January 2018 Entertainer!

PHX METRO » JANUARY 2018

Todd McFarlane

GEEKS OUT

MOTOR SKILLS Singer Laura Walsh kicks off the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

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Happy Hour 3pm – 7pm Drink and Food Specials!

$2 TUESDAYS $2 Tacos

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1 FREE Hour of Pool Anytime Limit one per person per visit.

2 for 1 Drink Special

THURSDAYS FREE Pool for Ladies, Starting at 6pm

WE HAVE ALL THE GAMES! – PLUS – $4 Mimosas, Peach Bellinis & Bloody Mary’s Sat & Sun Only from Open to 6PM

Limited One Time Usage.

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83 E Broadway Rd | Tempe, AZ 85282

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A LWAY S O N Leslie Jones

Andrew Dice Clay

In The Ballroom

In The Ballroom

Saturday, January 6

Jason Derulo

Saturday, February 17 In The Ballroom

Air Supply

Saturday, January 27

Saturday, February 10

Dave Mason

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Saturday, February 17 In The Showroom

P L A Y

I N

In The Ballroom

Sunday, February 18 In The Ballroom

S T Y L E

For tickets call the box office at 480.850.7734 or visit ticketmaster.com 1 01 & TA L K I N G S T I C K W A Y | S C O T T S D A L E | T A L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T . C O M Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

CONTENTS

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12 ON THE COVER

AUTO FIXATION

Collector car culture comes alive at Barrett-Jackson.

We talk to Craig Jackson and singer Laura Walsh

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RISING STAR

Kailee Morgue’s tweet leads to major-label deal

THE NEXT PAGE

Steven Page celebrates music— past and present—in new concert

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on the cover: Laura Walsh with 1965 Shelby GT 350 Fastback, courtesy of Barrett-Jackson Auction Company photo by Kimberly Carrillo

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

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

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publisher

Steve T. Strickbine steve@entertainermag.com

executive editor

Niki D’Andrea ndandrea@timespublications.com

TOTAL GEEKDOM Ahwatukee’s Todd

editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

art director

Erin Loukili erin@entertainermag.com

McFarlane checks into ACE Comic Con

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

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designer

Jaclyn Threadgill

MAGIC TOUCH Voila brings Northeast France

circulation director

Aaron Kolodny aaron@entertainermag.com

to Scottsdale

contributing writers Joseph J. Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Sondra Barr, David Brown, Dave Clark, Connor Dziawura, Daisy Finch, Joe Gilmore, Catherine Hathaway, Sherry Jackson, Ken LaFave, Greg Macafee, Megan Marples, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, M.V. Moorhead, Madison Rutherford, Laura Stoddard

Top 25 • Barrett-Jackson • Laura Walsh • Fascinations • Adventures 2000

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 21 Kailee Morgue • Steven Page • Todd McFarlane • Chita Rivera

THE TOURIST

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contributing photographers

Tour du Jour • Travel Gadgets • Havasu Balloon Festival

THE ARTIST

Laura Marie Duncan, Malin Johansson, Eliot Lee Hazel, Meredith Truax

33 ONE COPY PER READER

Man of La Mancha • Arts Calendar • Bronson Pinchot • Texas Tenors • Mary Lambert

THE CRITIC

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Coming Attractions • Ask Our Experts! • The Report Card • Nick Jonas

THE DINER

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Best Food Events in January • Happy Hour • Diner Insider • Sushi Roku • Voila

THE CRAFTMASTER

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Beertender • BeerFinder Directory • Beer Pairing • Best Beer Events in January • Oro Brewing

THE HIGHROLLER

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GREATEST SHOW ON GREEN Make some noise: The Waste

Management Phoenix Open is returning THE YOUNGSTER

Casino Entertainment Calendar • 3 Doors Down

Disney on Ice • Best Family Events in January

THE GLADIATOR

THE SHOWMAN

Best Sports Events in January • Golf • Waste Management Phoenix Open • Zane Frazier • David Johnson

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Mustard Plug • Live Music Calendar • TobyMac • Jose Gonzalez

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THE NIGHTOWL

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Best Nightlife Events for January • Mad Mixologist • Sir Sly

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THE THINKER

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

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THE AUTOMOTIVE EVENT OF THE YEAR

JANUARY 13-21 | WESTWORLD

PURCHASE YOUR VIP PACKAGE TODAY

CONTACT US AT 480.421.6694 OR BARRETTJACKSONVIP.COM Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale VIP Packages can include: Tickets to the Opening Night Gala, a complimentary bidder badge (with approved application), reserved seating, VIP suite with gourmet food, premium open bar and more!

Consign. Bid. Experience. Barrett-Jackson.com

MUST SEE

AT LEAST ONCE in YOUR LIFETIME

“

FULL P8

Art that Connects Heaven & Earth Tucson Music Hall 260 S Church Ave., Tuscon, AZ 85701

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THE METROPOLITAN

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PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Hot Wheels 12 Driven to Succeed 14 Embarking on an Adventure 18

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Holiday Hangover

JANUARY 5 Come down from your holiday rush with a special night of ’80s cover bands and DJs. This special event at The Van Buren serves up tribute bands like Strangelove (Depeche Mode), The Cured (The Cure) and Idol X (Billy Idol) alongside drinks and throwbacks. We can’t reclaim shoulder pads, but at least we can try.

Chill Fest at OdySea in the Desert

JANUARY 1 TO JANUARY 6 Chilling out in the desert – sounds weird right? OdySea in the Desert brings the cold to the Sonoran Desert with a special premium-size ice skating area and daily family activities and events. Chill Fest also features nightly s’mores roasting, ensemble performances, train rides, photo ops and holiday mascot appearances.

OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseainthedesert.com, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., $5.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $15.

Phoenix Symphony fixture features the entire movie projected on a big screen alongside live orchestration.

Join Harry, Ron and Hermione on a magical journey through their second year of school at Hogwarts.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, phoenixsymphony.org, times vary, $30-$99.

Leslie Jones

JANUARY 6 Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones brings her big personality and lots of laughs to The Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort for one night only. Also known for her roles in Trainwreck and Ghostbusters, Jones has quickly proven that she is a comedic force. She leaves no ground uncovered in her stand-up routine.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, 8 p.m., $65.

Marilyn Manson

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert JANUARY 5 TO JANUARY 7 Halloween might be “so three months ago,” but the magic of Harry Potter and John Williams’ legendary score never go out of style. This

JANUARY 10 See the provocative and controversial rocker in his element as he hits the stage in downtown Phoenix for an intimate performance.

The shock rocker behind a number of hits, including the Eurythmics cover “Sweet Dreams” and “The Beautiful People,” Manson is just as fun live as he is to look at.

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $59.99-$65.

The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show

JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 14 Get a leg up on all your DIY New Year’s resolutions with the return of the largest home show in the Southwest. From seminars to gardening advice to dog obedience demos, the show has everything you need to update your house, your garden and your life. Back by popular demand is the Tiny Homes Street of Dreams, a mini-tour of tiny mansions, micro homes and prairiestyle cottages.

Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.485.1691, mchomeshows.com, times vary, $8 adults and $3 kids.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 14 Running can be “Wonderful” – especially when your finish line is an Everclear concert. This hit marathon series keeps its runners pumped with live performances and music along its courses, featuring local bands and all types of genres. Runners can choose between the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K or mile and rock out with some of Phoenix’s fittest and funniest people.

Arizona Center, marathon starts at Van Buren and Second streets, Phoenix, 800.311.1255, rnraz. com, times vary, $30-$120.

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Junk n’ Daze Market

JANUARY 13 This monthly antique flea market is not only expansive, it’s fun! Between the large collection of “junk” and vintage antiques, there’s a lot to take in at Antique City Warehouse.

Thankfully, shoppers will be able to refuel with a farmers market and a selection of food trucks.

Antique City Warehouse, 1300 S. Country Club Drive, Mesa, 480.999.3322, antiquecitywarehouse.com, 8 a.m., free.

Superstition Mountain Heritage Days and Apacheland Reunion

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 14 For two days, the history, lore and culture of the Superstition Mountains and Apacheland Movie Ranch are celebrated by visitors from across the state. Actors and Western entertainers will tell stories of their experiences making movies on the ranch, which was used in dozens of western films and TV shows. Also featured will be live performances by the Yellow Bird Indian Dancers, art, food and other western vendors.

Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction, 480.983.4888, superstitionmountainmuseum. org, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5, kids under 10 free.

Holland (Spider-Man), Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier) and Stan Lee.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3240, aceuniverse.com, times vary, $45-$95.

skaters. Dress up your own favorite little prince or princess and don’t miss the family fun when Mickey and Minnie skate into town.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, disneyonice. com, various times, $15-$100.

Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival

Barrett-Jackson

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 21 There’s no car auction quite like Scottsdale’s annual Barrett-Jackson event. This auction is a can’t-miss for the collector car industry and features some of the world’s most sought-after unique and valuable automobiles. If your eyes are bigger than your pocket book, you can admire from afar with the auction’s food courts and motorcycle and thrill ride exhibitions.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.421.6694, barrett-jackson. com, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., $8-$195.

Celebration of Fine Art

JANUARY 13 TO MARCH 25 This 10-week art show takes place under big white tents on Hayden Road and the Loop 101. More than 100 juried artists will create and sell their original works, as well as invite visitors into their creative process with a sculpture court and open-air café.

Celebration of Fine Art, 18400 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.443.7695, celebrateart. com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., $10.

JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 21 The 25th annual Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival showcases more than 155 juried fine artisans and more than 5,000 original pieces.

With art ranging from watercolor to metal, stone and wood, this festival brings together a wide array of art for display and sale. Their wine selection is just as elaborate, consisting of a collection of domestic and imported offerings.

ACE Comic Con

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15 This comic convention seeks to reach fans with social media streaming, artist master classes and oh yeah – some of the biggest names in the superhero world! The Glendale event features autograph and picture sessions with Chris Evans (Captain America), Tom WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, 602.252.2697, russoandsteele. com, times vary, $20-$30.

Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart JANUARY 18 TO JANUARY 21 Join your favorite Disney characters – from Dory to Olaf and Elsa – on a magical journey through your favorite animated films, presented by unforgettable character ice

JANUARY 20 Celebrate your favorite furry friend and pamper yourself with an afternoon devoted to canines and their care. Whether you walk on two legs or four, you can take part in the afternoon’s live music, food and auctions. Featuring pet food samples, services, training, puppy fashions and accessories, Fido is sure to have just as much as fun as you at this one.

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 323.445.5087, doggiestreetfestival.org, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free.

Downtown Carefree, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, 480.837.5637, thunderbirdartists.com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $3 admission and $10 wine tasting ticket/souvenir glass.

Breaking Ground: Contemporary Dance Festival

JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 20 This festival brings 25 choreographers, digital artists and the community together for a weekend of high art and energy, featuring some of the brightest talents in contemporary dance. Focused on creativity and expanding voices in the community, the festival is the brainchild of local dance company CONDER/dance.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, tca.ticketforce. com, 7:30 p.m., $25.

Russo and Steele Sports and Muscle Car Auction

JANUARY 17 TO JANUARY 21 The Russo and Steele car auction is back for its 18th year, upping its game and once again proving itself as a one-stop shop for sports and muscle cars. Featuring 800 sweet vehicles, visitors and buyers alike can gaze at the finest in European sports, American muscles and customs. Among the cars is a rare 1948 Dandy Grand Luxe Delahaye.

Doggie Street Festival

Eric Giliam Magic

JANUARY 20 Award-winning Phoenix magician, Eric Giliam, will delight and mystify with a night of tableside magic, illusions and a stage show at Zappone’s Italian Bistro.

With numerous national and international titles under his belt, including World Teen Magic Champion, Giliam is sure to put the “Ahhh,” back in pasta with his two shows for diners.

Zappone’s Italian Bistro, 1652 N. Higley Road, Suite 103, Gilbert, 480.218.2338, zapponesbistro. com, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., free.

The Price is Right Live

JANUARY 20 This interactive stage show is based on the beloved television show and gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come on Down” and win big.

Prizes range from appliances to vacations to cars. Bring the whole family and watch as audience members try their hand at some of the show’s greatest games, including Plinko, Cliffhanger and Showcase.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., $30.50-$60.50.

Brunch Bash

JANUARY 20 Get ready to brunch so hard! The hottest parties don’t always happen when the sun goes down and Phoenix’s newest food festival seeks to prove it. This bash features a variety of breakfast faves, including eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles and a cereal bar. Top it off with a Bloody Mary or mimosa and you’re good to go—‘til dinner time, that is!

CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.772.3900, brunchbashaz. com, noon, $10.50-$70.57.

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Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival

JANUARY 20 TO JANUARY 21 Vegans and vegetarians rejoice for this two-day festival devoted to all things surrounding plant-based eating. From special speakers, including expert authors, chefs and fitness trainers, to kids’ activities and vegan alcohol – it’s a festival catered to your dietary needs like never before. For those planning on attending with an empty belly, the samples and vegetarian food vendors are sure to satisfy.

Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.874.4615, azvegfoodfest.com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $20-$75.

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hot-air balloon rides, fireworks and a kids’ zone, there’s something for the whole family.

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, 623.882.3120, abcfest.com, times vary, $15 and kids under 12 free.

Waste Management Phoenix Open

JANUARY 29 TO FEBRUARY 4 Phoenix golf enthusiasts plan their entire year around Waste Management’s annual tournament, nicknamed “The Greatest Show on Grass.” Featuring top professional golfers, this tournament attracts crowds and big names like no other. The entertainment is just as exciting, with three nights of shows at the Coors Light Birds Nest, including Florida Georgia Line.

TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 602.870.0163, wmphoenixopen. com, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., free Monday and Tuesday, $40 Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, and $50 Friday and Saturday.

Adam Sandler

JANUARY 25 The goofball behind Big Daddy, Grown Ups and 50 First Dates comes to Phoenix for one night with a comedy show, featuring surprise special guests. Known as a standup comedian and actor, Sandler also doubles as a musician. His live show is sure to throw it all together alongside plenty of raunchy laughs.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m., $49-$256.

Arizona Balloon Classic

JANUARY 26 TO JANUARY 28 There’s no festival out there that brings as much color, excitement and family fun to the skies as the Arizona Balloon Classic. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, catch thrilling hot-air balloons races. Better yet, wait ‘til Friday or Saturday night for a special Desert Glow experience with illuminated, tethered balloons changing in time to music. Featuring festival foods,

Hamilton

JANUARY 30 TO FEBRUARY 25 The jewel of Broadway hits the road and treks through Tempe for a highly sought-after run of shows. Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit musical tells the story of America’s Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant who became George Washington’s righthand man and was the nation’s first treasury secretary. Featuring a jazz, blues, rap and R&B soundtrack, the show is sure to leave you tapping your toes – if you can snag tickets!

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, times vary, $79.50-$489.50.

Canvas of Clay: Hopi Pottery Masterworks from The Allan and Judith Cooke Collection 3830 N. Marshall Way  Downtown Scottsdale  480-686-9539 scottsdalemuseumwest.org

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

PHOTO COURTESY BARRETTJACKSON AUCTION COMPANY

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At auction this year: 1969 Mustang Q-Code 482 Cobra Jet Convertible, one of just 50 with the 428 CJ non-Ram Air engine.

HOT WHEELS

How Craig Jackson’s lifelong love for vintage autos led to the largest collector car auction in the world Niki D’Andrea » The Entertainer!

C

raig Jackson was still coming off a high from the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction in Las Vegas last October when the press releases started rolling out in November for the BarrettJackson 47th annual Scottsdale Auction this month.

“We are continuing to build a collector car event… that is more than just an auction, it is the celebration of the automotive lifestyle,” Jackson said in one press release.

Jackson’s just as enthusiastic about cars in person as he is on paper, which isn’t surprising. After all, he’s lived an automotive lifestyle all his life.

THE SHOWMAN AND THE CAR GUY The first car Jackson remembers falling in love with was a 1939 Austin Bantam, a boxy vehicle with a sharp-angled nose crowned with a giant chrome grill perched between headlights that resembled enormous eyes. The Austin WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Bantam had sort of a face, and exuded huge character; the 1938 model was the inspiration for Donald Duck’s cartoon roadster. Jackson was 9 years old when he helped his family restore their ’39 AB for the Fiesta de los Autos Elegantes car show in Scottsdale.

It was 1967, and Jackson’s father Russ was staging the show for the first time with his business partner and fellow car enthusiast, Tom Barrett.

The two had met over Barrett’s 1933 Cadillac V-16 town car, and their mutual wonder for wheels quickly developed into a family-run vehicle venture.

“My dad and Tom Barrett were diametrically opposed, so it made for an interesting dynamic,” Jackson says.

“Tom was very colorful and an expert ‘showman’ and was the wheeler-dealer who went out and found cars around the world and brought them back to Arizona. My mom ran the front office, and my dad ran the shop and restorations. He was more the ‘car guy.’”

Russ Jackson had been taking his son to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and the old-car swap meet

in Hershey, Pennsylvania, since he was a little kid. “My dad often had me hauling a wagon back and forth through all the rows of cars, looking for V16 and V12 Cadillac and Delahaye parts,” he recalls. “I just remember always being around cars and I loved it.”

In 1971, Russ Jackson and Tom Barrett held their first classic car auction, selling two Mercedes Benz 770K Phaetons that had previously been used as Adolf Hitler’s staff cars. One of them sold for a record $153,200, more than triple the previous auction price.

Craig Jackson began working for his father’s company right away, starting from the ground up and learning every aspect of the business, no matter how base it might seem now for a man with a net worth of around $50 million, according to numerous sources.

“The first year I was involved in the auction, I ran the trash crew,” he says. “The next year, I worked with the drivers, before I even had a license.

My parents had high expectations for me and I had to carry my own weight in the business, even at a young age,

which I definitely think helped me in the long run.”

That long run has taken the Barrett-Jackson collector car auction from its inaugural dirt lot next to the Safari Hotel in Scottsdale 47 years ago to a 76-acre site at WestWorld of Scottsdale, and from a small, auction-focused event into a televised and highly watched multiday mecca of car culture that draws a slew of celebrities every year (previous attendees include Justin Bieber, Alice Cooper, Burt Reynolds, Randy Johnson, Gene Simmons and Jay Leno).

Russ Jackson died in 1993, and Craig Jackson began running the company a few years later. He made several changes, starting with establishing an internet presence in 1994 and introducing internet bidding. Other innovations came from customer feedback. “When I took over the reins after my brother passed away in 1995, I sent a survey to our customers asking how we could improve,” Jackson says. “As a result, we made significant changes to the types of vehicles we offer, for example.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

“Barrett-Jackson’s early auctions focused on prewar classics,” he elaborates. “I began to focus on Baby Boomers, bringing in muscle cars, ’60s sports cars, Woodys and other vehicles that appealed to that generation. We continue to do this today, as Gen Xers and Millennials enter the hobby.”

The survey also showed that people wanted more activities around the auction, “so we expanded the auction into a world-class automotive lifestyle event,” Jackson says, “with exhibitors, food vendors and entertainment and more.”

“We’ve evolved,” Jackson adds.

“And we have to keep evolving.”

Jackson views raising money and awareness for charitable causes as part of his family company’s legacy. “BarrettJackson started as a charity car show, Fiesta de los Auto Elegantes, to raise money for Scottsdale’s arts center and to buy books for the community’s new library,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to continue that legacy, which is truly a pillar of the company. We also have a unique platform that allows us to put a spotlight on these charities as well as help raise money for them, and that is very important to us.”

AUTO FIXATION When iconic custom car designer George Barris wheeled the original Batmobile on stage at the BarrettJackson auction in 2014, the roar from the crowd was deafening, audible even to audiences watching the auction on TV. It was one of the most exciting moments in the auction’s history, with bids erupting and climbing to a final sales price of $4.2 million, in what Jackson calls “a spectacular moment.”

Jackson says some of the other most memorable cars ever auctioned at Barrett-Jackson include Carroll Shelby’s personal 1966 Shelby Cobra Super Snake, which sold for $5.5

DRIVEN TO GIVE BACK

auctions have expanded to include events in Florida, Connecticut and Nevada, Scottsdale remains BarrettJackson’s home and the center of the car collector universe to Jackson.

“It’s our hometown. This is really where it all started, beginning with Tom Barrett and my parents moving here.

Climate also plays a role and Scottsdale is a great place to go in the wintertime when it’s freezing back east, in Canada and Europe. Arizona is perfect for storing and driving cars,” says Jackson, who estimates he has “somewhere around 50 cars” in his personal collection. “Quite a number of BarrettJackson customers have bought second or third homes in the Valley and keep their cars here. It’s become quite a place for car collectors.”

The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, barrett-jackson.com, various times Saturday, January 13, through Sunday, January 21, $17-$195 per day. VIP packages are available.

Craig Jackson poses with the 1951 Talbot-Lago T-26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Coupe that will be on the block.

PHOTO BY TIM HEIT

When it comes to Corvettes, there’s perhaps never been a more passionate collector than Dave Ressler. The Montana-based auto dealership owner amassed a fleet of 55 Corvettes, including all five of the official Indianapolis 500 pace cars and a coveted 1953 Blue Flame, the oldest Corvette around and only the third one ever made.

Ressler was a longtime friend of Jackson’s and a fixture of the BarrettJackson collector car auctions. He passed away suddenly last November at the age of 61, and Jackson will honor his late friend at this year’s auction with a philanthropic gesture. “We are very excited to have our first ever yearlong charitable initiative this year called ‘Driven Hearts,’ which will support the American Heart Association,” Jackson says. “My wife Carolyn and I will be auctioning a very special 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 35th anniversary edition to help kick off the initiative in Scottsdale. The vehicle was donated to my mother, Nellie, and me on the auction block by our longtime customer and friend, Dave Ressler, and will be sold in honor of his sudden passing.”

Barrett-Jackson has long been a vehicle for charitable causes, with proceeds from the sale of rare rides going toward organizations like TGen and Arizona-based Childhelp. This year, multimillionaire developer and Chandler resident Ron Pratte, known among car collectors as “the bidder always in the front row at every BarrettJackson Scottsdale auction,” according to writer Daniel Strohl of classic car newsletter Hemmings Daily, will be on hand to donate his 2017 Ford GT to the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. The organization will auction off the vehicle to benefit the Autism Society of North Carolina’s IGNITE program.

million in 2007. “Having Ford’s Mark Fields and Carroll on the block while we made Ford history was very memorable,” he says.

Then there was the sale of a 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 in 2005 for $3.3 million. “Those moments completely blew the roof off the place,” Jackson says.

Highlights of this year’s auction include a “Mopar Mecca” docket featuring a Plymouth HEMI Cuda (one of 59 built in 1971 and the last known of its kind) and a 1970 Super Bee R-Code (one of 21 with a 426ci HEMI engine); a custom truck show headlined by a 1956 Ford F-100 with a custom chassis and NASCAR racing legend Rusty Wallace’s 1966 Chevrolet El Camino custom pickup; a Chevy show including a rare 1965 Corvette Stingray Cutaway and a 1969 COPO 9560 high-performance Camaro; and a Ford lineup featuring a 1965 Shelby GT 350 Protoype #001 and a 1969 Mustang Q-Code 482 Cobra Jet Convertible (one of 20 made that year).

Barrett-Jackson’s 47th annual auction is expected to draw around 6 million viewers on the internet and television, and 51,000 attendees to WestWorld of Scottsdale. Though the

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DRIVEN

TO SUCCEED Laura Walsh is taking her time with success

M

aricopa-based country pop singer Laura Walsh hesitantly leans against a 1965 white Shelby GT 350 Fastback in BarrettJackson’s Scottsdale headquarters.

Walsh, who will sing the National Anthem at the event on Wednesday, January 17, and Friday, January 19, lets The Entertainer! Magazine staff photographer Kimberly Carrillo direct the shoot.

Like all of her personal appearances or performances, the petite Walsh approaches the shoot with poise and grace—and the occasional wide smile.

She has something on her mind: The importance of the National Anthem, with which she has kicked off sporting events, too.

“I take it really seriously,” Walsh says. “For me, singing the National Anthem is honoring the people who care about the people of our country and sacrifice their lives so we can live out our dreams and live in freedom.”

Walsh is living her dream. Declared the soloist winner of the 2014 Alice Cooper Proof is in the Pudding talent search, Walsh performed at the subsequent Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding concert.

She has also shared the stage

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with Train, The All-American Rejects, Buckcherry and Tonic. She’s a veteran of the Country Thunder festivals in Arizona and Wisconsin with headliners such as Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry and Luke Bryan.

Walsh released her debut album, Take Your Time, featuring her original singles “Hit and Run,” “How Many Days” and the title track, all of which received frequent airplay.

“I really appreciate all the success I’ve had,” she says. “I’m definitely blessed.”

This year will bring new music to Walsh fans. Not wanting to give too much away, she says there’s an original music collection and a covers project.

“I’m really excited about the new songs,” Walsh says. “They reflect more of who I am. As I’ve grown, it’s been evident in my own work and writing style. I touch on deeper parts and different avenues of who I am and who I like.”

Her covers album, which she dubs her “mini project,” will be released this month.

“Part of being an artist means sometimes covering music that really moves you and speaks to you,” Walsh says. “I have songs that are fun for me to sing or showcase. It shows a different

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

part of my voice that I haven’t been able to showcase.”

Walsh looks to unexpected idols: Lady Gaga and the Manchester, England, rock band The 1975.

“I really look up to Lady Gaga,” she says. “She’s been an inspiration to me. There’s a sense of authenticity. Her music comes from her heart. There’s something special about the Joanne album and her Super Bowl performance.

“I love Super Bowl halftimes.

She works really hard. She has an incredible voice. Theatrics aside, she’s a talented lady.”

She uses the word “authentic” in describing The 1975, too.

“Their music is about them. They grow in a way that’s organic and real,” she says. “That’s something I aspire to do: make a true connection with people who listen to my music and those two, in particular, are really

inspiring me as of late.”

But her eyes open wide when she talks about Barrett-Jackson.

“I’m not somebody who could build a car,” she says with a laugh.

“I’ve always been an aesthetic car fan.

I love looking at car bodies, especially older cars. Singing at Barrett-Jackson, I can run around and explore. I’m interested to see what they have lined up for this year.”

Besides Barrett Jackson, Laura Walsh performs at 6 p.m. Sunday, January 7, at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, with D.L. Marble, Bob Corritore, Pat Roberts and The Heymakers, Whiskey Kiss and others. An $8 donation is suggested.

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NEW YEAR,

NEW YOU

Fascinations’ rebranding focuses on wellness

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

roy Piazza admits that before he came on board as Fascinations’ CEO, the store was a little intimidating.

scottsdale center for the performing arts WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Now, with bright lighting, fullsized windows and sophisticated clothing, Fascinations is exuding a more inviting atmosphere, while keeping its trademark products in place.

“We wanted to take Fascinations from where it was 30 years ago and put a new spin on it,” Piazza says. “We

moved things around, like the fixtures, and the way we did the lighting and the graphics around the store. We want to put our best foot forward.

“Fascinations is the leader in the industry, but we’re trying to stay away from hardcore, instead looking at more sensual health and wellness items.”

According to buyer Keri Birchby, 10 of the stores carry apparel, with the location at 10640 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, leading the way as a concept outlet.

“The clothing is a little more edgy and sophisticated with a European influence,” says Birchby, who has been a buyer in the Valley for 15 years. “We have things you won’t find anywhere else. There’s leisurewear, daytime wear—anything for work. We even have the little black dress for the evening. I put a lot of time and effort into seeking out vendors who are different.”

The target age is 20 to 60. Case in point: A Baby Boomer customer calls weekly to hear about the new apparel.

As graphic designer, Amy Dong

was charged with transforming the building, a former Discount Tire, into a bright and airy store. It took her about three months.

“There was oil everywhere,” she says. “We’re now definitely proud of the collages and imagery. We represent the different types of couples and individuals. We’re all about expressing yourself.”

Bath and body is a prominent part of the store as well. Fascinations carries hemp-based Earthly Body products, as well as supplements that help with libido, diet and sleep.

“A lot of people don’t realize the categories we have—from day to night,” Birchby says. “We have something for every part of your lifestyle.”

Fascinations

10640 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.751.2054, funlove.com.

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EMBARKING ON AN

‘ADVENTURE’

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

M

aintaining an active, outgoing lifestyle is a part of any healthy person’s life. So, when 25 Valley residents participated in a full moon kayak tour at Canyon Lake this past summer, it provided them the opportunity to go out, meet new people and have a good time. The trip, topped with dinner at a local cantina and a fire pit with s’mores in the water, was made possible by Adventures 2000.

Adventures 2000, a long-running members-only club that was created 17 years ago, plans to step it up with a seven-night getaway to Costa Rica from May 27 through June 3, 2018.

With sightseeing opportunities like hot springs, white water rafting, a gondola ride, zip lining, hiking, snorkeling and a catamaran tour with lunch and cocktails, members are sure to have a busy week. These events barely scratch the surface of what Adventures 2000 offers.

The bucket list club, which boasts nearly 200 members, annually books hundreds of events, which range from wine tasting to concerts, and hikes to cruises. While it was primarily known as a singles club when it was founded at the turn of the century, Adventures 2000 has evolved as new members joined for a variety of different reasons.

“When I first bought it and I started going out and meeting all the members at the different events, they all had different reasons, and it was just

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interesting to me,” says Candice Rice, who bought the company in January 2017. “Some people do want to meet people. A lot of people are new to town, and it’s a good way to explore the town and meet people. Everybody’s different.”

These reasons range from the aforementioned members who are new to town to some of whom work from home seeking a social life and retirees looking for fun activities where they can meet people.

Rice estimates the 40s through 50s comprises most members, although they have ranged from as young as 21 to older than 70.

“It’s super eclectic, so they’re going to meet an amazing pool of people to get to know and become friends with,” she says.

Some members have even gone on to further their involvement in the club, eventually becoming activity coordinators–members who help to arrange and lead the events.

Tod Emig, who joined approximately two years ago, is one of the club’s many activity coordinators. He joined the club after moving from Flagstaff to Phoenix.

“For me, this was kind of my break into Phoenix to learn different stuff to do and meet a bunch of new people and make some great friends through this,” Emig says.

He notes that some of his favorite events are the athletic activities like golf and bowling, although he likes to be adventurous. He even serves as activity coordinator for some of the events he would normally attend anyway.

“I’m a little bit of a thrill seeker,”

he says. “One of the ones I just had was hang gliding. I also did white water river rafting. I like to just really get out there and do exciting things.”

Audrey Thompson, a member of around nine years, notes hiking, music and theater events as some of her favorites.

She also, however, made her first trip abroad to Europe with the club. She even went on two trips to Hawaii with the club, one of which was her first time.

“I discovered that I love to travel,” Thompson says.

Thompson was also an activity coordinator for five years; however, she has since left the position to allow others to have an opportunity. She now estimates she attends four to six events per month, or at least once a week.

“It kind of depends on what’s going on in my life, but I’m trying to

Bucket list club fulfills members’ dreams maintain the momentum lately and get out because there are new people but there are some of the same people I’ve known for years,” Thompson says.

“That makes it fun.”

Emig, on the other hand, estimates he attends 10 to 14 events per month.

Originally intended as a singles club, Rice now emphasizes that members should not join Adventures 2000 with the expectations of a matchmaking club.

Since taking ownership, Rice has discontinued the club’s monthly membership package. Finding that it was difficult for new members to commit under such brief packages, Rice wants to allow folks to fully get involved in their efforts to be active and meet new people.

“One of the things I’ve learned is it’s what you make it,” she says.

The club operates “individual” and “buddy” packages, both of which include 90-day, semi-annual and annual options. Individual member prices range from $90 to $360. Buddy packages feature extra savings and range from $135 to $540.

Looking forward, Rice is hoping to continue to grow the organization’s membership, as well as to partner with businesses to create fun, new, exciting events.

Rice says her time with the organization has been fun, adding, “I’m excited to see where it does go.”

For more information about Adventures 2000, visit adventures2000.com.

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21

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

RISING STAR

Songstress Kailee Morgue goes from viral tweet to major-label pop hit Sondra Barr » The Entertainer!

W

hen songstress Kailee Morgue uploaded a clip of herself singing a demo version of a haunting song in a brief Twitter video, it ignited a viral reaction spawning 100,000 “likes” overnight.

Within a matter of weeks, the video snippet she’d produced in her bedroom had gone supernova and multiple record companies were courting the recent Barry Goldwater High School graduate.

Soon Morgue, with her mom in tow, was flying from coast to coast meeting with industry heavyweights vying for the chance to sign the young ingénue with the mesmerizing voice and a knack for writing catchy lyrics.

By June, Kailee had inked a record deal with Republic Records, the force behind such superstar artists including Ariana Grande, Hailee Steinfeld, and Kid Cudi.

Once signed, the whirlwind intensified for 19-year-old Morgue, who immediately started work on fleshing out the demo with producer CJ Baran, in addition to filming a video for the song. Morgue officially released her debut single “Medusa” in October along with a hypnotic video that beautifully captures the haunting yet upbeat underpinnings of the song. Morgue’s second single, “Discovery,” followed, and a foursong EP is slated for release January 19.

Morgue’s love of music started at an early age. She began writing songs while in elementary school––voice, guitar, and piano lessons followed. “She did her first performance at Sunset Ridge in Tramonto at 8 years old in front of the entire school,” says Kimmie Hufford, Kailee’s mom.

“Did I think I was going to be a singer? Honestly, yes. When I was

younger, I didn’t think about doing anything else,” says Morgue, who was raised surrounded by music. “Both sides of my family are very musical, everyone plays guitar or piano or sings, even if they don’t have the best voices.”

Music became especially paramount in her life when she struggled to transition from middle school to high school.

“I’ve never been the type to have a lot of friends or been very good at talking to people. Music was my outlet, my coping mechanism,” Morgue says.

Her mother adds that Morgue has an “old soul that has this voice that you wouldn’t expect from a 95-pound girl.”

“She completely has her own voice, style and vibe.”

It’s her innate ability to connect with listeners and write from the heart that also has music executives and other artists excited about Morgue’s future in the industry behind the scenes.

“I didn’t realize this until I was actually in the industry, but a lot of artists don’t write their own music.

Many people are huge and they don’t write a single lyric,” says the teen, who pens three or four songs a week.

With an abundance of songs she writes at her fingertips, she’s looking forward to pitching the ones she doesn’t use to other artists.

Morgue writes and sings from such a deep well of emotion that there are bound to be naysayers.

“When you have a bunch of people paying attention to you, along with all that support, there are going to be rude people but it hasn’t happened as much as I expected,” she says. “People can be pretty nasty sometimes, but with all the love and support, it’s hard for me to pay attention to any one or two comments that are negative. Most of the hate I feel is just envy, so I don’t pay it any mind.”

That’s not to say that she hasn’t

had a hard time adjusting to her recent success and move to Los Angeles. “It’s totally been a roller coaster of emotions for me…moving out of state, moving away from home at the same time, and on top of that having to adjust to this new career. It’s hard, but I knew in my mind that if I didn’t take the opportunity, I’d be crazy not to because this is

what I’ve always wanted to do.”

Indeed, Morgue’s sights are set firmly on the future. Although she eventually wants to branch out into makeup and fashion, she knows that the next five years are paramount to her career. “I know I’m going to be busy touring over the next five years building the Kailee Morgue brand.”

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22

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

TURNING THE

PAGE

Former Barenaked Ladies singer honors the past and celebrates new music Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

S

teven Page considers his forthcoming U.S. tour with the Art of Time Ensemble a reunion of old friends.

The former Barenaked Ladies tenor has traveled the world in support of his 2016 album, Heal Thyself

Pt. 1: Instinct, most of which was cowritten by Craig Northey of the Odds.

Although Page is “shocked” that fans have responded well to his solo material, he knows they want to hear Barenaked Ladies tracks like “Brian Wilson,” “The Old Apartment” and “Tonight is the Night I Fell Asleep at the Wheel.”

“Anybody who’s been around for a long time recognizes audiences want

to hear the hits or things from the old days,” Page says.

“Luckily, I have a lot of those songs that people will remember if they’re coming to my shows. It’s easy to look at your new stuff as some kind of indulgence that the audience has to allow you to play in exchange for the old stuff. It hasn’t worked out that way with me. I think of it as catching up with an old friend. They want to hear songs that remind them of the old days, but they also want to know what you’ve been up to and what you’re thinking.”

Page will reconnect with Phoenicians on Friday, February 9, when he plays the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts stage, backed by the Art of Time Ensemble, nonprofit collective of Canadian-based classical, jazz and pop musicians, founded in 1998 by pianist/artistic director Andrew Burashko.

“The show will be everything from old BNL songs like ‘Brian Wilson,’ to newer stuff, to songs by Leonard Cohen, Radiohead and Magnetic Fields,” he says.

“It’s an eclectic group of songs that we’ve chosen. The arrangements are great, but the players are astounding.

They really up my game. I’m playing with some of the best players out there.

For me, I need to prove that I belong there, before they find out I’m a phony and a fraud.”

Jokes aside, Page and Art of Time Ensemble have been working together since 2008, when Burashko called the Canadian pop star to collaborate. Page says he was intimidated the first time he walked into Art of Time Ensemble rehearsals. Then, he had an epiphany.

“I thought we’re all here for the same reason, which is to make music,” he says. “I’m not there instead of somebody else. They wanted me to participate in it. I got over that, and then I realized my sight reading isn’t nearly as good as theirs. Seriously, when I put my insecurities aside, that’s when the great music happened. I love working with these people.”

Art of Time presents an annual subscription season at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre Theatre, and regularly appears as part of the Royal Conservatory of Music performance season at Koerner Hall.

Its “Songbook” concerts allow artists to perform a myriad of songs, ranging from their own to covers.

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Besides Page, Art of Time Ensemble has toured with American jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux and Canadian pop star Sarah Slean. Page has recorded with the collective, as well, including the 2010 album A Singer Must Die: Art of Time Ensemble with Steven Page.

Page is looking forward to returning to Arizona, a state he doesn’t visit often, especially since he left BNL in 2009. He’s excited about playing reimagined BNL songs.

“We do ‘Running Out of Ink,’” he says about the song from the 2006 BNL album Barenaked Ladies are Me. “Instead of being a new wave, rock thing, as the original one was, this sounds like Mozart. It’s this ‘faux classical’ version, but still with my lyrics, jokes and all. It’s very entertaining, but it’s a lot of work to pull off.”

During a recent U.K. tour, Page received nightly requests from fans to play the BNL deep cut “Tonight is the Night I Fell Asleep at the Wheel.”

“It became a highlight of the tour,” he says. “It’s nice when songs go missing and people remember them.”

Page’s shows have included his Heal Thyself Pt. 1: Instinct song “Linda Ronstadt in the ’70s,” a tune that’s especially poignant for Arizonans, considering she was once one.

“I was thinking about her as an artist, as one of those few people who’s always done whatever she wanted to do musically,” Page says. “Whether it was big band, country, rock, Gilbert and Sullivan or Mexican music, she just did it.

“It confounded people. Everything she did was amazing. She’s one of those people like Neil Young who does whatever they want. Sometimes it’s hard for the audience to reconcile. Sometimes they want to hear the old hits. That’s where I draw a bit of a parallel.”

Steven Page and the Art of Time Ensemble

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 8 p.m. Friday, February 9, $29-$59.

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24

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THE EVOLUTION OF A

GEEK Nerding out with comic book legend Todd McFarlane

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

odd McFarlane is a self-admitted geek—and there’s no shame in that.

Thanks to the ACE Comic Con at Gila River Arena Saturday, January 13, to Monday, January 15, the longtime Ahwatukee resident can geek out with the best of them close to home.

McFarlane, a Canadian-American comic book creator and entrepreneur, best known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man and Spawn, will moderate a panel featuring icon Stan Lee during the event. He is attending as a fan and expert.

“I hoping to see what I wanted when I was 16—a group of like-minded people to be around for a short amount of time,” McFarlane says.

“Sporting events are therapeutic. Fans put all their death and taxes conversations aside for a couple hours and go and root. At these events, we get our geek on. Everyone’s different; some are into toys, some might be into comic books, some might be into films, movies or manga. It still falls under the umbrella of ‘geek’ and you don’t feel alone.”

McFarlane, a former minority owner of the Edmonton Oilers, will be in good company. Chris Evans (Captain America) and Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming and Captain America: Civil War) will headline the event.

Other confirmed guests include the Captain America franchise’s Sebastian

Stan (The Winter Soldier), Anthony Mackie (The Falcon), Hayley Atwell (Agent Peggy Carter), Laura Harrier (Liz) and Jacob Batalon (Ned).

VIP admissions, photo opportunities and autograph tickets are on sale at aceuniverse.com.

The industry has changed since McFarlane’s childhood days in Calgary and California, where comic shops were rare. He was often called “odd” or “mentally arrested” because he collected comic books. He considered that weird because the name callers themselves were going to see Indiana Jones and Star Wars movies.

“The people were looking down at me when they were going to their fantasy,” he says. “I just couldn’t have mine.”

His life changed when a comic shop opened in his hometown.

“Other people like me said, ‘This is cool,’” he says. “Then, there were conventions and I said, ‘What? There are thousands like me. Now there are hundreds and millions like us.”

Joining the Marvel team in March 1984, McFarlane became known for his attention to detail and for drawing the first incarnation of the villain Venom. He later teamed up with artists from Image Comics to launch his own series, Spawn, selling 1.7 million copies of the first issue when it shipped in May 1992.

McFarlane also launched a number of entrepreneurial efforts through his career including McFarlane Toys, Todd McFarlane Entertainment and 38 Studios. He previously had a store in Westgate.

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Hollywood, he says, understands the attraction and the passion behind the comic phenomena. But Fortune 500 companies are slow to grasp the magnitude of events like the comic cons in San Diego or New York.

“I see a literal tidal wave of people,” says McFarlane, 56. “I’ve been to Super Bowls. This is the Super Bowl for four days in a row.”

He offers a bit of advice.

“Investment firms are pretty dry, I think to the average person,” he says. “If they did a commercial about investing, one in which people were talking about

investing while putting on superhero costumes to get ready to go to a convention, people would pay attention. Every business needs to tap into this giant pocket of people.”

ACE Comic Con Arizona

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, noon Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m. Sunday, January 14, and 11 a.m. Monday, January 15, prices vary according to access.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

25

‘JUST IN TIME’ Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune bring stage memories to life Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

I

t’s safe to say that most people, when awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, retire. Yet it seems that Chita Rivera, who received the nation’s most prestigious civilian recognition in 2009, is just getting started.

A Broadway legend, Rivera will make her first appearance with a second luminary of the Great White Way, Tommy Tune, on Friday, January 26, in Scottsdale, when the pair will tell stories in words and movement in the kick-off event for the 2018 Arizona Musicfest.

Their appearance is called Just in Time, a reference to the remarkable fact that this is the first time Rivera and Tune have worked together, despite careers that have paralleled each other for decades.

“I don’t know how it is that Tommy’s and my paths have never before crossed,” Rivera says during a recent phone interview. “It’s about time.”

What will two dancing, singing legends do on stage together?

“You’ll see us putting our lives together and telling different stories and doing numbers from our shows,” Rivera says.

“Our shows” for Rivera and Tune means a kind of pocket history of Broadway. Tune either starred in or directed/choreographed a raft of musicals from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1978) to The Will Rogers Follies (1991) and starred in the film version of Hello Dolly!

Rivera has been a star since the heyday of musicals in the 1950s.

She was the first Anita in West Side Story, creating the role for the original Broadway production in 1957. She went on to originate starring roles in Bye Bye Birdie (1960), Chicago (1975), The Rink (1984) and Kiss of the Spiderwoman (1992), winning Tony Awards for the latter two shows, and to star in many major revivals, including Nine (2003) and Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012).

Resting on those considerable

laurels is not enough for Rivera, 84.

“It’s what I do, I’m in the business,” she explains. Giving up doing shows would be for her the equivalent of a chess master giving up chess. Why quit work that gives you the ongoing prospect of creating new characters, new experiences?

Rivera waxes enthusiastically about her life as a performing artist: “When you’re lucky enough to open a script by Terence McNally or a score by Kander and Ebb or Jerry Herman, it’s like you’re living different lives with each show. It opens your mind to all sorts of other life situations.”

She credits two people who, early in her career, gave her much-needed professional boosts: Musical theater star Gwen Verdon and composer Leonard Bernstein.

“Gwen was the perfect example of a brilliantly well-rounded artist,” Rivera says. “There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. When she was in Can-Can (1955) I was starting out and I auditioned as an understudy. She took me aside and said, ‘Don’t be an understudy. Pursue your own career and put your own mark on what you do.’ That was the first time anybody said anything like that to me.”

Twenty years later, Verdon and Rivera co-starred in the original Broadway production of Chicago.

She remembers Bernstein as another early encourager. Rivera was a dancer when Bernstein cast her as the fiery Puerto Rican second female lead, Anita, in West Side Story. The role required her to sing, which she was not comfortable doing.

“I was a dancer, and dancers in those days yelled the songs they had to sing,” Rivera remembers. “I didn’t seriously think I could make anything sound beautiful. Lenny sat me down to learn some of the songs” – including the iconic “America” – “and taught me to use my real voice, to control my breath and appreciate my sound. He literally taught me how to sing.”

While Rivera’s name is virtually synonymous with Broadway stardom,

she has never transferred the roles she originated onstage to the movies.

Neither Anita in the film of West Side Story, nor Rosie in the movie based on Bye Bye Birdie, nor Velma in the film of Chicago put her on the silver screen. It’s not just her: Movie musical casts generally ignore the stage originals. Why is that?

“I don’t know if I’m qualified to talk about that,” Rivera says. “They are two totally different forms. In the theater, you are a part of the play, in the moment. You can feel the breath of the audience. That’s far more exciting than film, where you have to learn techniques that allow you to shoot the end of a

movie before the beginning. I take my hat off to those who can do it, but I like living the story from beginning to end.”

Her own story is one that began long ago and shows every sign of going on for some time. And she means to share it with the Valley on January 26.

Just in Time

featuring Chita Rivera and Tommy Tune, Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, 480.488.0806, azmusicfest.org, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 26, $43 to $89.

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SkylineLoftsApartments.com ■ (602) 374-1733 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE TOURIST

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

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

Enjoy!

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

Friday and Saturday. Driving range is open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

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

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

Four Valley locations, dillonsrestaurant.com

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

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

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

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

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

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE

7 products to improve the way we fly Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Let’s face it: Flying isn’t the easiest task. But there are companies out there willing to give comfort a shot.

We tried a few of these products, just to see if we could make the cramped spaces feel like first class.

DR. PLOTKA’S MOUTHWATCHERS If you’re like me, you forget to pack a toothbrush and have to make an emergency pitstop at a drugstore upon arrival. Dr. Plotka’s Travel Toothbrushes aren’t cheap, but they work great. Embedded with silver technology to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria build-up for up to six hours after brushing, you can keep those germs away while you show off your pearly whites. They were designed by Dr. Ronald Plotka, a renowned dentist in Boston. They range from $5.99 for a folding brush to $24.99 for a power toothbrush at mouthwatchers.com or at Whole Foods and Sprouts.

ARIA KIT This is one of the more fun kits out there. This features goodies like handmade skin care products and accessories.

Ours came in a natural, firm cotton zipped bag with a biodegradable bamboo toothbrush; noise-canceling earbuds; lip balm, handmade natural deodorant; daily moisturizing lotion; a jar of toothpaste; a funky gold pen; really soft and fluffy microfiber socks; and moist towelettes. We have the $79 Aria Travel Kit. There is a mini-kit for $39; and refills are $23 at ariakit.com.

CASE + DRIFT Case + Drift’s Byron Towel has multiple uses—baby blanket, scarf for mom, bath and beach towel, picnic blanket, the works. The 100 percent cotton towel can even be fashioned into a sarong.

The Byron Towel is $40 at https://caseanddrift.com/drift-shop/.

VESSEL I always want to slip into clean clothes when I land. This sleek twoin-one garment duffel bag can hold up to three suits and features two interior shoe compartments. This duffel includes a shoulder strap and a secure single-zipper that can open up flat like a traditional garment bag or a duffle everyday duffel. It’s available for $245 at vesselbags.com.

AMERIBAG This healthy back bag doesn’t slip down, which is the No. 1 reason to purchase one. It’s multiple pockets and roomy space make it perfect for even a road trip.

The trademarked teardrop shape ergonomically molds to the shape of your spine, and the cross-body design distributes weight evenly, alleviating stress on your back, shoulders, and neck.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MIXED CHICKS Mixed Chicks execs boast their products are for any ethnicity. For traveling, there’s a travel and trial pack with a resealable bag—a TSA-friendly see-through bag. It comes with a 2-ounce shampoo, deep conditioner and leave-in conditioner for $9.99 at mixedchicks.net.

PASSPORT COVERS BY ARIANA PIERCE Jetsetter Ariana Pierce knows a thing or two about whipping out a passport. Now she has allowed fellow travelers a way to do it in style with her passport covers in a variety of colors like Fiji fuchsia, Ontario orange, Parisian pink and Yorkshire yellow. They’re fun and one thing’s for sure: You’ll never have a hard time finding your passport in a carry-on bag. $30 on https://arianas-style-shoppe. myshopify.com/.

35 years

memories MAKING

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

TAKING FLIGHT Sherry Jackson » The Entertainer!

W

ith a new location, 70-plus hot air balloons, food, entertainment and rides, the eighth annual Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair is heating up for a spectacular January.

The Thursday, January 18, to Sunday, January 21, festival is expected

``

to bring more than 24,000 visitors to Lake Havasu City’s Windsor 4 at Lake Havasu State Park. January 18 hosts a meet the pilots event, but the festival officially begins January 19. According to organizers, it attracts balloonists from Canada, the Midwest and overseas.

The biggest change this year is the festival location, says Marquita McKnight, executive director, Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. The theme

is “Balloons Above Windsor Beach” to stress the new location, McKnight says.

“It will no longer be held on the island so there won’t be as many traffic problems as in the past,” she says.

“There is also a lot more offsite parking with four huge parking lots we will use, and we’ll shuttle people to and from the front gates.”

The most popular activity, the nightly balloon glow, features a DJ and emcee will be choregraphed to music, she says.

“When balloons glow and the lights flicker, It’s so heart-pumping and spectacular,” she adds.

During the day, balloon pilots will also do “splash-and-dashes” over the London Bridge channel, bringing the balloon baskets to barely touch the water. “It takes a lot of skill,” McKnight says.

For entertainment, three headline acts will hit the stage, including an Eagles tribute band. A variety of local bands and other live music along with a local K-9 club, karate and youth clubs will provide additional entertainment.

Carnival rides and pony rides will delight kids and a 5K run will be held at the state park.

“We want people to come out and enjoy the whole day,” McKnight says.

“Come for the balloon launch in the

TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT BARRETT-JACKSON.COM 171127_EntertainerMag_9.25x1.5.indd 4 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

wW

Havasu Balloon Festival’s new location makes it more accessible

morning, enjoy the entertainment all day and stay for the balloon glow in the evening.”

The volunteer-run festival takes approximately 1,400 to 2,000 people for the three-day event. Funds raised are divided among five local Lions and Rotary clubs and are donated back into the local community. A golf tournament will be held the weekend prior as a fundraiser with a $10,000 cash prize.

“We hope you come out to help us raise money to give back to those less fortunate,” says McKnight.

“Lake Havasu City is a day trip from the Phoenix area. We hope everyone comes and has fun. It’s a way to be outside and enjoy the weather. It’s very colorful.”

Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair

Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4, 171 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, havasuballoonfest.com, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, January 18, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, January 19, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, January 20, and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, January 21, $15 (general admission), $65 gondola VIP.

JANUARY 13-21 | WESTWORLD 11/27/17 2:06 PM

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The NHRA Mello Yellow Drag Racing Series annual duel in the desert returns for three days at the Wild Horse Pass Motorsports.

Through 2018, NHRA will pay tribute to the first responders throughout the country.

Tickets Tickets Start Start at at$15! $15!

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ring in the NEW YEAR! German Cornejo’s Tango Fire Sat, January 6

Late Nite Catechism Comedies January 5 – March 24

The Manhattan Transfer Wed, January 31 Celebrity Theatre

An Evening With Ira Glass Sat, January 20 Orpheum Theatre

Don’t Miss♂…

Mark Cortale Presents Broadway @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Featuring Seth Rudetsky as Pianist and Host

Kelli O’Hara Sat, January 27

Jan 16 Talk Cinema (Film) Jan 17 Close Encounters With Music Jan 18 Rob Kapilow: What Makes It Great?® You’re the Top: The Songs of Cole Porter

Jan 23 Keyboard Conversations® With Jeffrey Siegel Jan 24 San Francisco Opera: Otello Jan 29 Talk Cinema (Film)

Reserve your seats today!

ScottsdalePerformingArts.org | 480-499-TKTS (8587) | 7380 E. Second St.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE ARTIST

33

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

Laura Stoddard » The Entertainer!

M

an of La Mancha is one of the most beloved and inspiring plays—at least in the humble opinion of actor Philip Hernandez, who plays the lead in Arizona Theatre Company’s January production of the play.

“It’s stunningly beautiful,” he says.

“It speaks to the way that I personally view the world, and it speaks to our time in a way that I think few other musicals do. It’s a piece that people need to see at this particular point in history because it has something very powerful and simple and beautiful to say.”

This is Hernandez’s third time playing the dual roles of Don Quixote (the “mad,” self-proclaimed knight), and Miguel de Cervantes (his creator). However, he says this newly reimagined version of the play—brought to life by Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Billy Russ—is unlike the previous productions.

“In many ways it’s completely different,” Hernandez explains. “The performers—the actors on the stage, are also the musicians, so it’s not like there’s a separate orchestra pit. They provide all the music and play multiple instruments. Also, the whole texture of the music is different because it’s scored for a smaller ensemble.”

Another thing that makes this production especially vibrant is the flamenco influence.

“We have some amazingly talented flamenco guitarists and dancers who bring a whole other flavor to this piece,” Hernandez says. “It’s exciting and visceral, and it’s different from any other La Mancha that you’ve seen.”

Man of La Mancha, based on Miguel de Cervantes’ epic tome, Don Quixote de La Mancha, is a play within a play, portraying the imprisoned Cervantes telling the story of Don Quixote to his fellow inmates while awaiting trial for the Spanish Inquisition. In the 50 years of its run, on and off Broadway, it has been nominated for five Tony Awards.

One of the play’s highlights is the

‘MAN OF LA MANCHA’

REIMAGINED

The beloved musical is finding new life with a flamenco flair iconic, stirring song “The Impossible Dream,” something Hernandez feels privileged to perform nightly.

“I think a lot of people have baggage with this song because it’s been performed so many times, and it’s just ‘that song,’” he says.

“So, the opportunity to hear it in context, in this particular piece is great. And what I strive to do in the performance of it is to really let people hear the words, because it comes out of one of the most beautiful scenes in musical theater.”

Hernandez’s love, and almost reverence, for this musical is nearly palpable.

He truly believes that this show, as well as the text it’s based upon, can change people for the better.

“When people leave the performance, I want them to see the world in a different way,” he says, “I want them to realize that they’re part of something.

There’s more than one way to look at anything, and one way is not less valid than another—it’s just a choice. So, we have options, and we’re all part of a human family, and if they take that away from this piece, then in a small way we’ve changed the world.”

Man of La Mancha

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.254.7399, arizonatheatre. org, various times, Friday, January 5, to Sunday, January 28, $25-$80.

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

professional acrobat performances.

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

Chinese New Year Show

ARTS

JANUARY 6 The holidays may be over, but there is still something to celebrate—Chinese New Year! Arizona Art Academy and the U.S.-China Cultural & Educational Foundation will honor the “Year of the Dog” with cultural performances, stunning dance pieces, great vocals, an orchestra and

CALENDAR BETTMAN & HALPIN JANUARY 12

SEDONA WINTER MUSICAL FESTIVAL JANUARY 9-14

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7 p.m., $15-$35.

Sedona Winter Music Festival

JANUARY 9 TO JANUARY 14 World-renowned violinist Arnaud Sussmann, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein and pianist Adam Golka will close out a six-day celebration of Sedona’s performing arts scene with a concert. For a full schedule of special events, masterclasses and salon musicales, visit chambermusicsedona.org.

Closing concert: Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, 928.204.2415, chambermusicsedona.org, January 14 2:30 p.m., $15-$60.

Bettman & Halpin

JANUARY 12 Songwriters and storytellers Bettman & Halpin play bluegrass-inspired compositions and their shows are known for their high energy and between-song banter.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts, 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, 480.279.7190, higleycenter.org, 7:30 p.m., $24.

JARABE MEXICANO JANUARY 19

The Texas Tenors

Moscow Festival Ballet’s

Saturday, January 27, 2018 · 7:30pm

Friday, February 2, 2018 · 7:30 p.m. (Age 17 and under half price)

Sleeping Beauty

Friday, February 23, 2018 · 7:30pm

Celtic Nights

k.d. lang ingénue redux 25th Anniversary Tour

Saturday, Feburary 24, 2018 · 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 8, 2018 · 7:30 p.m.

Classic Albums Live 50 Anniversary of The Beatles Musical Thrones, A Parody Sgt. Peppers’ Lonely Hearts Club Band th

Sunday, March 18, 2018 · 7:00 p.m.

Full season listing

ChandlerCenter.org WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Friday, March 16, 2018 · 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 11, 2018 · 3:00 p.m.

Cesar Millan LIVE!

Friday, March 23, 2018 · 7:30 p.m.

480.782.2680

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

2 0 1 7 - 1 8 The Graduate JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 28 Mrs. Robinson became an iconic character after the release of 1967’s The Graduate and the 1968 song of the same name. This bittersweet comedy follows a recent college graduate who is seduced by an older woman. This play is appropriate for teens and adults, and is presented by Mesa Encore Theatre.

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

Jarabe Mexicano

JANUARY 19 Founded in 2015, and having performed across the United States and Mexico, the group mixes traditional mariachi instruments with lively percussion. Inspiration comes from popular dance music, which works well with the versatility of modern-day mariachi. Expect to hear

T C A

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P R E S E N T S

traditional music, along with upbeat cumbias, revamped rock ‘n’ roll hits, and reggae classics.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m., $24-$28.

Seven Things I’ve Learned: An Evening with Ira Glass

JANUARY 20 Millions of listeners around the world tune in to hear Ira Glass’ public radio program. The popular host of television and radio is on tour discussing lessons from his life and career, accompanied by audio clips, music and video.

Learn more about his process involved in storytelling. This event is presented by the Scottsdale Center for the Arts at the Orpheum in downtown Phoenix.

Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, scottsdaleperformingarts.org, 8 p.m., $29-$69.

SEVEN THINGS I’VE LEARNED: AN EVENING WITH IRA GLASS JANUARY 20

LATIN GRAMMY AWARD WINNING

FEB 3 7:30PM

MARIACHI FLOR DE TOLOACHE V O I C E P L AY

FEB 9, 2018 / 7:30 PM

RHYTHMIC CIRCUS: F E E T D O N ' T F A I L M E N OW !

MAR 3, 2018 / 7:30 PM

WILLIAMSBURG SALSA ORCHESTRA

MAR 30, 2018 / 7:30 PM

CHE MALAMBO

APR 7, 2018 / 8:00 PM

KRISTINA WONG JANUARY 20

T I C K E T S: 4 8 0 . 3 5 0 . 2 8 2 2 T C A .T I C K E T F O R C E . C O M / T C A P R E S E N T S

®

SISTER ACT JANUARY 26 TO JANUARY 29

TEMPECENTERFORTHEARTS.COM

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

THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER JANUARY 31

GOLD CANYON ARTS FESTIVAL JANUARY 27

Sister Act JANUARY 26 TO JANUARY 29 This feel-good musical comedy is based on the hit 1992 film, and is filled with gospel music, dancing and a moving story. Sister Act will leave you breathless and give you a reason to rejoice.

Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek, 480.987.7469, qcpac.com, times vary, $20-$25.

Gold Canyon Arts Festival

JANUARY 27 Eighty-five artists in a wide variety of genres and styles will be on hand for the 18th annual Gold Canyon Arts Festival. The event is free to the public, and will also feature live music, a world champion hoop dancer and a food court.

FROM THE NEW WORLD JANUARY 26

Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, 6640 S. Kings Ranch Road, Gold Canyon, gcartsfest. com, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 25

Kristina Wong: The Wong Street Journal JANUARY 20 Explore the complexities of global poverty, privilege and economic theory. A solo performer, writer, actor, educator, culture jammer and filmmaker, Kristina Wong combines self-skewering personal narrative with a hilarious interrogation of America’s legacy on the world. For the show, Wong will use uneasy-toread charts, live hashtag wars and riveting slideshows while on stage.

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugamamge.com, 7 p.m., $20.

From the New World: Ko, Hidgon and Dvorak Symphony No 9

JANUARY 26 Led by conductor Jeffery Meyer, the ASU Symphony Orchestra brings Tonia Ko to the Valley. Ko is an innovative and cross-disciplinary artist who will perform a pre-concert experience exploring the musical capabilities of everyday materials.

The evening will also include Ko’s “Strange Sounds and Explosions Worldwide,” Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Jennifer Higdon’s fiery “Percussion Concerto” and Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.”

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 6:30 p.m. $7.

Kelli O’Hara

JANUARY 27 In this series that showcases Broadway’s brightest stars, pianist and comedian Seth Rudetsky will host a cabaret-style show with Kelli O’Hara. As one of Broadway’s leading ladies, O’Hara recently won a Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, 8 p.m., $81-$89.

The Manhattan Transfer

JANUARY 31 A taxi ride in 1972 led to the founding of one of the most innovative vocal groups. While The Manhattan Transfer lost its founder in 2014, the music lives on through the rest of the group who are still performing with the help of a new friend. Relive more than 40 years of music. This event is hosted by Scottsdale Arts at Celebrity Theatre.

Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, scottsdaleperformingarts.org, 7:30 p.m., $39-$79.

Hamilton JANUARY 30 TO FEBRUARY 25 The Broadway show that has taken the country by storm and has created ticket buying frenzies everywhere is coming to Tempe.

The story of America’s founding father blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap and R&B.

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

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

UPCOMING CONCERTS AT THE MIM MUSIC THEATER CHRIS MANN

STEVE SMITH AND VITAL INFORMATION NYC EDITION

Wednesday, January 17 | 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 23 | 7:30 p.m.

From The Voice to Broadway to national fame, his singing has wowed audiences from around the world.

This jazz-fusion juggernaut brings together a who’s who of musical giants led by Modern Drummer’s number one all-around drummer: Steve Smith.

THE MINGUS DYNASTY— TIJUANA MOODS

VICTOR WOOTEN TRIO

Saturday, January 20 | 7:30 p.m.

Featuring Dennis Chambers and Bob Franceschini Wednesday, January 24 | 7:00 & 9:00 p.m.

“They embody every note of Mingus’s music with head, heart, and guts.”

—Boston Globe

“One of the Top 10 Bassists of All Time” —Rolling Stone

LEGENDS: KEOLA BEAMER AND HENRY KAPONO

BEAUSOLEIL AVEC MICHAEL DOUCET

With Moanalani Beamer Monday, January 22 | 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 28 | 7:30 p.m.

Two legendary icons perform from the creative forefront of Hawaiian Music as it reinvented itself in the 1970s.

For the past forty-two years, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet have been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet.

KID KOALA: NUFONIA MUST FALL AT MIM An opportunity to witness something amazing—art as it is being formed February 2 & 3 | 7:30 p.m.

February 4 & 5 | 7:00 p.m.

The magical story of a lonely robot who falls in love is deconstructed and reconstructed live on stage— a live puppetshow, concert, and film all in one!

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

2018 Concert Series sponsored by

480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

38

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

‘Annie’ actor Bronson Pinchot keeps busy with his family and acting Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

V

eteran actor Bronson Pinchot sees Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s rendition of Annie as the perfect antidote for post-holiday boredom.

“I think it’s a great thing to do in that little moment after the holiday when you’re wondering if you should go back and eat that leftover fruitcake or what,” says Pinchot, who will play Daddy Warbucks in Annie at the Tempe Center for the Arts from Wednesday, January 3, to Sunday, January 7.

Pinchot is best known as Balki Bartokomous in the 1980s sitcom Perfect Strangers. These days, Pinchot focuses on a number of projects, ranging from regional theater and Broadway to running Bronson Pinchot Designs for the home. Recently, he moved back to his childhood property to help take care of his mother, who’s approaching 90.

“She has a deep and abiding distrust for the GPS lady,” Pinchot says with a laugh. “She doesn’t think she has any business telling anybody how to get anywhere. She talks about her like she’s a person—a very unwelcome person.”

Pinchot’s mother is curious about the iPhone.

“Instead of saying she’s going to

send me a text, she says she’s going to send me an email from the iPhone machine,” he says. “She’s very grouchy about me being on the phone and texting. I taught her to text, now she sends everybody pictures of her roses.

“One day, while she was in her bedroom, her thumb brushed the wrong button. I heard this bloodcurdling scream, ‘Make the machine stop taking pictures of me.’ I was like spaghetti because I was laughing for two hours. That mean old machine kept taking pictures of you.”

Jokes aside, Pinchot is excited about playing Daddy Warbucks, a character who will defy tradition and have hair. He arrived in the Valley shortly before Christmas to prepare for the role, which he accepted after meeting executive producer David Hock.

“I was so taken with him,” Pinchot says. “I not only said I’ll do it, I said I’ll do anything you want.

“He doesn’t want to do a bald Daddy Warbucks, which I think is great. I asked him if I had to wear a bald cap because I sweat a lot when I sing and dance. David said he wanted him to be accessible and human. For one, he’s not old enough to be bald.

And what’s a bald guy doing adopting a little girl? Not everyone has to look like the cartoon. Annie has blank eyes. Are we going to gouge the eyes out of every little girl who plays her?”

LIVING THE

DREAM The Texas Tenors ‘rise’ above the rest WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

he Texas Tenors’ Marcus Collins lives by the mantra: We’re living the dream, so don’t wake us up.

After making it to the finals on America’s Got Talent in 2009, it’s easy to see why. The trio— which also includes JC Fisher and John Hagen—has performed more than 1,500 concerts in more than 20

HARD-KNOCK

LIFE

Annie will be in Tempe for about a week, after which Pinchot has a slew of projects. Pinchot, who starred in Broadway’s The Addams Family, records audiobooks and filmed a pilot for a show about his relationship with his mom. As GPS interrupts the phone call, Pinchot is reminded of another iPhone story.

“Sometimes, I intentionally go past the exit just to hear her (Siri) say, ‘Make a U-turn, when possible make a U-turn,’” he says with a laugh.

“You get your blood pressure right

up there, Siri. You have to learn who’s boss. You get yourself worked up and maybe you’ll learn a valuable lesson.”

countries. In August, The Texas Tenors premiered their second PBS special, Rise, and on September 8 released the album of the same name. Fans have latched onto the group.

“We love what we do and we’ve gotten to know so many fans from around the country,” says Collins, who has family in Apache Junction.

“We have a group of fans, our Texas Tenorettes, who have been to 350 concerts. They hold up signs. They wear T-shirts. It’s such an amazing thing to know that we have affected people’s lives in our small way. Some tell us they didn’t have a lot of friends before us, and they never really traveled. There’s a core group of about 200 who travel everywhere.”

The Texas Tenors are living a dream and that’s something fans can relate to, he says. Relentless touring aside, this year, The Texas Tenors are working on a live Broadway album and a variety show.

“Before this, we were struggling and we didn’t really have a platform before,” he says. “So now that we have this platform, we’re spreading positivity and uplifting messages. We want to bring some hope for a couple hours.

Fans leave inspired and supercharged,

and maybe they’ll donate to a charity.

It’s wonderful and we don’t take it for granted.”

SMTC’s Annie

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.909.4215, scottsdalemusicaltheater. com, Wednesday, January 3, to Sunday, January 7, times vary, $32-$58.

Texas Tenors

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

Saturday, January 27, $48-$68.

Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, 1100 E. Sheldon Street, Prescott, 928.776.2000, ycpac.com, 7 p.m. Sunday, January 28, $32-$63.

WestWind RV and Golf Resort’s Crystal Ballroom, 9797 E. 32nd Street, Yuma, texastenors.com, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, February 3. Visit website for pricing Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1999, phoenixsymphony.org, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29, and Saturday, March 31, $49-$125.

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40

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

SHE’S A ‘BABE’ Mary Lambert goes ‘Bold’ on her upcoming tour

MESSAGE FROM AN

Legendary percussionist Sheila E. tells America to get politically charged Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

A

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

B

etween her social media posts and her heartfelt songs, Mary Lambert is transparent. She outlined her recent breakup with her girlfriend on Facebook, and is ready to face the world about it when she hits the road for her Everybody is a Babe Tour.

“The tour will be great because I’m 24-7 around friends,” says Lambert, who plays the Rebel Lounge on Thursday, January 25.

“That’s especially helpful during the breakup. I feel like there’s community with whom I can share my successes and my heartbreak. This is my tour—I’m not on a label, there’s no formal management.”

Her tour means she can pretty much do what she wants. The shows will feature Lambert with her piano, playing songs fans have come to love like “She Keeps Me Warm.” Her latest EP, Bold, will be featured. But don’t expect her show to be a tearjerker.

“The capacity in which I tour feels like it’s just a party,” the effervescent Lambert says. “It’s so much fun. It’s cathartic and it’s nice to be surrounded by friends and the people I love. It’s varied. It’s part comedy, part guttingly sad and part dance party, which is basically me. There are no costume changes or crazy lights. It’s just me and my piano being really honest.”

Without management or a publicist, Lambert is doing well. She recently signed a publishing deal for her poetry and she’s working on her next fulllength album. She pens her tunes on the piano, if she’s home, or guitar on the road because of its portability.

Lambert is just as surprised by her success as fans. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music composition from Seattle’s Cornish College of the Arts WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

and established herself in the city’s slam poetry scene.

In 2012, she was working three restaurant jobs when her friend called regarding Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who were struggling with a chorus for “Same Love” from what would be their debut album The Heist. Lambert wrote the hook in three hours and the track went triple-platinum.

“I was originally writing orchestral arrangements and symphonic music,” she says. “I thought I would be a film composer. I wanted to be a teacher, so I started applying to graduate programs.

“Then I had this epiphany. I needed to try to make it as a performer. I’m going to sit back, be a bartender and make an album. I figured if I didn’t have any traction after two years, I’d finish my graduate program. Within three months of saying that, I got the call to do ‘Same Love.’ I told myself, ‘OK, this is what I do now.’”

With her feet firmly in the music business, Lambert is ready for the big push. She calls her agent and music publisher “awesome.” Her full-time assistant holds things together for her, and her two interns are fabulous.

“I think there’s this fallacy that says artists are too flighty to be business people,” Lambert says. “They say business and art conflict. I just don’t believe that. I get why some artists don’t want to know what’s going on in the business end. But I really want to be involved. I am the driver. I really love it. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Mary Lambert w/Mal Blum The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.296.7013, therebellounge. com, 8 p.m. Thursday, January 25, $15-$18.

ICON

s a 50-year percussionist/ singer, Sheila E. finds creativity by surrounding herself with interesting people.

Prince, Ringo Starr, George Duke and Sy Smith are among them.

Her recent album, Iconic: Message 4 America, features guest appearances

by Starr, Freddie Stone, Candy Dulfer, Bootsy Collins, Israel Houghton, George Clinton, her father, Pete Escovedo and brothers Juan and Peter Michael. The cover tracks include “Come Together,” “Everyday People,” “Blackbird,” “Pusherman” and “Respect Yourself.”

“Two years ago, I put together a folder of songs or projects I wanted to do,” says Sheila E., best known for the songs “Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre” with Prince.

“The way the election was happening, I decided, ‘Look, I can’t put this dance record out. I have to put out something that has substance.’ The lyrical content is so relevant, it’s like are we talking about then or now? It was perfect to go back and find these songs.”

The 15-track studio album of politically charged anthems landed Sheila E. on the Billboard charts after a 26-year absence.

“I don’t do projects and create music to win awards,” Sheila E. says. “I do it for the people and I love that we love what we do. I didn’t even know it had been 26 years. That’s crazy.”

The song choices were easy, Sheila E. adds, but joining some of the original artists was the icing on the cake.

“We all grew up listening to these songs,” she says. “To record these songs with the artists who have written the music was very cool and inspirational. I was really, really happy to be able to do that.”

For “Come Together,” she merely picked up the phone and dialed Ringo Starr.

“I called him and he didn’t answer the phone,” she says. “I left a message asking him if he would perform on ‘Come Together,’ mixed with a bit of ‘Revolution.’”

He sent her a message saying, “I would love to enhance this song that you have.”

She hopes through Iconic: Message

4 America, voters will feel inspired.

“For 2018, I’m very hopeful our country will be in a better place than it is now,” she says. “That’s what is inspiring about the record. I want to encourage them and go out and vote. People should fight for change by protesting— not in violence, but in peace. And voting for things we’re not happy about.

“A lot of people walked away and got lazy and we ended up not going out to vote. Not voting caused a lot of division in this country. I don’t stand for the division in what’s happening. I stand for the peace that unites the people.”

Sheila E. is grateful for what she has, including the fans and her life.

“We’re all here for a split second,” she says. “Sometimes I have to check myself and go, ‘Wait a minute. I have to do and say the right thing as much as I can.’

“I don’t feel happy all of the time.

I try to. I just say, ‘Thank you, God, for waking me up and pray for the people who need prayers.’ Today, I’m really tired—but it’s a good tired. I’m working hard. I love what I do.”

Sheila E.

The Rialto, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson, 520.740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 14, $31-$46.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

41

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43

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What were the best movies of 2017?

Ask our experts!

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE YEAR:

Daddy’s Home 2

Although it is not your typical “best of the year” pick and some will scoff at my selecting it for such a prestigious title, Daddy’s Home 2 was my favorite film released in 2017. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg reprise their roles in the holiday-themed sequel alongside a supporting cast that includes John Cena, Mel Gibson and John Lithgow. In a year filled with so many tragic events, the light-hearted and cheerful flick warmed our souls and illustrated the importance of family, friends and the community coming together—especially during a show-stopping finale sing-along. My runners up include Kidnap, Better Watch Out, Beauty and the Beast and Fifty Shades Darker.

RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE YEAR:

A Ghost Story

Love, life, death, loneliness—themes explored in director David Lowery’s drama starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. The understated gem caused debate among moviegoers. Some saw it for its deep emotional content, others may have missed the point, or did not appreciate the slow pace and vintage cinematography.

There are scenes so powerful, that you are left emotionally paralyzed, frozen, forced to think about what life is like after you are gone. While simple, A Ghost Story is the most memorable film of 2017, albeit not everyone’s taste. My runners up include Coco, It Comes at Night, Lady Bird, Mudbound and The Shape of Water.

M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE YEAR:

The Lovers

It didn’t seem to make much of a stir with critics in 2017, so I’m going to make my film of the year The Lovers, the funny and ingenious comedy-drama about adultery from Azazel Jacobs, with lovely performances by Debra Winger and Tracey Letts. Coming in close behind are a couple of documentaries, the heart-lifting Step

by Amanda Lipitz and the hard-to-watch but essential Trophy, by Shaul Schwarz, and Guillermo del Toro’s lovely romantic fantasy The Shape of Water. My other runners up include Get Out, The Big Sick, Menash, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Lady Bird and I, Tonya.

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a film critic, producer and onair personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays on BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

The Report Card

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

Joseph

Randy

The Ballad of Lefty Brown

B

B

Call Me By Your Name

B

B

Coco

A

A

Darkest Hour

C

A

Downsizing

B

Last Flag Flying

B

Roman Israel, Esq.

M.V.

B A

B B

B

The Shape of Water

A

A

A

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

A

A

A

Wonder Wheel

B

C

C

FILM FACTS SOUNDBITE SPOTLIGHT

Beauty and the Beast was the highest-grossing movie of 2017 with a box office total of more than $504 million.

Meanwhile, Call Me By Your Name snagged the year’s best screen average with more than $103,000 per screen. On the other end of the spectrum, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women garnered the year’s worst screen average with just $600 per screen.

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

“Water takes the shape of whatever is holding it at the time and although water can be so gentle, it’s also the most powerful and malleable force in the universe. That’s also love, isn’t it?

It doesn’t matter what shape we put love into, it becomes that, whether it’s man, woman or creature.”

– Guillermo del Toro, The Shape of Water

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

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

COMING

ATTRACTIONS Molly’s Game

Forever My Girl

R - 140 MINUTES

PG - 104 MINUTES

Jessica Chastain portrays Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world’s most exclusive highstakes poker game for a decade before being arrested in the middle of the night by 17 FBI agents wielding automatic weapons.

Opens January 5.

Alex Roe plays a country music artist who leaves his bride (Jessica Rothe) at the altar, choosing fame and fortune instead. However, when he unexpectedly returns to his hometown for the funeral of his high school best friend, he is suddenly faced with the consequences of all that he left behind. Opens January 19.

Hostiles

Phantom Thread

Christian Bale plays an Army Captain who reluctantly agrees to escort a dying Cheyenne war chief (Wes Studi) and his family back to tribal lands. The former rivals must join forces to overcome the punishing landscape, hostile Comanche and vicious outliers that they encounter along the way. Opens January 5.

Daniel Day-Lewis plays a renowned dressmaker who is at the center of British fashion, dressing royalty, movie stars, heiresses, socialites, debutants and dames. When he comes across a young, strongwilled woman (Vicky Krieps), who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover, he finds his carefully tailored life disrupted by love. Opens January 12.

R - 135 MINUTES

R - 140 MINUTES

I, Tonya

R - 119 MINUTES

Margot Robbie portrays figure skater Tonya Harding, the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, whose legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous, ill-conceived, and even more poorly executed attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan. Opens January 5.

Paddington 2

PG - 105 MINUTES

Ben Whishaw again voices a marmalade-loving bear who this time, while searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, spots a unique popup book in an antique shop and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it is up to Paddington to unmask the thief. Opens January 12.

The Post

PG-13 - 120 MINUTES

Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks play the publisher and editor, respectively, of The Washington Post as they race to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spanned three decades and four U.S. presidents.

Opens January 12.

The Road Movie NR - 67 MINUTES

Filmmaker Dmitrii Kalashnikov pieces together a mosaic of video footage shot exclusively via the deluge of dashboard cameras that populate Russian roads. Opens January 19.

For more movie reviews, in-depth celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, tune in to breakthrough entertainment 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays on BreakRadioShow.com.

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

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

45

WELCOME TO

THE JUNGLE

Nick Jonas is riding high on ‘Jumanji’ success Madison Rutherford » The Entertainer!

N

ick Jonas received a Golden Globe nomination for his song “Home” and attended the premiere of his first Hollywood blockbuster, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, in the same day.

He refers to it as “one of the craziest days of (his) life.”

“What’s incredible about this moment right now is that 13, 14 years into my career…I’m still having new experiences and days where I wake up to a dream of mine coming true and close the day with another dream coming true,” says the 25-year-old actor and singer. “I’m really proud and humbled and thrilled to be in a spot to be able to keep this thing rolling.”

Jonas stars alongside Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black and Karen Gillan in the standalone sequel to the 1995 fantasy adventure film starring Robin Williams. The original film features a mysterious board game that traps its players in the game until they finish it, presenting a slew of dangerous surprises in the process. The two-hour, rated PG-13 Jumanji: Welcome to the

Jungle follows a similar storyline, but with a 2017 twist; instead of discovering a board game, four teenagers are sucked into a videogame and must work together.

Jonas plays Alex, whose character in the game is an anxious pilot and de facto expert on the perils of the Jumanji world. Jonas says his character is the movie’s “emotional anchor.” But how does the movie introduce nuances that are applicable to newer audiences while still paying homage to the original?

Jonas says the cast kept the original story in mind while creating their own.

“It was about finding a way to tell a new Jumanji adventure, a new story and it felt fresh. (We were) able to take this beloved classic and introduce it to a brand new audience,” he explains. “As a fan of the original, I was thrilled to get the chance to take a title like this that people love so much and find a way to give it a new and exciting edge.”

Jonas has been taking chances since he found fame through the Disney Channel, starring in several movies, including Camp Rock, and the TV show, Jonas, with his siblings and Jonas Brothers bandmates Kevin and Joe. When Jonas went solo, he added a slew of hits like “Jealous,” “Levels”

and “Chains” to his resume. Jonas, who recently released the single, “Find You,” hopes to continue making music while he “rides the wave” of his burgeoning acting career.

“The fun of making an album is that you get to tell your stories and your own journey creatively and it’s really individual to you,” he says, “With a film, you’re telling somebody else’s story and working with a group and it’s really a team effort. I love the fact that I get to switch it up and jump between the two… Having both is the greatest gift.”

Jonas says in every role he plays, he takes something from his real life and connects the dots creatively to his character. Each character in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle has strengths and weaknesses that can help or hinder them from achieving certain things in the game. The crew must work together to get to the final level before losing all three of their lives. Alex’s weaknesses include mosquitoes — he almost loses one of his lives to the pesky insects.

“His strengths are making margaritas, which is not the most useful tool in the jungle as well as flying, although that’s challenging for him as well,” he says. “In my own life, I’ve been thinking a lot about what my strengths and

weaknesses would be. If I had to categorize it like a video game, I would say that my strengths would be that I’m very driven and very focused. My weakness would probably be I get in my own head sometimes and overthink things.”

Jonas can relate to Alex’s fear of flying, so he’s happy the helicopter scenes were done in front of a green screen. In one scene, Jonas must fly the squad to safety, despite a damaged aircraft and serious reservations about his prowess as a pilot.

“It was a fun scene to shoot, (but) challenging because it’s all green screen and you really have to use your imagination,” he says. “The four main heroes in the film, they kind of come to a pivotal moment and they need to escape. My character, he’s been so crippled by fear because of his past attempts not going as planned, but he has to get in his helicopter and go. Obviously, craziness ensues.”

On the other hand, the scene was a bucket list event. It starts with Jonas dramatically putting on aviator glasses.

“It’s one of those things you dream about,” he admits. “To have one of those cool movie star shots, putting your sunglasses on and whipping a helicopter around, so I’m pumped about that.”

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE DINER

47

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

JANUARY FOOD EVENTS Chicken Soup Around the World

Brunch Bash

Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival

Scottish Burns Supper

JANUARY 12 Moroccan chicken tagine, chicken pozole and Thai coconut chicken soup are on the menu. The class is about two hours, and students work in groups of four.

Sur La Table, Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 800.243.0852, surlatable.com, 2 to 4 p.m., $69.

JANUARY 20 AND JANUARY 21 The two-day festival will showcase 100 percent vegan innovation, with revolutionary plant-based food, products and fun for kids and adults. The event will have yoga classes, kids’ zone including bounce house and arts and crafts, live music and vegan beer, wine and cocktails.

Food vendors will offer free samples as well as meals for sale.

Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, azvegfoodfest. com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $20 per day, $75 VIP both days.

Sedona VegFest

JANUARY 20 AND JANUARY 21 This two-day celebration of plantbased eating includes workshops with national experts in nutrition and lifestyle. Sample delicious food and watch cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, too.

Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, healthworldsedona.com, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., $0-$50.

JANUARY 20 Benefiting the Arizona Humane Society, Brunch Bash is a citywide celebration of the ultimate breakfast and lunch mashup, all while boasting a beach theme.

Patriots Park, CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, brunchbashaz.com, noon to 6 p.m., $8 general admission, $65 VIP, both in advance.

JANUARY 25 The customary four-course Scottish feast features a “Toast to the Lassies” with the “water of life” Scotch whisky, excerpt readings from Robert Burns’ poetry, and special presentation from the Yuma United Firefighters Pipe and Drums Ensemble.

Yuma Civic Center, 1440 W. Desert Hills Drive, Yuma, yumaaz. gov, 5 to 9 p.m., $35, $65 couple, $225 table of eight.

Mozzarella and String Cheese in Two Hours

JANUARY 28 In this class, students will learn an easy and delicious 30-minute

mozzarella recipe. They will be introduced to enzyme rennet, which is used in cheese making to aid in the protein separation of the milk. Each group of students (about four to five per group) will start with milk and finesse it over the course of the class to produce a delicious fresh warm mozzarella. Participants will leave the class with recipes and the knowledge to make their own cheese at home. Food and drinks are available for purchase.

We Olive, 1721 N. Dysart Road, Suite A101, Avondale, 623.207.1216, weolive.com/ Avondale/, 1 to 3 p.m., $35 in advance only.

Pizza-Making Class

JANUARY 27 The chef instructor teaches students about the essentials of pizza dough (including a discussion of yeast, gluten, and flour choices) and homemade sauces. Attendees will enter the kitchen to handle the dough, top their personal pizza with sauce and toppings, and sit down to enjoy their creations with fresh salads and Italian dessert. Enjoy complimentary wine and beer while learning and dining.

Classic Cooking Academy, 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 480.502.0177, info@ccacademy.edu, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $100.

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48

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

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Brat Haus

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

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

Buck & Rider

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

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

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

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

Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.

Copper Blues

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

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

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

Craft 64

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

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

CRUjiente Tacos

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

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

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

Dirty Dogg Saloon

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

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

El Chorro

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

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

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

EVO

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

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

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Gallagher’s Sports Grill

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

Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.

Hard Rock Café

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

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

Hungry Monk

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

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

Lucky Strike Bowling

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

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

Luxe Lounge

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

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

Pedal Haus Brewery

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

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

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

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

Pure Sushi & Dining

Pure Sushi & Dining offers fine sushi and hot menus in an intimate atmosphere. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

20567 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, 480.355.0999 puresushibar.com.

Pure Sushi Colony

Open daily, Pure Sushi Colony serves happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. Enjoy $3 off regularly priced cocktails, wines by the glass and sake, along with $2 off regularly priced bottles of beer. Try its signature Asian pear martini, crafted with organic pear juice or the refreshing cool cucumber. Pure Colony offers unique and approachable wines and sake for the perfect pairing.

5538 N. Seventh Street, Suite 110, Phoenix, 602.730.3566, puresushicolony.com.

Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale

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

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

Rehab Burger Therapy

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

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

Social Tap Eatery | Downtown Scottsdale

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

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

The Stockyards

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

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

SunUp Brewing Co.

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

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

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

Tutti Santi

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

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

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

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

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

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

Wasted Grain

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

Friday.

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

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

DINER INSIDER

Pleasurable Poutine Daisy Finch » The Entertainer!

Hungry for Canadian cuisine? There are plenty of joints around the Valley to try our northern neighbor’s signature dish: poutine! Not sure what that is? Get this: French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds—and a few interesting twists. These five places are serving up plates of it that are sure to please. Want more Canadian dishes—and beer—after reading this? Check out the Great Canadian Picnic at 10 a.m.

Saturday, February 3, at South Mountain Park in Phoenix.

Visit canadianpicnic.com.

THE AMERICAN POUTINE CO. The American Poutine Co. serves classic poutine and those with flair. Get the original ($9), or try Philly cheesesteak poutine ($12), bacon poutine ($10) and more.

The American Poutine Co., 1395 E. Warner Road, Suite 100, Gilbert, 480.434.3982, americanpoutine.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Tuesday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

SHORT LEASH HOT DOGS This place has gourmet hot dogs down to a science, and poutine is part of the formula! If you prefer the traditional dish, they have loaded poutine fries ($10). But, if you want to really see what this lively little restaurant can do, try its premium poutine dog ($9). Located on

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Roosevelt, the atmosphere and the grub are sure to leave you satisfied.

Short Leash Hot Dogs, 110 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602.795.2193, shortleashhotdogs. com. Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

FRENCH FRY HEAVEN French Fry Heaven is a great place to try this Canadian cuisine in the heart of ASU’s campus. They have traditional poutine ($8.49) to satisfy those cravings, and they have several other types of loaded fries that are packed with flavor!

Try the chicken garlic parmesan ($8.49) or the chipotle chicken taco fries ($8.49)!

French Fry Heaven, 681 E. Apache Boulevard, Suite 103, Tempe, 480.625.3358, frenchfryheaven. com. Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight daily.

FRENCH FRY HEAVEN

ANGEL’S TRUMPET ALE HOUSE Poutine is meant to be messy, right?

Angel’s Trumpet embraces the flavor within the fries with its version of poutine dubbed “The Mess” ($8). The dish gives diners a delicious sample of traditional poutine with warm gravy, soft cheese curds and crispy fries. Try its other menu items like sandwiches and pizza, too.

Angel’s Trumpet Ale House, 810 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.252.2630, angelstrumpetalehouse.com. Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Tuesday to Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

WELCOME DINER In need of a late-night fix? Welcome Diner invites guests to join them and check out its full menu, complete with those cheesy fries. Its poutine ($9) is offered as an appetizer, so grab a plateful before you dig into their burgers and sandwiches!

Welcome Diner, 924 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602.495.1111, welcomediner.net. Hours: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

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HUNGRY? BEST HIDDEN GEM COME DINE AT SCOTTSDALE’S

• Southwestern Cuisine with a Mexican Twist • Serving 140 premium tequilas • Complimentary homemade flavored tortillas • Misted and heated patio • Locally owned and operated

480-945-4567 | 6910 EAST MAIN STREET, SCOTTSDALE WWW.OLDTOWNTORTILLAFACTORY.COM

WHERE SCOTTSDALE CALLS HOME

Serving Lunch | Happy Hour | Dinner Brunch Arriving 2018!

4218 N Scottsdale Rd | Scottsdale, AZ | 85251 | 480.758.4994 | famous48.com

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

IRASSHAI

TO A NEW SUSHI

EXPERIENCE

Sushi Roku turns multicultural with revamped menu

Laura Stoddard » The Entertainer!

T

here are lots of ways to celebrate an anniversary.

In Sushi Roku’s case, it was with a new menu. The upscale restaurant, located within W Scottsdale Hotel in the heart of the city’s thriving entertainment district, presented its creative new array of culinary delicacies in late 2017.

The new menu, which has been hailed as “exotic” and “adventurous,” includes dishes like foie gras-wrapped asparagus, avocado “hanabi,” specialty appetizers and cocktails, as well as more traditional offerings such as toro carpaccio, sushi rolls and sake.

At the entrance of Sushi Roku, the

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hostess greets guests with an enthusiastic “Irasshai,” which means “welcome” in Japanese—and the friendly, attentive staff does make diners comfortable within its modern confines.

The award-winning restaurant boasts rich wood floors, dim lighting, soft, muted colors of beige and brown, an open, airy feel, with plenty of room between seating areas for private conversations, a slightly separate, well-stocked bar adjacent to the main dining room, a moderately sized patio, sidled up against Camelback Road, and of course, the all-important raw bar, which takes up nearly a quarter of the dining room.

Sushi Roku prides itself on using only fresh, high-quality ingredients for its dishes, whether local or imported.

“It’s a little more expensive to eat here, but that’s because of the ingredients we use,” explains Ben Flanigan, sous chef.

Their fish is flown in every day from various locations around the world, he says. Flanigan’s favorite is the blue fin tuna from Spain.

“It’s firmer. It’s meatier. It’s more flavorful and super oily,” he says.

The concept behind the menu, as brought to life by executive chef Joseph Castillo, was to incorporate elements of Italian, English, Korean, and even Hispanic cooking with customary Japanese.

“For example, trying to use things like serrano chilies, avocados from California—bringing foie gras onto the menu,” Flanigan says.

“We wanted to take what we have, which is traditional Japanese, and kind of merge it, change with the times, and kind of see what we can get away with.”

The dishes are served “omakase”style, or to the chef ’s pleasure, allowing him to have fun and be creative.

One of the most popular dishes on the new menu is the avocado “hanabi”—meaning firework in Japanese—bite-sized pieces of toast topped by small, compact spheres of avocado, soy truffle, crispy rice, and parmesan reggiano ($12). From cold appetizers, to sushi, to entrees and craft cocktails, patrons have dozens of innovative new creations to sample.

There’s the octopus crudo with yuzu kosho, olive oil and lemon, which packs a punch, thanks to the heat of yuzu chili paste ($18); toro carpaccio with oscietra caviar ($42); gensai roll, with seared togarashi salmon, kizami wasabi and avocado ($17); senshi roll, consisting of yellowtail, avocado and spicy aioli ($16); Nova Scotia lobster tail paired with rich citrus butter ($42); beef ribeye-wrapped asparagus with soy mirin sauce, served on a hot stone ($17.50); foie gras and asparagus skewers ($14); grilled lamb chop infused with ginger, soy and garlic ($15); and Chilean sea bass with yakatori sauce ($6.50).

And that’s just scratching the surface. Sushi Roku also serves new craft cocktails. According to Flanigan, the Ish, which incorporates shishito peppers seems to be the new crowd favorite ($15), followed closely by the ginger lychee mojito ($15). As with the dishes, the drinks are carefully constructed and beautifully presented.

Flanigan is proud of the new menu and hopes that as patrons leave, they say one thing: “Wow. That’s it. I just want a ‘wow,’ and if they throw in a, ‘Hey, see you next week,’ perfect.”

Sushi Roku

7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.970.2121, sushiroku.com.

Open Daily at 11am

Happy Hour 11-6 Daily

Free WiFi

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

VOILÀ!

Northeast France à la Scottsdale

David M. Brown » The Entertainer! “

V

oilà!,” so the French say with joie de vivre: “Here it is!” So it is, almost like magic!

And so that may be what Ségolène Gros will say to guests, serving this magical food prepared by her husband, Chef Jean-Christophe, at their Voilà French Bistro in Scottsdale Ranch.

The “i” of their Voilà logo is an upright fork, so come ready to enjoy petit déjeuner, lunch, brunch and dinner: appetizers such as moules au beurre d’escargots, mussels with parsley butter and garlic; soupe a l’oignon gratinée, French onion soup; entrées such as two of chef’s signature dishes, féuillete de noix de Saint Jacques, scallops in puff pastry, and foie gras de canard aux pommes, hot duck foie gras with caramelized apples; and desserts including three different, soufflés, with, respectively, raspberry, chocolate and Grand Marnier.

Their corner café immediately suggests unpretentiousness, quiet authenticity, charm: popular French music, a small outdoor patio and welcoming interior centered by a copy of Renoir’s 1881 Impressionist masterpiece, Luncheon of the Boating Party, and a big-smile greeting by Ségolène, “Bonjour.” Stay a while, relax, enjoy.

The couple purchased the existing Voilà in October 2015. The previous owners opened the restaurant three years earlier in the lake community just south of Shea Boulevard.

They had just moved to Scottsdale from France, where both were born, she in the north and he in the small northeast town of Neufchâteau, population approximately 7,300, at the confluence of the Meuse and Mouzon rivers in the Vosges Mountains area, a three-hour drive from Paris.

“I learned to cook watching my mother, so when I was about 15 she arranged a job for me at a local restaurant,” he says, through Ségolène, translating. Life-directing, the job was at the Michelin-starred Relais Châteaux Les Bas Rupts in the ski resort town of Gérardmer.

His mentor there, 30 years ago, was Chef Michel Philippe. “He welcomed me in the kitchens and taught me everything when I was 16 years old. I was WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

three weeks a month in his company and one week at culinary school in town. Away from my family, this family restaurant became like a second home for me.”

He learned well. The chef went on to own three hotel restaurants in the area and became well known throughout eastern France for his cuisine. The couple met in 1998 in one of these hotels in Neufchâteau.

“He was in the kitchen and worked with the wines and I was on the floor serving or hosting in the lobby,” Ségolène says. “We worked together for two years –– nothing –– and then we fell in love.”

So, romantic nuptials in Paris, Provence or Cannes?

Seven years ago, they wed in Las Vegas. “It was so romantic for us,” she recalls.

For sure, you’ll take to their food, with passion.

“Ours are traditional French dishes with a modern elegance but still very flavorful and normal-size portions,” chef says, referring to their generous servings, rather than the gastronomically pleasing but minimalist portions elsewhere. “This is not la nouvelle cuisine but ‘la cuisine traditionelle moderne’ with modern dishes,” he adds.

“I would say that my cuisine has a Provençal tendency, but I also offer dishes from all French regions in my dinner specials,” he says.

Thus, you’ll find escargots de Bourgogne, snails in a burgundy wine broth; moules Provencales, mussels, garlic, celery, white wine and tomatoes; filet de boeuf sauce Béarnaise, filet

mignon in béarnaise; and traditional poulet Basquaise, chicken and white wine in the Basque style.

Everything is housemade, including pastries, sauces, pâtés and quiches, except the bread and ice cream.

A recent visit flavorfully demonstrated these many influences. Ségolène began with a French demi baguette, served with an enticing aioli suitable for dipping and thick enough to spread with a knife. This chef flavorfully crafts with eggs, cream, lemon and garlic.

As an appetizer, she suggested an assiette Campagnard, essentially a dish of similar items in a country style, aligning with the chef ’s background and experience. This included a country duck pâté, in sliced style, and pork rillettes, chopped and served as a thick spread in an open tureen.

Chef and Ségolène perfectly paired this starter with a medium-bodied, fruit-forward Bordeaux Graves blend from the Pessac-Leognan District, produced by Domaine de la Grace d’ Ornon, 2009.

A seafood bouillabaisse from Voila’s new menu, which debuted during the holidays, was the entrée.

Marseille-influenced, the magnificent dish includes monkfish, Scottish salmon, deep-sea scallops, branzino, shrimps, mussels and red snapper, a kind of French paella or New Orleansstyle seafood gumbo. Chef adds a thick garlic-rich rouille sauce, tomatoes, celeries, fennel, white wine and spices, and potatoes, which he first cooks then quickly bakes in a pan.

Paired with this was a spectacular Gerard Fiou Sancerre Blanc 2015, young, crisp and fruity to complement the ocean tastes and textures.

“Our guests love our bouillabaisse,” Ségolène says. Justifiably so.

She finished with a house-made chocolate tarte, topped with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and finished with a piped chocolate fern design on the plate.

“Bonne journée et à bientôt!” Ségolène may say on guests’ departure: “Have a great day and until the next time.”

Voilà French Bistro

Voilà French Bistro, 10135 E. Via Linda, Mercado del Rancho, Scottsdale, 480.614.5600, voilafrenchbistro.com.

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THE CRAFTMASTER

57

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

BEER TENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

F

ounded in Colorado in 2013, Growler USA is a dog-friendly neighborhood pub dedicated to all things beer, with a special focus on local and regional craft beer offerings.

In just three years, the company has expanded beyond Colorado to North Carolina, Texas, Oregon, Washington and even Hawaii.

And now, thanks to self-proclaimed “beer nerd”/owner George Plescia, Growler USA has also found a home in the Valley.

WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES CRAFT BEER SPECIAL? Simply put, craft beer tastes better than the watered-down mass-produced beers.

There’s a difference in taste, quality and the work that goes into craft beer.

Craft beer offers more choices. With over 5,000 craft breweries each brewing numerous beers, there is something for everyone’s taste. Another cool benefit is, it’s easy to meet the people making the beer. Most people in the country live within 10 miles of a craft brewery. Go meet the people brewing the beer and support a local brewery. Craft beer makes for great times. Most conversations at the pub start with beer or a brewery experience and it’s great when our customers share their experiences with us. Life is too short to drink bad beer.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN CRAFT BEER? In 1984, while in college at Chico State, I tried my first craft beer from a (then) little-known brewery in the neighborhood called Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. It was love at first sip and, clearly, I wasn’t the only one who fell for them.

Today, they are one of the largest independent beer companies in the world.

I moved to San Diego after graduation, just as the city was becoming a mecca for craft beer in the United States. It was perfect timing for me, by then a full-fledged beer nerd. I would spend the next three decades working in

politics in Southern California—most recently serving on the California State Assembly—before moving to Scottsdale with my family in 2013.

I was pleasantly surprised at the beer movement happening all over Arizona, from Four Peaks’ juggernaut success to smaller outfits like Papago and Lumberyard earning accolade upon accolade on a national level. I wanted to be a part of it.

Enter Growler USA.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT THE BEER CULTURE IN ARIZONA? While the history is not a long one— really just three decades—there is already so much depth to the local industry, and kudos. Take the granddaddy of them all, for example, Prescott Brewing Company.

Though only founded in 1994, it is truly the oldest continuously running brewery in Arizona. But they never let being the new kids on the block stop them from really getting after it, garnering 32 national and international medals and awards for excellence in brewing, including the North American Brewers Association national competition, The Great American Beer Festival and the international World Beer Cup over the past 20 years. In 2011, the brewery built

a new off-site production plant to keep up with consumer demand, and then expanded again in 2015 to offer a slew of new canned beer offerings across the region. See, not a long history, but one that is writing its own story every single day.

WHY IS GROWLER USA THE PERFECT PLACE FOR CRAFT BEER? About 18 months ago, we set the wheels in motion to bring Growler USA to Arizona. Opened in September 2016 on High Street in North Phoenix (formerly City North), we boast more than 100 taps, 40 of which are dedicated to local craft beers and breweries.

In fact, ten of our taps are reserved for hyperlocal breweries at all times -those that don’t even have distribution yet.

Intimidated by the selection? Don’t be. We have several Cicerone Certified Beer Servers, who are on hand at all times to help guests select, sip and savor the best beers for their individual palates and tastes.

We also offer several wines, sodas, kombucha tea and even nitro cold brew coffee from Press Coffee in Scottsdale on tap, as well as a full menu of lunch and dinner options.

Our menu, as you would guess, features foods that specifically pair with our beers—food you actually want to

eat while drinking beer—such as freshly twisted pretzels, brat sliders and even homemade chips from spent grains at a local brewery. We also take pride in using as many locally sourced ingredients, including produce and baked goods, as possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEERS? So, I have to show some love for the local ones right now. There are too many to pick one, but I really enjoy: • College Street Mariner Double IPA from College Street in Lake Havasu City • Helton Pilsner from Helton Brewing Company in Phoenix • Historic Undercover Cucumber from Historic Brewing Company in Flagstaff • Sun Up The Hoppler from Sun Up Brewing Co. in Phoenix • McFate Berlemoner Weiss from McFate Brewing Company in Scottsdale • Papago Orange Blossom from Papago Brewing Company in Scottsdale

Growler USA

5415 E. High Street, Phoenix, 480.454.4354, growlerusa.com.

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

Craft 64

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

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

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

Papago Brewing Company

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

Boulders on Broadway

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

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

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

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

Scottsdale Beer Company

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

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

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

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

Garage Wine and Tap

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

Thirsty Lion

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

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

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

Brat Haus

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

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

Fox Cigar Bar

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

House of Brews Sports Bar

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

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

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

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

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GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

59

SONATA’S Beer Over Here RESTAURANT Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month

“As we sought to build out this restaurant, we knew we wanted something with our native flavors, but Lithuanian food has historically been regarded as peasant food in other parts of the world. It’s very meat, potatoes, cheese, butter and sauce-forward. Peasant or not, we decided we had to share our love of our culture and flavors with Scottsdale.

From the stroganoff to the pierogis to cabbage rolls and even the chicken Kiev, we are 100 percent authentic Middle and Eastern European – even with our beer choices. As you can imagine, our comfort foods are tailor-made to pair with beers, especially those from Europe, an area that – outside of Germany – really mass-markets how fantastic their beer truly is. We work hard to help our guests find the perfect pairing – be it wine, beer or even a cocktail – with every single thing on our menu.”

-Deividas Molocajevas, chief operating officer

DISHES

Kepta Duona and Pork Shashlik The beer is a perfect pairing with a starter and main dish. Molocajevas recommends getting your first clay mug over a skillet of kepta duona ($8), a Lithuanian comfort food made from crispy rye bread tossed in duck fat aioli and smothered in Havarti cheese. The lager will work to bring out the grains in the bread as well as the notes of garlic in the aioli to heighten the flavor. Then, Molocajevas suggests a second clay mug paired with their pork shashlik ($23) main course, which is a pomegranate-marinated pork kebab with seasonal vegetables, shaved Brussels sprout tziki, rice pilaf and a Polish mizeria (think sour cream) cucumber salad. Because beer should work to either complement or juxtapose flavors in a dish, it works with Duona while offering a juxtaposition of flavor with the pork. It balances some of the dish’s acidity and the pork’s natural saltiness for a perfect bite/sip combination every single time.

Cheers to Charity

JANUARY 4 Support Ben’s Bells and have a beer! For every beer sold, $1 will be donated to the organization that works to inspire, educate and motivate each other to realize the impact of intentional kindness.

Button Brew House, 6800 N. Camino Martin, Tucson, 520.268.8543, buttonbrewhouse.com, 5 to 7 p.m., various prices.

Second Sundays Food Truck Festival

JANUARY 14 State 48 Brewery is teaming up with the city of Surprise and Food Truck Friday West for the event, which features music, beer and free bounce houses for kids. More than 15 local food trucks will serve the eats.

8 Acres Park, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, facebook.com/ events/1574903302601836/, 1 p.m., free admission.

Flagstaff BrewHaHa

JANUARY 20 Flagstaff BrewHaHa will feature more than 50 local, regional and western breweries, and over 100 craft beers. The Snowman’s Choice Award will be given for the best brew, and the People’s Choice Award winner will be selected by the public. In keeping with the “tasting” theme, there will be hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity of Flagstaff.

High Country Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, 877.4.fly.tix, flagstaffbrewhaha. com, 2 to 6 p.m., $45 in advance, $50 day of event, $20 designated driver tickets.

BEER

Brewery: Švyturys Style: Lager Name: Švyturys Ekstra Lithuanian Lager Established in 1784, Švyturys is the oldest operating brewery in Lithuania.

The company brews more than 34 million liters of beer a year, most of which are this lager. This particular lager, in fact, is the country’s most decorated beer, including a recent Gold Award win in the World Beer Cup. Sonata’s is the first venue on the West Coast to carry the brand, serving it in a commemorative clay mug to honor its heritage and really release the flavors.

The lager itself has notes of grain and honey with a crisp finish and slightly sweet aftertaste. Light aromas of sweet malts are present in the nose, as well as a hint of corn.

Sonata’s Restaurant

10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.477.1390, sonatasrestaurant.com.

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AS GOOD AS

GOLD

Oro Brewing aims for continual improvement Dave Clark » The Entertainer!

O

ro Brewing’s mantra is to reach for the gold, as the company’s namesake is Spanish for the mineral.

“To us, this simply means we must continually improve ourselves, our business and our community,” says owner Chuck Wennerlund.

That started a year ago when Wennerlund and business partner Dave Valencia opened Oro Brewing in downtown Mesa.

“We were looking for a retail location on a main street with plenty of free parking,” Wennerlund says. “After looking daily for a couple of years across

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the metro Phoenix area, we saw a forlease sign on a retail space in downtown Mesa. Light rail construction had just been completed and we saw a great opportunity at this location.”

Oro Brewing considers itself a nanobrewery with a taproom. Food is provided by nearby Worth Takeaway, which will deliver food to guests’ tables after they order from Oro’s servers or bartenders.

A small three-barrel system gives Oro the flexibility to create recipes while ensuring the beers remain fresh. Most of the beers on tap are made in house.

Others are crafted by fellow Arizona breweries. Recent guest beers have included Pedal Haus’ Biere Blanche and two offerings from Flagstaff’s

Wanderlust Brewing, Bahnhoff Gose and Chateau Americana Belgian Pale Ale. The guest beers complement the house beers with contrasting options that give consumers a wide range of styles from which to choose, considering the relatively small 11-tap lineup.

Oro Brewing has noted the trend of IPAs. Three of the eight house beers are forms of IPA, and the three are very different. The traditional IPA, Hop-iphany checks in at 6.6 percent ABV and 76 IBU (international bitterness units) and is Wennerlund’s favorite.

The All or Nothing double-black IPA, which checks in at 8.5 percent ABV and 100 IBU, boasts flavors ranging from molasses to smoke to licorice.

In a departure from the other two, Rail Rider is a well-balanced beer. Red and clear, this IPA checks in at 5.1 percent ABV and 52 IBU, letting the classic Cascade and Centennial hops shine. Rail Rider has been called the star of Oro’s lineup.

The remaining eight beers take a walk on the malt side; stepping away from the hops and featuring sweeter, malt-driven flavors. Inside the Park blonde ale is the “gateway” beer for those who want to venture into craft but just can’t part with their Coors Light.

Joint Forces is a beer-cider hybrid, a collaboration with nearby Cider Corps.

Stringtown Brown is a straightforward brown ale, reminiscent of a traditional English brown style. Two stouts—Frihoff Stout (6.5 percent ABV, 32 IBU) and Give Peat a

Chance (7.1 percent)—provide the dark beer options. Frihoff is positioned as a milk stout, with sweetness provided by subdued lactose. Peat features peat-smoked malt that has a wet, smoky character with the elevated alcohol punch.

The brewery boasts an L-shaped bar designed for conversation as just two TVs hang on Oro’s walls. Several fourtop tables adorn the back wall, while a larger group table is near the front.

The bar comfortably seats about 12 patrons and an outdoor patio provides prime people-watching opportunities on downtown Main Street.

“We thought we were getting into the beer business but we found out we are in the relationship business first and foremost,” Wennerlund says.

Mesa has welcomed Oro, and Oro is happy to be part of the community.

“We continue to support our local community with our Community Tap Project,” Wennerlund explains.

“Proceeds from an Oro beer each month go to a local nonprofit or great cause within the downtown Mesa area. This is an opportunity for our friends and guests to give back and pay it forward to downtown Mesa.”

Oro Brewing

210 W. Main Street, Mesa, 480.398.8247, facebook.com/orobrewco.

A TABLE FOR TWO? Phind it

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Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day Ballroom Brunch Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

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THE HIGHROLLER

63

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

BACK PORCH JAM 3 Doors Down shows songs’ roots at acoustic show

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

W

hether it’s a rocker like “It’s Not My Time” or the melancholy “Here Without You,” 3 Doors Down writes most of its songs on acoustic guitar.

Fans will hear the roots of these songs and more when 3 Doors Down brings its “Back Porch Jam” to Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino on Saturday, January 27.

“It’s an acoustic tour,” Arnold says.

“Frankly, it’s set up like band practice.

There are fans on stage with us. We chill out and play the songs as they

were written.

“Playing the songs acoustically, the songs can breathe more than when we’re running around the stage, with flashing lights, smoke and explosions. It’s an intimate show that connects us with the fans and it’s a lot of fun.”

There’s an added bonus: All ticket purchasers will receive a limited-edition digital EP featuring acoustic performances of “Kryptonite,” “It’s Not My Time” and “I Don’t Want To Know.”

The tour is sentimental for Arnold, who considers his songs his babies.

Heavier songs like “Duck and Run” are popular among fans because, Arnold says, it doesn’t seem like it could be played acoustically.

“Back Porch Jam” is a great way to

kick off a busy year, Arnold says.

3 Doors Down will spend the summer playing outdoor venues, writing songs and, Arnold hopes, working on a new album.

“The main goal is to get out there and play some rock ‘n’ roll,” he says.

3 Doors Down

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 800.946.4452, wingilariver. com, 8 p.m. Saturday, January 27, $70-$110, $225-$400 for VIP. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE GLADIATOR

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

JANUARY’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Joe Gilmore » The Entertainer!

First-Day Hikes

JANUARY 1 The 50 State Park systems across the nation host guided First-Day Hikes on New Year’s Day. Explore the beauty and diversity of Arizona, its parks and its trails while starting the new year off on a healthy note. Arizona’s First-Day Hikes give individuals and groups an opportunity to see parts of the state they may have never visited or kick off 2018 in their favorite park.

A full listing of First-Day Hikes with locations, difficulty, length, terrain and tips can be found on its website.

AZStateParks.com/fdh, free.

Resolution Run

JANUARY 7 Get your new year started on the right foot. The route is amazing: Athletes will enjoy a scenic, supported run or walk through Papago Park next to the zoo, then along the paved canal path behind the Desert Botanical Garden and back through the park past Hole in the Rock.

Ramada 9 & 10, Papago Park, Phoenix, 480.609.3978, fieldworksevents.com/ resolution-run, 9 a.m., $40.

Phoenix Suns vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

JANUARY 7 Shooting guard Devin Booker, fresh from his left adductor strain, hopes to guide the Suns to a victory against a stacked Oklahoma City team. While the Thunder have been unable to capitalize on the talent they acquired in the offseason, they still have immense potential and will likely make the playoffs.

Talking Stick Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7900, nba.com/suns, 6 p.m., tickets start at $5.

Scottsdale Golf Week

JANUARY 8 TO JANUARY 14 Scottsdale Golf Week offers visitors special pricing, offers and vacation packages at dozens of courses, resorts and attractions in the Valley. A variety of golf-themed events, instructional clinics and competitions are included. scottsdalegolfweek.com

ASU Sun Devils vs. Oregon Ducks JANUARY 11 The Sun Devils basketball team has a had a remarkable start to its season, to say the least. Arriving unranked, the Sun Devils won nine consecutive games to tie a school record. During that stretch, they beat the No. 2 team in the country, Kansas, by a respectable 10 points. The Devils hope to continue their surprise season as they take on the Ducks.

ASU Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 480.727.0000, TheSunDevils.com, 8 p.m., visit website for pricing.

Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks

JANUARY 13 The Yotes have had a rough season so far. Last in the Pacific Division, the Coyotes face off against a tough San Jose team that has had a strong start.

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 480.563.7825, nhl.com/coyotes, 8:30 p.m., tickets start at $34.50.

Ramada 8, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Avenue, Goodyear, 602.346.0554, aravaiparunning.com/coldwaterrumble, 7 to 9 a.m., $54 to $310, depending on race.

Waste Management Phoenix Open

JANUARY 29 TO FEBRUARY 4 Join Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth as they travel to Scottsdale in hopes of winning the Waste Management Open. Be sure to check out the 16th hole coliseum, where Tiger Woods famously hit a hole-in-one in 1997.

TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.4334, wmphoenixopen.com, various times, tickets starting at $40.

Arizona Rattlers Training Camp

JANUARY 29 TO FEBUARY 11 The Arizona Rattlers look to repeat their winning ways, so preseason preparation will be key. Come watch them practice and see what you think.

Copper Sky Regional Park, 4345 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Maricopa, 602.514.8383, azrattlers.com, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., free.

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Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.514.2919, comericatheatre. com, tickets start at $31.50.

Coldwater Rumble Trail Runs JANUARY 20 Aravaipa Running hosts runs of various distances that traverse through the beautiful and jagged Sierra Estrella Mountain Range.

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GREEN GIANT

The ‘Greatest Show on Grass’ treads new turf

Greg Macafee » The Entertainer!

T

he Grand Canyon isn’t the only famous hole in Arizona. Every winter, a certain hole in Scottsdale gets surrounded by tens of thousands of screaming people who drink beer and loudly boo and cheer on the cue of giant LED lights telling them to “Make Some Noise.” Sometimes they get flipped off by professional athletes.

Sometimes they make it rain plastic cups, like they did 20 years ago when an upstart golfer named Tiger Woods took a nine iron out of his bag and hit a hole-in-one.

Welcome to the 16th hole at the Tournament Players Golf Club, one of many reasons the Waste Management Phoenix Open is called the “Greatest Show on Grass.”

On Monday, January 29, this storied and exciting tournament will return for the 83rd time. First played in 1932, the Open is the fifth-oldest tournament on the PGA tour. And this year, it’s getting some upgrades and continuing to give back to the community that supports it.

Given the party-like atmosphere of the tournament—elevated by several grandstands and luxury boxes throughout the 18-hole, 7,266-yard course—it’s not surprising it’s such a highly attended event. It’s the best-attended event in golf, in fact, drawing around half a

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million people every year. Last year, The Waste Management Phoenix Open set a PGA Tour and Phoenix Open single-day record with 201,003 fans in attendance on Saturday, and set a tournament week attendance record of 618,365 people.

And it doesn’t plan to stop growing anytime soon.

“There’s always something new for everyone,” says 2018 tournament chairman Carlos Sugich. “Whether that’s for the sponsors or the fans.”

This year, they plan to add a lot to the course, starting with a new corporate Cove 17 on the south side of the 17th fairway. The new addition will include 60 suites, two bar areas and an expansive, brand-new patio. They are also adding close to 650 general admission seats on 17, which Sugich said will add a lot more energy to the 332-yard par four.

That’s not the only new addition to the course. Sugich said they will also be adding a craft beer house on the west side of the 7th hole, and a cantina with terrific views of the golf on the 12th hole.

And then there is the legendary 16th hole, one of the most exciting holes in golf and a coveted spot for cocktail-sipping spectators. It offers a stadium-like atmosphere not found anywhere else in the sport, which is why there’s often a line of people looking to nab the 3,700 general admission seats that dwarfs even most Black Friday campouts.

“(The 16th hole has) become a bucket list item for people all over the Valley and the country,” Sugich says.

“It’s a signature hole.”

The 2018 tournament chairman said that popularity started in 1997 when Tiger Woods made a hole in one on the hole. While it didn’t look like it does today, surrounded by stands and luxury boxes, the hole was still a popular spot for fans.

“It started growing organically and we wanted to create something special and make it more for the fans,” Sugich says. “We wanted to have something no one expected, kind of like going to a stadium-type atmosphere.”

That’s exactly what they created. In the past, Arizona State alumnus John Rahm has donned a Pat Tillman jersey on the 163-yard par 3. Fans are also known for booing golfers when they don’t land their first shot on the green.

The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a huge economic stimulator for the Valley. The event pumped $389 million into Arizona’s economy last year.

It also gives back to the community that has supported it since the beginning. In 2017, the event raised more than $10.1 million for charity and has raised more than $122 million in its 85-year history.

By attending the event, fans are supporting several nonprofit organizations across the Valley, including Phoenix Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Homeward Bound and Boys &

Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.

“It’s what the Thunderbirds are all about,” Sugich says. “Our goal is to promote the Valley of the Sun through sports while assisting those in need in our community. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is a huge community event and giving back its worth all the work and effort.”

The tournament kicks off with plenty of events leading up to the first round on Thursday, February 1. There will be a Special Olympics Open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 30. There will also be two Pro-Am tourneys, with the Kadima Ventures Pro-Am on Monday, January 29, and the Annexus Pro-Am on Wednesday, January 31. Other events include the Phoenix Suns Charity Shot at Glory, a hole-in-one contest that takes place on the 16th hole, and the Coors Light Birds Nest concerts take place throughout the week, including performances by Flo Rida, Florida Georgia Line and Chris Lane, and OneRepublic.

As for the actual tournament— which runs through Sunday, February 4—there are no guarantees. Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama captured the title the past two years and has placed in the top two the past three. But with top-rated players like Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas also among the competitors, anything could happen. When it comes to sports, the results can sometimes be as exciting and unpredictable as the 16th hole itself.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

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CAPTURING THE TITLE Martial arts champ helps others achieve their dreams Joe Gilmore » The Entertainer!

W

hen Zane Frazier saw the Bruce Lee movie The Chinese Connection in 1972 as a child in Los Angeles, he fell in love with martial arts.

Since then he has made his mark on the sport as two-time international karate champion, World Kickboxing Federation U.S. Heavyweight Champion, and one of eight participants in the first UFC competition.

Now an Ahwatukee resident, Frazier has partnered with Steve Murbach to open a Title Boxing Club franchise in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood.

“We want Title Boxing to be the best hour of your day,” Frazier says.

VARIED CAREERS Frazier’s life has been eventful. Born in 1966, he began martial arts training in 1972 and it continued through his time at University of Idaho, where he also played basketball. He trained in Tai Kenpo, a hybrid of karate, boxing, karate and wrestling.

“We were doing MMA training then, before MMA training was fashionable,” Frazier says.

Following school, Frazier veered away from martial arts, instead working as a bodyguard for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Ice-T and Olivia Newton-John.

Despite these opportunities and experiences, Frazier’s heart was still in MMA. Martial artist and fitness mogul Billy Bush encouraged him to open his own gym in 1981.

“We had this idea that we wanted to make the American public respect martial arts more than they had,” he says. “I left the bodyguard scene and I stayed with this particular format.”

While owning the gym, Frazier became a UFC pioneer. He earned a spot in UFC 1 in 1993 after an incident with Frank Dux, the man on whom the movie Bloodsport was based. The two were at odds after Dux invited Frazier to teach at his studio. Frazier backed out and Dux refused to pay him.

Frazier opened a studio nearby and some of Dux’s students followed.

The feud culminated in a fight that the LAPD had to break up. UFC officials who were already interested in Frazier followed up with him after the fight, letting him know that he had secured a spot in the tournament.

THREE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE Frazier has taught in 12 gyms and accumulated 36 years of training experience.

He asks his students to go beyond their comfort zone, and emphasizes mental, physical and spiritual toughness.

“The difference between being good and being great is, simply, one word: sacrifice,” he says. “A lot of people work hard, but can you push yourself more than the next person?”

Citing his mantra “lose yourself,” Frazier wants his students to get lost in training and come out on the other end a changed person. He is committed to excellence.

“Commitment to excellence means we want you to inspire, to challenge and to motivate,” he says. “If you want to become great, we want to help you become that.”

TITLE Boxing Club Arcadia 3031 E. Indian School Road, Suite 19, Phoenix, 480.712.3490, titleboxingclub. com/arcadia-az/.

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MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED

Arizona Cardinals’ David Johnson makes kids’ dreams come true Joe Gilmore » The Entertainer!

W

DAVID AND MEGHAN JOHNSON

hen Arizona Cardinals’ David Johnson stepped foot in Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the first time, he was enamored.

“When I interacted with those kids, their faces lit up and brightened up,” Johnson says.

Those types of visits inspired Johnson and his wife, Meghan, to start the Mission 31 Foundation to provide opportunities, support and resources to seriously ill children and their families. The couple, who have a toddler son, offer daily support and life-changing experiences.

The couple introduced their foundation during a December 4 event at Mountain Shadows, with 200 guests, including several of his teammates like Elijhaa Penny and Chandler Jones. The Johnsons donated $15,000, but the

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event raised $200,000.

It was actually Meghan who inspired Johnson to visit with ill children.

“She was volunteering there and she had me tag along,” Johnson says.

“That’s really where it started. We had a great time getting to talk to a lot of kids.

“Really, the greatest ones are when they are so surprised, they can’t believe that they see, not just me, but Patrick Peterson, Chandler Jones and Carson Palmer. Sometimes it’s hard to get them to start a conversation because they don’t know what to say but, you know, when they start opening up, it’s really eye-opening and it brings a good feeling to my heart.”

Charity is nothing new to Johnson, who injured his wrist early in the season.

“Mission 31 makes me feel like what I do is really impactful to kids,” he says. “I’ve worked with other charities.

We’ve fed the homeless at the food shelters on Thanksgiving, too.”

He is just thankful that his position allows him to help so many people.

“First off, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to do this,” he says. “God has given me this platform. I really want to make an impact in the community wherever I am needed.”

Next year, that’ll be on the field as well, helping the ailing Cardinals.

“It’s been a tough year, a lot of injuries, a lot of stuff going on with our team,” he says. “I feel like we are definitely doing the best that we can with the circumstances that we’ve been put in, but it’s obviously been a tough year for us.”

Johnson and the Cardinals hope to bounce back next season, but he will remain to be a leader off the field.

“We’re very excited for this foundation,” he says. “We couldn’t wait to get it started.”

For more information, visit https:// www.davidjohnson31.org/.

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FUN AND FAIRYTALES Disney comes alive in ‘Follow Your Heart’ Catherine Hathaway » The Entertainer!

H

undreds of little princesses and princes will gather at Talking Stick Resort Arena in January to see their favorite characters glide across the ice and spin over their heads in Disney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart.

The fast-paced ice show is jampacked with characters, royalty and familiar fishy friends all performing to their beloved Disney soundtracks. Of course, no Disney on Ice performance would be complete without an appearance by the big cheese himself, Mickey Mouse and his friends.

“I really love the athleticism that we display,” says Justine Lopez, ensemble skater.

“You get to see all of the princes and princesses do their lifts and their tricks. You get to see Rapunzel and Flynn basically fly above the audience on a silk fabric act. We are one of the few shows that have that. You hear the audience in awe backstage when it comes to that part of our show.”

Follow Your Heart is Lopez’s 10th contract with Feld Entertainment’s Disney on Ice. Lopez loves being able to enchant audiences young and old. The long-time skater and dancer finds magic in the stories and the role models the WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

cast members portray daily.

“We focus on princess empowerment which you get to see with Tiana, Merida, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Rapunzel and Ariel,” Lopez says “I really love Pocahontas and Moana. I just kind of relate to their free spirit and their independence, which is exactly what our show has.”

Follow Your Heart not only incorporates select Disney princesses, but various Pixar storylines such as Inside Out, Toy Story and Finding Dory.

“What’s really great is that we’re the first ice show to feature Disney Pixar’s Inside Out, so we actually have Riley and the emotions there with you, and you get to join in on a rollercoaster of emotions and go through the different story lines with them,” Lopez says.

Lopez landed her first contract with Disney on Ice when a friend in the company suggested she audition. Lopez was hired, and she’s happy to have the opportunity to travel and perform.

“I think one of my favorite places I’ve been to is Ireland mainly because of the greenery it offers,” Lopez says.

“Another place that I really enjoyed was the Australia and New Zealand area. I would not be able to do it on my own.

It’s really exciting to be able to see these types of places and experience it.”

Disney storylines have a special place in the childhood of many, Lopez included. The skater remembers dressing

up as all the princesses.

“It’s really funny how I’ll look back and sometimes I’ll come home and I’ll come across old photographs,” Lopez says.

“My cousin, growing up around her, she had collected every single Disney movie in the book, so I think that kind of instilled a little bit in me for a love of Disney. The opportunity to skate with Disney on Ice became a dream.”

Lopez performs in various scenes, including those associated with Inside Out. She also introduces the Finding Dory section and is a citizen of Arendelle when the audience is transported to Elsa and Anna’s kingdom.

“I do love watching Rapunzel and Flynn,” Lopez admits. “I think it’s amazing for me to see it happening because I’m scared of heights, so the fact

that they’re doing that above the audience is pretty darn amazing. I also really love our opening number with Riley and the emotions. I feel that it really sets the tone for our show. We kind of just get everybody pumped up.”

And she means everybody.

“If you’re unsure about boy audiences, you’ll get to see Toy Story,” Lopez says. “It’s really a great show. We have so many great storylines and we just kind of take you on a ride. The energy level goes all the way from start to finish.”

Disney on Ice presents Follow Your Heart

201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, talkingstickresortarena.com, disneyonice. com, various times Thursday, January 18, to Sunday, January 21, tickets start at $20.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE YOUNGSTER

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FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN JANUARY Daisy Finch » The Entertainer!

Hubbard Sports Camp

JANUARY 2 TO JANUARY 5 Kids ages 4 to 13 can cure the holiday vacation boredom blues with basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball. Come and make new friends and learn some awesome skills.

Thunderbird Academy, 7410 E. Sutton Drive, Scottsdale, 602.971.4044, hubbardsports. com, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $50 full-day; $35 half-day.

Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts

JANUARY 6 AND JANUARY 20 The festival features the works of established and emerging artists who create woodworking, metal crafts, food items, jewelry, art, photography, handmade soaps and gift items.

Downtown Mesa, Macdonald, near Main Street, dtmesafest.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission.

Winter Supercamp

JANUARY 2 TO JANUARY 5 AND JANUARY 15 Kids ages 3 to 13 are invited to join the Arizona Sunrays for a fun-filled camp during Winter Break! Enjoy ziplining, yoga, the ninja zone, dance, gymnastics and more. Fulland half-day options available.

Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance Center, 15801 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.992.5790, arizonasunrays.com, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., prices vary.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 28 Set in Narnia, a land of magical adventures and mystic wonder, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tells the story of kids and their animal friends who stumble across a wardrobe.

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org, times vary, prices vary.

The Snowy Day and Other Stories

Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair

JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 21 The Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair is back, but in a new location, Lake Havasu State Park. Enjoy the “Mass Ascension,” balloon night glow, carnival rides, classic cars, arts and crafts, dog shows, balloon rides (tethered and untethered), live music and food vendors.

Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair, Lake Havasu State Park, Windsor 4, 171 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, havasuballoonfest.com, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 18, 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday, January 19, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Saturday, January 20, and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, January 21, $15 (general admission), $65 gondola VIP.

Glitter & Glow Block Party

JANUARY 6 Join Glendale for its 23rd annual Glitter & Glow Block Party at Murphy Park! There will be hot-air balloons and 500,000 sparkling holiday lights with more than a dozen bands providing the soundtrack.

Murphy Park, 5800 W. Glenn Dr., Glendale, 623.930.2299, glendaleaz.com, 4 to 10 p.m., free admission.

Arizona Balloon Classic

JANUARY 26 TO JANUARY 28 The seventh annual Arizona Balloon Classic is one of the few events that features hot air balloon races.

Enjoy the festival, morning liftoffs, evening glows, live entertainment, fireworks and family fun areas.

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear, abcfest. com, 4 to 8 p.m. January 26, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. January 27, 7 to 10 a.m.

January 28, $15, free for those 12 and younger.

Jump in Your Favorite Superhero Costume

ACE Comic Con Arizona

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15 Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie are among the “superheroes” slated to visit Gila River Arena. Can’t make it? ACE Universe is also providing free, global live-streaming of every part of Comic Con. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, noon Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m. Sunday, January 14, and 11 a.m. Monday, January 15, prices vary according to access.

JANUARY 21 TO MARCH 11 The Snowy Day celebrates the magic and boundless possibilities of the first snowfall. Follow Peter and his friends as they romp and play, starting snowball fights and making snow angels in this imaginative musical play about the childhood joys and challenges of growing up. Using innovative shadow puppetry, Ezra Jack Keats’ characters come to life.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, childsplayaz.org, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. Sundays, $12-$30.

Doggie Street Festival

JANUARY 20 Dog owners can bring their furry friends to the Doggie Street Festival, and pamper them with pet foods, fashion, health supplements, travel accessories, vet care, training and more!

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 323.445.5087, doggiestreetfestival.org, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free admission.

JANUARY 28 It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… a bunch of jumping kids with their super suits on! Get ready to fight crime and catch major air with this event at AZ Air Time! Come dressed in your favorite superhero outfit and take pictures with the super staff while you jump to save the day!

AZ Air Time, 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 145, Scottsdale, 480.427.2000, azairtime.com, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices vary.

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BUSINESS

AS USUAL

Mustard Plug continues skanking for the fun of it Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

M

ustard Plug’s 26-year career has found a steady dose of U.S. club shows and international festival tours, as well as studio albums. But the ska punk Michiganders—vocalist Dave Kirchgessner, guitarist/vocalist Colin Clive, bassist Rick Johnson, drummer Nate Cohn, trumpeter Brandon Jenison and trombonist Jim Hofer—are now focusing their efforts on their live shows.

On an upcoming West Coast jaunt, the band will stop by Crescent Ballroom with peers Buck-O-Nine, which excites Kirchgessner.

“It definitely brings another level of excitement for us because we get to feed off another band that we’re fans of and see them every night,” he says. “I think it just boosts the whole energy level. We already have really fun, energetic shows but I think it’s going to be even better

than usual.”

Formed in 1991, Mustard Plug has seven albums’ worth of songs, and plenty of classics, such as “Beer (Song),” “Mr. Smiley” and “You,” to draw from during its live outings. In 1998, the band covered The Verve Pipe’s hit “The Freshman.”

“Doing it for 26 years is kind of surreal, and I think a lot of people might think that, ‘Oh, are you bored with it?’ and, to me, it’s like the opposite is happening,” Kirchgessner explains.

“The fact that I feel like I’m getting away with something, pulling off the impossible, something that I shouldn’t be allowed to do, it makes it kind of even more exciting than it would be otherwise.”

Although Mustard Plug continues to tour, the band is in no hurry to return to the studio, Kirchgessner says.

“Every time we put out a record it takes longer for us to put out another

record,” he adds with a laugh.

Since the turn of the century, this idea rings true. While the band’s most recent album, Can’t Contain It!, was released in 2014, the prior project, In Black and White, was released seven years earlier, with Yellow No. 5 coming five years before that. Now with seven albums in their repertoire, however, the band members have separate lives beyond their music. Mustard Plug has evolved from the full-time gig it once was to a part-time effort.

“It’s just a matter of getting older and getting more wrapped up in adult lives and that sort of thing,” Kirchgessner says. “It’s been a few years since Can’t Contain It! came out and we just kind of took some time off. The people in the band have kids and that sort of thing. We’re just basically kind of talking about right now working on some songs, but nothing concrete.”

He adds, “We’re kind of just at the point where we just take it as it comes and there’s no huge, huge pressure to put something out.”

This recipe for Mustard Plug’s success has worked. As such, its lineup has remained mostly solid since the mid-1990s. With the pressures of being a full-time act off the table, the six musicians are comfortable only doing things they all agree on, Kirchgessner says.

“Everyone is in the band now because they enjoy doing it,” he says.

“It’s not like anyone is expecting to get rich doing it or they need to do it to pay the rent or whatever. So, when you take those kinds of burdens and your strains off, it makes it a lot easier. You just kind of focus on the things everyone in the band enjoys doing.”

Mustard Plug continues to fill clubs, but Kirchgessner admits the American ska scene is not as popular as it once was.

“Honestly, the overall ska scene, it’s definitely not as strong as it used to be,” he says. “I think in the ’90s, people were looking for whatever trend was going to happen, like whether it’s grunge or ska or swing or whatever. Now, I think the people that are involved with the ska scene, I guess, are just really there to have fun and enjoy the music.”

Still, Kirchgessner finds joy touring and seeing new, younger fans alongside those who have followed the band for decades and those who have only recently rediscovered their love for ska.

“I think it’s cool to see younger people coming in,” he says. “It’s always amazing that we do get a whole crop of new fans, and I think you can just kind of look at the look on their faces and the excitement and the energy and it’s like they’ve discovered something amazing, which is great to see because I can definitely remember how I felt whenever–26 years ago.”

Mustard Plug w/ Buck-O-Nine

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx. com, 8 p.m. Thursday, January 18, $15-$18.

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

JANUARY 12

JANUARY 13

Fates Warning

Anthony Green

Huun-Huur-Tu

Candlebox

Club Red, 7 p.m., $18-$20

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

JANUARY 6

JANUARY 1

A New Year for Hip Hop

Happy New Year!

Ruthie Foster

JANUARY 2 Cracker w/Camper Van Beethoven 191 Toole, 8 p.m., $25-$27

Krizz Kaliko

Club Red, 7 p.m., $15-$20

JANUARY 3 U.S. Bombs

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $10-$12 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$35

True Rivals

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Wrath Upon Eden

Emanuel Ax

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $72-$132

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 4 p.m., $29-$69

JANUARY 4

Railgun w/Shred Bundy, Ninja Gandhi

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 9

JANUARY 5

Milky Chance

Booker T. Jones

Three Quarter Moon

Music of The Grateful Dead

by The Noodles Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10

Pepe Aguilar

Gila River Arena, 7:30 p.m., $30.25$370.25

Playboy Manbaby

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Rhythm Room, 9:15 p.m., $15

Sinshrift

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$13

STIG

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free

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Stabbing Westward

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$23

Tenth Mountain Division

Orpheum Theater Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $6.50

We Might Be Wasted

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Zeppelin USA

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $23

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $18-$58

Matt Holman Group

Club Congress, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

The Paladins

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $16-$20

Too $hort w/Warren G

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22.50$37.50

Vices to the Grave

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Zeppelin USA

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $23-$28

JANUARY 8 No shows scheduled

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $25$50

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., free

The High Dive w/ Simple Malfunction

Cafe Jaleo

Rob Bell

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$24

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $25-$200

Willie Nelson & Family

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$53.50

Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $16-$20

Destroyer

Yo Gotti

JANUARY 7

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$53.50

The Paladins

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $35-$150

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$13

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Booker T. Jones

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $20-$25

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$50 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 10 Marilyn Manson

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $59.99-$65

Reverend Horton Heat

Orpheum Theater Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $22-$25

JANUARY 11 Evil Devil

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $10

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Rialto Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $30

Rob Bell

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $25-$50

Slow Hollows

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

Carly Rae Jepsen supporting Katy Perry JANUARY 19

Gila River Arena, 7:30 p.m., $45.75-$799 Still finding success after the rave reviews received by E•MO•TION: Side B, a stellar compilation of tracks that didn’t make her official E•MO•TION record, as well as last summer’s popular single “Cut to the Feeling,” Carly Rae Jepsen is embarking on a tour supporting pop icon Katy Perry. Building anticipation to her next LP, Jepsen has said in recent interviews that it may see her moving from the ’80s-tinged pop anthems of E•MO•TION and its subsequent B-sides compilation in a more ’70s-esque direction that recalls the works of ABBA and Donna Summer. While little else is known about this next project, Jepsen still has plenty of gems spanning her discography to draw from when she gets the crowd ready for Perry this January.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

JANUARY 17

JANUARY 21

Chris Mann

Alan Doyle w/Donovan Woods

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$43.50

Dirty Fences

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20-$24

G3 2018 w/Joe Satriani, John Petrucci & Phil Collen

Mesa Arts Center, 7 p.m., $42-$153

Jay Leonhart & Wycliffe Gordon

Steve Smith and Vital Information NYC Edition

Mirage: The No. 1 Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

Adam Ant JANUARY 28

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40-$198 Adam Ant’s ANTHEMS – The Singles tour is coming to Celebrity Theatre late this month, and the ’80s icon needs no introduction. The welldressed singer will bring hits like “Strip,” “Goody Two Shoes,” “Ant Music” and others from his 40-year career to the stage. He rarely tours—on the last jaunt, he hit Tucson—so check him out.

The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Mesa Arts Center, 8 p.m., $29.50$57.50

Do or Die

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $20-$25

JANUARY 15 Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $27-$29

JANUARY 16 Black Rebel Motorcycle Club The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$40

Coast 2 Coast Live Artist Showcase Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $10

Dee-1

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20-$24

Pinback

Rockin’ Johnny and Quique Gomez Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Victor Wooten Trio

The Toasters

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $24-$39

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$15

Avatar

Wolf Parade w/Charly Bliss

JANUARY 25 10 Years

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $20-$35

Marquee Theatre, 7:40 p.m., $17$32

Flamingosis

Eric Johnson

Machine Head

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$32

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15 Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $25

Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives Pot of Gold Local Band Showcase

Club Red, 7 p.m., $13-$15

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Teek Hall

Jarabe Mexicano

Sheila E.

White Wizzard

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $33.50–$53.50

JANUARY 23

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Rialto Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $31-$46

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $14-$16

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $71-$131

K. Flay

Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22-$89

Pond

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $15

Gila River Arena, 7:30 p.m., $45.75$799

The Deep Dark Woods

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$33

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $24-$28

JANUARY 24

Keola Beamer and Henry Kapono w/Moanalani Beamer

JANUARY 19 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50–$43.50

The Hazytones

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50–$48.50

The Blunt Club

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

John Hiatt & The Goners w/ Sonny Landreth

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $45-$73

Katy Perry w/Carly Rae Jepsen

JANUARY 14

JANUARY 22

Mustard Plug w/Buck-O-Nine

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Lorin Walker Madsen

Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $15-$30

JANUARY 18

Jessica Lea Mayfield

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35-$45

Club Congress, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

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Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $12

Teenage Wrist

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

JANUARY 20 The Fab Four: The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Fox Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $29.50$48.50

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $71-$131

Kuinka

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $7-$10

Neck Deep

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $21.50$56.50

Tommy Emmanuel CGP

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $32-$47

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

New Kingston

Hippo Campus

Paris Chansons

Malignus Youth

Club Red – West, 7 p.m., $10-$13 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50–$43.50

JANUARY 26

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $18-$79 Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., $10

Melanie Friends and Family – An Evening of Songs and Stories

Chandler Symphony Classical Series

JANUARY 30

Converge

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $63.50–$78.50

Chandler Center for the Arts, 3 p.m., free Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $17-$20

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50–$43.50

Lauv

Marbin

Sistahs Too

Pot of Gold Local Band Showcase

St. Vincent

The Texas Tenors

JANUARY 29

August Burns Red

Marquee Theatre, 7:15 p.m., $21-$41 Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $8 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $39-$42

The Temptations & the Four Tops

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.50-$340

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $13-$15 Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $12 Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $48-$68

Y&T

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $25-$30

Alex Aiono

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$23

Al Jardine: A Postcard from California with Matt Jardine

JANUARY 28

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $63.50–$78.50

Adam Ant

Circuit Des Yeux Devvon Terrell

Brad Paisley

Arizona Musicfest Young Musicians Winter Concert

Head for the Hills

Carvin Jones Band

JANUARY 27 3 Doors Down Acoustic

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $70-$400 Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., $25.24$272.62 Orpheum Theater Flagstaff, 8 p.m., $11-$13

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40-$198

Musical Instrument Museum, 2 p.m., $20 Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $5

LBX, 8 p.m., $8

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $5-$15

José González

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $34-$50

Prawn

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Al Jardine: A Postcard from California with Matt Jardine DVSN

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $27.50$30.50

Gaelynn Lea

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

JANUARY 31 Alison Brown Quartet

La Casa de Cristo Church, 7:30 p.m., $35-$55

Anti-Flag w/Stray from the Path Club Red, 7 p.m., $18-$22

Badfish

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $18-$33

John Maus

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Manhattan Transfer

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $66-$86

THE DREAM TEAM TobyMac brings slew of friends to Gila River Arena

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

W

TobyMac with Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Ryan Stevenson and Finding Favour Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland, Glendale, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster. com, 7 p.m. Friday, February 2, $15-$70.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

hen Christian hip-hop artist TobyMac hits the road with Danny Gokey, Mandisa, Ryan Stevenson and Finding Favour, the jaunt is going to be more than a tour.

It’s a family reunion.

“I wouldn’t even call them ‘support acts,’” he says. “To me, the tour is a collaboration. It’s a themed tour and I invited a bunch of my friends. We’re going to try to do some collaborative things in the show. It’s going to be a special night.”

The 2018 “Hits Deep Tour” supports TobyMac’s Grammy-winning latest album This is Not a Test. It features the chart-topper “Love Broke Thru” and the Top 10 track “Light Shine Bright,” featuring Hollyn.

The last time he visited the Valley, TobyMac says, it was just about the time This is Not a Test was released. Seven singles later, he’s ready to introduce new music from a forthcoming album.

“I’m in the middle of a record,”

he offers. “I’m in the studio now and taking a break to do this tour. I’ll have a producer hidden away on my bus, continuing to work away. The album should come in August, with the first single in January. This is exciting for me.”

He describes the song, “I Just Need U,” as a bit on the “creative side.”

“It’s got the most infectious bass line that I’ve ever done on a song. It grooves hard, but it takes you on a journey, sonically, with the backbeat being soulful. In my opinion, it kind of nods to the song ‘Move’ a little bit on my last record.”

His background musicians, dubbed DiverseCity, have easily picked up the new songs.

“My band is so talented,” he says.

“We come up with the show together.

We don’t hire a show producer. We get in the trenches together and come up with parts.

“I have guys in my band who can play horn amazingly well, so I have a horn section, two trumpeters and one trombonist. They’re their second or third instrument. Anything we dream up with this team of people, we can pursue it live. It’s like a dream come true.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

W

hen José González released his debut solo album, Veneer, in 2003, the project was a quiet storm for the Swedish singer-songwriter.

His stripped-down take on Swedish electronic duo The Knife’s single “Heartbeats,” as well as the original “Crosses,” became unlikely hits. In the years since, many of González’ recordings have amassed a further following, thanks to frequent appearances in television shows and commercials.

Sometimes drawing comparisons to folk trailblazers Nick Drake and Elliott Smith, however, González’ sound is unique and unmistakable, sung with a soft voice and a prominent use of low-tuned classical guitars. It’s simple–just González and his guitar, with the occasional percussive flourishes. But while long gaps between his albums are regular, González was never truly absent.

Veneer’s follow-up, In Our Nature, came in 2007, but between solo projects he performs as one half of Junip, a group that features a similar sound, albeit more driving and synth-heavy.

González has also remained busy this decade with prominent work on the soundtrack to The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, as well as an original song for the video game Red Dead Redemption.

But when González returned in 2015 with Vestiges & Claws, his first solo album since 2007, it was a welcome return to his stripped-down sound.

While he cites his writing process in Junip as a jam with bandmate Tobias Winterkorn, he views his solo process similarly.

“It’s always with music first and without a pen—no paper,” González says. “I’m just trying to find either arpeggios or rhythms or chord progressions that sound good.”

He then documents the recordings to keep track of the steady flow of ideas.

“What I usually do is I just record them on my phone or laptop,” he explains. “It’s only when I have a deadline or I’m trying to pick out the demos that I want to make songs out of that I start to find words and try to write down lyrics.”

When he feels it’s time to introduce lyrics to his ideas, he starts with the melodies.

“I hum around maybe a guitar

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IN HIS NATURE José González details his writing process and what’s next

recording and I do two or three hum takes where I try to find melodies, but I also almost say words,” he says.

That’s when it hits him.

“All of the sudden the word pops out as something that sounds good.

That’s one of the tricks I use.

“Another one is to collect pairs of rhyming words. I try to have a piece of paper filled with rhyming words that I think sound good in the context of the mood of the demo. I think on ‘With the Ink of a Ghost,’ the first song on (Vestiges & Claws), I even had a trajectory scheme of the type of moods that I wanted in the different verses.”

He doesn’t fight his ideas. He finds inspiration in many places and wherever the mood may strike.

“It varies a bit, but it’s usually at home,” he says, adding, “The train ride from Gothenburg to Stockholm is one of my favorites. It’s like a three-hour ride; lots of space and good nature to look out on.”

The pieces all fall into place when he takes his demos along on his runs.

“When I’m almost done with the songs or lyrics, I usually do half-finished songs that sound pretty good that I can listen to while running. That’s usually when I get the last pieces of the puzzle into the song.”

Because he documents melodies and riffs with his laptop and phone’s voice memos, some ideas marinate for years before seeing the light of day.

“The oldest one (on Vestiges &

Claws) was ‘Open Book,’ which was many years (old)–could be maybe five years or something,” he says.

“One of the newer ones was ‘With the Ink of a Ghost,’ which I did a version for the Walter Mitty movie, but it didn’t make it, so I took it for myself,” he adds with a laugh.

It’s the same with Junip, he says.

While it may not have been intentional, Vestiges & Claws is González’ longest solo project, clocking in around 43 minutes compared to Veneer’s 31 minutes and In Our Nature’s 33 minutes. Each project, however, is around a concise 10 or 11 tracks.

“I like the idea of keeping things simple,” he says, “But something that has been changing with the years has been all the live shows. I think that affected me a bit.

“For Vestiges & Claws I did a couple of longer songs that actually are among the most fun to play live. So, ‘What Will’ and ‘Let It Carry You’ are great to play live.”

While he is quick to detail his desire for simplicity, he has pushed more expansive song lengths since In Our Nature.

“I think from the second album, when I did ‘Cycling Trivialities,’” he says, “It gives you more time to go from one mood into another. So that’s something I’ve been enjoying a lot.

“But on albums, I also have this old school way of thinking where I really like the very short songs that remind

me of the bossa nova songs or, like, very short Beatles songs like ‘Blackbird.’”

While the albums are minimal and instrumentally sparse, González alternates between solo acoustic shows and performances with either his fivepiece backing band or the 20-piece The Göteborg String Theory orchestra when touring. His next project, he says, will document his recent orchestral tour.

“The plan is to release a live album with the orchestra,” he says. “The arrangements are pretty varied and very different from the original versions, so I think that will be quite a big release for me, and interesting for the fans. So that’s coming up next.”

Before the live recording sees the light of day, however, he will return to the States with a mini-tour featuring just him and his guitar. The tour will include a January 29 stop at The Van Buren.

Beyond his touring, however, and with Junip on hold, he predicts another solo studio album will come along.

“When I’m writing, I’m mostly writing for myself,” he says. “I think that’s the next album.”

José González w/Bedouine The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, TheVanBurenPHX.com, 8 p.m.

Monday, January 29, $34-$50.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

THE NIGHTOWL

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SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR JANUARY Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

heavy “Tap That A**,” Codes’ sound is consistent in vibe – and in its interesting nature. His music is heavy on vocal samples and manipulations – and the beats pulsate.

Bar Smith, 130 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Low Steppa

JANUARY 20

All the way from Birmingham, England, Low Steppa is stopping by RBDeep at Monarch Theatre. Low Steppa puts forth groove-heavy, sample-splicing house music. Notable tracks like “Hold It” and “The Horn,” both produced with Skapes, are insane house journeys with heavy grooves that are sure to get the dance floor moving.

RBDeep at Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 10 p.m., $15-$20.

Kap Slap

JANUARY 5

Los Angeles-based DJ and producer Kap Slap will bring his brand of catchy and danceable electronic music to Maya Day + Night Club in Scottsdale. He has built a strong following, garnering more than 175,000 likes on Facebook and with tracks and mixes amassing millions of SoundCloud streams. The producer recently released his own remix of “Mike and Eleven,” from the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, and his upward trajectory will likely continue as he performs during his Say No More Tour.

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

Codes

JANUARY 12

New York DJ/producer Codes has had a busy year, with his SOS EP dropping at the end of July, followed

by December’s The Pleasure EP. From the spacey house of tracks like “Reality Music” to the synth-chord-

Missy Elliott and Beyoncé, among others. Big Boi will perform at Maya as part of his Daddy Fat Saxxx Tour in support of his album, Boomiverse, which released earlier this year. The Cool Kids is an American hip-hop duo comprised of rappers Antoine Reed and Evan Ingersoll. Their latest single, “9:15 p.m.,” which features chart-topping artist, Jeremih, debuted this year and has garnered thousands of streams online.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $15.

Gem & Jam Festival

JANUARY 25 TO JANUARY 28

With a massive lineup including artists like Emancipator, STS9, Big Wild, Thriftworks, Russ Liquid Test, Sunsquabi, Masego and Flamingosis, to name a few, this four-day festival is sure to keep a jam-packed weekend of activities and music.

Single-day and full-weekend passes are available, as well as early entry options at 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 24. Check out the festival’s website for the full details.

Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson, 520.762.9100, gemandjamfestival.com, various times, $35-$799.

SAYMYNAME

JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 20

This month, Los Angeles’ SAYMYNAME, otherwise known as Dayvid Lundie-Sherman, has two Arizona performances. First, he’ll stop by 191 Toole in Tucson. The next day, he will bring his electronic vibes to chilly Flagstaff. Music is in his blood, as his father previously DJ’d for fun.

Never heard of him? Check out his SoundCloud, which immediately reveals the drop-heavy, warped hardstyle-trap fusion that is “Drop It,” a track that could arguably make anyone go crazy. But don’t take my word for it; do your own digging and find out if you dig SAYMYNAME. 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Avenue, Tucson, 520.445.6425, 191toole. com, 9 p.m. Friday, January 19, $17-$27.

Orpheum Theater Flagstaff, 15 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.556.1580, orpheumflagstaff. com, 8 p.m. Saturday, January 20, $17-$37.

Mr. Carmack JANUARY 26

Big Boi w/The Cool Kids JANUARY 20

Antwan Patton, known by his stage name Big Boi, is an acclaimed rapper, songwriter, producer, actor and former member of hip-hop duo Outkast. He is a seven-time Grammy award-winning and RIAA diamond-certified artist whose music has dominated radio airwaves and topped music charts. Over the course of his career, Big Boi has collaborated with several world-renowned artists, including Jay-Z,

A self-proclaimed player of a variety of instruments – French horn, piano, drums, percussion, trumpet, bass, ukulele, guitar and melodica – Mr. Carmack delves deep into multiple genres. He cites house, drum and bass, hip hop, trap, electro, complextro, progressive, backpack, bass, funk, synthpop, jazz and classical as his jams. So, if you want to find out what Mr. Carmack’s sound brings to the table, you’ll have to take the next step and check him out.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 8 p.m., $18.

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

MAD MIXOLOGIST

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers

THE UN-BURNT 1.5 ounces Espolon Reposado 0.5 ounces Gosling’s Dark Rum 0.75 ounces fresh lemon juice 2 ounces charred orange-sage reduction (made in house daily)

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

A

rdi Dulaku’s road to mad mixology is atypical.

During the Kosovo War in 1999, CNN aired live footage of refugees fleeing into Albania. A young Dulaku and his family were among them.

Sedona resident Joan Shannon was watching and froze the screen to hone in on the family. She had an immediate and overwhelming urge to help them. She placed three ads in an Albanian newspaper, using the CNN screen shot image and urging the family to contact her so she could bring them to America.

Thankfully, the Dulaku’s father saw the third and final advertisement while visiting a doctor’s office, and was moved to action, contacting her for next steps. Shannon made good on her promise and rallied her community to give the family housing, work, food and clothing. They arrived in Sedona to an outpouring of support, and remain there to this day.

Eighteen years later, Dulaku and his brother, Destan, lead the nationally acclaimed cocktail program at Saltrock Southwest Kitchen, located at Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa. His cocktail menu is inspired by nature, his life in Kosovo and the lush Verde Valley.

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Tell me about the oddest drink request you’ve gotten.

There is nothing like being challenged to dream up a cocktail with—wait for it—corn fungus! True story: a fellow mixologist thought I could dream up a cocktail using huitlacoche. Pronounced weet-la-COH-cheh, it is an actual fungus that grows on ears of corn and wholly safe to eat. It is seen by many as a delicacy in Latin America, often called a Mexican truffle. Never one to shy from a challenge, I reduced the huitlacoche into a rich syrup and infused it with vermouth and used it to make an earthy Old Fashioned.

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working?

At a hole-in-the-wall spot or even local pub, I totally understand customers customizing their cocktails to suit their tastes. But, when customers try to re-work our signature cocktails – often designed after months of trial and error – with their own preferences before trying them as-is, I can’t help but be a little disappointed. We choose our ingredients with care, and we won’t steer you wrong.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

I usually like to start by ordering a basic classic cocktail at a bar – often a negroni – to sip on as I peruse the menu. If they

get a classic right, I am more apt to try something signature from their menu next, or take a chance with something really out of the box they recommend. I also love Mezcal, so I am always on the lookout for a brand I haven’t yet tried.

What does ordering a Jack and Coke say about a person?

Hey, don’t judge a basic drink order – those are often the backbone of your business and the reason you have the seed money to experiment with more complex flavors and spirits! And, on a busy night, I am nothing but thankful for a basic Jack and Coke order or two. For some people, they just want a straightforward (and speedy to make) drink with no muss or fuss – and it is my job to pour it.

Tell us about the cocktail program at saltrock?

We try to do cocktails that are different but approachable, and always inspired by our own culture. My brother and I grew up in the vineyards of Kosovo, where the seasons solely dictated what we were eating and drinking. We had no access to processed food. We only had what was available from the land on that particular day or week. The outdoors and how things smell and taste in their original form always inspire our cocktails. As a result, we don’t have any flavor-infused spirits in house. Instead, we make our

1 dash Angostura bitters Rim glass with half chili salt and half regular salt and pour. Garnish with dehydrated and bruleed orange.

own. We also relish in using raw ingredients like shrubs and herbs versus buying processed anything for our menu. You’ll see homages to our heritage and that of the Southwest all over our menu, with each item made with care for the environment and our customers alike.

What is one cocktail would love for us to feature in the magazine this month?

The Un-Burnt What do you like about this drink?

In addition to being cocktail geeks here behind the bar, we are also huge Game of Thrones fans, often giving our custom cocktails a name in homage to something from the show. This one is in homage to lead character Daenerys Targaryen (also known as the Khaleesi and the Un-Burnt) and screams winter in the desert with its charred, smoky flavors made to sip on by a fire.

Saltrock Southwest Kitchen

100 Amara Lane, Suite 101, Sedona, 928.340.8803, saltrockkitchen.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2018

S

ir Sly singer Landon Jacobs is driving to a California recording studio, just before his band’s tour with K.Flay comes to The Van Buren on Sunday, January 14.

He’s hoping to get a jumpstart on new music. The alt-rock band’s previous effort, 2017’s Don’t Worry, Honey, took three years to record—but with good reason. Jacobs overcame a string of snarls in his life, from losing his mom to brain cancer, going through a divorce and suffering through a “spiritual crisis.”

He spun it into the positive collection.

“Making the last record, I dove in and spoke about a lot of personal stuff,” Jacobs says. “We were talking about this in the studio yesterday. With this album, the narrative isn’t right in front of me. It’s not an obvious thing. There is abstract lyricism and lucid vignettes, not necessarily exact stories about circumstances. We’re hoping the next record doesn’t take as long.”

The situation with Don’t Worry, Honey was tough, but its first single, “High,” accumulated 13 million streams and hit No. 2 on SiriusXM’s Alt-18 and remained on the charts for 19 weeks. He didn’t expect the success the album garnered. He was just doing what he felt he needed to do.

“If I didn’t write about what was going on in my life, I wasn’t going to be happy with writing at all,” Jacobs says.

“It felt right to immortalize that time of my life in songs. I’m looking forward to not necessarily having to write from a place of grief on this next album.”

So far, says instrumentalist Hayden Coplen, the sessions have gone well.

“The other day in the studio we were talking about The Van Buren,” Coplen says. “It’s the buzz right now.

We were also just watching Liam and Noel Gallagher videos, and all their different interviews. It’s pretty obvious that there couldn’t be two more different brothers in the whole world. It makes sense why they hate each other.”

Jacobs jokingly compares Sir Sly’s shows to Oasis gigs.

“At our shows, you’ll see a Liam/ Noel-style fight between Hayden and I, then we’ll break up. Hayden will scream during the quiet parts of the songs.”

Seriously, Sir Sly’s shows have never been stronger, according to Coplen.

“By the time we’re in Phoenix, we will have been touring for eight months on this album cycle,” he says. “The songs have really congealed in a nice way. We’ve been playing them for a long time. They’re in tour shape.”

He’s looking forward to Sir Sly’s future.

“We’re always writing,” Coplen says. “It’s like a baby deer learning to walk. Certain days you feel like you’re growing into a new sound or these new influences. On days like yesterday, everything aligns and you filter your new influences. It’s almost like a prelude to the album. It’s an amazing feeling.”

HONEY I’M GOOD

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Sir Sly singer Landon Jacobs looks up after ‘Don’t Worry, Honey’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

K.Flay w/Sir Sly

The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m. Sunday, January 14, $22-$89.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin In 2013, Ross McCurdy made

1,092

pancakes in an hour by himself.

Come get tenths; there’s plenty for everyone!

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

The largest pancake was created in Manchester, England, weighing approximately

3 TONS and measuring

49’3”

The Algonquin Indians discovered the sticky sweetness of maple syrup, but they used it as a sweet beverage.

in diameter.

At Opus in the Printworks in England, you can fork out $200 for the most expensive pancake in the world, with ingredients like Madagascan vanilla pods and a 23-carat gold leaf.

NATIONAL BLUEBERRY PANCAKE DAY IS JANUARY 28.

Celebrate at Miracle Mile Deli, which is serving the cakes for $6 from 7 to 11 a.m.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Dominic Cuzzacrea holds the record for HIGHEST

PANCAKE TOSS.

He flipped a flapjack 31’1” in New York in 2010.

60%

of U.S. households use pancake mix.

Aunt Jemima pancake flour got its start in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1889.

MARATHON PANCAKE TOSSING, ANYONE? For three hours, 2 minutes and 27 seconds, one man continually tossed a pancake while he ran a race. Multitasking at its most delicious!

Teamwork makes the dream work! In Sheffield, England, 890 people got together to set a record for the most people flipping pancakes at once.

NOW

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eggstasy breakfast • lunch • mimosas

e16990 east shea blvd scottsdale 480.500.5889 •

e210155 east via linda scottsdale ranch 480.993.3449 •

www.eggstasyaz.com

IT DOESN’T

MAKE YOU

A

BAD “Delicious and full bodied.

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

Paul Pacult, Editor, Spirit Journal

480.219.1500

7252 E 1st Ave | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

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