience in the beer

BREWERY: PHX BEER CO. STYLE: PORTER NAME: IRON HORSE PORTER About the beer: Perfect for the cooler weather with a fit of festive flavor for the season, this Imperial Porter is brewed with chocolate malt to give a roasty yet sweet finish.

DISH

industry. When it comes to the food menu at PHX Beer Co., that is my realm. I am bringing my own experience as former owner and CEO of local favorite NYPD Pizza and Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen. Our food is made to go with our beers. Expect decadent comfort food favorites such as the cast

Winter Wine Talk Pair wine like a pro for the holidays with Mora Italian

Christina Arellano >> The Entertainer!

H

olidays are about friends, family, food and, of course, great wine. Italy is the world’s largest producer, accounting for around a third of the world’s wines. Finding approachable wines for mixed crowds is easier than you think, and this winter season, Mora Italian is here to teach you the basics of enjoying some authentic Italian wine to share with family and friends during the holiday season.

FOR THE CHEESE AND MEAT LOVER There’s never a wrong time of year for a charcuterie board, but the holidays shoots the cheesy dish pairing to the top of the list. A nice, crisp Rose of Sangiovese will complement salumi and saltier cheeses. This chilled, medium-bodied wine from the

Montefalco Rosso region in Italy has a bright color, and is fresh-fruit forward with a mouth-quenching acidity.

Pair this wine with roasted meats, couscous, harder cheeses and olive oil.

PAIR THE PERFECT DIP What’s a holiday party without a few crowd-pleasing dips? From spinach and artichoke to cranberry cream cheese dip, a sparkling white wine such as Prosecco makes a great pairing. With layers of sweet berries, slightly frizzante and a clean finish, Prosecco will highlight the freshness and creaminess of just about any dip.

TO SIP BY THE FIRE With the holidays comes the chilly winter weather. Primitivo is a great warm, cozy, winter wine. This darkskinned grape is known to produce a glass full of richness and spice. This full-bodied, tannin-balanced red pairs excellent with anything from Swedish meatballs to root vegetables. The baked fruit notes of this wine complement

iron macaroni and cheese and Iron Horse Porter brownie, as well as creative culinary options like Morenci copper ale wings, black iron pizzas and whiskey barbecue meatballs.”

—PHX Beer Co. Director of Hospitality Operations Richard Stark

DISH: BARBECUE BISON BURGER COST: $15 This 8-ounce Rocky Mountain bison burger includes Morenci Copper Ale barbecue sauce, arugula, whipped goat cheese, chipotle and Arizona Goldbraised mushrooms. The Iron Horse Porter brings out the smokiness and barbecue flavor of the bison burger on the menu.

PHX Beer Co.

8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.571.8645, 3002 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.275.5049, phxbeerco.com.

garlic and spices. This pairing creates a savory-on-savory effect.

FOR THE BACON FANATIC Who doesn’t love bacon on everything? From bacon-wrapped dates to bacon-wrapped sausages, an Aglianico pairs wonderfully. Being one of the greatest Italian varietals from Southern Italy, this full-bodied, highly acidic, tannin bomb will hold up to the smokiness of bacon and earthiness of dates or any other robust bacon combination.

FOR THE ELEGANT HOLIDAY PARTY With classic elegant appetizers, such as shrimp cocktail, a betterthan-average Friuli Pinot Grigio is the way to go. Spend the extra few bucks on this one, because the slopes of Friuili produce the best Pinot Grigio. The nice, dry acidity goes well with seafood, especially shrimp. The richness will hold up to any sauce complementing the dish.

PAIR THIS WITH YOUR SWEET TOOTH On a sweeter note, Brachetto is the hidden gem of Piedmont in Northwest Italy. This slightly sparkling, mediumsweet, low-alcohol wine is a great way to start off with nuts, fruits and cheeses. In addition to appetizers,

Christina Arellano is Mora Italian’s beverage manager.

enjoy ending your evening with some chocolate bark or chocolate mousse with this beautiful wine.

Whether its cheese of chocolate, sweet or salty, a nice wine complements any holiday spread. The season is about getting together with friends and family, and a nice glass of wine (or two!) will keep you cozy and warm.

Mora Italian

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

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

44

CASINOS

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR Basketball Jones Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

Cameron Degurski Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 1 Gemini Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 2 & 3 DJ Ray Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 4 DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Goo Goo Dolls Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com/sahuarita

DECEMBER 5 Spotlight Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Charlie Daniels Band Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

DECEMBER 6 Gimme 3 Steps Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Quantum Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Christmas with the Nelsons Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com Michael Carbonaro Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com/sahuarita

DECEMBER 7 Dynamite Draw Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 15

DECEMBER 27

Quantum Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Motown Magic: Holiday Tribute to Motown Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

Dynamite Draw Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 16 & 17 DJ Ray Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 18

98 Degrees Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 8

DECEMBER 19

Marble Heart Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Thaddeus Rose Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 9 & 10

DECEMBER 20

DJ Ray Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 11

DECEMBER 21

DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

XO Band Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 12

Walkens Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

AZ Blacktop Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 13 Silhouette Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Western Fusion Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 14 Jukebox 6 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Rhythm of the Sun Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Angelo Valente Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 22 Rhythm Edition Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 25 DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 26 Marble Heart Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

JD Madrid Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

DECEMBER 28 Jukebox 6 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Mike Reeves Band Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin JD Madrid Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

DECEMBER 29 Harry Luge Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin DJ Fred Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

DECEMBER 31 Nine Ball Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin Guitar/Violin Duo Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin New Year’s Eve Dueling Pianos Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com Raven’s New Year’s Eve Gala Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com Around the World NYE Party Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com Boogie Knights Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com/sahuarita

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

HEAT IT UP

45

98 Degrees meets fans’ expectations in concert Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

W

hen 98 Degrees reformed to tour with Boyz II Men and New Kids on the Block, its members didn’t know what to expect.

The response was rabid, and the quartet—brothers Nick and Drew Lachey, as well as Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons—knew it was the right time to continue its career.

“We’ve been really lucky,” Timmons says. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we’re growing and getting better and better. The crowds are excited and more rambunctious than ever. We’re having a blast.”

98 Degrees will return to the Valley to play Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino on Saturday, December 7.

“We’re having a really good time,” Timmons says. “We’re doing a mix of casinos and theaters and performing arts centers. We all have families and

we do the stuff on the weekends at casinos. We’re really fortunate. We did Mohegan Sun (in Uncasville, Connecticut) last weekend and there were 7,000 people there. It was a beautiful room with great energy, lighting and sound. It’s a sweet spot for us.”

At the shows, 98 Degrees plays “what people are expecting,” Timmons says.

That includes songs from their most prolific period in the late-1990s and early 2000s.

“It’s a tribute to that era,” he says.

“We’re doing a few covers. We get people up out of their seats and having a good time.”

During 98 Degrees’ break, each one of the men had his own projects.

Timmons began working with TV production, creating a music competition show that’s going to start soon.

He’s also helping two young artists—Nicole Michelle and a boy band tribute act, Overnight.

“They’re really great, young talented

artists,” he says. “I was hesitant about being a quasi-manager or doing a production deal with an artist. But I know how hard it is. I certainly don’t want to take away people’s opportunities.

“They’re so talented, and I’m happy and proud to put their names on my projects. We’ve had 25 years of experience in the business now, and it’s rewarding to help performers

avoid the pitfalls or downsides I had to encounter. I want them to be recognized for their talents.”

98 Degrees

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard Chandler, playatgila. com, 8 p.m. Saturday, December 7, $40-$85.

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46

SPORTS

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

SPORTS

CALENDAR

The winner will likely cement themselves as a legitimate title contender at the weight class.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, 4 p.m., ticket prices vary.

Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.727.0000, thesundevils. com, 1 p.m., tickets start at $10.

Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

AIA Football Open State Championship

DECEMBER 7 The newly formed Arizona high school football’s open division will hold its championship game on December 7. The top two teams in the state, regardless of conference and school size, face off for the top championship in Arizona.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.965.5812, azpreps365. com, 4 p.m., tickets start at $5.

Tucson Marathon

DECEMBER 7 In early December, runners will take to Tucson in a variety of events—including a marathon, half marathon and marathon relay—to celebrate athletics and beautiful Arizona weather in the winter.

Arizona Highway 77 and Biosphere Road, 520.403.3355, register. chronotrack.com/r/48686, 7 a.m., prices vary by event.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

DECEMBER 8 It’s a rematch of the 2009 Super Bowl at State Farm Stadium, as the Cardinals take on Pittsburgh in a home game.

The teams will fight to maintain a chance at playoff football.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, azcardinals.com, 2:25 p.m., tickets start at $109.

Arizona Coyotes vs. St. Louis Blues

Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets Topgolf at Chase Field

DECEMBER 13 TO DECEMBER 15 Topgolf is set to bring its partycentric golf to Downtown Phoenix’s Chase Field, the home of the Diamondbacks. Golfers can play various games, aiming for targets in the outfield where baseballs are normally hit.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.4600, dbacks.com, times vary, tickets start at $60.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns

DECEMBER 15 The Cardinals take on AFC foe Cleveland in the final home game of the 2019 regular season.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, azcardinals.com, 2:05 p.m., tickets start at $62.

Daniel Jacobs vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

DECEMBER 20 Daniel Jacobs and Julio Cesar Chavez step into the ring at Talking Stick Resort Arena for a super middleweight bout presented by Matchroom Boxing.

DECEMBER 21 The Rockets, newly formed with the backcourt duo of allstars James Harden and Russell Westbrook, visit Talking Stick Resort Arena for the first time this season. It is also one of the last games the Suns will host in 2019.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7867, nba.com/suns, 7 p.m., tickets start at $33.

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

DECEMBER 28 Two of the NCAA’s best college football team’s face off in Glendale at the Fiesta Bowl, which will this year be one of the College Football Playoffs’ semifinal games. Last year, LSU defeated UCF in a thrilling game.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 480.350.0911, fiestabowl.org, time TBA, tickets start at $110.

ASU Basketball vs.

Texas Southern

DECEMBER 28 Come support as Texas Southern travels to Tempe to take on the Sun Devils in their final home game of 2019, as well as their last contest before Pac12 play begins in January.

DECEMBER 31 The Coyotes host defending Stanley Cup winners St. Louis on New Year’s Eve. The Coyotes are trying to make the playoffs for the first time in a few seasons, and a win over a quality team like the Blues would help ring in 2020.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave, Glendale, 480.563.PUCK, nhl. com/coyotes, 7 p.m., tickets start at $35.

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl

DECEMBER 31 A celebration of football, the Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl features squads from the Mountain West and the Sun Belt conferences. Last year, the Nevada Wolf Pack defeated the Arkansas State Red Wolves 16-13.

Arizona Stadium, 1 N. National Championship Drive, Tucson, 520.621.2200, novaarizonabowl.com, 2:15 p.m., tickets start at $15.

Tucson Roadrunners vs. San Diego Gulls

DECEMBER 31 Ring in 2020 and celebrate New Year’s Eve with hockey, as the Roadrunners host San Diego in an AHL contest.

Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Avenue, 520.791.4101, ticketmaster.com, 6:05 p.m., tickets start at $13.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

47

Coyotes’ Jakob Chychrun wants to win ‘so bad’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

J

akob Chychrun says the heartbreaking end to the Arizona Coyotes’ 2018-2019 season fueled the fire to make the current one a success.

“We knew we had a good thing going here and we were capable of a lot more,” he says after practice the day before Thanksgiving.

“It wasn’t what anybody wanted, and we were just excited to come into this season with a lot of the same guys with a couple of big additions.”

The 21-year-old defenseman is speaking of right winger Phil Kessel, who was moved from the Pittsburgh

Penguins to the Coyotes in June. As of November 29, the Coyotes sat in second place behind the Edmonton Oilers.

The energy on the ice is renewed, but Chychrun looks beyond that.

“I see it in the fans, too, and the new ownership,” he says.

“Everything just seems to be clicking right now.

Hopefully we’ll keep it up.”

Chychrun and the rest of the Coyotes have upped the ante off the ice.

The team and the Arizona Coyotes Foundation invested $3.4 million into the Valley community this past fiscal year.

The investment reached

numerous Arizona nonprofit organizations, schools, community partners and youth hockey groups.

“This is my fourth year with the team, and each year it seems like we’re doing a little more,” Chychrun says.

“It’s really important to the team and to the management and everything. We do a few trips every year that really hit home for me.

I love visiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Every time we go there, it’s very rewarding to see the joy we can bring in such a small period of time. There are little things that just go a long way for us. It just goes to show you that this is bigger than hockey.”

Charity and a sense of community were instilled in Chychrun by his parents. He was born and raised in Boca Raton, Florida, the son of Nancy Chychrun and former NFL defenseman Jeff Chychrun.

“They always preached community work,” he says. “When my sister and I were young, they would bring us to nursing homes and we would just hang out to try and brighten their day.

“We wouldn’t even know anyone there. Looking back, that was pretty cool.”

Hockey is Chychrun’s lifelong ambition. He started playing hockey in Florida, and then joined the Little Caesars hockey organization in Detroit.

In 2013, he moved to Toronto to play for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.

The following year, he was the Sarnia (Ontario, Canada) Sting’s first-round selection and was nominated for the Ontario Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year.

The Arizona Coyotes chose Chychrun in the first round, 16th overall, in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

In June of that year, he inked a threeyear, NHL entry-level contract. His first goal came on October 20 against the Montreal Canadiens.

In August 2017, he had knee surgery for an injury he sustained during off-season training. The following off season didn’t bode well, either, as he tore his ACL. In the fall of 2018, he signed a six-year, $27.6 million contract extension.

Besides volunteering, Chychrun enjoys the outdoor lifestyle in Arizona.

“We’re lucky enough to play hockey in Arizona,” he says. “We try to take advantage of the water. I’m pretty outdoors-y. I love to golf. I love to fish.”

Those sorts of activities allow Chychrun to relax and not get burned out.

“I think by the end of the year, everyone’s burned out, to be honest,” he says. “We’re a little burned out. But we take advantage of the off days. Our coaches all played, so they’re aware of how tired we can get out there.

“It’s such a long year—82 games is long and hard on our bodies. At the end of the day, we want to win so bad and it takes over.”

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48

FAMILY

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

FAMILY

CALENDAR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

Lights at the Farm

TO JANUARY 10 Arizona’s largest walk-through synchronized light show has added displays and attractions for all ages. The light show features dancing trees of light; 18-feet snowman; two 120-footlong, four-color chasing light fields; leaping arches; 63 mini trees; two tube slides outlined with lights; a nativity scene and a Christmas train.

Vertuccio Farm, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa, lightsatthefarm. com, 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $12 at the gate.

brought to life on the Hale Centre Theatre stage. This production is rich with traditional carols, stunning costumes and memorable characters.

“A Christmas Carol” at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert, 480.497.1181, haletheatrearizona.com, various days and times, $22-$40.

Merry Main Street

TO JANUARY 3 Merry Main Street features the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink of more than 5,000 square feet, Mesa Christmas Market, Jack Frost Food Truck Forest, a nearly four-story tall Christmas Tree, Main Street Express trackless train, Santa’s sELFie stations and visits from Santa. Friday and Saturday evenings will feature arts, crafts and local vendors.

Downtown Mesa, merrymainst.com, various times, visit website for charges.

Ultimate Play Date ZooLights: Glow Wild

TO JANUARY 19 Walk around Phoenix Zoo and with your family and friends while being illuminated by millions of twinkling and dancing lights and a three-story-high holiday tree.

Don’t forget to check out the live reindeer, a 200-foot long polar slide, photos with Santa, hundreds of glimmering light displays and lakeside music-in-motion shows.

ZooLights: Glow Wild, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo. org, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m., $11.95$17.95 members, $13.95$19.95 general admission.

“A Christmas Carol”

TO DECEMBER 24 This spectacular, heart-warming version of Dickens’ classic tale of redemption is magically

DECEMBER 7 The event includes a variety of authors, including Story Monster & Friends with author Belinda Barbieri, who will help kids pen the perfect letter to Santa. Other authors scheduled to appear include the award-winning Rosemary Lyn (“The Gift of Haley”), Dr. Dawn Menge (“Queen Vernita’s Visitors”) and Kathy Peach (“The Tiniest Tumbleweed”).

Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.312.7323, scottsdalelibrary.org/ ultimateplaydate, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free admission.

Arizona Big Train Operators’ Christmas Open Houses

DECEMBER 7 AND DECEMBER 8 DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 15 Arizona Big Train Operators hosts annual Christmas Open Houses in the West Valley, Mesa, Sun

Lakes, Apache Junction and San Tan Valley featuring 12 homes, one medical center and a museum showing off G-scale garden railroads for kids of all ages.

Valleywide, maps at azbigtrains. org, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., free admission but donations are accepted to maintain railroads at Cardon Children’s Medical Center, Ryan House and ABTO activities.

“Ella Enchanted: The Musical”

DECEMBER 7 TO DECEMBER 29 Childsplay brings the charming musical “Ella Enchanted” to Downtown Phoenix for the holidays. Based on the Newberyhonored book and popularized by the major motion picture starring Anne Hathaway, “Ella Enchanted: The Musical” is a retelling of the Cinderella fairytale but with an empowering message for girls.

Herberger Theater Center’s Center Stage, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, childsplayaz. org, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays, $12-$30.

author and having books signed, each child at the party will get to make a take-home craft and decorate a themed dessert.

Girly Girlz, 15425 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 240, Scottsdale, girly-girlz.com, noon to 1 p.m., charge for book.

Kids Time: Critters & Crafts

DECEMBER 19 Especially for preschool through third grade. Get an up-close look at Butterfly Wonderland’s incredible bugs. Education Specialist Vicki Smith will also have a storytime and craft activity. Attendees are eligible for 10% off a Butterfly Wonderland annual pass.

Butterfly Wonderland’s Multipurpose Room, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com, 4 to 5 p.m., free admission.

Free Snowball Family Festival

DECEMBER 21 Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, the Snow Queen and the Ice Princess. Play in real snow and enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, the magic mirror photobooth, a book creation station for kids, raffle prizes and giveaways. Visit more than 40 family- and childfriendly vendors and tons of on-site food and drink options.

OdySea in the Desert Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium.com, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission.

Winter Camp

Rich Berra Book Signing

DECEMBER 15 Rich Berra, nationally syndicated morning radio co-host of the Johnjay and Rich Show, is coming to Girly Girlz in North Scottsdale for an exclusive holiday book-signing event. The first 30 customers to purchase a book will receive a ticket to the event. In addition to meeting the

VARIOUS DATES IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY Impact Gymnastics Academy is hosting a winter camp with gymnastics, activities, games, crafts and special guests. No gymnastics experience is necessary.

Impact Gymnastics Academy, 7812 N. 12th Street, Suite B, Phoenix, 602.870.7574, impactgymaz.com, various times December 23, December 26, December 27, December 30, December 31, January 2 and January 3, $50 half-day camp, $70 full-day camp in advance, $60 half-day camp and $80 full-day camp drop-in rate.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

A Disney Christmas

49

This new holiday party brings Santa and Mickey together Natalie Urquiza >> The Entertainer!

D

isney is a recognizable name that’s ageless and creates memories. Kids can see their favorite Disney Junior character in front of them and reach out for a hug when “Disney Junior Holiday Party! On Tour” comes to Comerica Theatre on Sunday, December 15.

The new live production features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy Vampirina, Bingo and Rolly performing on stage.

“People, of course, love to go out and do fun stuff around the holidays,” says Jonathan Shank, the Disney Junior Holiday Party and Disney Junior Dance Party producer with Red Light Management. “It is a great way to bring families together and I think it is awesome because there is something for everyone.

“Everybody knows the holiday classics, so there are great moments for everybody to enjoy, interact with the characters and participate in the show.”

The holiday dance party is an extension of the Disney Junior Dance Party tour that recently ended.

“The shows are all the same, and we do have DJ Deejay and host Finn Fiesta from the show that carried over from the Disney Junior Dance Party,” Shanks says. “They interact with the children; they keep everything moving.”

The “Disney Junior Holiday Party!

On Tour” is written by Amy Tinkham and directed and choreographed

by Scotty Nguyen. Shank and his colleagues thought it would be a great time for families to come together.

“Actually, we were having this discussion after the Disney Junior Dance Party,” Shank says. “We noticed there weren’t many kids shows that were festive around the holiday season, which doesn’t showcase holiday classics.”

He hopes the show will sustain, considering it has the current characters and future personalities to introduce.

The characters will perform Disney Junior hits and other holiday classics, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” Also, the show will include a special appearance by Santa Claus and characters from Disney Junior’s upcoming animated series “T.O.T.S.” Shank says it’s meaningful for fans to

interact with Disney Junior characters and do the “hot dog dance with Mickey.” Other personalities will sing holiday classics like “Feliz Navidad” and “Jingle Bells.”

“People can expect to come and be part of a really festive holiday and get ready for the upcoming season,” he says.

Tickets start at $42.50 and VIP packages are available with preparty and afterparty experiences with characters like Mickey, Minnie and Santa.

“People are excited about getting their annual meet and greet with not

only the Disney characters but with Santa,” Shank says. “There is also a little celebration for the kids, fun activities, coloring and balloons. There will be a fun party while they wait for their favorite characters to come in and do a meet and greet.”

“Disney Junior Holiday Party! On Tour”

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, comericatheatre.com, 3 p.m. Sunday, December 15, tickets start at $42.50.

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

Event

WOMEN FIRST Info

Females throw their hats in the ring at new Zoppe Family Circus show Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

F

or families like the Zoppes, the circus isn’t just a way to make a living. It is part of their identities.

The Zoppe family’s circus, in its 177th year, will make its annual visit to Chandler from Thursday, December 26, to Sunday, January 5.

Seven generations of the family have been part of Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus.

The family circus was started in Italy in 1842 by French clown Napoline and Hungarian equestrian ballerina Ermenegilda and was moved to the United States by equestrian Alberto Zoppe in the 1940s.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Throughout the circus’ history, matriarchs have played a strong role in keeping the family tradition alive. Emma Zoppe was especially instrumental in making sure the circus survived through tough times of famine and war.

In honor of her, the family circus will present a new show entitled “La Nonna,” a term used for a grandmother in Italian.

Giovanni Zoppe, a sixth-generation circus performer and the family circus’ director, says the new show is centered around and showcases the talent of female performers. Around 80% of the cast is made up of female performers from around the globe.

In each generation, one family member has really taken the reigns of

leading the family circus. Emma was this person during the 1920s to the 1940s, and her son Alberto took over after her.

“This truly is a celebration of her life. This show is about the strength, power and beauty of all women, the Zoppe women in particular,” Giovanni says.

Giovanni hopes the show will empower women and promote tolerance of others and equal treatment of people from different backgrounds.

“The circus has always been an equal-opportunity employer because we’ve always accepted everybody,” he says. “No matter what country you are from, what color you are, what race you are, what religion you are, everybody’s always accepted.”

Giovanni says Emma endured a lot in her life, but remained dedicated to the circus. When the circus was bombed, she watched helplessly as the animals died.

“My grandmother was in tears, on her knees crawling back to the show,” Giovanni says. “Our animals are our lives for circus people. It’s what we live for—our animals.”

Giovanni says she is a testament to the strength of the Zoppe family’s strong women.

“The show collapsed multiple times, and she would always bring it back,” Giovanni says.

Like men in the show, female performers have always taken on different roles, including helping to set up and take down the tent.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

“The women don’t just walk in a ring and take a bow. They also drive the stakes, put the tent up, help to drive.

The women do everything on our show,” Giovanni says.

Now, Giovanni, his sisters Tosca and Carla and their spouses have been upholding the family tradition with clown, equestrian and dog acts, respectively.

During the shows, Giovanni plays an Auguste-style clown named Nino.

Within this role, he showcases his circus skills that include trying to take the attention away from other performers.

“You’re not supposed to play with other people’s props in the circus— that’s rule No. 1—but I always did,” Giovanni says.

This year, he will be play opposite a Russian-inspired babushka character named Natasha Vodkavitch, portrayed by ringmistress Aimee Klein.

Giovanni brings a Venetian comedic style of clowning known as Commedia dell’arte, and Klein plays the more serious clown to his fool.

This is the first time the family circus has had a ringmistress.

The show will also break new ground with female-centered acts developed or reworked specifically for the show.

Audiences will have a chance to see the Zingara Riders, an all-female group of Cossack trick riders. This Russian style of riding is fast-paced and dangerous.

“These women are jumping on and off and doing incredible feats and going underneath the belly of a horse,” Giovanni says.

The circus will also showcase an allfemale group of flyers from the Santos family, another multigenerational circus family. For the first time, 6-yearold twin sisters Alice and Elise Santos will perform the Perch Pole Act. The show will have performances of Mongolian contortionism and an aerial act with two sisters performing on a lyra apparatus.

It took some time to find the right performers and develop new acts for

Zoppe Circus Camp

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, December 30, to Wednesday, November 2, $105.

this show.

Giovanni’s daughter, Chiara,16, played a key role in writing and directing the show.

Giovanni hopes she and her brother, Julien, a 10-year-old clown, will continue the family’s circus tradition, but he isn’t pressuring them.

“If the next generation wants it. I don’t want to force any generation to do it, but if they really like to do it,” Giovanni says. “My daughter is really showing a lot of promise…I have a strong feeling she’s going to be a huge part of what we are doing here in the future.”

The show will have a similar intimate feel as others presented by the family circus. The audiences are no more than 20 feet from the action, and their senses are all engaged, especially when the horses are running around the ring.

Giovanni, his sisters, their spouses and his children are part of an extended circus family that includes the other performers. Each year in Chandler, they set up and fill stockings and hold a Christmas dinner inside of the ring.

Giovanni grew up learning bareback riding, clowning, juggling and trapeze arts from his father and other performers from the time that he was young. He can’t imagine another life than the one he lives.

“I don’t know what a stationary life is. Normal life to me is what I am doing,” Giovanni says.

During the Chandler engagement, members of the circus will be doing a three-day circus camp from Monday, December 30, to Thursday, January 2, where children ages 7 to 13 can learn low wire performing, balancing, clowning and juggling.

Giovanni says the circus school not only teaches children circus skills but helps instill confidence in them.

“When they are in that ring that last day, they just really shine like crazy,” Giovanni says.

51

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Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, various times Thursday, December 26, to Sunday, January 5, $15-$40.

The Insider’s Guide to Arizona Entertainment

PHX METRO » JULY 2019

THE

MASTROS

Sultans of Steak

SHINEDOWN

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52

MUSIC

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING Sinshrift

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

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

Sugaray Rayford Band

Marmalade Skies

Tow’rs

Mike Vax

Union32

Pete Yorn

JP Harris

DECEMBER 7

The Pineapple Thief

King Diamond

Alex Cameron

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

DECEMBER 1 Ensiferum

Club Red East, 6 p.m., $27

The Home Team

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Jam Session: Ioannis Goudelis

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

Myrlin Hepworth

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $8

New Politics w/ The Mowgli’s, Plain White T’s

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

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $44.75-$74.75

Radkey

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $8-$10

Yacht

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

DECEMBER 2

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10 Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $39.50-$102.50

Jared and the Mill

Suite Sounds: The Music of Ellington & Strahorn w/The Driftwood Quintet

Crescent Ballroom, 5 p.m., $18

Ken Peplowoski-Katie Thiroux Quartet

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $26.17-$31.32

DECEMBER 5

Kim Wilson All-Star Blues Band

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $62-$65

Mike Massé

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $28-$48

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Anamanaguchi

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$23

Devonshire

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $7

Exhumed

Club Red West, 6 p.m., $16

Goo Goo Dolls w/Maddie Poppe and John K

ASU Jazz Repertory Band

Tempe Center for the Arts Studio, 7:30 p.m., $30

Myles Parrish

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Phoenix Amplified Jazz Experience: Ken Ford

Tempe Center for the Arts Theater, 8 p.m., $40

Who’s Zeppelin: A Tribute to The Who and Led Zeppelin Performed

by The Who Experience

DECEMBER 9 MC Chris

Jon Bellion w/Louis Tomlinson, Max Local Natives

The Steel Wheels

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

DECEMBER 10 David Benoit: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $53.50-$73.50

JD McPherson

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20

Jonas Brothers

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $45.20-$504.25

2nd Hand Sam and His Country Gentlemen

Katie Mae

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

Bill Frisell and Julian Lage Duo

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

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$45

Kolars

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

Nayo Jones: Home for the Holidays

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $29.60-$37.40

The Pistoleros w/ Sliced Limes, Ghetto Cowgirl Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10

Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

(həd) p.e.

SAINt JHN

Club Red West, 6 p.m., $18

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $15

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $62-$65

DECEMBER 8

Greyson Chance

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $40

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $16-$50

Why Don’t We w/Loud Luxury, Bryce Vine

Phoenix College Jazz Ensembles

From Indian Lakes

Angels & Airwaves

Daughters w/Health

Last Exit Live, 6:45 p.m., $15-$20

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $20-$40

DECEMBER 6

DECEMBER 4

Arizona Deathfest 3

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $30-$33

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Rob Riccardo w/Janae Dunn

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$27

Lee Fields & The Expressions

South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Band

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $25-$38

The Slackers

Boston Manor w/Microwave, Heart Attack Man, Selfish Things

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Reckless Kelly

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25

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

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $17

The Jacob Jolliff Band

Archetypes Collide

Club Red East, 8 p.m., $25-$30

Club Red, 4 p.m., $33

Griffin House

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $17

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

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35-$285

Post Hoc

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $28.50-$32.50

Catfish and the Bottlemen

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free

The Nash, 3 p.m., $11-$29

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

Angel Olsen

DECEMBER 3

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15

The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., $15

Nikki Hill

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$60

The Nile, 7 p.m., $17

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

Club Red East, 7 p.m., $22-$99

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Stage 2, 8:30 p.m., $15 Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $34-$46

Fabio Frizzi Performing “The Beyond” and “Frizzi 2 Fulci” Club Red West, 7 p.m., $25-$30

A Grimy Christmas w/Jalopy Bungus, Almighty Suspect, Zenny Phantom, Dontae, Xavybabi Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15

Gypsy Soul

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Jam Session: Pam Morita

Rob Thomas w/Daughtry, Stephen Puth SCC Jazz Combos: Night 1 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Son Little

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $18

DECEMBER 11 Cattle Decapitation

Club Red East, 5:30 p.m., $25

Kiefer Sutherland

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $38-$43

La Dispute w/Touché Amoré, Empath The Nile, 8 p.m., $25

Lucky Devils

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., free

The Number Twelve Looks Like You

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

SCC Jazz Combos: Night 2

decker.

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $10

Iris DeMent w/Ana Egge

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $58-$91 (canceled due to illness)

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Diamante

A Tribute to John Coltrane Performed by Nazim Rashid & New Renaissance

Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández Presents A Merry-Achi Christmas

Hellyeah

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$18 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $34.50-$38

The Nash Vocal Jazz Ensemble

DECEMBER 12

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $39-$59

Ariana Grande

Soul Power Band

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $43.50-$63.50

Thievery Corporation

DECEMBER 20

Upscale Singers: Home for the Holidays

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

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

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7 p.m., $45.20-$399

ASA Jazz Ensemble

The Nash, 6:30 p.m., free

Fat Grey Cat

The Rhythm Room, 7:30 p.m., $5

Happy Birthday Dionne Warwick w/Renee Patrick and Nicole Pesce

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $34.30

Holiday Swing w/Maria Muldaur and John Jorgenson

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $35-$38

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 5 p.m., $24.50-$29.60

DECEMBER 15 Irish Christmas in America

Musical Instrument Museum, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

Jonah Matranga

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $14-$16

Unearth

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $20

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $18

DECEMBER 13 Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $38-$58

Blink-180TRUE

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $15-$20

Charade You Are w/The Harvest Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$15

Chon w/Between the Buried and Me, Intervals The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $27.50-$32.50

Johnny Rawls

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $28.50-$43.50

The Music of “Cowboy Bebop” Performed

by The Mammoth Ensemble

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$15

The Nash Composers Coalition The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $6-$20

DECEMBER 14 Arizona Humane Society Benefit Show w/After the Calm Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10

The Crotty & O’Neill Sextet: “Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas” The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$25

DECEMBER 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS

DECEMBER 26 Dom Flemons

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

DECEMBER 27 Injury Reserve

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $22-$25

Rachel Eckroth and Tim Lefebvre w/Caleb Michel

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $11-$31

Neil Hilborn

Crescent Ballroom, 5:30 p.m., $20

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $25.50

Open Hand

DECEMBER 28

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

Shawn Johnson & The Foundation

Traveler

Authority Zero

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $20-$40

Chloe Rowlands

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

Ouija Macc

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $15

DECEMBER 29 Carvin Jones

The Repeat Offenders

DECEMBER 21 Apocalypse Pony

Francine Reed

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $29.50-$35 Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15 The Rhythm Room, 5:30 p.m., $10

DECEMBER 16 CGCC Little Big Band

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Irish Christmas in America

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

Motel Radio

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$13

Convey

Mike Stern and Jeff Lorber Fusion featuring Jimmy Haslip and Dave Weckl

Esteban

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

Majid Jordan

Khemmis

Club Red East, 7 p.m., $20

Emarosa

Billy Watson

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

DECEMBER 17

King Tut King Shad

A Peter White Christmas

DECEMBER 24

Levi Platero

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10 Club Red West, 7 p.m., $15

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

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Il Divo: A Holiday Song Celebration

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39.50-$553.50

Rittz w/Dizzy Wright

Club Red East, 7 p.m., $25

DECEMBER 18 Death Angel

The Sugar Thieves Wade Cota

Club Red West, 6 p.m., $10

Beth Lederman and Jazz con Alma: A Winter Solstice Concert

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

Cashmere Cat

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $24-$26

Dmitri Matheny Group featuring Holly Pyle

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $11-$29

The Klezmatics: A Happy Joyous Hanukkah

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

Lurrie Bell & Friends

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $15

VoicePlay: “Warm-Up”

Tempe Center for the Arts Theater, 7:30 p.m., $20-$45

The Winter Jam 2019 w/Terror, No Warning

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $11-$21

Sara Robinson Band

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $10 The Nash, 3 p.m., $16-$36

House of Stairs w/J-Calvin, Mesquite Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $7

Jam Session: Stan Sorenson

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

Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., $48.50-$68.50

Luxxe w/ Baseline, Rival Coast, rx Soul Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $12

DECEMBER 30 Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $48.50-$68.50

DECEMBER 31 Anybody Killa and Native World’s Native New Year 2020

The Nile, 7:30 p.m., $25

Club Red West, 7 p.m., $20

Ganja White Night w/Boogie T, Jantsen, Subdocta

DECEMBER 22

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $15

The Milk Carton Kids

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

Club Red West, 6 p.m., $20

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $20-$35

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $38.50-$53.50

Silversun Pickups

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $36-$56

DECEMBER 19 Brian Chartrand

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $12

53

Jam Session: Dave Henning Mariachi Los Campos

Musical Instrument Museum, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., $43.50-$63.50

DECEMBER 23 NO SHOWS SCHEDULED

Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns Greg & Judy + Joel & Delphine The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $40-$50

Iration w/Brother Ali, Bikini Trill, Tyrone’s Jacket, Barefoot Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $42.50-$77.50

Jim Brickman

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $48.50-$68.50

Stateline

Club Red East, 8 p.m., $10 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

PRETTY ‘RECKLESS’

54

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

Kiefer Sutherland finds music isn’t so different from acting

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

K

iefer Sutherland kept his personal life under wraps. But when he stepped forward as a country singer, all of that had to change.

It wasn’t an easy endeavor for the well-known actor.

“I spent 35 years being very private about my life and what I do in my own time,” says Sutherland, who owns a record label, Ironworks, with his best friend and musical partner Jude Cole.

“It was really rough at the very beginning of my touring life. I would just introduce the song.”

But something almost magical happened: Sutherland and his fans accepted and warmed up to each other.

“I have to tell you, the generosity I’ve experienced from audiences around the world has been so vast,” he says. “It allowed me to lead into that. It was a cathartic experience for me and an incredibly important and special one.

“We’re all trying to do our best going through life. To share that honesty with an audience was something very special to me.”

Recently, Sutherland released “Reckless & Me: Special Edition,” a deluxe edition of his 10-song sophomore effort that features a bonus disc with a full concert from Berlin.

The live disc captures Sutherland and his band’s energetic performance.

They will make their Phoenix debut Wednesday, December 11, at the Crescent Ballroom.

“This is my first show ever in Phoenix,” he says. “I can’t quite understand why. I’m very excited to

be concentrating on the Southwest for this tour, in many cases to an audience I’ve never played to before.”

Sutherland is a strong believer in his music. For “Reckless and Me,” he worked with a variety of cosongwriters including Cole, Jason Wade of Lifehouse, and Sammy Hagar. He sees a tie between acting and singing—they’re both forms of storytelling.

Fans who haven’t seen Sutherland live don’t quite understand his mediums.

“If I meet someone on the street, I spend 5 minutes trying to explain to them that I’m not Jack Bauer—even on the best day of my life,” he says about his “24” character.

“I’m playing songs that are very personal and from my life.”

He solely penned “Song for A Daughter” after coming across a photo of her after a long stint on the road.

“The story is what interests me in acting,” he says. “If I can get a great visual from the first three pages of a script in my head, I read it with a passion I might not read in another. “‘Song for a Daughter’ I wrote after I had been on the road for three years.

I couldn’t remember where I put the cutlery in the kitchen. I opened the wrong drawer and found a picture of my daughter when she was 6 months old. She’s 33 now. I hadn’t thought about that in a long time. I was moved by that.”

Sometimes sharing songs with the subject is awkward—like when he wrote a song for his mother.

“My mom had a terrible stroke,” Sutherland says. “When I got on the plane, I was told she wasn’t going to make it. I wrote this song on the plane and she ended up making it. I played her this song I wrote about her passing away when she hadn’t. That was a little

strange.

“Again, it’s an opportunity to tell someone in the audience, ‘You’re not alone,’ which is really helpful. I found for me, at least, it’s quite helpful to say I’ve gone through this really hard thing.”

Kiefer Sutherland

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx. com, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 11, $38-$43.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

55

Silver ry a s r e v i n n A Authority Zero celebrates 25 years playing music for the fans Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

I

n Authority Zero’s 25 years, the Valley musicians have been told their music saved fans from suicide and helped them through breakups or divorces.

“I’ve had people tell me they were about to commit suicide and they heard ‘Find Your Way’ or ‘Courage’ and at the last minute they changed their mind,” says lead singer Jason DeVore, a Mesa native.

“They learned how to deal with it, rather than ending it. Troops overseas who are fighting have heard ‘One More Minute’—which has nothing to do with anything they were going through over there—and it gave them some kind of peace and took them back to a nice place.”

Authority Zero clearly has a special bond with its fans. DeVore says it’s because the musicians are approachable.

“I think we are really personable with our fans,” he says. “We try to make sure we have the time for them—on stage and off. We really try to stay connected and in tune with all of them.

“Even as a fan of music, sometimes I don’t get the time of day. I just see them on stage, which is cool. However, the ones who have taken the time to talk to me and meet me at the merch

booth have a bigger impact on me.”

Authority Zero will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a hometown show, which DeVore describes as a “pre-New Year’s Eve show.”

The show also celebrates December 6 release of “Authority Zero: Live at the Rebel Lounge.”

“We recorded it over two nights,” DeVore says. “That’s where we first started playing in 1996 or 1995, but it was known as the Mason Jar. “It’s a double-disc set and we’re doing it on vinyl, too. It’s an indie release.”

Born in 1979 in Mesa, DeVore formed Authority Zero in 1994 with friends. For the next six years, the band played out and inked a deal with Lava/ Atlantic Records in 2000.

Authority Zero’s major-label debut, “A Passage in Time,” super-charged the band’s popularity, as it spent time on the road with Pennywise, Sum 41 and Flogging Molly. Since then, Authority Zero has released about six full-length studio albums, either on its own label or others.

DeVore expanded his talents in 2005, when he started playing more technical guitar while singing.

Yearning for more melodic music, DeVore released his first solo album, “Conviction Volume I: The Smoke House Sessions,” a project he worked on with Bryan Sandell. The project shows off DeVore’s talents, as he also

plays saxophone and Irish tin whistle.

Sandell and DeVore founded Operation Records to release the album as well as 2010’s “Conviction Volume II: The Crooked Path” and 2019’s “Conviction Volume III: The Road to Clarity.”

Authority Zero is an amalgamation of SoCal punk with reggae and ska tendencies. The band features bassist Mike Spero, guitarist Dan Aid and drummer Chris Dalley, along with DeVore.

Needless to say, Authority Zero knows about benefits and the downside of being on major labels. DeVore admits it would be nice to have the funding to record music, but he prefers to be hands-on with his products.

For the next decade or so, DeVore hopes to see Authority Zero grow in terms of music and support.

“I’m hoping we can play markets like South America, where we’ve never been,” DeVore says. “There are so many places we haven’t touched. We have requests from people all over the world.

“We have a lot of ground to cover still.

I’m hoping more people spread the word and keep that growth going somehow.

Punk rock is coming around again. I think the time is coming. It’s only fair.”

Outside of Authority Zero, DeVore keeps busy with his solo projects.

He relentlessly tours around venues

in town playing acoustic gigs. He’s formed The Deadly’s with Irish musician Keith Walker. It’s an offshoot of their former band, the Bullox.

“It’s an Irish punk band with an ’80s pop sensibility,” he says. “I really just keep on writing whatever’s happening in my head and I came up with songs for The Deadly’s. The projects are just different takes on my mind.”

Despite his success, DeVore doesn’t have any plans to move elsewhere. The Tempe musician is firmly entrenched in the Valley music scene—if not only for him, but the fans.

“Being a local band from here, we’re so humbled that people still do come out in good numbers and have a good time,” he says.

“I’m singing about crap I’ve gone through myself. It’s not cool that people have gone through hardships, but it’s amazing to see how people can relate to it in their own different way.”

Authority Zero w/Madd Dog Tannen, ZeeCeeKeely, Skull Drug, Black Mountain Moonshine Marquee Theatre, 300 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m. Saturday, December 28, tickets start at $20.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

Join the ‘Club’ Emarosa changes gears and brings more fans into the mix

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

W

hen Emarosa kicked off its “Peach Club” tour in November, it took a chance.

The Kentucky alt-rock band started playing its new album, “Peach Club,” from front to back, in its entirety.

That’s something that’s usually reserved for anniversary or special occasions. But lead singer Bradley Walden wanted to eschew Emarosa’s former label of “post-hardcore” and pronounce it dead.

“We’re at that point where we’ve realized that there are no consequences for making whatever record we wanted to make,” says Waldren, who formerly dated WWE Superstar Paige (SarayaJade Bevis) and was featured on E!’s “Total Divas.” “We started writing, and it felt like the book was being

thrown out the window. There are no rules.”

He admits he was a little nervous about what fans would think.

“You put music out and you’re not going to release it if you don’t want people to like it,” Walden says. “When it started to hit with people, it was really cool—especially after years of being in this band and kind of trying to carve a place for ourselves.

Taking this dive was us being true to what we wanted. It felt rewarding, and the fans’ reaction reinforced that we made the right decision.”

Emarosa hits the Rebel Lounge on Friday, December 20, with Too Close to Touch and Vaines.

“Phoenix is underrated,” says Walden, a former bouncer at Detroitarea clubs. “Most people see it as a stop on the way to L.A., but I love Arizona.”

Walden calls this tour “the biggest performance we’ve ever done.” The shows will feature full production.

“Our band’s never done production

before,” he says. “We’re doing the new record from front to back. That’s something else we’ve never done. We’re doing other songs. It’s going to be our most extravagant performance to date.

“This album deserves this production. I know it sounds like a marketing claim; you’re supposed to say, ‘This is the best record we’ve ever done.’ To say this is the best record is a matter of taste. But this is my favorite record I’ve ever done.”

He’s thankful his bandmates—lead/ rhythm guitarist ER White, rhythm guitarist Matthew Marcellus and bassist Robert Joffred—are letting him

be himself.

“There are times I held back,” he says. “But every singer should be evolving in their own craft. You can see that with a lot of artists from the first to last thing they released. They let me do that. It makes me love what I’m doing even more.”

hears “Future Towns.”

“I think we feel really comfortable in our own skin,” she says. “I feel like we trusted ourselves a lot and we trusted the process. We really enjoyed recording, but there weren’t a lot of variables, like what were we going to do when we got in there?

“I think that comes with being in a band for a while and everyone trusting each other to do what they’re supposed to do with their instruments.”

She says Lloyd writes “some of the best riffs.” Boyack pens straightforward “hits.” Hedlund is a true talent.

Likened to The Strokes, Neon Trees

and Jimmy Eat World, New Chums is in the studio working on a follow-up release after playing a handful of shows to promote “Future Towns.”

“My perspective has changed a little bit where the asset is the music,” Boyack says. “We’re trying to shorten the turnaround time (of an album) from two years to one to put out more music.”

“We love the way the EP turned out, and we hope others will, too,” Lloyd adds.

Emarosa w/Too Close to Touch and Vaines

The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, therebellounge.com, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 20, $16-$18.

A Bright Future New Chums lighten up on sophomore collection

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

N

ew Chums’ future is bright. But that isn’t just in reference to its career. The Gilbertbased band brightened its sound for its new EP, “Future Towns.”

“It’s a little lighter, maybe,” says guitarist Matt Lloyd of Gilbert. “It definitely has some poppiness to it.”

New Chums’ musicians each bring their stamp of big guitars and relentlessly catchy lyrics to “Future Towns.” Lead singer/guitarist Seth Boyack took to Craigslist to find musicians after he moved here from California. Through the site, he found drummer Ben Hedlund, a Bostonian with a background in production.

Eventually, they partnered with Lloyd, who relocated from Nashville, and bassist Cassandra Clark from Michigan.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“Cassandra is probably one of the best bassists,” Boyack says. “She has great little hooks in everything she plays— but without getting Primus on me.”

Hedlund describes her as his “favorite bass player.”

“She brings a good energy to the band; one that we were lacking,” he says.

A Glendale resident, Clark giggles a bit when she hears the compliments.

“I honestly don’t know what to do when they compliment me because it’s never happened,” she says with a laugh.

“Future Towns” is New Chums’ second EP, the first being the 2017 effort “See It For Myself.” For “Future Towns,” the band once again teamed with producer Bob Hoag (Dear and the Headlights, Jared and the Mill) at his Downtown Mesa two-room studio, Flying Blanket Recording.

“We love the vibe that we got and we just really clicked with him,” Lloyd says.

Clark sees a clear evolution when she

New Chums

facebook.com/newchumsband

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

57

Eddie Eberle is the Valley’s latest pop music star

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

E

ddie Eberle is a true child of the Arizona music scene.

The guitarist-singer has been embraced by producer Curtis Grippe of Dead Hot Workshop. Eberle has toured with Roger Clyne, and local rockers The Black Moods—singer Josh Kennedy, drummer Chico Diaz and bassist Jordan Hoffman—took him under their wing.

“I met Josh, Chico and Jordan when I was 13 through our producer Curtis Grippe,” says Eberle, who is 19. “Being 13, not a lot of producers would take us seriously. He believed in me. Curtis introduced me to everybody—The Black Moods, Roger Clyne and the whole Arizona scene. It all goes back to him.”

Eberle is now embraced by fans around the Valley, as he performs solo and with his group, Eddie and the Getaway—drummer/vocalist Christian Champion; keyboardist/ vocalist Josh Rose; and bassist Milo Charbel. Eberle will play Sunday, December 8, at State Farm Stadium’s Bubble Lounge, and 3 p.m. Sundays in December at The Vig DC Ranch in Scottsdale.

Grippe is just as enamored.

“Eddie is one of my favorite people— not just musician or client, but people,” he says. “He is wise beyond his years and has a natural work ethic that matches his incredible talents as both a musician and a performer. He has made some cool friends like Roger Clyne and Josh Kennedy and had some really nice early success, but his humility and eagerness to learn about all aspects of music writing, recording and performing are what keeps him grounded and growing. He’s just got a really level head and some really good energy and is an absolute joy to work on music with.”

Kennedy admires Eberle’s drive and talent and believes he’ll strike big outside of the Valley.

“My advice is to all the local musicians: Be as nice as you can to him now so he’ll let you open for him someday,” he says.

Once known as Analog Outlaws, Eddie and the Getaway takes pop music, twists it and spits out a fun, relatable sound. This latest single, “It’s Not Me (It’s You),” does just that.

“The whole point of writing music is to escape,” he says. “I felt like the new

name was freeing, and it gives a vibe of what the music is going to be like.”

Eberle is working on an album with Grammy-winning producer John Karkazis (Plain White T’s, Disturbed, Pop Evil), whom he says challenges him.

“He pushed me the first time I met him one and a half years ago,” he said.

“What I love about him is he doesn’t sugarcoat anything. People who sugarcoat just waste your time, like telling you you’re great when there’s room to grow.

“Johnny K kept me to a high standard, in terms of writing my lyrics and playing guitar. I owe him a lot.

The cool thing about Johnny is he’s so open to hearing new songs. When I write it and get the thumb of approval, it’s really cool.”

Eberle met Karkazis through The Black Moods, who found success with the Top 40 rock singles “Whatcha Got,” “Bad News” and “Bella Donna.”

He produced the three tracks.

Kennedy showed Eberle how to be a frontman, the teen says.

“I studied his songs and the way Josh write his big choruses,” Eberle says. “I can’t thank those guys enough. They see something in me.”

An ASU sophomore studying business entrepreneurships, Eberle says Karkazis presses him to get a specific emotion.

“He’ll mess with your brain a little to get an emotion through your voice,” he says. “When I record slower songs, we’ll look up pictures of things and really try to pull that emotion through that recording. He’s really good at figuring out how to channel people’s emotions.”

Eberle was born in suburban Detroit, lived in Birmingham, Michigan, and then moved to the Valley in 2009. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale in 2018. He picked up the guitar at age 7, when he was unfamiliar with Arizona music.

“There is such a great heritage of bands who have come out of here,” he says. “Whether it’s Roger Clyne, the Refreshments, Gin Blossoms, Dead Hot Workshop—that whole Mill Avenue scene of the late 1990s.

“It inspired me and improved the way I think about music. I wouldn’t be the same if I hadn’t been here.

Eddie and the Getaway eddieeberle.com

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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NIGHTLIFE

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

NIGHTLIFE

CALENDAR Haley Lorenzen >> The Entertainer!

Gryffin

DECEMBER 4 Although classically trained as a pianist, this Los Angelesbased producer is making waves in the world of melodic house music. After gaining popularity remixing hits such as Maroon 5’s “Animals,” Gryffin began racking up millions of streams, with one track making its way to No. 1 on Spotify’s U.S. and global viral charts. His performances at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Governor’s Ball have all been heavily praised as well.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $25, 18 and older.

Riot Ten

DECEMBER 7 Originally from El Paso, Riot Ten made his way into the EDM scene at 22 years old. Since then, his intense blend of dubstep, hard trap and hip-hop has sent him to festivals all around the world, from EDC Mexico to Coachella. His hit “Rail Breaker,” released by Steve Aoki’s record company, has almost 5 million streams on Spotify.

AURA, 411 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, auratempe.com, 9 p.m., tickets start at $25, 18 and older.

Louis Futon

DECEMBER 13 Although he’s only been producing

for two years, this 23-year-old Philadelphia native has developed his own blend of soul, hip-hop and dazzling melodies, while working with artists such as Odesza and Louis the Child. Now based in Los Angeles, Louis Futon’s debut album, “Way Back When,” dropped earlier this year, featuring artists such as Duckwrth, RKCB and Armani White.

Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, shadyparktempe.com, 9 p.m., tickets start at $15, 21 and older.

Keys N Krates

DECEMBER 13 Consisting of turntablist Jr. Flo, keyboardist David Matisse and drummer Adam Tune, this Canadian three-piece combines hip-hop, house and heavy bass to create their unique sound, which they’ve developed over the past 10 years. Keys N Krates’ live shows are known for their high energy and one-of-a-kind experience.

The group’s first full-length album, “Cura,” was only released last year, as the band spends a majority of its time touring.

Sunbar, 24 W. Fifth Street, Tempe, facebook.com/ sunbartempe, 9 p.m., tickets start at $15, 21 and older.

PhaseOne

DECEMBER 14 PhaseOne’s combination of hardhitting bass, heavy metal and dubstep makes him one of the most ambitious DJs on the scene at the moment. Originally from

Australia, PhaseOne got into EDM in 2013, and his debut album, “Transcendency,” was released earlier this year. Several of his tracks have made their way to the No. 1 spot on Beatport, while others have found popularity from DJs such as Skrillex and Datsik.

Aura, 411 S. Mill Avenuem, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, auratempe.com, 9 p.m., tickets start at $20, 18 and older.

Ganja White Night

DECEMBER 18 Growing up in Belgium, this bass duo was not familiar with the EDM music that was popular in the United States, which led the group to developing its own unique, high-energy bass sound. Composed of members Benjamin “Bamby” Bayeul and Charlie “Erwan” Dodson, Ganja White Night combines a wide array of influences, such as reggae, with quirky samples, to create a fresh, ambitious sound.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $20, 18 and older.

Cashmere Cat

DECEMBER 21 Although this Norwegian DJ has worked with household names such as Kanye West and Ariana Grande, he keeps a relatively low profile. His most recent release, “Princess Catgirl,” features fewer famous artists, instead focusing on Cashmere Cat’s blend of pop, R&B and mellow beats. He created the animated character Princess Catgirl as the public face of his music.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $24, all ages.

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Kai Wachi

DECEMBER 28 Although still in his mid-20s, Boise-born DJ Kai Wachi has made a name for himself in the world of bass music, working with artists such as Famous Dex and Sullivan King as early on as his debut album. Recently, he has performed at Lost Lands, EDC and Wobbleland, where his sets have been praised for their exceptional sound design.

Aura, 411 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, auratempe.com, 9 p.m., tickets start at $20, 18 and older.

Decadence Arizona 2019

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31 One of the biggest festivals of the year, Decadence Arizona is the place to be in late December.

This year’s event will feature Diplo, Galantis, Illenium, Skrillex, Zeds Dead and more on three stages, where you can dance the night away to the biggest names in EDM. VIP tables and packages are available as well.

Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, decadencearizona.com, 4 p.m., tickets start at $189, 18 and older.

MAD MIXOLOGIST T THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2019

59

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

oca Madera mixology maven Charity Johnston started in hospitality at age 19 as a hostess at Katsuya Hollywood, which, at that time, was one of the hottest new restaurants in Hollywood.

Two years later, she asked to be a bartender, and though she had no experience, they took a chance on her and it paid off. She studied and worked her way up in the industry from there, notably putting out her first cocktail menu in 2016 for Roku in California.

For it, she earned a 2016 Zagat 30 under 30 award.

Other career highlights include working as the mixologist on Gordon Ramsay’s “The F Word” on Fox, as well as with John Taffer as his expert on “Bar Rescue.” In 2018, she came to Toca Madera in Los Angeles, and is today part of the brain trust behind the cocktail and wine program at Toca Madera Scottsdale, which opened in October.

Johnston spoke to The Entertainer! about what makes her tick—and what guests can expect from Toca Madera.

FIRST, WE HAVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE TV WORK. SPILL! I feel so lucky. I actually moved to Los Angeles to work in acting and did so for years as a child, notably working on “Drake & Josh” on Nickelodeon.

Eventually, however, I fell in love with the hospitality industry. Imagine my surprise and good fortune that in my adulthood my first passion—acting— would intersect with my second passion—hospitality.

As it relates to Ramsay, I was at work one

ALMA DE SOL day and made a drink for a fellow.

We got to talking. He enjoyed some great drinks, and I enjoyed a great conversation. The next day, I got a call from a casting team, noting said fellow gave them my name and recommended me for Ramsay’s new show on Fox. He and I met, I visited the “Hell’s Kitchen” set to learn more about his energy and style, we hit it off, and the show was a blast. For “Bar Rescue,” I actually earned those opportunities from a producer who messaged me on social media. I’ve filmed two that have been broadcasted and one that will in a few months. For those, I helped rescue bars in Florida, Las Vegas and Kansas City.

TELL US ABOUT THE ODDEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE GOTTEN. I believe there are no rules or restrictions—only one’s imagination— when it comes to cocktail ingredients.

I’ve use everything from wasabi paste to fire in my drinks. One that does come to mind, however, happened when Ramsay asked me to dream up a cocktail for actor Kal Penn, who is known for his intellect. The vision was to create a “smart” cocktail. So, I made what I called my “superhuman” using dry ice, fish oil, greens and spirits. It was a hit.

WHAT IS YOUR NO. 1 PET PEEVE WHEN WORKING? If behind the bar, my biggest pet peeve is when a guest is waving hands in your face.

Alternatively, a good bartender will be making

eye contact with guests proactively and engaging with them, so the hand waving wouldn’t happen.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK—OR DRINKS— WHEN YOU’RE AT A BAR OTHER THAN YOUR OWN? I love a simple margarita with tequila or mezcal. No simple syrup or triple sec. Straight lime, spirit and agave on ice.

TELL US ABOUT THE BEVERAGE PROGRAM AT TOCA MADERA IN SCOTTSDALE.

2 oz. Avion Reposado 1 oz. turmeric chili-infused St. Germaine 3/4 oz. passion fruit puree 3/4 oz. lemon juice 1/2 oz. organic agave 1/2 oz. Zucca Amaro Float of Merlot Break down the turmeric first and infuse with herbal chilies. Add to St. Germaine and allow combining for at least 24 hours.

Then, add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a bucket glass with artisan ice cube. Garnish with edible flower petals.

I’ve actually worked with concepts in the Valley, so I’ve explored the area extensively. I’ve been researching the Valley’s drinking culture, in fact, including the subtle differences from neighborhood to neighborhood. That really played a role in this menu. I wanted to bring together the mixology culture I’ve seen explode in Arcadia and Downtown Phoenix with the energy and vibe of Old Town. As such, our signature farm-to-glass cocktails use only fresh, seasonal ingredients and our dynamic bar program offers a vast selection of the finest tequilas and mezcals. With over 150 options there, we have among the largest—if not the largest—selection in Arizona. As you would imagine, we specialize in all things agave, and we are proud of that. We also offer a certain flair to each cocktail itself, be it with fire, ice, flavor or garnish. We want there to be an interactive entertainment factor in everything on the menu.

WHAT IS ONE COCKTAIL YOU WOULD LOVE FOR US TO FEATURE IN THE MAGAZINE THIS MONTH? You are making me choose between my children. If I am forced to choose one, you have to try the Alma de Sol. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS DRINK? This drink really speaks to who I am as a cocktail artist. If you look at the ingredients—tequila, red wine, agave, passion fruit puree, St. Germaine infused with turmeric and chilies, Zucca Amaro—it looks like it was made with no rules or boundaries.

And it wasn’t. The only confines when dreaming it up were truly my imagination.

Toca Madera

4736 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.478.0157, tocamadera.com.

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IN CLOSING

FUN » FACTS » LEARN » SHARE » PLAY

D-BACKS’ MOST VALUABLE PARTNER AWARDS 1

Photos by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks

A

rizona Diamondbacks players and executives dressed to the nines to honor their corporate partners at the ninth annual Most Valuable Partners ceremony November 14 at Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino in Chandler. The awards show took on the appearance of a late-night talk show, hosted by D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall. The entertainment was provided by D-backs players and front-office members. The winners were: Multicultural Award-Gila River Hotel & Casino; Luis Gonzalez Community Champion AwardInsight; Brand Integration AwardPernod Ricard; D-backs Ambassador Award-Encompass Health; Marketing Activation Award-Chase; Fans’ Choice Award-Taco Bell; Rookie of the YearBanner Health; Lifetime Achievement

Award-Fry’s Food Stores; MVP Silver Slugger Award-Phoenix Children’s Hospital and MVP Gold Glove AwardCox. 1. D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall gives game directions to infielder Eduardo Escobar and utility player Ketel Marte; 2. D-backs General Manager Mike Hazen is interviewed by President and CEO Derrick Hall; 3. An animated D-backs catcher Carson Kelly chats with President and CEO Derrick Hall about last season; 4. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo gets contemplative while speaking with President and CEO Derrick Hall; 5. D-backs infielder Eduardo Escobar and his wife, Eucaris, arrive at the MVP Awards; 6. Carson Kelly, a catcher for the D-backs, arrives solo at the MVP Awards; 7. Former Arizona Diamondbacks player Willie Bloomquist and Baxter ham it up on the red carpet; 8.

D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall shares his innate sense of humor with corporate partners at the MVP Awards.

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Anchor 2019 Christmas Ale “Our Special Ale”

This is the forty-fifth annual “Our Special Ale” from the brewers at Anchor. This Ale, made with natural flavors, is sold only from early November to mid-January.

Its recipe and hand-drawn tree change every year, but the intent with which we offer it remains the same: joy and celebration of the newness of life. Since ancient times, trees have symbolized the winter solstice when the earth, with its seasons, appears born anew. This year’s tree is a western arborvitae (tree of life), an evergreen conifer native to Northern California.

OVERALL A smooth and velvety spiced Ale, with rich flavors of roasted malts, toffee, and western evergreens, along with subtle hints of Mexican chocolate and herbaceous spices.

APPEARANCE Deep brown; creamy, off-white head.

AROMA Floral and coastal cypress-like aromas with chocolate, light vanilla, and mild roast character.

TASTE Layered flavors of toasted caramel and coffee, rounded out with rich malt and coastal spices.

Brew Facts FIRST BOTTLING 1975 STYLE Spiced Ale ALC. BY VOLUME 6.9% IBUs 43

MALT Top Secret

“

HOPS Top Secret AVAILABILITY November to midJanuary in 12oz. bottles, 50.7oz Magnums, and on draught

Anchor’s Christmas Ale is among the oldest and most revered of all U.S. holiday beers.

-CraftBeer.com

anchor brewing company 1705 mariposa street, san francisco, ca 94107, phone 415.863.8350 anchorbrewing.com

facebook.com/anchorbrewing

@anchorbrewing

“

FIRST BREW 1975

Please drink responsibly. ©2019 Anchor Brewing Company. San Francisco, CA

MOUTHFEEL Rich, round, and full— finishes smooth and silky sweet.