The Entertainer! - July 2016

PHX METRO » JULY 2016

KISS TELL &

Why won't Paul Stanley talk about Arizona?

ZELLA DAY Chic Pinetop singer finds her way

HE'S GOLDY

D-backs first baseman: Why he loves to make the Valley home

DIVE IN

Valley awash in pool parties— and fireworks

JAY LENO Friday, August 5 In The Ballroom

SINGING ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER HITS AND OTHER BROADWAY CLASSICS TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND Friday, September 2 At The Pool

THE ZOMBIES AND FELIX CAVALIERE’S RASCALS Sunday, September 11 In The Showroom

Friday & Saturday August 12 & 13 • In The Ballroom

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER

ALICE IN CHAINS

Thursday - Saturday September 22 - 24 In The Showroom

Friday, September 30 At The Pool

For tickets call the box office at

480.850.7734 or visit ticketmaster.com 101 & Talking Stick Way • Scottsdale • talkingstickresort.com Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

We can help.

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OF GAMES Bigger, Better, Awesomer

10 NEW GAMES THIS SUMMER

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THURSDAYS

Thirsty Thursdays!

BOOK YOUR

HOLIDAY PARTY before August 31st and receive

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your food and beverage PLUS a $10.00 Power Card Party Favor for each guest (valid a month after your event)

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

CONTENTS

65 ON THE COVER

21

IT’S A ‘DRY HEAT’ “Blue Collar Comedy Tour’s” Jeff Foxworthy has a mutual love affair with the Valley. So what’s bringing him back this time?

DESERT

STORM The classic rock band brings its shock and awe rock show to Tucson, but Paul Stanley won’t kiss and tell about his time here.

73

NOT JUST FOR KICKS

With Diplo and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz coming in as investors, Arizona United is upping the ante in pro soccer.

5

6

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

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

9

Top 25 • Celtic Festival • Summer Pool Parties • J Chris Newberg • Duran Duran

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 21 Jeff Foxworthy • Zella Day • Pitbull • Chris Isaak • Sipping with the Sommelier • Winemaker Minute

THE TOURIST

33

Tour du Jour • Arizona Inn

THE ARTIST

publisher

13

MAKING WAVES Sparkling pools are aplenty in the Valley—

and they’re not just in homes. Resorts’ and nightclubs’ cool water and even fun tunes await partiers.

36

40

43

THE CRAFTMASTER

55

Beer Over Here • Beertenders • Great Beer Pairings • Beer Gear • BeerFinder Directory

THE HIGHROLLER

63

Casino Entertainment Calendar • Gaming Tip • Best Casino Events in July • Kiss

THE GLADIATOR

67

July’s Best Sports Events • Arizona Golf Association • Rattlers Student Trainers • Arizona United

THE YOUNGSTER

75

Knott’s Berry Farm • Best Family Events • Dolan Twins • Halle Heart Children’s Museum

80

Toad the Wet Sprocket • Live Music Calendar • Taking Back Sunday • Vans Warped Tour • The Church • Darius Rucker

THE NIGHTOWL

87

Mad Mixologist • Best Nightlife Events for July • Trapfest • DJ Design

THE THINKER

executive editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

designer

Jaclyn Threadgill

The Best Food Events • Diner Insider • Happy Hour Guide • Blue Hound • Gordon Biersch

THE SHOWMAN

Robbie Peterson

rpeterson@timespublications.com

Erin Loukili erin@entertainermag.com

Coming Attractions • The Report Card

THE DINER

editor in chief

art director

”American Idiot” • “Avenue Q” • Arts Calendar

THE CRITIC

Steve T. Strickbine steve@entertainermag.com

92

18

circulation director

POP GODS Decade after decade, Duran Duran has

reinvented itself. It has done just that with Paper Gods, thanks to the help of guest collaborators Janelle Monae, Kiesza and Lindsay Lohan

22 A NEW

Aaron Kolodny aaron@entertainermag.com

contributing writers Joseph Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Evan Baltman, Shane DeGrote, Caity Hemmerle, Kimberly Hosey, David Isaac, Kenneth LaFave, Megan Marples, Randy Montgomery, Marjorie Rice

ONE COPY PER READER

DAY

Zella Day grew up in a creative household in Pinetop, but now she’s in L.A. raring to find success on her own terms.

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©201 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 METROPOLITAN

9

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Summer Pool Parties 13 J Chris Newberg 16

TOP25

1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 2, $65-$150.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants

Caity Hemmerle » The Entertainer!

Stray Cat Theatre: Green Day’s “American Idiot”

THROUGH JULY 16 Stray Cat presents the first local production of the two-time Tony Award-winning hit musical based on Green Day’s multiplatinum album American Idiot. The show includes every song from the musical collection as well as several of Green Day’s tunes from its follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown.

Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.227.1766, straycattheatre.org, 8 p.m. various dates, $30-$35.

between July 1 and July 31 and receive 10% off your kitchen bill that evening.

Support a good cause and enjoy The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ and delicious pizzas, pastas, salad and more.

Organ Stop Pizza, 1149 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480.813.5700, organstoppizza.com, all day, July 1 through July 31, two nonperishable food items.

G-Eazy

JULY 2 Trending rap/hip-hop artist G-Eazy will perform at Ak-Chin Pavilion early this month. The “Endless Summer Tour” will include guest performances by popular rappers such as Logic, YG and Yo Gotti.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ticketmaster.com, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 2, $30-$70.

Enrique Iglesias

Christmas in July

JULY 1 THROUGH JULY 31 Join Organ Stop Pizza for the United Food Bank Annual Christmas in July Food Drive Challenge. Bring in at least two nonperishable food items

JULY 2 Bestselling Latin artist Enrique Iglesias comes to the AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol this month. Iglesias has sold more than 137 million records worldwide and has more No. 1 songs on Billboard’s charts, more than any other single male artist.

Casino Del Sol Resort, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson,

JULY 2 Come celebrate all things Goldy as the first 20,000 ticketholders through the gate will receive bobbleheads of America’s First Baseman.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7:10 p.m.

Saturday, July 2, $19-$250.

Duran Duran 18

International Artwalk

JULY 7 Art from around the world is displayed in Scottsdale during ArtWalk, which boasts presentations and lectures on a variety of topics from a global perspective. Film, music and guest speakers all in the cool surroundings of Scottsdale galleries.

Old Town Scottsdale, 480.421.1818, scottsdalegalleries.com, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 7, free.

July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival

JULY 4 The annual July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival will be held at Tempe Beach Park with great fair fare like hot dogs, barbecue, ice cream, fry bread, shaved ice and more. Of course there will be stellar local entertainment as well.

Tempe Town Lake, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.350.5189, tempe4th.com, 5 p.m. Monday, July 4, $5-$30.

Red, White & Brew 4th of July

JULY 4 Craft beer tastings, a festive buffet and live music headline the third annual July 4th celebration at the historic Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, 520.529.3500, haciendadelsol.com, 4 p.m.

Monday, July 4, call for charge.

Ralphie May

JULY 7 THROUGH JULY 9 For 25 years, Ralphie May has appeared at the biggest venues to perform his form of stand-up comedy.

He also recently launched “Unruly,” a Netflix exclusive TV show. For three nights this month, he will share his humor at the Tempe Improv.

Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com, various times, Thursday, July 7, to Sunday, July 9, $25.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

10

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

7 Minutes in Heaven 2016

JULY 9 This adult variety show will treat audiences to a random, raucous assortment of music, mayhem and merriment as it delivers diverse acts, each of whom has 7 minutes to show its naughty talents.

Space 55, 655 N. Pierce Street, Phoenix, 602.663.4032, space55. org, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 9, $10.

Judy Garland: A Musical Legacy

JULY 11 Accompanied on the piano by Joe Bousard, three singers/actors share the essence of Judy Garland.

Rediscover the famous and historical entertainer at the Lunch Time Theater in downtown Phoenix.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.254.7399, herbergertheater. org, 12:10 p.m. Saturday July 11, $6-$8.

Taste of Chaos

JULY 14 Rockstar Energy Drink Presents the Taste of Chaos tour featuring Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Saosin and The Early November. Get in touch with your emo roots this month at Comerica Theatre.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, $40-$60.

The Maricopa County Home and Landscape Show

pot pies from the kitchen. Guests will be invited to tap the stashed kegs of SanTan’s Winter Warmer served with housemade ginger snap cookies.

SanTan Brewing Company, 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing. com, 8 a.m. Saturday, July 16, free admission.

See the World Stay-cation Film Festival

JULY 16 Phoenix Art Museum invites you to sit back, relax and explore the world through cinema—no maps or plane tickets required. The See the World Summer Stay-cation Film Festival will broaden your scope of reality (and film) without having to leave the Valley.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org, 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 16, free.

Arizona Get Outdoors Expo

JULY 16 THROUGH JULY 17 The Arizona Get Outdoors Expo, in association with Arizona Game & Fish, promises fun and adventure for the whole family. The event houses the latest hunting, fishing and camping gear technologies, outdoor education and safety clinics, along the obligatory tips from the pros.

WestWorld, 6601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.6815, westworldaz.com, 10 a.m. Saturday, July 16, to Sunday, July 17, $15.

Rodney Carrington

JULY 22 Stand-up comedian and country music artist Rodney Carrington will perform at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Come witness Carrington in all his glory as he features bits from his eight major label comedy albums that sold more than 3 million copies.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, 3 p.m. Friday, July 22, $42-$75.

JULY 15 TO JULY 17 The largest home show in the Southwest is returning to the Valley to provide design techniques, seminars and DIY projects. Get insider tips from the experts during these three days.

University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, universityofphoenixstadium.com, 10 a.m. Friday, July 15, to Sunday, July 17, $8.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival

JULY 23 The Phoenix Convention Center will once again welcome fresh flavors and seasonal specialties poured by more than 50 of the Southwest’s best craft brewers. Sample specialty casks, rich and unique flavor combinations and new brews from some of the industry’s best.

Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.586.6711, phoenixconventioncenter.com, 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, $57.

DMX

JULY 23 As one of rap’s most distinctive personalities, DMX is sure to put on quite a show. Don’t miss the commercial powerhouse with artistic and street credibility to spare at The Pressroom.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.416.1261, thepressroomaz.com, 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 23, $30.

Cool Summer Nights: Astronomy Night

JULY 23 The Desert Museum partners with experts from the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) for a star-studded adventure with the solar system. Learn about our skies as well as the wonders that surround it.

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, 520.883.2702, desertmuseum.org, 5 p.m. Thursday, July 23, free.

Twenty One Pilots

JULY 26 Twenty One Pilots have returned home to the United States for a massive summer headlining tour, which comes to Talking Stick Resort Arena with Mutemath and Chef’Special.

The “EMØTIØNAL RØADSHØW” showcases their biggest hits and the nearly sold-out gig proves their one of the biggest acts around.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 26, $20-$40.

Ripe Awards

JULY 30 The Ripe Awards honor the rising stars of the greater Phoenix food scene. Winners are selected by representatives of Phoenix Art Museum and local media following a public nomination process. Ripe nominees are acknowledged for their unique contributions to the local culinary scene and their ability to best represent the essence of the Valley through food.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org, 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 30, $65.

Modest Mouse & Brand New

JULY 25 Alt-rock heroes Modest Mouse and Brand New will appear at Comerica Theatre for their joint North American tour. This is an “evening with” Modest Mouse and Brand News, who are touring together for the first time, so fans can expect full, headlining sets.

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 25, $40-$60.

SanTan Brewing Company Christmas in July

JULY 16 SanTan’s annual Christmas in July celebration brings the flavors of the holiday to the brewpub. Enjoy seasonal music all day and turkey

for the “Return of the Dreads” tour.

Presented by 98KUPD, the tour will feature special guest In This Moment, whose lead singer, Maria Brink, has been named one of the hottest babes in rock.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ticketmaster.com, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 23, $25-$70.

Rob Zombie and Korn

JULY 23 Rock/metal legends Rob Zombie and Korn will unite at Ak-Chin Pavilion

Sublime with Rome

JULY 31 Sublime with Rome is set to bring its reggae-rock sounds to the Comerica Theatre accompanied by the Dirty Heads and Tribal Seeds. Who knows?

Maybe we’ll see a Sublime-Dirty Heads collab?

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre.com, 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 31, $40-$60.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

11

Tug o’ war

THE FLAGSTAFF HIGHLANDS

ARE CALLING

Highland Celtic Festival beckons fans up north Betsey Bruner » The Entertainer!

M

idway through July each year, the sounds of bagpipes split the air, as monsoon clouds scuttle overhead and thousands of fans of all things Celtic head to Foxglenn Park in Flagstaff to enjoy the Arizona Highland Celtic Festival.

In its 19th year, the festival will return for two days—Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20—when visitors can learn about the Celtic areas of Western Europe, including Asturias, Brittany, Cornwall, Galicia, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales.

Sponsored by Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society (NACHS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and furthering the cause of Celtic cultures, the event provides a wide range of family-friendly activities ranging from cultural and historical workshops to crafts, games, music and tug o’ war. Special activity areas for young people at the festival will also feature Celtic pirate ship exploration, face painting and the oatmeal toss.

“Our Celtic festival is a fun and educational weekend exploring the Celtic culture,” says Jude McKenzie, president of NACHS. “It’s magic. It’s like a huge family reunion. When you walk in the gate, we hope you are transported to a fun and magical Celtic place.”

Festival-goers can also see re-enactments and demonstrations, including spinning, weaving and swordsmanship.

Genealogical research allows visitors to

trace their possible Celtic family histories.

Acts like Wicked Tinkers, Highland Way, Cassie & Maggie McDonald and Flagstaff’s Knockabouts will hit the stage, as well as piping and dance competitions.

For the adults, there’s a beverage tasting, which includes sampling wines, beer, cider and whisky. Drinks representing all eight Celtic regions will be available for purchase in the Spirits of the Celtic Regions display. There will be expert commentary about each.

Vendors will sell traditional Celtic foods like meat pies and fish and chips, as well as merchandise, such as penny whistles, CDs, books, jewelry and ethnic clothing items.

Southern California resident Ray Pearson, who hosts the Scotch tastings, has been a festival volunteer for 19 years.

“What sets the festival apart from other similar events is the educational content for all ages,” Pearson says. “The workshops are unique offerings. The special kids’ corner crackles with excitement and learning, and the re-enactment area is just plain fascinating. Of course, my favorite area of learning is the whisky tent with the educational seminars and tastings.”

Arizona Highland Celtic Festival

Foxglenn Park, 4200 E. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.556.3161, nachs.info, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday, July 9, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, $5-$25.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch

Pool parties bring top-notch DJs, family fun to Valley Evan Baltman » The Entertainer!

13

Making

WAVES It’s summertime and for most students and families that means freedom to spend time outside. In Arizona, however, that may be somewhat challenging. Luckily, with plenty of resorts and hotels around Valley sporting sparkling pools and private cabanas, this is the best time to get out and splash around. Here are some of the best places to immerse yourself.

Arizona Grand Resort and Spa JULY 2 AND JULY 3

The Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa is kicking off the Independence Day holiday with two days of family fun. Hotel guests can enjoy pie-eating, coloring and candy-counting contests, along with a balloon toss. There will also be a DJ dance party, buffet, magic show and dive-in movie. So if you’re looking for a way to just cool off and relax or for some friendly competition with the kids, then the Oasis Water Park at the Arizona Grand is the place to go.

Arizona Grand Hotel and Casino, 8000 Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix, 602.438.9000, www. arizonagrandresort.com/#oasiswater-park, noon to 10 p.m., must be a hotel guest.

BLK Live

ALL SUMMER A unique blend of art, cuisine and recreation, BLK Live is the perfect classy hangout for adults and kids alike. The 20,000-square-foot venue features a dining room, bar, patio and pool and makes hosting parties at BLK a piece of cake.

BLK Live, 7301 E Butherus Dr., Scottsdale, 480.434.5069, www.blklivescottsdale.com, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., prices vary.

Hotel Valley Ho DAILY All are welcome at this funky oasis located in the middle of downtown Scottsdale on Fridays and Sundays, as Saturdays and holidays are reserved for guests. On Fridays, pop-rock band Elvis Before Noon plays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with food and

drink specials, including $16 beer pails, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Scottsdale favorite DJ P-Body performs most Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and there are different drink specials each weekend. Hotel Valley Ho is the perfect backdrop for a romantic date or a friendly getaway.

Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.248.2000, www.hotelvalleyho.com, Saturdays and holiday weekends are for hotel guests only. Free on Fridays and Sundays

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch ALL SUMMER The Hyatt Regency offers an upscale and relaxing experience by the pool. A favorite of guests, the resort’s water playground boasts 10 pools, 20 fountains and 45 waterfalls. It also sports a recently renovated 30-foot water slide that twists guests down three spiral turns at 25 miles per hour.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 480.444.1234, scottsdale.regency.hyatt.com, times vary, $20 for nonguests.

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14

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

Lustre Rooftop Bar ALL SUMMER Coupled with a gorgeous view of downtown Phoenix, The Pool at Lustre has an atmosphere for every taste. Grab a complimentary lounger and lose yourself in a paperback or just lay back and work on that Coppertone bronze. If you want something a little more social, come and kick it at one of its pool parties or stop by the bar where craft cocktails and tasty snacks await.

Lustre Bar at the Hotel Palomar, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.478.1765, lustrerooftopbar. com/pool-events/events.htm, times vary, call for admission charge.

Arizona Grand Resort LUSTRE Rooftop Bar

Maya Day + Night Club FRIDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS The pool at the Maya Day + Night Club is the biggest Vegas-style pool party in Arizona. It has hosted artists like Steve Aoki, Diplo and Kaskade to name a few, and is the new standard for high-end entertainment in the Southwest. Get your party swimsuits on for this experience like no other poolside party outside of the strip.

Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 602.810.0736, mayaclubaz.com, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, noon to 2 a.m. Saturdays, and noon to 7 p.m.

Sundays, prices vary.

Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at the Montelucia ALL SUMMER The perfect getaway for guests seeking some much-needed R&R, the Omni is home to not one, but three excellent pools. Each has its own amenities and services, and styles and themes as well.

Gaze at Camelback Mountain as you relax and stay cool.

Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at the Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 480.627.3200, www.omnihotels.com/hotels/ scottsdale-montelucia/wellness/ pool, 7 a.m. to midnight, for hotel guests only.

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Scottsdale Plaza Resort JULY 16 Guests and nonguests of all ages are invited to attend the Making Waves Pool Party on Saturday, July 16, at The Scottsdale Plaza Resort’s Main Pool. This event is free and open to the public, so come prepared to cool off at the pool and listen to the Valley-based cover band Whiskey’s Quicker. A world-class barbecue will also be available for purchase, and there will be several drink specials and a complimentary popsicle toast at 5 p.m.

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort, 7200 N. Scottsdale Road, 480.922.3388, www.scottsdaleplaza.com, noon to 6 p.m., free admission.

Talking Stick Resort SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS The Pool at Talking Stick hosts a variety of acts ranging from Skrillex to Foreigner.

It sports private cabanas and VIP bottle service. The Release parties bring some of the most famous DJs from around the globe like Paul Oakenfold (July 3) and Adventure Club (July 23).

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.4350, www.releasevip. com, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., prices vary.

The W Scottsdale Hotel + Residences FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS Pool parties at the W are the hot spots to mix and mingle every weekend. These events are open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. DJs are always on hand and spinning the latest beats, so be sure to come ready for a good time.

The W Scottsdale Hotel + Residences, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.970.2101, wscottsdalehotel.com, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, noon to 6 p.m.

Saturdays, free for hotel guests, $10 for nonguests.

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Plan: Incl. talk, 3445 W Ave., 11B text & data. Mobile Hotspot feature not avail. Download speeds of 8MbpsAve. (LTE)/4Mbps(4G). Activ./upgrade (up Glendale to $25) & add’l fees &Ste restr’s apply. Pricing, avail., terms & data usage & 1302 E max Southern speed & other restr’s subject to change w/o notice. Coverage not avail. everywhere. Auto Pay: First mo. $70. $5 credit applied upon enrollment in auto pay. See store for details. ©2016 Cricket Phoenix AZ 85051 Mesa AZ 85204 85 W Combs Rd., Ste. 113 Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

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*Bill Credit: Ltd. time offer. Req’s porting number & two qual. plan (min. $40/mo.) svc payments w/in 45 days. Credit rec’d w/in 60 days.

See Cricket Store or Authorized Dealer for more phones at great prices. $50 Bill Credit: Ltd. Time offer. Req’s porting elig. number (excl. ports from AT&T) & activ. on qual. plan in same transaction. New svc lines only. Basic phones excluded. Must be active & in good standing for 45 days. Credit is not redeemable for cash, has no cash value & is not transferable or refundable. Credit is forfeited if account is cancelled. Limit: 1 per qualifying line. Bring Your Own Phone: $9.99 Universal SIM Card Kit & unlocked, GSM-compatible smartphone req’d. Offer subject to change & may be terminated at any time without notice. Unlimited Plan: Incl. talk, text & data. Mobile Hotspot feature not avail. Download speeds max of 8Mbps (LTE)/4Mbps(4G). Activ./upgrade (up to $25) & add’l fees & restr’s apply. Pricing, avail., terms & data usage & speed & other restr’s subject to change w/o notice. Coverage not avail. everywhere. Auto Pay: First mo. $70. $5 credit applied upon enrollment in auto pay. See store for details. ©2016 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

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GUY

J Chris Newberg brings his musical comedy act to Phoenix Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

D

omedian J Chris Newberg has always been funny, but he was never one to boast about his talent.

“When I was in high school, I would say to people, ‘Oh, I heard this joke and it’s funny!’” the former Michigander says via telephone.

“It was something that I wrote, but I didn’t have the courage to say that I had written it. Everyone would laugh and that was it. I just put it in the back of my brain.”

Things have changed in the last 16 years. Since 2000, the Los Angeles resident has been bringing his skills front and center at comedy clubs throughout the world and on TV sets, thanks to “America’s Got Talent.” He occasionally slips into the background to pen jokes for the likes of “Saturday Night Live,” “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Chelsea Lately” and “The Conan O’Brien Show.”

Newberg began his career simply.

“I took a comedy class and then I just got up on stage and did an open mic,” he says.

But unlike other new comedians, Newberg was comfortable performing in front of audiences. Back in Michigan, he rocked out on stage with his pop-rock band, Vudu Hippies. He parlayed his musical prowess into a singing/standup act.

Just because he was a natural on stage, it didn’t mean comedy came easy to him—at least not at first.

“I was bad. I mean, when you start comedy—whoever you are—you’re bad,” says Newberg, who finished in the Top 20 on “America’s Got Talent.”

He honed his smart and edgy style and has since toured alongside some of the most highly respected—and funniest—comedians.

“I toured all over the world with Russell Peters and all over the U.S. with Dane Cook. That was a lot of fun,” he says.

Newberg candidly described his comedy style as “funny—depending on whether or not you think it’s funny.”

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He is inspired by comedic hitmen such as Rodney Dangerfield, Woody Allen, Dave Attell and Mitch Hedberg.

“They’re quick, and they do a lot of reversals and a lot of one-liners, and it’s just smart,” he says.

That smart and quick comedic style is something Newberg has incorporated into his act, and, when it comes to the source of his material, nothing is off limits.

“I think every conversation, every sentence and every situation is food for comedy,” he says.

He uses that nourishment for a variety of projects, although it’s difficult for him to choose a favorite medium.

“When I get out of a TV show, I’m ready to hit the road, and when I’ve been on the road a while, I’m ready to do a show.”

Even so, he says standup comedy is unique because it produces an instant response from the audience that you can’t get from a TV production.

“With standup, you get the most brutally honest reaction ever. It’s like, whether they love you or hate you, you know immediately—you either live or die in the now,” he says.

So what can Phoenix audiences expect from a J Chris Newberg show?

Discover for yourself when he takes the stage at Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy from Wednesday, August 3, to Sunday, August 7. For a taste of his act, check out youtube.com/jchrisnewberg.

“It’s a high-speed chase of the mind.

Put it this way, they should expect to have a good time. Everyone come out to the show. It’s going to be fun—and it’s going to be hot outside.”

J Chris Newberg

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy, 5350 E. High Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, 480.420.3553, houseofcomedy.net, Wednesday, August 3, through Sunday, August 7, times vary, $13-$22.

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19

Revitalized Duran Duran brings visual show to Glendale Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

D

uran Duran bassist John Taylor owes his life to Arizona. Simply put: If he didn’t head to Tucson seeking sobriety, he may not have been around to push his band’s latest album, Paper Gods.

“There’s a big place in my heart for Tucson,” Taylor says during a recent phone interview. “I got sober in Tucson.

I’m very grateful for the spirits that inhabit that particular city.”

Taylor, who became sober in the late 1990s, and the rest of Duran Duran— singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes and drummer Roger Taylor—will return to the Grand Canyon State on Wednesday, August 3, to play Gila River Arena in Glendale to support its 14th studio album, Paper Gods. The collection entered the Billboard 200 at No. 10 and became its first Top 10 album since 1993’s Duran Duran.

Taylor describes the road to Paper Gods as a “great journey;” one that revved up Duran Duran—once the process started.

“It took us awhile to get some traction,” he says. “At this stage, we’re just as good as our collaborators. (Producer) Mr. Hudson brought a tremendous energy to the project. It was good to have Mark Ronson involved again, too. (Chic’s) Nile Rodgers came along for a few days.”

But the list of stellar collaborators doesn’t end there. Lindsay Lohan and former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist

John Frusciante make appearances on Paper Gods. Duran Duran worked with singers like Janelle Monae (“Pressure Off”) and Kiesza (“Last Night in the City”), too.

“They really lifted the project and gave it character,” Taylor explains. “The team—the Duran team—has been together for 30 years. We need a little fresh blood sometimes.

“The two are quite different, but their enthusiasm was the same,” he adds about Monae and Kiesza. “They were open to what could be achieved and that was incredible, too. Singers today are used to going into rooms and working with a lot of different writers and producers. You have to be flexible and be open to where the track’s going to go. They both blew me away. It was exciting to do sessions with them.”

Shortly after Paper Gods was released on Sept. 11, 2015, Duran Duran made a number of TV appearances, all of which portrayed the English pop band in a new light. There was a newfound excitement emanating from the band and Taylor agrees.

“It’s always good to get an album finished—especially now,” says Taylor, 55.

“There are a lot of things that get harder as you get older. Completing an album is a great undertaking—especially if you have ambition for it, like we still do.

“We were looking for a major label, an international deal. Of course we’re looking to invigorate our audience, too. It was a massive kind of relief that informed

our actions. That’s part of what you’re seeing. We’ve been let out of the studio after two years.”

Afterward, music listeners were introduced to an evolved Duran Duran sound, one that features EDM and the pop sensibilities for which the band is known.

“The blueprint for our sound is ‘modern,’” he says. “We have this ‘X factor.’ Actually, we have two ‘X factors.’

One is a keyboardist who’s like a synthesizer player, as opposed to a keyboard player. Whenever we reconvene to start on a new record, keyboards have changed.

The sounds that we would have been using in 1982 were different than if we were recording in 1990, and they’re different now.

“The other one is we don’t have a fulltime guitar player. That leaves an opening in the music that can be filled by whomever. That’s a challenge on one hand. It allows us to have more flexibility in a way. Even if we wanted to do the same album twice, we couldn’t.”

Taylor explains that Duran Duran, now working on a ballet, is better off this way, anyway.

“The audience has different needs,” he says. “They need to be inspired, too.

Even if you tried to take the big hits and recreate, it’s very difficult.”

Taylor—who chronicled his years in the band and his sobriety in the 2012 book “In the Pleasure Groove: Life, Death and Duran Duran”—says the act recreates its journey during its 16-song show.

“It tells the story of Duran Duran and its engagement with contemporary music of the last 40 years,” Taylor says.

“It’s a very visual show. It’s the first time we’ve done that 100%. In the past, we had songs that would have video things happening up on the screen. Then it goes away and comes back. Now we have video throughout the show. It helps bring all of the songs into the present day in a way.

What you’re really trying to do is reflect the changing time, at the same time, keep everything on the same plane.”

He guarantees that the set will get fans moving.

“It’s not like this is just a set from the ‘80s or a set from the ‘90s,” he says. “We give everything the same kind of varnish.

It’s a show to dance to, mostly. People come to our shows to have a good time.

As he finishes, he realizes he has a better way to describe the show.

“People are suffering from hit fatigue,” he says with a laugh. “They’re leaving the show saying they’ve never heard so many hits.”

Duran Duran w/Chic featuring Nile Rodgers

Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland, Glendale, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 3, $23.45-$128.45.

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21

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IT’S A ‘DRY HEAT’ Jeff Foxworthy says hosting benefit for Hope for the Warriors is serious business

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

J

eff Foxworthy has a theory: Laughter is the relief valve that keeps the boiler from exploding.

He wants to provide that release, so he became a comic in 1984.

“Everybody has bad stuff in their lives,” Foxworthy says. “We just laugh and carry on.

That’s the great part of my job. I meet people after my shows who tell me, ‘I can’t remember the last time that I laughed that much.’

“That’s a pretty cool thing to be able to do for somebody.”

Foxworthy is returning to Phoenix to play the Celebrity Theatre on Friday, July 29, as part of the Dry Heat Comedy show that benefits Hope for the Warriors and the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association, a chapter of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Association.

“I especially love doing things for the military,” he says. “If I’m on the road, and I’m playing in D.C. or Baltimore, I’ll spend the day at Walter Reed. What those people do is above and beyond most of us. Anytime you can give back to them, it’s really cool.”

Best known as heading up The Blue Collar Comedy Tour, Foxworthy will be joined by multiple award-winning comedy magician Michael Finney and “The Spouse Whisper” comedian Mark Cordes.

Others on the bill are Nate Bargatze of Comedy Central’s “Full Time Magic” and his dad, Stephen Bargatze; Bruce Baum of “The Simpsons” and “America’s Funniest People,” comedian Kevin Jordan; comedy magician Fielding West; Steve Smith; Michael Walter; James O’Brien; Tim McTigue and more.

“It’ll be a lot of fun,” Foxworthy says.

“Comedians don’t see each other a lot because we’re all on the road doing our own thing. When we get the chance to meet up and hang out, it’s fun for us, too.

Before we were comedians, we were fans of comedy. It’s fun to watch my buddies.”

Speaking of buddies, Foxworthy and Blue Collar Comedy cohort Larry “The Cable Guy,” are releasing a special on Netflix on August 26. The duo also has a show on SiriusXM. “Larry and I had been on the road for the last eight months playing arena and things,” says Foxworthy, who played Talking Stick Resort Arena with his friend in early April.

“Netflix approached us and said this should be a special. We agreed. The business has changed so much. If I was starting over at comedy, I don’t know how I’d make a living. I made my money off records, CDs and DVDs. Now because of the internet, nobody sells the records anymore—not even in music. People can download it whenever they want to watch it. That’s the world we live in.”

Foxworthy says he has plenty of fodder from which to pull jokes. He and his wife are recent empty nesters and that alone is funny “My kids think you can Google the answer to anything,” he says. “Here’s something you can’t Google. When you get into a situation where you feel you have to unbutton in transit, the muscle that guards the flood gates sees the unbuttoning as the signal to abandon their posts.

“The 2 seconds you saved on the button are nullified by the hour and a half you spent mopping and doing laundry. Google doesn’t tell you that. You only learn that the hard way. Now that’s funny.”

Dry Heat Comedy All Stars Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 8 p.m.

Friday, July 29, $45-$80.

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22

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A NEW

DAY

Pinetop singer Zella Day is finding her way Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

P

inetop native Zella Day is on a mission. The 21-yearold Bohemian-chic vocalist is striving to make it as a singer-songwriter not only in Los Angeles, where she relocated, but worldwide.

Day is making strides. Her song “Hypnotic” has been played across the dial on SiriusXM as well as several terrestrial stations in her home state and beyond.

“I’m doing what I came here to do, which is focus primarily on music and travel,” Day says via telephone from her Silverlake home. “I want to be able to create art out of my music in many different ways. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished living in L.A.” Day, who released her debut studio album, Kicker, on Hollywood Records in 2015, has yet to hear her music on the radio, though. That may change with her critically acclaimed single “Mustang Kids,” released in June.

“The radio stations that play my music are so spread out over the country,” she says. “It hasn’t really touched down in L.A. yet. I do have friends back home who hear it all the time.

“I’ll be totally excited when it happens, though. It’s going to be a

moment of validation for sure. There was so much work that went into it. I dedicated everything that I am, into this music career.”

ARIZONA BRED Growing up in Pinetop was inspirational yet limiting for Day, whose other passion is soccer.

“It was one of those environments where there was no pressure, it was accepting,” she says. “Being raised in Pinetop, I had a sheltered childhood. It was beautiful, serene and quiet. My mother and my grandmother, who passed away in 2002, were very artistic.”

Day and her mother owned a paintyour-own-pottery studio/coffeehouse that hosted musicians every weekend. Day was one of those who hit the stage.

“I felt comfortable whether I was playing Elvis covers on stage or playing some of the first songs I ever wrote about my first-grade crush. I was able to be exactly who I was as a child growing up.

“I was inspired by my family and being in that environment around music and creativity. It was a very quiet, safe place to start writing music.”

The singer left Pinetop three and a half years ago for California.

She kickstarted her career before she departed Arizona.

“I was already creating demos and having writing sessions in L.A. as well as Nashville,” she says. “I was working on my relationships and setting the groundwork for if and when I moved here.

“When I did, it was the best thing for my career. I could completely give myself to what I was doing without distance being an obstacle.”

Within proximity was Coachella, the two-weekend festival in Indio, California, that she played last spring. It paid off, as she garnered rave reviews for her music and her fashion sense.

“Coachella was amazing,” says Day, who was excited to see Beach House, Chris Stapleton and LCD Soundsystem perform there. “There was a lot of prep and hard work that went into Coachella, including my outfits and my set.

“It was challenging to be able to sustain a specific kind of energy for two weekends straight. It was amazing and I can’t wait to play it again; I hope I can play it again. It was great for me.”

She also hopes to see her hometown friends when she returns to Arizona for two shows—July 27 with Fitz & The Tantrums at the Marquee

in Tempe, and August 5 with Michael Franti and Spearhead at Flagstaff’s Pepsi Amphitheater.

“I love going back home. I get to see familiar faces,” she says. “I don’t get to go very often. My dad, who was originally living in Arizona when we left to go to California, now lives in Colorado. I don’t have family there anymore.

“I don’t go back for holidays. I’m so focused on what I’m doing here in California. But Arizona is so good and familiar.”

Fitz & The Tantrums w/ Zella Day

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, $26-$36.

Michael Franti and Spearhead w/Zella Day

Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park, Flagstaff, pepsiamp.com, 7 p.m. Friday, August 5, $31-$45.

AUG 26 - SEPT 18 ARIZONA’S LEADER IN MUSICAL THEATRE

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Must be active &85122 in good standing for 45 days. Credit received w/in 60 days after activation. Credit is notPhoenix redeemable AZ for cash, has no cash value & is not transferable or119 refundable. Credit is Casa Grande AZ Mesa Az. 85204 Ste forfeited if account is cancelled. Limit: 1 per qualifying line. Bring Your Own Phone: $9.99 Universal SIM Card Kit & unlocked, GSM-compatible smartphone req’d. Add’l Samsung Galaxy Offer Terms: Restocking Office 602-243-1800 Fee: Up to $25. See 520-421-2373 store for full details on both offers. ©2016 CricketOffice Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

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Offers End 7/14/16: New svc lines only. Req’s porting elig. number (excl. ports from AT&T) & activ. on qual. plan in same transaction. 1st month svc charge due at sale. Activation Fee: Up to $25/line. Pricing, terms & restr’s subject to change and may be modified, or terminated at any time without notice. Coverage & svc not avail. everywhere. Taxes, fees, charges & restrictions apply. Add’l Bill Credit Terms: Basic phones excluded. Must be active & in good standing for 45 days. Credit received w/in 60 days after activation. Credit is not redeemable for cash, has no cash value & is not transferable or refundable. Credit is forfeited if account is cancelled. Limit: 1 per qualifying line. Bring Your Own Phone: $9.99 Universal SIM Card Kit & unlocked, GSM-compatible smartphone req’d. Add’l Samsung Galaxy Offer Terms: Restocking Fee: Up to $25. See store for full details on both offers. ©2016 Cricket Wireless LLC. All rights reserved.

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EVERYTHING’S

GOLDY

24

D-backs first baseman talks family and fun Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

S

itting at his locker in the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse amid a flurry of players, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is all business. But there are two things that make Goldy smile—his love of the Valley and his 9-month-old son, Jake.

“Honestly, this is home now,” Goldschmidt says of North Scottsdale. “I grew up in Texas. I lived there almost my whole life, same with my wife.”

“When I got called up (to the majors), we decided to stay out here in the off season, just to see what it was like.

We really fell in love with it. We did it again the next year and then eventually decided to make this our home. We’ve made a lot of friends out here. We love the people here in the community, the city, and the state.”

He and his wife, Amy, adore their home and the surrounding neighborhood.

They love the nearby stores and restaurants—especially Tom’s Thumb.

“Who doesn’t like it?” he says with his crooked smile.

The Goldschmidts have made friends in and around the Valley, where they enjoy the proximity to hotspots.

“Anywhere around the city or Valley, there are great places to eat,” he says. “We just find the local places where we like to eat. Our friends are close, so we’re not driving too far. For me, in terms of work, it’s a good halfway point between downtown and our spring training facility.”

The Goldschmidts enjoy cooking at home as well. Paul’s go-to dish is “something on the grill—steak with potatoes and other vegetables.”

The hiking trails, and golf (especially Topgolf ) call the Goldschmidts as well.

“We like to be outside when the weather’s great,” he says. “We enjoy playing golf, going hiking, and all of that kind of stuff. We just enjoy the time that we miss with family and friends more than anything.”

These days, family includes more than him and Amy. In September, Amy

gave birth to their first child, Jake. Paul lights up when he is asked about Jake.

“He’s awesome,” he says. “It’s definitely different having a baby. It’s a lot of work, but my wife, she’s awesome.

She just does such a great job, especially around the baseball season.

“A lot of the work falls on her because we’re gone so much. But playing with him and being able to raise him has been great.”

FAMILY MATTERS Amy and Paul were college sweethearts.

He may have been an up-and-coming star on Texas State University’s baseball team, but he was a relative unknown to fellow Bobcat Amy. “I just thought he was cute,” says Amy during a previous interview. “I didn’t even know he played baseball.”

Paul and Amy, who golfed for the university, met during their first semester at TSU at a required study hall. Initially, they didn’t realize they were in some of the same classes. Their relationship started slowly.

“We hung out as friends, then became better friends and eventually started dating,” says Amy. Paul is frank when describing Amy’s initial appeal. “She’s very caring and obviously good looking, which was probably the first thing that attracted me to her, being an 18-year-old college student. The more we got to know each other, we found out we had a lot of similar interests. We just continued to hang out. She was everything I was looking for.”

After three years, the couple became engaged after a romantic gesture that almost went awry.

“When I proposed to her, we had a lot of our closest friends there,” Paul says.

“She was still in college; I had left a year early (due to the MLB draft). I returned and surprised her. It was freezing cold, and she didn’t have a jacket because she didn’t really know what we were doing.

I had the engagement ring in my jacket

25

pocket, and I couldn’t be the gentleman and offer her my jacket.”

Amy adds with a laugh, “I thought he was being rude.”

A year later, the couple teed up the nuptials in October 2010 in Fort Worth at Texas Christian University’s Robert Carr Chapel. The location was chosen for its proximity to Colonial Country Club, where Amy grew up playing golf.

It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious country clubs in Fort Worth.

“The wedding was awesome,” Paul says. “It all came together. Every wedding is fun, but it was a great day.”

VALLEY HANGS During the offseason, fans can find the Goldschmidts at the movies (Paul prefers action films over Amy’s love of romantic comedies), the bowling alley or on the golf course, where Paul admits he isn’t as savvy as on the diamond.

One of the Goldschmidts’ favorite hangs is Local Bistro, a restaurant that specializes in Italian, French, and Spanish dishes at Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.

“We’ll go there, but our favorite spot in the whole city is The Mission in Old Town,” he says. “That’s our favorite spot to go to dinner.”

The place that means the most to the Goldschmidts is Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Charity work comes first to the couple.

“Honestly, it was something I started at a young age,” he says. “It started with my parents. I don’t know if they were making us, or encouraging me and my brothers. I know my wife and her family were the same way.”

“It’s just something that came naturally. I did the same thing in college.

When I was called up, it just kind of continued. Now that we’re on a little bit bigger stage, and being on TV and around town, it has a little bigger impact. It’s something we take a lot of pride in. There are a lot of benefits to being a professional baseball player.”

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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

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A LESSON LEARNED Chris Isaak rolls everyday experiences into engaging live show Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

hether it’s on the phone with a journalist or on stage in front of thousands of fans, Chris Isaak lives to entertain. He finds the humor in almost every situation—like the time he created four tickets to see The Tubes.

“I borrowed one of my friend’s tickets and copied it by hand,” Isaak says with a laugh. “I just made it up. I made four tickets for myself and my friends.

“Twenty years later, I’m playing with Prairie Prince, the drummer from The Tubes. I told him I owed him $12 because I snuck into his show. I showed him the ticket and he says, ‘You drew it?’ That taught me never to forget what it’s like to not have money.”

Isaak says he is by no means encouraging fans to make counterfeit concert tickets. Fans will have to buy tickets to his shows on Tuesday, July 26, at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix and Wednesday, July 27, at the Fox Tucson Theatre in Tucson.

The consummate showman, the 59-year-old Isaak engages his fans by inviting them on stage or slipping into the seats with them. It’s important to him to bring it every night.

“My No. 1 goal is to make the audience have fun,” he says. “I play what they want to hear. I wrote the songs. It’s always stuff I like.”

Isaak attributes his onstage persona to his band, with whom he has played for three decades.

“We still love touring together,” he says. “When you drive 500 miles a night, you find out who they are after 30 years.

You’re either going to hate them or love them and I love them. I don’t think there’s a night that goes by when we don’t try to bring it.

“I saw an act that I love remember thinking—I’m not going to name names—they’re just phoning it in. They’re just looking down at their shoes. They’re shoegazers. They look at their shoes.

They’re not dealing with the audience.”

He even learns something from shows like that.

“I learned early on to never do that,” he says. “We always make it a point to

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mix it up with the audience—get the audience on stage, get into the audience, talk to the audience. It makes it a lot more fun for everyone.”

Isaak is touring to promote his recent album, 2015’s First Comes the Night, which was produced by Isaak, Dave Cobb, Mark Needham and Paul Worley. Worley showed him the importance of work-life balance.

“I was singing really well,” Isaak says about one studio session. “Paul says to me that we should wrap it up in another hour or two. I says that I could keep singing, but Paul says he had to go to a baseball game.”

It turned out that it was Worley’s child’s baseball game.

“He asked me if I wanted to go, so I did,” he says. “It was very fun. That was a lesson, too—in perspective. Yes, it’s important to sing your record, but it’s also important to be friends and fathers.”

He hopes that his shows will bring people together as well—just as it did for Roy Orbison and his crew at a show Isaak saw in California.

“Like the Celebrity Theatre, the stage was turning and it broke,” Isaak says.

“Can you imagine? Here you are on stage, you’re playing, but half of the audience only has a view of the drummer’s back.

“Roy was singing but there was panic among the crew and the people who were running the show. Suddenly, there are eight guys from the crew out there physically pushing the stage around. It was something to watch. They would push it a quarter of the way around and then stop for a minute, and do it again. But they couldn’t keep it steady. Finally, he got to the middle of the song, the crew is resting and he stops the song and says, ‘Push.’ I just died.”

Chris Isaak

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

Tuesday, July 26, $55-$85; Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, foxtucson.com, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, $34-$97.

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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

SIPPING WITH THE SOMMELIER

Uncorking the Valley’s wine scene

Did you always know you wanted to be involved in the food and beverage industry?

Absolutely not! My father was an engineer, and I initially planned to go in that direction. So much so, I double majored in electrical engineering and physics in college. By year five of six into my studies, I just knew it wasn’t the right path for me.

It was a tough time—especially explaining my decision to my parents—but they ultimately trusted me to seek out my passions and create my own roadmap to life.

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

T

here is a gentle giant—a wine-drinking one— roaming the gorgeous halls of Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, located in the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

At 6-foot-5, Jason Caballero—a former college rugby player—makes one heck of an impression as the lead sommelier at Bourbon Steak. This summer, he will complete his course and exam to become certified as an advanced sommelier. The move will make him one of only four advanced sommeliers working on the floor in Arizona. And, once he completes his studies and certification through the Court of the Master Sommeliers (CMS) over the next few years, he will be one of just two master sommeliers working the floor in Arizona.

In this Sipping with the Sommelier column, The Entertainer! sits down with Caballero to learn more about the sommelier process and his approach to wine at Bourbon Steak.

Tell us about getting your start?

Being a big guy, I got my start in the hospitality industry as a bouncer and server. But, I quickly learned that I loved being around people—especially talking to them from behind the bar. After several great jobs to whet my whistle, my first big break came when I went to work for Olive + Ivy in 2006.

They had an advanced sommelier on staff, and he was kind enough to take me under his wing. Turns out, there was so much more to wine than simply red and white. I wanted to know it all. I worked diligently as a bar manager and sommelier in training ever since, making stops along the way as some other amazing venues in Arizona, before making my way to Bourbon Steak in 2015.

Tell us the how the levels of wine mastery work?

Founded in 1997, The Court of Master Sommeliers is a nonprofit and independent examining organization that provides education and certification to sommeliers at three basic levels.

First, there is the introductory sommelier certificate. This is open to all beverage and hospitality professionals.

Then, there is the advanced sommelier course, followed by a formal examination and certification. Due to the level of difficulty, the CMS recommends that candidates have a minimum five years’ experience in beverage hospitality before applying.

And finally, with both of these certifications completed, you move onto the master sommelier diploma examination.

The minimum passing score for each of the three sections is 75%, and if all three parts are not passed during a three-year period the entire exam must be retaken.

What is your approach to pairing wines at Bourbon Steak?

Our rock star executive chef, Jeremy McMillan, and I are very close. I don’t like to limit his creativity when it comes to the food by worrying about pairing the wines at the onset. Instead, I love it when he creates—and he does so often—an intricate seasonal menu or dinner special and challenges me to find the best wines to pair with the ingredients.

What are some of the best pairings at Bourbon Steak right now?

Our signature truffle fries go very well with the Scarpetta Pinot Grigio. The combination is always a crowd-pleasing way to start the evening. Then I love pairing a lighter fat meat—like a filet—with something low on oak, like a Tempranillo.

Tanins in wine love fat, so the fattier a cut of meat, the bolder red I tend to go.

How many Master Sommeliers are there out there?

There are 230 professionals worldwide with this designation—147 of them in the United States. Of the 147 in the United States, 124 are men and 23 are women.

What is the most unique wine experience you’ve personally ever had?

In 2015, I was chosen to travel with the Guild of Sommeliers in a small group to France for the wine adventure of a lifetime.

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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

WINEMAKER MINUTE

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

Ever wanted to know the stories behind your favorite wines—from red to white to blends, and everything in between? The Entertainer! has you covered. Each month, we will interview winemakers nationwide whose varietals are popular in the area to give you the inside story of what goes into a good bottle—and more.

This month, we sit down with Janet Myers, director of winemaking at the Franciscan Estate Winery in the Napa Valley.

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Janet Myers of the Franciscan Estate Winery

First, tell us about you and your path to Franciscan.

Traveling a wine road wasn’t my original path by a long shot! In what now seems like another life, many moons ago I gave up my pursuit of a doctorate in biological anthropology to move to London, where I worked in the restaurant industry. Living above a wine shop, I enjoyed sampling the wares of my downstairs neighbor and decided to learn about wine production.

When I realized that this was an industry that combined science and agriculture—which is my family’s background—I enrolled at UC Davis and haven’t looked back.

My first harvest was at the Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley. After graduating from UC Davis with a master’s in enology, I pursued a harvest abroad to enrich my experience. Wanting to connect to my roots by spending time in Italy, my mother’s ancestral home country, I turned to the celebrated Antinori Winery in Italy, who offered me a harvest internship at their Santa Cristina Estate in Chianti.

Prior to joining Franciscan Estate in August of 2003, I also enjoyed stints in Australia’s Margaret River region and in the Napa Valley at renowned Cabernet producers Beaulieu Vineyard, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Louis Martini Winery.

How did the winery make its mark?

Franciscan was established in 1973 in an ideal location in the heart of the Napa Valley in Oakville. Our 240-acre home estate of prized land features loamy, gravely soils, which allow for dry-farming techniques, producing smaller, concentrated fruit and building wine of good structure, body and texture. Our optimal location in the center of the Napa Valley allows our Bordeaux varietals to enjoy the cooling marine influences of the San Francisco Bay at night while still receiving plenty of sun and heat during the day, creating deep color and maximum fruit character and complexity. This terroir gives our fruit the ability to maintain its vibrancy while ripening to its full potential.

Over the years, we’ve had many successes, but two of our most significant contributions are our Estate red blend wine, Magnificat, and our Cuvee Sauvage Chardonnay. Magnificat was one of the original Meritage wines (a Bordeaux-style

red wine blend) in the Napa Valley and continues to be a standard bearer in the category. Franciscan was also the very first winery in the Napa Valley to bottle a Chardonnay—our Cuvee Sauvage—using only wild (native) yeasts.

How would you describe some of your best-selling varietals?

We have some tremendous vineyards, so it’s important to me to let the vineyard and the variety show through. From there, it’s a personal interpretation of when to pick, how to vinify, and choices in blending. I’m looking to make wines that are rich, balanced and very expressive of their vineyard and variety. Some of our best sellers, aside from the Magnificat, include: Franciscan Estate Cuvee Sauvage, Carneros Napa Valley: Rich pear and apple aromatics revealing hints of lemon, crème brulee and toasted hazelnut, with a vibrant, full, creamy palate.

Franciscan Estate Equilibrium, Napa Valley: Beautifully aromatic with floral notes of jasmine, orange blossom and honeysuckle intertwined with passion fruit and lychee.

Franciscan Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley: Lovely aromas of lime zest, grapefruit and crushed seashells, with a round, crisp palate bursting with fresh citrus and minerality.

Time to brag. Tell us about any awards you, your wines or the winery have won.

We are lucky—there are too many to count. We’ve taken home honors several times over from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Sunset Wine Competition, Sunset International Wine Competition and Grand Harvest Awards, just to name a few.

Having worked harvest in Australia’s famed Margaret River, are there any winemaking practices or decisions that differ from what you do in California?

Their winemaking practices, like ours, blend old world and new world philosophies. But they leaned a bit more toward the unconventional, making a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon. At the time this was something you wouldn’t have seen much in California, with our stricter adherence of keeping Bordeaux and Burgundian varieties separate. It was delicious though, as were their Chards and Cabs, owing to their moderate coastal climate, yielding wines with great finesse and richness.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

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Where are your wines available in Arizona?

Throw a rock, and you can find us. I know we have particularly good relationships with Albertson’s, Safeway, Fry’s and even Target all over the Valley and into other major cities, too. We are also in most CVS stores and—of course—at BevMo. For more information: www.franciscan.com www.facebook.com/ franciscanestatewinery @franciscanwines on Twitter @franciscanestate on Instagram

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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. Anything is fair game, so expect us to also clue you in to popular destinations of merit. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-of-akind attractions, let us point out the best of the mileposts. As we peel back the first few pages of what’s in store, we’ll bet you find more than one item that should be on your bucket list. Enjoy!

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The Brass Tap The Brass Tap at Mesa Riverview has 60 taps and more than 240 different beers in bottles and cans, making it the best craft beer experience in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Come on in and enjoy great beer and fantastic pub fare. It opens at 11 a.m. daily. The Brass Tap was recently awarded the Arizona Society of Home Brewers ASHy Award for Arizona Best Craft Beer Bar—East. The owners of The Brass Tap are proud and grateful for receiving the award as it comes from an organization that appreciates craft beer. So, if you haven’t been to The Brass Tap, stop in and check out its constantly rotating 60 handles of great craft beer.

1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104, Mesa Riverview, Mesa, 85201. 480.610.2337 (BEER), brasstapbeerbar.com/Mesa

Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy Enjoy the best comedy club in the city, showcasing the absolute brightest stand-up comedy stars! Experience a world-class showroom, delicious food and full-bar service. Arrive early and visit The Heckler Lounge, a great place to meet, see live close-up magic and later, hang out with the comics after the show. The club is located on High Street (formerly City North) in Phoenix’s North Valley—one of the country’s hottest entertainment districts. Open Tuesday through Sunday, with additional performances on Fridays and Saturdays. The Heckler opens for happy hour daily.

5350 E. High Street, Suite 105, Phoenix, 85054, Call 480.420.3553, HouseOfComedy.net

(480) 610-2337 TheBrassTap.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 85638, 520.457.3456, okcorral.com

Pig & Pickle Looking for an eclectically different place to dine and drink? There’s no better place to go than Pig & Pickle, where there are no “me too” dishes or boring bar food. The best local craft beers, a fantastic wine selection, hand-crafted cocktails and fresh baked bread compliment a menu that defies a brief description. At the famous P&P, the knowledgeable staff helps you blend a variety of tastes to create a unique dining experience. Open for lunch, dinner, happy hour and latenight adventurers. Closed Mondays.

2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 85251, 480.990.1407, pigandpickle.com

Arizona Museum of Natural History What’s cooler than an indoor mountain with a waterfall and simulated flash flood? Dinosaurs of course! You’ll marvel at Cretaceous Seas, an exhibit about the ocean over 66 million years ago. Pan for gold in the History Courtyard, visit a real territorial jail, learn about Arizona’s geological wonders and much more!

53 N. McDonald, Mesa, 480.644.2230, AzMNH.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

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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, 85254, Call 480.998.2800, CrackerJax.com

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

Four Valley Locations, dillonsrestaurant.com

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THE OLD PUEBLO

Arizona Inn transcends time, emanates beauty Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

V

alley residents familiar with the Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona now can ride in the Tonto National Forest in the same heavy duty, four-wheel-drive Jeep Wranglers retrofitted to handle the tough trails of the Oak Creek Canyon “Check in and chill out.” That’s the mantra of the Arizona Inn in Tucson subscribes. With its lush grounds, tasty drinks, friendly staff and heavenly beds, it’s easy to do.

Upon check-in, we were greeted by the friendly front desk staff, who offered to give us a tour.

The bellhop shared the history behind the pink-hued boutique inn that boasts 92 rooms and suites spread over

14 acres of gardens, fountains, flowers and lawns.

The inn, located less than a mile from the University of Arizona and its hospital, has been owned and operated by the same family since its inception in 1930. Isabella Greenway opened the property 85 years ago because there were no luxury hotels in Tucson.

Once we arrived in our traditional casita-style suite, we were dazzled. The modern furniture and amenities nicely juxtaposed the 1930s-style architecture.

And the bed was worth the trip. Beds can be somewhat tricky at times for me, considering I’ve had three spinal fusions.

The mattress offered soft but firm support.

The white comforter was fluffy and light, making it perfect for a cool spring night.

The New York Times was delivered daily on the patio, enhancing the suite’s homey feel.

The hotel’s centerpiece is its pool, with a recently renovated archway, a nearby bar and an indoor lounge with comfy couches and games.

Youngsters get a kick out of the Arizona Inn’s homemade ice cream served poolside between April and October.

During our visit, we piled on the toppings, making monster sundaes.

The real highlight is the Audubon Bar, which rivals another Tucson hotspot, Tanque Verde Ranch, for the best prickly pear margarita. We also sampled the Arizona Inn Margarita, made with Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila, triple sec and lime juice. The bar menu features other

summery sips like a minty mojito and a Moscow mule.

Temperatures in Tucson are a tad cooler than in the Valley, and there are plenty of nearby attractions to check out during a stay at the Arizona Inn. The hotel is offering summer rates starting at $129. This year, the Arizona Inn is inviting guests to share their memorable stories and photos via Facebook.

The hotel will select one winning entry in December for a grand prize two-night stay, including meals.

The Arizona Inn

2200 E. Elm St., Tucson 85719 (520) 325-1541, www.arizonainn.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 AGE OF HYSTERIA ‘American Idiot’ cast bring excitement to TCA Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

“American Idiot”

Tempe Center for the Arts’ Studio, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, 480.350.2822, http://1.usa.gov/1U9NSs0, various times through Saturday, July 16, $30-$35.

N

icholas John Gearing is, admittedly, a huge Green Day fan. So when he was cast as Johnny in the Stray Cat Theatre’s production of the pop-punk band’s rock opera, “American Idiot,” he wasn’t sure how to react.

“It was surreal,” Gearing says via telephone in between bells at Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, where he teaches English. “It’s pretty fantastic.”

Playing at the Tempe Center for the Arts from June 24 to July 16, “American Idiot” is based on the Grammy Awardwinning concept album of the same name. The musical tells the story of three disaffected young men—Will, Johnny and Tunny. The latter two flee the suburbs, where their parents have a tight rein on them, and seek the freedom of the city.

When Tunny joins the military and is shipped off to war, Johnny turns to drugs.

“American Idiot” features little dialogue and instead relies on the lyrics to execute the storyline of teen rage, love and loss.

Gearing says it’s interesting to see how the characters—many of whom were taken from album art—come together to form “this crazy kaleidoscope of things.”

The Stray Cat’s rendition of “American Idiot” is the Arizona company premiere. The only other time it has reportedly been produced in the state was when the national touring show came to ASU Gammage.

Gearing says he isn’t the only one in the cast who has butterflies about the musical hitting the stage.

“We’re all such big fans of Green Day,” Gearing says. “You don’t want to mess anything up. (The album) American Idiot means something to us and being in the show gives it additional meaning. We don’t want to do it a disservice.”

“American Idiot” features all of the songs from the album (“Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Holiday”), as well as other hits (“21 Guns”). Gearing paused before naming his favorite song to sing. “‘21 Guns’ is one of the more intricate pieces, or ‘Whatsername.’ That arrangement is rather pretty. In both numbers, the room is electric. My hair stands on its end from start to beginning.

It’s one thing when you’re singing your favorite Green Day song or your favorite from this album. It’s another thing altogether when a roomful of people gets excited at the same time. I can’t say enough about that experience.”

ARIZONA’S LEADER IN MUSICAL THEATRE

JULY 15 - AUG 14 SEASON 11 SPONSORED BY:

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THE ARTIST

37

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

THE PUPPET MUSICAL

‘Avenue Q’ deals with adult themes from A to Z Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

R

obbie Harper never gets tired of directing “Avenue Q,” the grown-up take on “Sesame Street” that uses puppets to explore themes such as relationship, racism and sexuality.

And Phoenix audiences, it seems, never tire of seeing it.

The musical is back again this summer at Phoenix Theatre after two previous stagings there. It opens Wednesday, June 8, in the company’s new black-box facility.

“The show has universal appeal and I always love coming back to it,” says Harper, who directed Phoenix Theatre’s

original staging of the Broadway hit musical in 2008 as well as its successful revival in 2014. He also directed the show in 2013 for Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

“We all grew up watching ‘Sesame Street’ and learning how to be a good young person. But nothing teaches you how to be an adult, how to survive the move to a new city or break up with your first girlfriend. ‘Avenue Q’ addresses that,” Harper says.

Like “Sesame Street,” “Avenue Q” combines humans (three of them) with puppets (11) in dialogue and in song.

Unlike the children’s long-running TV favorite, the musical looks at grown-up concerns—so much so that a disclaimer at the Phoenix Theatre website warns that “Avenue Q” “deals with adult material” and contains “full puppet nudity.”

Not only are the puppets sometimes naked, but they feel free to, uh, enjoy each other.

Harper downplays that aspect of the show.

“The puppet-on-puppet sex is just a bonus,” he says. “The show is really about

battling with life and making mistakes— really stupid mistakes. Everybody knows what that feels like.”

What are some of those mistakes?

Titles to some of the songs (written by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marks) provide hints: “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English?,” “If You Were Gay,” “The Internet is for Porn,” “The Money Song” and “Everyone’s a Bit Racist” are just a few. The ballad, “There’s a Fine, Fine Line” deals with the need to sometimes end a relationship.

Because most of these are sung by or with puppets, they can dare to say things that just plain people might not get away with.

“When a puppet experiences something it creates enough distance, so that even when the song says, ‘Everyone’s a bit racist,’ you go, ‘Yup, that’s true.’ If a bunch of white people sang it, you wouldn’t react the same. The puppets provide removal, and audiences can hear the bad stuff.”

A lot of what the characters in experience in “Avenue Q” reminds Harper of his

own life lessons.

“The characters learn to leave their preconceived judgments behind. I know about that. As soon as you think things are right, other things show up in your life to show how wrong you are. You either listen to that, or not.”

The puppets for Phoenix Theatre’s production were designed by Rick Lyon, who was a puppeteer in the show’s original New York cast. The puppet design allows the audience to see the puppeteers, a convention Harper says he loves, “because both the puppet and the human become the character together.”

Harper, who also staged Phoenix Theatre’s recent production of “Evita” and appeared in its production of “Mary Poppins,” is the company’s associate artistic director.

“That means I do a lot of paperwork when I’m not directing or onstage.”

The theater community often refers to itself as a family, and it is a message of family that Harper believes is the ultimate “Avenue Q” statement.

“Everybody in the show takes care of each other. It’s the people you surround yourself with that make it possible to get through it all. We all create our own family, and it is family that helps you navigate both your brilliance and your stupidity.”

“Avenue Q”

Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, various times Wednesday, June, 8 to Sunday, July 10, $36-$81.

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ARTS

CALENDAR ‘AVENUE Q’ THROUGH JULY 10

“Avenue Q”

“The Diary of Anne Frank”

THROUGH JULY 10 This is the only show this summer to proclaim that “Everybody is a little bit racist,” and features real puppet sex.

This Phoenix Theatre favorite is being staged in the more intimate Hormel Theatre and tells the story of life after college—puppet-style.

Phoenix Theatre 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix 602.254.2151 phoenixtheatre.com

JULY 8 THROUGH 17 Experience the lives of eight people hiding from the Nazis in a concealed storage attic for two years, and understand the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence. Featuring Advanced Drama Project Cast members ages 16 and up.

Presented by Desert Foothills Theatre Suite 105 at The Summit Ashler Hills and Scottsdale Road (next to Blu Burger Grill) dftheater.org

“Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical” THROUGH JULY 10 They always say, “The show must go on.” This is exactly what needs to happen when the star of an opera show becomes incapacitated. The director’s assistant tries his hardest to find a suitable replacement. The result is mayhem, lunacy and panic.

Fountain Hills Community Theatre 1445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills 480.837.9661, fhct.org

“Moon over Buffalo” THROUGH JULY 10

JULY 8-17 JULY 9, 16, 23, 30

AN EVENING WITH JILL SCOTT JULY 25

AN EVENING WITH LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND JULY 12

THROUGH JULY 24 George and Charlotte Hay are traveling actors performing at a theater in Buffalo. Frank Capra, the famous film director, wants the duo to star in his latest Hollywood picture. When Capra comes to see them perform, everything starts to go haywire, leaving them to wonder if they will get their shot at Hollywood.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480.483.1664,desertstages.org

Edward Burtynsky: “WATER” JULY 1 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 18 Explore humanity’s increasingly stressed relationship with the world’s most vital natural resource by viewing Canadian artist Edward Burtynsky’s exhibit. He traveled the globe between 2007 and 2012 taking aerial images that trace the various roles that water plays in modern life.

Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 602.257.1880, phxart.org

“West Side Story” JULY 7 THROUGH AUGUST 20 The modern-day story of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City in the 1950s. A guy and gal fall in love amidst the backdrop of gang turf warfare. Familiar songs will have your toes tapping.

Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert 480.497.1181 haletheatrearizona.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DBG Flashlight Tours JULY 9 From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through September 3, guests are encouraged to bring a flashlight and prepare for an evening of exploration through the Desert Botanical Garden. In addition to the regular trails and exhibits, there will be a variety of activity and education stations. On July 9, there will be a special presentation by the Great Arizona Puppet Theatre.

Desert Botanical Garden 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix 480 941.1225 dbg.org

Experience France JULY 9 No need to board a plane and fly for half of a day to see France, simply exit Tatum Boulevard off the 101. This fifth annual celebration highlights French music and culture. Experience live musical performances and hands-on activities. The event is included with paid museum admission and free for members. For an additional fee, indulge in a French-inspired menu in the café.

The MIM 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix 480.478.6000 themim.org

Act Out! Step into the Storybook JULY 9, 16, 23 AND 30 This free 45-minute performance breathes new life and adds some twists to some of your favorite storybook classics. Donations are accepted. Produced by Fountain Hills Community Theatre Performance Outreach.

Fountain Hills Community Theatre 1445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills 480.837.9661 fhct.org

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

An Evening with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

An Evening with Jill Scott

JULY 12 Singer, actor and composer Lyle Lovett has released more than a dozen albums featuring various genres of Americana. Hailing from Texas, his music represents his roots.

He is joined on stage by a band featuring a variety of musicians.

Mesa Arts Center One E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6500 mesaartscenter.org

JULY 25 Jill Scott brings R&B, neo soul and jazz infused grooves to Phoenix for one night. Scott is a three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, New York Times best-selling poet, critically acclaimed actress, and has appeared at the White House. She even made a guest appearance on “Law & Order: SVU.” Mesa Arts Center One E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6500 mesaartscenter.org

Terrance Simien Zydeco Experience

Boz Scaggs

JULY 13 Simien has performed more than 7,000 concerts and toured more than 45 countries during his 30-year career. Having picked up two Grammy awards, he has been recognized as one of the most respected artists in the genre.

The MIM Music Theatre 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix 480.478.6000 themim.org

Welcome to Night Vale JULY 14 Be a part of a unique evening. This live podcast is in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky and more. Live shows are not always recorded, so this may be a one-time opportunity.

Mesa Arts Center One E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6500 mesaartscenter.org

Winter in July JULY 16 There is a blizzard warning in effect for the Phoenix Zoo this July. Just because the temperatures are soaring, doesn’t mean that the zoo isn’t cool.

Guests are invited to chill out in more than 50 tons of snow, splash around at the wet and wild play areas, and watch animals enjoy icy treats. Reba the Asian Elephant will cool off with a shower from the Phoenix Fire Department!

Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 602.286.3800 phxzoo.org

39

TERRANCE SIMIEN ZYDECO EXPERIENCE JULY 13

WINTER IN JULY JULY 16

JULY 26 Scaggs’ career dates back to the late ’60s with the Steve Miller Band. His solo career has earned him Grammy status. His music blends soul, rock, blues-rock and soft rock. VIP packages are available!

Mesa Arts Center One E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6500 mesaartscenter.org

Jarabe Mexicano JULY 29 Expect to hear a repertoire of music ranging from traditional boleros, huapangos, sones and rancheras as well as contemporary cumbias, reggae, doo wop and American standards.

The ensemble incorporates the diversity of its backgrounds and musical training into a vast Latin repertoire.

Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler 480.782.2680 chandlercenter.org

WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE JULY 14

BOZ SCAGGS JULY 26

It’s Your Turn: A Home Studio ONGOING After browsing the art and galleries of the Heard Museum, it is your turn to make the art. Find a coloring activity based on two Zuni bracelet designs.

Create your own butterfly and dragonfly. Color and fill an Apache saddlebag with the activities that you finish. Create a 3-D version of a traditional Navajo-style home and more.

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

JARABE MEXICANO JULY 29

ONGOING

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COMING

ATTRACTIONS “The BFG”

“The Dog Lover”

PG - 115 MINUTES Ruby Barnhill plays a young girl named who encounters a Big Friendly Giant (Mark Rylance) who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul that is considered an outcast by the other giants because, unlike them, he refuses to eat children. Opens July 1.

PG - 101 MINUTES Allison Paige plays a rising star at the United Animal Protection Agency who, handpicked for a major assignment, goes undercover as a college intern to infiltrate a suspected puppy mill. Hard pressed to find any sign of animal abuse, she finds herself torn between doing her job and doing what’s right. Opens July 8.

“The Purge: Election Year”

“The Secret Life of Pets”

R - 105 MINUTES Frank Grillo reprises his role as a former police sergeant who, two years after choosing not to kill the man who killed his son, has become head of security for Sen. Charlene Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell)—the front runner in the next presidential election due to her vow to eliminate the Purge. Opens July 1.

“Marauders” R - 107 MINUTES When a bank is hit by a brutal heist, all evidence points to the owner (Bruce Willis) and his high-powered clients. But as a group of FBI agents (Christopher Meloni, Dave Bautista and Adrian Grenier) dig deeper into the case—and the deadly heists continue—it becomes clear that a larger conspiracy is at play. Opens July 1.

PG - 90 MINUTES Louis C.K. voices a dog whose life as a favorite pet is turned upside down when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel (Eric Stonestreet). They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny (Kevin Hart) is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy pets and their owners. Opens July 8.

“Cell” R - 98 MINUTES John Cusack plays a man who witnesses a scene of chaotic mayhem at the Boston airport when an electronic signal turns hundreds of cellphone users into rabid killers.

Desperate to find his estranged wife and son, he teams with a train driver (Samuel L. Jackson) to battle the horde of murderous “phoners” as the city descends into apocalyptic madness. Opens July 8.

“Fathers and Daughters” R - 116 MINUTES Russell Crowe plays an award-winning writer who, after a mental breakdown, copes with being a widower and a father while, 27 years later, his grown daughter (Amanda Seyfried) struggles to forge connections of her own. Opens July 8.

“Ghostbusters” PG-13 - 105 MINUTES Thirty years after the original, director Paul Feig brings his take to the supernatural comedy, joined

by Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth. Opens July 15.

For more movie reviews, in-depth celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, tune in to breakthrough entertainment 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com.

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

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this month?

Ask our experts!

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

“Me Before You”

“Me Before You” will not only make you cry in the moment harder than any other movie this year, but will also cause you emotional distress for several days thereafter. The new romantic drama adapted from Jojo Moyes’ novel will simultaneously break and mend your heart. Stars Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin have remarkable chemistry with one another while also authentically depicting their individual characters’ heartache. The entire film is a fantastic affair that will move you beyond words but Clarke’s expressive performance amplifies the effect to levels rarely achieved in modern-day motion pictures.

The Report Card

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

Joseph

Randy

“Alice Through the Looking Glass”

D

C

“Angry Birds”

D

B

“Clown”

C

“The Conjuring 2”

D

“Maggie’s Plan”

Greta Gerwig is a severely underrated actress whose independent films often slide under the radar of the casual moviegoer. Once again she proves her worth in a more mainstream, yet still lower budget comedy about love and marriage. While Gerwig never fails to entertain, Julianne Moore’s supporting performance is worthy of an award nomination and delivers one of the funniest moments in film so far this year. Ethan Hawke co-stars as the love interest.

“DePalma”

A

“The Do Over”

D

“Finding Dory”

In this sequel to 2003’s Pixar animated ichthyological smash “Finding Nemo,” the cheery titular blue tang with no short-term memory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), who helped in the search for the title fish in the first film, is trying to find her home and parents, from whom she was separated as a kid, and the worrywart clownfish Marlin (Albert Brooks) and little Nemo are helping her. The original is one of the most beloved of all kid movies, but I enjoyed this one more. The imperturbable optimism and geniality of DeGeneres is center stage here, and deeply endearing.

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a film critic, producer and onair personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is.

Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

A

“The Lobster”

B

B

“Me Before You”

A

B

“Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising”

B

C

“The Nice Guys”

B

“Now You See Me 2”

C

“The Phenom” M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

B

D

“Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping”

B

“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2”

D

“Traded”

C

“Warcraft”

F

D

“X-Men: Apocalypse”

C

C

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.

C

C

“Finding Dory” RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

M.V.

C

B

M.V. MOORHEAD has won five first-place

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

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THE DINER

43

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

THE BEST FOOD EVENTS IN JULY Red, White and Wine JULY 1 THROUGH JULY 3 Celebrate the holiday weekend and get patriotic with Winery 101 and tastings of red and white Arizona wines.

Winery 101, 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Peoria, 520.477.9463, winery101. com, 2 p.m. $10.

Taste of Scottsdale Food Tour JULY 9 The Taste of Scottsdale Food Tour lets guests experience some of the best international cuisine at fledgling and established restaurants in Old Town. Along the way, a tour guide will teach patrons about the area’s diverse neighborhoods while riding on a trolley.

Old Town Scottsdale, tour starts in front of Old Adobe Mission, 3817 N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, 480.274.3569, tasteittours.com, 11:30 a.m., $58.

SanTan Brewing Company Christmas in July JULY 16 SanTan’s annual Christmas in July celebration brings the flavors of the holiday to the brewpub. Enjoy seasonal music and turkey pot pies from the kitchen. Guests will be invited to tap the stashed kegs of SanTan’s Winter Warmer served with housemade gingersnap cookies.

SanTan Brewing Company, 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing.com, 8 a.m., free admission.

Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival JULY 23 The Phoenix Convention Center will once again welcome fresh flavors and seasonal specialties poured by more than 50 of the Southwest’s best craft brewers. Sample specialty casks, rich and unique flavor combinations

and new brews from some of the industry’s best.

Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.586.6711, phoenixconventioncenter.com, 2 p.m., $57.

Arizona Breakfast Weekend JULY 28 TO JULY 31 Valley chefs and restaurateurs are uniting for an event that celebrates the most important meal of the day: breakfast. The second annual Arizona Breakfast Weekend gives diners the chance to enjoy special dishes for $7, $10 and $15 at breakfast and brunch spots.

Restaurants throughout the Valley, arizonabreakfastweekend.com.

Ripe Awards JULY 30 The Ripe Awards honor the Phoenix food scene’s rising stars who best represent the essence of the

Valley’s food. Winners are selected by representatives of Phoenix Art Museum and local media following a public nomination process.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org, 7 p.m., $65.

South of the Border Throwdown JULY 31 Skilled chefs Anthony Serrano and Salvatore Zappone will compete for diners’ votes at the South of the Border Throwdown. Guests will dine on two appetizers, entrees and desserts, and imbibe on three wine and cocktail pairings. They will receive one vote in the competition between Mexican and Argentinian cuisine.

Zappone’s Italian Bistro, 1652 N. Higley Road, Gilbert, 480.218.2338, zapponesbistro.com, 5 p.m., $65.

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HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Brat Haus

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Pig & Pickle

Buck & Rider

Hard Rock Café

Rehab Burger Therapy

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. $2 off all drafts, $1 off bottles, cans, liquor and wine and food specials

2922 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 select small dishes, select cocktail and select wine and beer

Five locations across the Valley Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight $2.75 well drinks, $3.25 domestic drafts, $3.50 house wine and several food specials

4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Weekdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 9:30 p.m. to close $6 signature cocktails, house pours and featured glasses of wine

3 S. Second Street, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3.50 domestic bottle and draft, $4.50 select craft beer, $5 premium well, house wine and double shot of Fireball

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

Hungry Monk

Craft 64

Lucky Strike Bowling

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 117, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 domestic pints, $4 local pints, domestic aluminum bottles and premium well drinks, $5 house wines

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all alcohol, but ask about daily specials!

For example, Wednesday is $3 pints of craft beer all day!

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all beers and $2 off all wines

50 W. Jefferson Street, #240, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails, house wine and food specials

Creole Cajun Bistro

7210 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to close on Thursdays $1 Off all party starter appetizers, $1.50 PBRs, Domestic Pints $2.50, Premium Pints $3.50, $1 off shots, wines by glass and specialty drinks

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and food specials

Stockyards Steakhouse

5009 E. Washington Street, #115, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 off draft beer and Saloon Snacks, $3 domestic bottles, $4 well drinks and $5 house wine with complimentary tenderloin sliders

Luxe Lounge

5070 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 400, Chandler Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all wines by the glass, $2 off all signature drinks and $1 off all appetizers

SunUp Brewing Co.

16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and all day Sunday $3 well drinks, house wines and 16 oz.

322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 select appetizers and $1 off beers

domestic drafts

Dirty Dogg Saloon

10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. $1 off domestic beers, well drinks and call

The Mission at Minder Binder 715 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $2 domestics, $4 quality wells, $2 off all pizzas

Tandoori Times

Tandoori Times Indian Bistro

8140 N. Hayden Road, Suite H-115, Scottsdale 5626 W. Bell Road, A-103, Glendale Tuesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off wine and liquor, $2 off all beer and happy hour appetizers from $3.99

Duke’s Sports Bar & Grill

Old Town Tavern

Tutti Santi

El Chorro

Park Place Bar & Grill

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

EVO

Peter’s

7607 E. McDowell, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $3.50 domestic drafts and bottles, $5.25 house wines and $8.99 domestic pitchers

5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3 glass of house wine and domestic bottled beer and $5 El Chorro Margaritas and well drinks

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale Daily 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 beers, $4 well drinks, $5 wines and $6 cocktails

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7320 E. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, #6, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

See a full list of specials at www.peterscuisineaz.com.

8320 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Wine and Champagne are $5 and appetizers are $6

6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Select beers $3, well drinks $3 and select glasses of wine $5

9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; Brewery: 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to close $3.50 Uncle Bears craft pints, domestic bottles, wells & house margs, $4.50 22 oz. Uncle Bears crafts, guest craft pints, Deep Eddy cocktails & house wine, $5.50 22 oz. guest crafts & sangria

Wasted Grain

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

Scottsdale’s Longest Happy Hour $5 shared plates, $5 drink specials

DINER

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

45

INSIDER Pays to>>Eat Pizza!

Jasmine ItKemper The Entertainer!

Pizza, Chicago Style

䰀䔀吀ᤠ匀 䠀䄀嘀䔀 匀伀䴀䔀

䘀甀渀 匀甀渀⸀ 䤀一 吀䠀䔀

Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

S

ince 1971, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria has been bringing Chicago-style deep dish pizza to the people of the Windy City.

Their pies are made with dough patted out by hand, they personally meet with tomato growers in California for their tomatoes and they have continued to get their cheese from a small dairy in Wisconsin.

Recently, this family-owned business decided to head west, and opened its first location in Arizona at Uptown Plaza.

Newcomers to the pizzeria can try the “The Malnati Chicago Classic,” made with lean sausage, extra cheese and vine-ripened tomato sauce on its signature butter crust.

If you don’t have time to sit and dine, you can always ask for a Frozen Lou Malnati’s Pizza to take home.

Another perk at Lou Malnati’s is its Deep Dish Dough Loyalty Program.

Through this program, it pays to eat pizza when customers sign up for free online at thanx.com/loumalnatis or on their Android or Apple devices.

Here how it works: Guests link their cards to their account and when you use that card to make purchases at any Lou Malnati’s locations, you’ll earn one point for every dollar spent. Once 250 points are reached, you’ll receive a $20 reward that is activated with you next purchase.

It’s that simple. Don’t forget to have your knife and fork handy before digging into one of these delectable deep dish pies.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria 100 E. Camelback Road, 602.892.9998, loumalnatis.com/arizona.

VER 1 BILLI N S LD! SINCE 1910

KOSHER BAKERY! WE CATER!

匀䤀䜀䠀吀 匀䔀䔀䤀一䜀 䈀 伀 䄀吀 䌀 刀 唀 䤀 匀 䔀 匀 䰀䤀嘀䔀 䴀唀匀䤀䌀 䘀 䤀 吀 一 䔀 匀 匀 ☀ 䘀 唀 一 伀 一 吀 䠀 䔀 圀 䄀吀 䔀 刀 ℀ 䈀 伀 䄀吀 刀 䔀 一 吀䄀 䰀 匀 䨀 䔀 吀 匀 䬀 䤀 匀 ☀ 圀 䄀 䬀 䔀 䈀 伀 䄀 刀 䐀 䈀 伀 䄀吀 匀 䘀 䰀夀 䈀 伀 䄀 刀 䐀 䤀 一 䜀 倀䄀䐀䐀䰀䔀 夀伀䜀䄀 匀䄀䤀䰀䤀一䜀 䰀䔀匀匀伀一匀 䄀一䐀 䴀伀刀䔀℀

⠀㤀㈀㠀⤀ 㔀 ㄀ⴀ㔀㄀ ㄀

⠀㘀 ㈀⤀ 㠀㠀㈀ⴀ㐀㌀㤀㠀

⠀㘀 ㈀⤀ 㤀 㐀ⴀ 㔀㄀㤀

㘀 ㈀ⴀ㐀㔀㘀ⴀ㤀㤀㔀㔀 䔀堀⸀㄀

倀䰀䔀䄀匀䄀一吀 䠀䄀刀䈀伀刀 䴀䄀刀䤀一䄀 簀 㠀㜀 㠀 圀 䠀愀爀戀漀爀 䈀氀瘀搀Ⰰ 倀攀漀爀椀愀Ⰰ 䄀娀 㠀㔀㌀㠀㌀ 搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀 䀀 琀栀攀 稀漀漀 ㄀㘀㌀㌀㔀 眀 渀漀爀琀栀攀爀渀 愀瘀攀 氀椀琀挀栀昀椀攀氀搀 瀀愀爀欀Ⰰ 愀稀 㘀㈀㌀⸀㔀㌀㔀⸀㐀㈀㐀㤀 搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀 琀栀甀渀搀攀爀戀椀爀搀 㠀㜀 㘀 眀 琀栀甀渀搀攀爀戀椀爀搀 爀搀 瀀攀漀爀椀愀Ⰰ 愀稀 㘀㈀㌀⸀㤀㜀㤀⸀㔀㌀㔀㌀

搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀 愀爀爀漀眀栀攀愀搀 ㈀ 㔀㠀㔀 渀 㔀㤀琀栀 愀瘀攀 最氀攀渀搀愀氀攀Ⰰ 愀稀 㘀㈀㌀⸀㔀㘀㘀⸀㠀㄀

漀昀昀

搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀 䈀愀礀漀甀 瀀氀攀愀猀愀渀琀 栀愀爀戀漀爀 洀愀爀椀渀愀 㐀 ㈀ ㈀ 渀 㠀㜀琀栀 愀瘀攀 㤀㈀㠀⸀㔀 ㄀⸀㈀㈀㈀㜀

⨀洀椀渀椀洀甀洀 瀀甀爀挀栀愀猀攀 漀昀 ␀㌀㔀

眀眀眀⸀搀椀氀氀漀渀猀爀攀猀琀愀甀爀愀渀琀⸀挀漀洀 BREAKFAST!

NOT 一伀吀 VALID WITH ANY䄀一夀 OTHER OFFERS. 嘀䄀䰀䤀䐀 圀䤀吀䠀 伀吀䠀䔀刀 伀䘀䘀䔀刀匀⸀ONE COUPON PER瀀攀爀 TABLE. NOT渀漀琀 VALID ON漀渀 CATERING 漀渀攀 挀漀甀瀀漀渀 琀愀戀氀攀⸀ 瘀愀氀椀搀 挀愀琀攀爀椀渀最 ORDERS. EXPIRES 07/31/16. 漀爀搀攀爀猀⸀ 䔀堀倀䤀刀䔀匀 㘀⼀㌀ ⼀㄀㘀

LUNCH! Secret Menu Item!

nybagelsnbialys.com | (480) 483-NYBB | 10320 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 | M-F 6:30am – 5pm | Sat/Sun 6:30am – 3pm

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SOUTHERN COMFORT

46

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Chef Sean Currid’s Blue Hound is a Standout in the Downtown Dining Scene Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

N

ow and then a dish comes along that makes a lasting, happy impression. It can take the form of a sublimely silky crème brulee or a peppery gumbo. Or it can be something as simple as a ripe red tomato, so fat and full and sweet that you bite into it like an apple, grinning while the juices dribble down your chin.

I’ve added another to my list—corn grit fries with smoked bacon and white cheddar, from Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails in CityScape’s Palomar hotel.

The Palomar is a Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants property, one of 84 owned by the chain in 34 cities across the country. A signature of Kimpton hotels is a good restaurant, a tradition that dates back three decades to Bill Kimpton’s first boutique hotel in San Francisco. It’s great to see that tradition continuing here.

Like many memorable dishes, those grit fries are deceptively simple—grits

laced with bacon, cheese and whole-kernel corn, cooled, cut into logs, deep-fried and served with piping hot pomodoro sauce. The logs are small enough that there’s plenty of crust to counter the creamy center.

The fries are the brainchild of Blue Hound Executive Chef Sean Currid.

Over the last two decades, the Scottsdale Culinary Institute grad has worked in some of the top properties in the Valley including Michael’s at the Citadel, Elements, the Camelback Inn, Mary Elaine’s, Modern Steak and ZuZu’s at the Hotel Valley Ho. Currid honed his skills working with top chefs including Bradford Thompson (Mary Elaine’s) and Charles Wiley (Valley Ho).

“There’s an intermingling of chefs in the cooking scene in the Valley,” Currid says. “It’s such a small world, especially here in Phoenix. There’s camaraderie. We support each other and look

out for each other.”

An appearance on the Food Network’s “Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell” inspired Currid to make a change.

“Chef Wanted really got me thinking when I got back,” he says. He left ZuZu’s and eventually landed at the Blue Hound.

“I applied for this job and lo and behold, got it about 18 months ago,” Currid says. “When I applied, Kimpton said they wanted to do a gastropub with a Southern flair. I’m not from the South, and I told them that when I started. They said no problem. So I’m doing my interpretations of what I think it would be.”

“That’s where I have fun,” he says.

“What does ‘gastropub’ mean? I’m trying things out as specials and letting the customer dictate what goes on the full menu.”

Another way Currid caters to his customers is in designing dishes that let them get in and out of the restaurant in an hour—a boon to downtown workers at lunch and patrons who need to dine and

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dash to a play or sports event.

He’s hitting home runs with dishes like seared ahi salad with baby arugula and frisee dressed with sriracha vinaigrette and topped with crispy beet frites. An unfussy but delicious open-face ham and cheese sandwich is redolent with Tillamook cheddar, excellent ham and thick slabs of tomato. And a standout BHKC chopped salad, served simply with the ingredients—fregola (a small pasta similar to Israeli couscous), pepitas, avocado, dried corn, cotija cheese, avocado and baby tomatoes—is arranged in stripes so you can blend them as you wish.

Oh, and don’t miss the deviled eggs with bacon jam. Simply spectacular.

Currid plans on some changes in the dinner menu, but he’s keeping customer favorites at both lunch and dinner.

Standouts include trout with golden raisins, capers, green beans and brown butter; fried green tomatoes; and flatiron steak with cherry garlic glaze.

“Right now I’m playing with whole fishes including a crispy whole loupe de mer,” Currid says, “and with veggies including a terrific Arizona citrus and kohlrabi salad.

“I’m still playing around, trying to make things people will like.”

Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails

The Palomar, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.258.0231 bluehoundkitchen.com

6830 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZ

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480-947-3585

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Tuesday–Friday 11:30-6 and ALL DAY 6830 E 5th Ave, Scottsdale, AZSunday

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www.jacksplaceoldtown.com and ALL day Sunday.

47

Think BBQ!

(Or Ribs, Chicken, Pork, Brisket & Turkey)

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Tuesday–Friday 11:30-6 and ALL DAY Sunday TUESDAY: Street Taco $1.50 or Carne Asada street Burrito for $4.95

WEDNESDAY: jumbo wingAZ night 6830 E .50 5th cent Ave, Scottsdale, THURSDAY: 480-947-3585 Midwest meatloaf covered with mushroom gravy www.jacksplaceoldtown.com served with garlic mashed potatoes vegetable of the day $10.95

HAPPY FRIDAY: English Fish n HOUR Chips for $8.95

3222 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 314-5599 www.frasherssmokehouse.com

Tuesday–Friday 11:30-6 and ALL DAY Sunday

SATURDAY: 10oz USDA Choice Ribeye steak served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetable of the day for $14.95 SUNDAY: Blackened Salmon served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetable of the day for $13.95

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

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

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

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EAT DRINK PLAY LIVE

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NEW MENU ITEMS Our talented chefs recently introduced several exciting

WINE & DINE WEDNESDAY Our expanded, award-winning wine list features

new options from our scratch kitchen, including the Tavern Burger made with all-natural ground chuck, Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs, Cubano Sliders and

more than 70 wines by the glass, all half-priced on Wednesdays.

Habana Mexican-Style Grilled Corn.

HAPPY HOUR 4 to 6:30 PM Monday - Friday Bar and Patio Only

WEEKEND BRUNCH 11AM to 3 PM Saturday-Sunday Our popular brunch features new items such as Huevos Rancheros, served with Tavern Hash Browns, and Freshly-Baked Apple Walnut Muffins.

The Shops at Gainey Village 8787 North Scottsdale Rd. | Scottsdale, AZ 85258 www.villagetavern.com | 480.951.6445

50

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

TAPPING INTO A

HEAVENLY MATCH

Craft beer and great food at Gordon Biersch Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

W

hat can be better than cold, freshly brewed beer and good hot food? It’s a match made in heaven and the concept behind brew pubs.

These days, the pubs, pulling pints of house-made craft beers to down with burgers, brats and other bar favorites, are pretty common fare. But in 1988, when brewer Dan Gordon and restaurateur Dean Biersch decided to open their first brewery restaurant in Palo Alto, California, it was a novel concept.

Much to the pleasure of lovers of fine brews, the concept caught on. Today, Gordon Biersch has locations in 18 states across the country, including Gilbert’s SanTan Village Mall.

Biersch also was responsible for another wonderful trend in food—garlic fries. He may not have invented the combination, but his restaurants were among the first to serve them, and Biersch can take credit for bringing the golden, garlicky fries into the mainstream. Bless him.

Biersch was a brewer, trained at the Technical University of Munich, and the beers at Gordon Biersch reflect that background—German-style lagers and ales brewed according to Reinheitsgetbot, the German Purity Law of beer. Beer for the Gilbert location is brewed in Glendale and Tempe and brought in kegs to the restaurant.

Four times a year, seasonal beers are added to the menu of standards. And tapping those kegs is an opportunity for what else? A party.

At the Gilbert Gordon Biersch, manager Tony Blais turns the quarterly tappings into fundraisers for community groups—most recently Gilbert fire and police departments. At the April tapping, the Mai Bock flowed and so did the dollars.

“We raised over $1,500 for the Gilbert Fire Department in two hours,” Blais says. Expect another great time at Oktober Fest, the restaurant’s biggest party of the year. (Call the restaurant for dates and details, which were not available at press time.)

Continued on p. 52

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Team Building • Happy Hour • Corporate Meetings

52

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Continued from p. 50

Blais has been general manager of Gordon Biersch in Gilbert since November. His 12-year career with the chain includes stops in Las Vegas, Hawaii and the District of Columbia.

That’s a lot of fries. “When I was a cook I remember going home smelling of garlic,” Blais says.

The fries, along with burgers, sausages, pizza and other bar standards, are great, but if I had to pick one item on the menu it would be the Cajun pasta. The combination of zesty andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp in creamy-sauced linguini is a wonderful counterpart to the crisp, citrusy flavors and bitter finish of the Mai Bock.

On a recent visit, I also sampled the beer-battered fish and chips, a stack of five large logs of perfectly battered cod served on a bed of garlic fries. (You also can get them with salt-and-pepper fries, but why would anyone pass up a chance for the garlic?)

Portion sizes are generous, so sharing is a good strategy.

Simply grilled fish—salmon and mahi mahi spritzed with beer as it cooks and finished with butter—are popular menu additions with customers, Blais says. So I’ll be back for that and the traditional sausage platter of grilled Bratwurst with braised red cabbage and sauerkraut croquettes—crispy fried morsels of kraut, bacon, Swiss cheese and potato.

“We have a few new things coming out,” Blais says. “We’re testing adding shareable dishes—served family-style—to

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the menu. And we will start selling fill-in growlers in August. There’s a huge demand for them. We probably get eight or 10 people a week who want to fill growlers.” (Growlers, for the uninitiated, are jugs that customers bring in for takeout draft beer.)

Also fairly new on the menu, the American wagu beef burgers have developed a strong following, Blais says. The rich, juicy beef pairs well with a crisp hoppy beer.

How can the uninitiated know which brew to choose? That’s easy, your server will bring you tastes. Mind did without me asking—small glasses of Royal Hopness Pale Ale and India Brown Ale to try along with the Mai Bock I’d chosen as the main beverage.

My favorite combination was the Royal Hopness, with citrus flavors and a bitter, hoppy finish that cleared the palate after the Cajun pasta. I’ll save the brown ale, with its strong malt and caramelized brown sugar notes and a bracing bitter finish, for next time. I want to come back for that Wagyu burger.

Gordon Biersch

2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, 85296, 480.722.0883.

Visit gordonbiersch.com for other area locations.

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10050 N Scottsdale Rd #121 Scottsdale AZ 85253.

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THE CRAFTMASTER

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SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month Red, White & Brew

JULY 4 Craft beer tastings, a festive buffet and live music headline the third annual July 4th celebration at the historic Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road, Tucson, 520.529.3500, haciendadelsol.com, 4 p.m. Monday, July 4, call for charge.

Ballast Point Tap Takeover

JULY 15 The Ballast Point Brewing and Spirits Company crew will tap its rarest kegs at this in-store event. The American brewery and distillery was founded in 1996 by Jack White in San Diego.

Whole Foods Market Chandler, 2955 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480.821.9447, taphunter.com, 5 p.m. Friday, July 15, free admission.

SanTan Brewing Company Christmas in July

JULY 16 SanTan’s annual Christmas in July celebration brings the flavors of the holiday to the brewpub. Enjoy seasonal music all day and turkey pot pies from the kitchen. Guests will be invited to tap the stashed kegs of SanTan’s Winter Warmer served with housemade ginger snap cookies.

SanTan Brewing Company, 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing. com, 8 a.m. Saturday, July 16, free admission.

The Beer Yogis at SunUp Brewing Co.

JULY 17 The Beer Yogis gather at SunUp Brewing Co. for a 60-minute all-levels vinyasa flow yoga class. After the practice, attendees can enjoy pints of fresh SunUp beers and the company of fellow Beer Yogis.

SunUp Brewing Co., 322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.8909, sunupbrewing.com, 10 a.m. Sunday, July 17, $25.

Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival

JULY 23 The Phoenix Convention Center will once again welcome fresh flavors and seasonal specialties poured by more than 50 of the Southwest’s best craft brewers. Sample specialty casks,

rich and unique flavor combinations and new brews from some of the industry’s best.

Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.586.6711, phoenixconventioncenter.com, 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, $57.

Pencils & Pints

JULY 27 Explore your artistic abilities and penchant for color at McFate Brewing South. Included in the $7 fee are six raffle tickets and art supplies. At the event, $20 and gratuity will be paid to McFate Brewing Company for food, a flight and a pint. Guests will also be given a tour of McFate’s new facility.

McFate Brewing Company South, 1312 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.656.9100, fatebrewing.com, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July $27, $7.

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BEERTENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

A

rcadia’s Sip Coffee & Beer Garage opened in 2015 and offers a selection of 24 rotating craft beers on tap, thanks to lifetime beer aficionado Alex Cardineau, founder and general manager. According to him, just a sampling of what’s on tap this summer includes IPAs, stouts, ales, lagers and ciders from popuar breweries, Green Flash, Dogfish Head, Ska, Ballast Point, Founders and Stone just to name a few.

What do you think makes craft beer special?

Craft beer is as complex as we are! While there are about 88 grape varietals that are used to cultivate wines, there are thousands of types of malts and hops and just as many ingredients available to enhance them—from chocolate to apples— meaning there are infinite possibilities, and something simple or complex for every person.

How did you get your start in craft beer?

Oh, it was early—and I mean very early.

My family actually took me to my first brewery at age 5—and no, they didn’t let me taste. It was called the Pizza Port, WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

and many years later, in a fun twist, they would take me back to the California brewery to celebrate my 21st birthday.

Both my sisters are also insanely talented home brewers, so the passion for craft brews is truly a family affair. Given all of this, once I was actually of age, I quickly tired of drinking crap beer available just anywhere and did what most guys my age did—starting sampling Four Peaks’ craft beers in Tempe. All it took was a taste of their Kiltlifter (and maybe a Hopknot or two) to get me hooked.

While I knew I always wanted to own my own business, I did realize I couldn’t just jump into opening a bar or brewery on my own. So after I graduated ASU, I cut my teeth in the business working at Handlebar and then Salut Kitchen Wine Bar at night while working in marketing and sales during the day. One day, Travis Radevski and his wife, Tida, came into the bar when I was working. We struck up a fast friendship, and before I knew it, I found myself working at his Old Town Scottsdale venue, Sip Coffee & Beer House, in 2014. Within the year, we knew we wanted to expand, and by 2015, I helped to found Sip Coffee & Beer Garage, which is in a former mechanic’s garage in the heart of Arcadia.

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

That it is one of the fastest-growing industries in the Valley, and across Arizona for that matter. We just had a new brewery open down the street from us in Arcadia, in fact, called Helton, as well as a great new spot, Goldwater Brewery Company, open next door to our Old Town location.

And we can barely keep up with all the Beer Festivals popping up!

Why is Sip the perfect place for craft beer?

Because you don’t have to be a “beer person” or what one might call a “beer snob” to have a good time. Our space is eclectic by design, made to help people engage with each other, either for work or play. In fact, because we are open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight, it is all too common to see folks congregate here for a work meeting that eventually transitions into a great happy hour—or even dinner—on most nights of the week. We are also unique in that we give our guests the chance to peruse our beers, not simply order from a menu. And then there is the sheer number of our beer offerings, including ciders and fruit beers. Right now, we have beers from Founders, New

Belgium, Grand Canyon, Goldwater, Maui, Lefthand, Knee Deep, Odell, Wanderlust, Upslope and many more.

What is your favorite part of the beer culture?

I love that beer has stood the test of time.

At one point, in fact, when water was too dangerous to drink, it was beer that saved the day, providing refreshment—and fun—well before television, the internet or Facebook.

What is your favorite beer at the moment?

I am really into the Sour Beer movement right now and of course IPAs, but I don’t think I could ever pick just one.

Sip Coffee & Beer Garage 3620 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 85018 602.900.5188 facebook.com/ sipcoffeeandbeergarage

CRESCENT CROWN MOBILE APP LOCATE EVENTS, BRANDS & BREWS ANYWHERE. App Available on iTunes & Google Play

Search for CRESCENT CROWN in the app store

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GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

J&G STEAKHOUSE

Forget about wine pairings! We hail the hop. We’re all about pairing our favorite craft brews with delicious dishes from Valley restaurants.

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

“J&G Steakhouse is known for many things—be it our Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence or our Devoured Phoenix Gold Medals. But for beer pairings? Yes! Our entire team, including Michelin starred founder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, takes just as much pride in helping our guests pair their meals with craft beer selections as we do in helping them to find great wine and cocktail offerings. In addition to all of the amazing local beers we offer, we are proud to introduce our guests to craft beers we find from all across the nation, including harder-to-get brews from Pennsylvania and the East Coast.

If you haven’t yet visited J&G and ordered a fabulous premium meat or seafood dish—or even our molten chocolate cake—and paired it with one of our craft beer selections out on the patio at sunset, what are you waiting for?”

- Jacques Qualin, chef de cuisine at J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician Resort

BEER

Brewery: Nimbus Brewing Company in Tucson Style: Southwestern Blond Ale Name: Dirty Guera Perhaps one of the most balanced craft beers in the Southwest, this blond ale has been a show-stopper for Nimbus since its debut more than 15 years ago. They use select Perle and German Hallertau hops in Guera, which result in an amazing floral nose to the beer. It is bright and golden to the eye, crisp on the tongue and extremely refreshing without being overly sweet.

There is a distinct hint of peach flavor as well, so a perfect pairing with so many of our dishes during the summer months.

J&G DISH

Dish: Foie Gras Terrine Why: Surprise! Our award-winning foie gras terrine, which is being served with a heavenly rhubarb compote and fresh country bread, works perfectly with this blond ale. The floral and fruit notes in the beer enhance the flavor of the rhubarb exponentially, without overpowering or taking center stage from the foie gras and its rich, buttery glory.

J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician Resort

6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale , 480.214.8000, jgsteakhousescottsdale.com

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BEER GEAR

Jasmine Kemper » The Entertainer!

It’s wedding season—and if you’re looking to surprise your groomsmen with a crafty gift for taking on the challenge, then these stainless steel bottle opener cufflinks from Uncommon Goods should do the trick.

Even if you’re not planning to get hitched, these boozy links are the perfect accessories to help make the switch from work to happy hour. The cufflinks are stylish and practical, plus you’ll be the envy of your friends when you show them what bottle-popping tricks you have up your sleeve. If you’re a fashionable guy who just happens to enjoy an after-work brew, then these multifunctional cufflinks will help you get down to business. Available at uncommongoods.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

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IT’S BASEBALL SEASON— CATCH ONE!!

TM

®

bellsbeer.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

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

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

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.

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

Pig & Pickle

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!

Union Barrel House

3636 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale Look for a changing selection of taps along with great food.

Ground Control

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.

World of Beer

526 S. Mill Avenue, 2224 E. Williamsfield Road Locations in Tempe and Gilbert Let these fine folks take you around the world with over 50 taps and 400 bottles. You are bound to find your favorite beer.

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

craft 64

Main Ingredient Ale House

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.

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.

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

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

The Brass Tap

1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104 Mesa Over 60 Taps of great craft beers and over 300 total craft beers from around the globe available!

Casually upscale atmosphere, open-air patio that is cigar-friendly, nice menu, daily specials and knowledgeable staff. What more could you ask for!

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

Artisan Wood Fired Pizza 36 all LOCAL Arizona beers on tap In the heart of Scottsdale

6922 E. Main StrEEt, ScottSdalE aZ • facEbo ok.coM/craft64 • craft64.coM • 480-946-0542

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INTOCABLE

ROD STEWART TRIBUTE

JULY 8

JULY 17

RODNEY CARRINGTON

KANSAS

JULY 22

AUGUST 5

FT. GREGORY WOLFE

JAY MOHR - SATURDAY, AUGUST 13 WFF LIVE MMA - SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 THOSE BRITISH GIRLS - SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 BOYZ II MEN - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

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Owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community

Tickets at WinGilaRiver.com or call 1-800-WIN-GILA

PLAN YOUR PARTY TODAY

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

THE HIGHROLLER

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PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

JULY 10 Margarita Villains

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

JULY 13

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

JULY 1 AND JULY 2 Iron Maidens: A Tribute to Iron Maiden Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

JULY 2 Enrique Iglesias

AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

The Marshall Tucker Band Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JULY 3 Fireworks Extravaganza

AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

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

Kush

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Mini-KISS

Kiss

AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Walkens Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JULY 15

Fortunate Son: Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JULY 6 Guy Pennacchio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Walkens Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Quantum

JULY 16 Happy Together Tour

The Salt River Grand Ballroom at Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Petty Breakers: A Tom Petty Tribute

JULY 22 AND JULY 23 Pick Your Poison: A Tribute to Poison Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

JULY 23 Stilettos

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JULY 24 Rock Lobster

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Banda Pachuco

JULY 27

John Eric Band

Silhouette

Vee Quiva Casino, wingilariver.com Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Intocable

JULY 15 AND JULY 16

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Soundwave

Strange Days: A Tribute to The Doors

JULY 8 Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

JULY 9

JULY 17

UFC MMA Pay Per View

Rod Stewart Tribute

Vee Quiva Casino, wingilariver.com

JULY 4

Route 66

Conference Center at Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Rodney Carrington

An Evening with Delilah

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Furious George

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Gaming Tip Take advantage of whatever comps and freebies the casino offers. Make sure and join the player’s club to acquire comps, and use the card every time with every spin of the slots— even if you are only playing for a few minutes.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Stanley Serrano Trio

JULY 29 AND JULY 30 Fooz Fighters

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

JULY 29

Silhouette

Turn the Page: A Bob Seger Tribute

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JULY 20

JULY 30

Thaddeus Rose

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

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

JULY 22

Static

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JULY 31 Soundwave

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Robert Cray

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE BEST CASINO EVENTS IN JULY

Caity Hemmerle » The Entertainer!

Keith Richards, Bonnie Raitt and John Lee Hooker.

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., $30-$65.

Kiss

JULY 4 As one of rock’s most influential bands, KISS definitely knows how to put on a show. The legendary group will take the stage—complete with pyro—at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino Del Sol early this month.

Casino del Sol Resort, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com, 8 p.m., $100-$325

Rod Stewart Tribute featuring Gregory Wolfe The Marshall Tucker Band

Enrique Iglesias

JULY 2 One of the best-selling Latin artists, Enrique Iglesias will perform at the AVA Amphitheater at Casino del Sol this month. Iglesias has sold over 137 million records worldwide and has had a slew of No. 1 songs on the Billboard charts.

Casino del Sol Resort, 5655 W. Valencia Road, Tucson, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com, 8 p.m., $65-$150.

JULY 2 After 40 years of spectacular shows, The Marshall Tucker Band is still kicking and making its way to Maricopa. Don’t miss this free show full of country, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, blues and everything in between.

Harrah’s Ak-Chin, 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin, 8 p.m., free.

Fireworks Extravaganza

JULY 17 Gregory Wolfe realized at a young age that he looked and sounded just like Rod Stewart. Wolfe has taken his act worldwide and has been called one of the best Rod Stewart tributes. Don’t miss him perform classic hits such as “Maggie May” and “Forever Young.”

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, 3 p.m., $20.

Robert Cray

JULY 3 Casino del Sol Resort is throwing a celebration to mark its 22nd year.

This free, all-ages event includes food specials, music and more.

Casino Del Sol Resort, 5655 W Valencia Road, Tucson, 1.855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com, 7 p.m., free.

JULY 22 Legendary blues guitarist and singer Robert Cray returns to The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort this July. For more than 40 years, the five-time Grammy Award winner and his band created a fresh sound inspired by America’s roots, working with the likes of Eric Clapton,

Rodney Carrington

JULY 22 Stand-up comedian and country music artist Rodney Carrington will perform live at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino. Get your tickets now for an incredibly funny night at Carrington’s “Here Comes the Truth” tour.

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler, 1.800.946.4452, wingilariver.com, 3 p.m., $42-$75.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

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KISS AND TELL?

Paul Stanley stays mum on Arizona experiences Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

K

iss’ history with Arizona is “pretty long and pretty steamy on all sides,” says singer/rhythm guitarist Paul Stanley.

But don’t press him for details.

“I’ve spent my fair share of time there with and without the band,” says Stanley, whose legendary act kicks off its summer tour on July 4 at Casino del Sol in Tucson.

“I have some long-term ties there and I have some great memories. I won’t go much more into detail. We have been going to Arizona, whether it’s Phoenix or Tucson, for as long as I can remember. It’s always been hot in more ways than one.

That’s rock ‘n’ roll.”

Stanley could be talking about debauchery, Kiss’ trademark pyro or the Sonoran Desert temperatures. One thing is clear: On this tour, Kiss is supporting

soldiers by partnering with Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) and Veteran Tickets Foundation (Vet Tix). Kiss is hiring for the enviable role of “Roadie for the Day” for each show and donating tickets to VetTix.org.

Stanley says it’s imperative to support the troops.

“They just don’t get a fair shake,” he says passionately. “They volunteer to go into harm’s way. They volunteer to risk everything they have. It’s difficult for them physically and psychologically.

“We forget about their families. So many people are impacted by their service.

Anytime we can shed a light on that is great.”

Stanley says he and his bandmates— bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer—see charity work as something that’s required of them.

“I think the more success we’ve gotten, the more it’s clear that charity isn’t an option. It’s an obligation,” Stanley says.

“The greatest reward is giving.”

Kiss’ giving nature extends to live shows. Stanley adds that Kiss still enjoys playing the hits like “Detroit Rock City,” “Cold Gin” and “Rock and Roll All Nite.”

“Listen, I love what I do,” he says.

“When bands start rearranging songs it’s because they’re bored. They’re also showing that the songs don’t hold up as they were. They’re also showing a lack of respect for bands. Fans don’t want to hear a reggae version of a song.

“They want to hear it the way they remember it. Otherwise, it shows blatant disregard for fans. We’re there for the fans, not vice versa.”

Stanley says yes, there will be plenty of pyro on July 4.

“We’re never known for subtlety,” says Stanley, who also fronts Soul Station, his 13-piece R&B band. “We will be in our full glory. The band’s never been better.

At this point, we don’t compete with anybody—just our legacy and our history.

“When we go out every night, it’s not only to live up to our past, it’s to surpass it. We don’t want someone to say, ‘You should have seen them when ...’ Every show is the only show that matters. We make sure it’ll be a show to talk about for some time to come.”

Kiss

Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheatre, 5655 W. Valencia Rd., Tucson, 855.765.7829, casinodelsol.com, 8 p.m. Monday, July 4, $100-$1,250.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

THE GLADIATOR

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CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

MMA USA EXPO JULY 23 AND JULY 24 The MMA USA Expo is back and better than ever! Check out some of the best MMA, wrestling and boxing has to offer—all under one roof.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, www. mmausaexpo.com, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

July 23, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 24, $9.99-$19.99.

JULY’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS Shane DeGrote » The Entertainer!

Firecracker Southwest Valley YMCA Triathlon and Duathlon

GoFast Entertainment Drift & Drag

JULY 3 Youths and adults can enjoy getting fit and active at the eighth annual Firecracker Southwest Valley YMCA Triathlon and Duathlon. Nothing beats the fun of biking, swimming and running.

Southwest Valley Regional YMCA, 2919 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, www.trifamilyracing.com, $85-$210.

JULY 9 Fast cars, wide drifts and the smell of burning rubber. What else can you ask for on a Saturday night? Enjoy the high-octane fun with some of the fastest cars on the planet and then stay for crazy turns in what is an event you can’t miss!

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, racewildhorse.net, 3 p.m., $15.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

San Diego Padres

Arizona Rollergirls

JULY 4 There isn’t a better way to celebrate Independence Day than by taking the family to Chase Field to watch the D-backs take on the San Diego Padres. You won’t have to miss the fireworks either, as the D-backs will its own at the stadium.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona.diamondbacks. mlb.com, 6:10 p.m., $19-$250.

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Indiana Fever JULY 8 Celebrate the WNBA’s 20th anniversary season as the Mercury tries to get back on track with the help of leading lady Diana Taurasi. The matchup against the Indiana Fever will be an exciting one.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, wnba. com/mercury, 7 p.m., $9-$225.25.

Arizona Rattlers vs. Cleveland Gladiators JULY 24 The Rattlers hope to finish their 2016 regular season strong against the Cleveland Gladiators. Haven’t been to TSR to see the Rattlers?

You’re missing out on an actionpacked evening that’s sure to blow up the scoreboard.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, azrattlers.com, 6 p.m., $9-$132.25.

Southwest Regional Championship AAU Basketball Tournament JULY 29 TO JULY 31 Amateur dribblers show off their skills at this championship event. The Southwest Regional Championships host some of the best kids from third to 12th grades as they try and take home the gold.

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, www. southwestregionalchampionship. com, 9 a.m., visit website for pricing.

Arizona United SC vs. Tulsa Roughnecks FC JULY 30 AZ United take on the Tulsa Roughnecks for the second time in July, this time in front of the home crowd. Don’t miss the opportunity to support the Arizona United squad and enjoy United Soccer League action.

Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, arizonaunited. com, 7:30 p.m., $5-$20.

JULY 16 Check out the fast-paced action of the Arizona Rollergirls, who look to prove that they are the best flat-track roller derby stars in the nation.

Broadway Recreation Center, 59 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, arizonarollergirls.com, check website for time, $10-$20.

ARR Summer Series Race No. 4 5K JULY 16 Never ran a 5K? Now is your chance with the fourth run of the Arizona Road Racers’ summer series. Make sure to drink plenty of water in the July heat.

Kiwanis Park, 6111 All American Way, Tempe, arizonaroadracers. com, 6:30 a.m., $5-$30.

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AGA Golf Days Presented by Valley Acura Dealers

Your Friends | Your Format | Your Kind of Fun July 30:

Camelback Golf Club

Sept. 10:

TPC Champions

April 25: Arrowhead Country (a Bunker to Bunker event) Club May 12: 7: Legacy Aug. Troon Golf NorthClub May 28: Wigwam Golf Course (a Bunker to Bunker event)

Oct. Stoneridge June1:25: ASU Karsten Golf Club

July 30: EVENT Camelback Golf Club AGA TOUR (a Bunker to Bunker event) 2016 Southern Amateur (Divisional) Aug. 12:ClubTroon North The Golf of Vistoso Sept. 10: TPC Champions July 16-17, 2016 Oct. 1: Stoneridge Golf Club Field: 96 players, Price: $175, Entry Deadline: July 11th

Register today!

www.azgolf.org | 602-944-3035

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

GOLF SECTION

Dove Valley Big Hole Event is Every Golfer’s Wish!

Ever wish that darned hole was just a little bit bigger? If so, grab your putter and enroll in the Dove Valley Ranch Big Hole Event on Thursday, July 14.

Golfers will enjoy huge, 15-inch holes, so this is your chance to one-putt all day long!

Fees are $20 ($15 if DVR cardholder or $5 for DVR members). Entry includes 18 holes organized as a nine-hole tournament and nine holes of fun. Fees include cart and entry into all prizes and contests. A variety of prizes, including first-place and last-place, blind-draw prizes, oncourse contests and more. $5 more gets you a hot dog lunch.

The July 4 weekend is filled with deals, including $100 unlimited golf Friday through Monday, with no cart feet; 20% discount in the Copper Bar and pro shop, and free driving range use.

Summer deals beyond the fourth? Not a problem. How about $18 green fees seven days a week after 11 a.m.; only $27 before 11 a.m., golf cart included. Other discounts are 50% off range balls, 10% off at Copper Bar and pro shop, and 15% savings back in rewards to be used on future golf.

Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club 33750 N. Dove Lakes Drive, Cave Creek 85331, 480.488.0009, DoveValleyRanch.com

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Sponsored by

2016 Summer We-Ko-Pass Play all summer long for reduced rates and extra perks

On sale for only $59, the Summer We-Ko-Pass allows you and your three pals (daily) to play Saguaro—No. 1-ranked golf course in Arizona, according to Golfweek magazine—now through Sept. 30. (Cholla is closed for renovation). You also receive a free round with every five paid cardholder rounds; a 20% discount on nonsale merchandise; free We-Ko-Pa golf cap; and $25 in free play at Fort McDowell Casino. The preferred rates are also valid for play locally at Gold Canyon Resort and SunRidge Canyon Golf Club as well as Twin Warriors Golf Club in New Mexico.

To purchase or learn more, call (866) 660-7700 or visit https://wekopa.com/2016-we-ko-pass/.

LONGBOW GOLF CLUB

Located in North Mesa, Longbow Golf Club is a quick drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Old Town Scottsdale.

The award-winning facility is one of the “Top 100 Resort Courses in the Country” and ranked as “One of The Top 20 Best Courses You Can Play In Arizona” by Golfweek magazine. Total yardage extends to 7,050 yards from the back tees, and forgiving fairways welcome players of all skill levels. The Longbow Grille was honored as one of the “Best 19th Holes in the East Valley” by the East Valley Tribune, serving up breakfast, lunch, snacks, drinks and more, from all-American to Southwestern spice cuisine. Online tee-time bookings available from the website or call 480.807.5400 for the best guaranteed rates and specials. A fantastic practice area with hitting stations, distinct targets, chipping and putting greens and sand bunkers awaits needing to polish their championship skills.

Longbow is one of the best overall values for local great golf.

Longbow Golf Club, 5601 E. Longbow Parkway, Mesa 85215, 480.807.5400

Become a Breakfast Baller today go to

www.azgolf.org/index.php/join

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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

WARMING UP FOR THE

GAME

OF LIFE Mesa students stretch as the Rattlers strive to repeat title

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

T

he five-time Arena Football League Champion Arizona Rattlers have a secret weapon off the field—local students.

“Since 2006, the Rattlers have partnered with Carrington College’s Mesa campus and its physical therapy technology program to offer students hands-on work with the team’s athletes both before and after games each season,” says Rattlers coach Kevin Guy. “I can say—without a doubt—their hard work has helped our team physically and mentally both on and off the field.”

Through this partnership, Rattlers players visit the Mesa campus each Monday for postgame athletic massages and stretching. Most often, it is focused on reducing inflammation and edema caused by the weekend’s games. Then, each Thursday during the season, as many as 10 students travel to the Rattlers’ training facility to provide pregame therapies.

“Athletes often push themselves beyond the normal limits of the human body,” says Carrington student Richard Abisia. “In order to win, they have to be in tiptop condition mentally and physically. Like motorized vehicles, the human body is a fine-tuned machine that requires regular maintenance. If maintenance is not done, the body suffers just like cars do. That is where we come in.”

Students are prepared for this testing ground by successfully entering the basic areas of study in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, human movement and movement disorders.

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“We have students who also end up doing their full externship rotations with the club, meaning they perform 180 or more hours serving as sports medicine interns assisting the head athletic trainer, says Phil Schauer, Physical Therapy Technology program director at the Mesa campus. “These students actively learn skills that will prepare them for a transition into a health care field including everything from ultrasound to electrical stimulation therapy to even therapeutic and preventative taping and cryotherapy.”

According to Schauer, they are focused on providing a broad base of knowledge covering issues related to the muscles, bones, nerves, ligaments and tendons.

“The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for qualified physical therapist assistants is expected to increase by about 40% from 2014 to 2024. The need is real, so the training needs to be set in both the real world as well as the classroom,” Schauer says.

Schauer also notes that there is nothing that compares to the hands-on experience that students get working on elite athletes.

“Going in knowing that you’re working on people who are idolized— and that your mission is to help them to perform even better—is a great feeling.

You have a little added pressure at first, but once you get to know the players they are just like everyone else. I personally am still working on my niche in life and these players have already found theirs. It’s an inspiration,” says student Por’Sha James.

Among the notable returning Rattlers players – and their bodies – inspiring James and classmates are quarterback Nick

Davila, wide receiver Kerry Reed and linebacker Tyre Glasper.

“These players and this project are such perfect fits for me,” says student Cassandra Bence.

“In fact, I initially decided to volunteer because of how much I loved being a part of the Red Mountain Sports Medicine team back in high school, where I worked primarily with football and wrestling. While in high school I learned what a certified athletic trainer did for the athletes; through our Physical Therapy Technology program, I am learning how to actually perform the specific activities of my planned career.”

According to Schauer, the program does more than prepare students like Abisia, James and Bence for the physical demands of the actual jobs they seek. It teaches them soft skills including bedside manner, projecting maturity and professionalism.

“What I hear most from employers is the need for health care professionals to

have exceptional soft skills, which are not easy to teach and even tougher to demonstrate in a job application,” said Schauer.

“Integrating on-the-job career coaching throughout the duration of the student lifecycle makes all the difference. Not only does it provide a much-needed support system, it allows students time to build their confidence.”

Just as the Rattlers’ practices prepare the team for matchups through August, the purpose of opportunities like these for the students to act as a “warm up” before the big game (of life) for students.

The students also add that in their world, the athletic trainers are as much the rock stars as the athletes.

“Right now, getting to watch the Rattlers’ Head Athletic Trainer Sean McMannes, who has also served on the training staffs with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders, in action is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Abisia says.

COOL SEATS Skip the heat with INDOOR FAMILY FUN TICKETS starting at $9

FRI | JULY 1 | 7 PM Republic Services Recycling Night Appearance by Shoni Schimmel

SAT | JULY 16 | 7 PM Rock The Pink Night T-Shirt Giveaway (lower bowl only)

TUES | JULY 19 | 7 PM Green Night Powered By

phoenixmercury.com | 602.252.WNBA

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NOT JUST FOR KICKS

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Arizona United hopes by upping its game that a Major League Soccer franchise might soon follow Shane DeGrote » The Entertainer!

A

s soccer continues its rise in the United States, Arizona United is doing its best to put it on the radar in the Valley.

“It is an up-and-coming team, but we have really high hopes with all of the ownership announcements,” says Carl Woszczynski, Arizona United’s 6-foot-5 starting goalkeeper.

The announcements sure have made a buzz, as world-renowned DJ and producer Diplo and Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz came on this year as Arizona United investors.

“They’re bringing in some big-name guys and they want to do great things for soccer here,” Woszczynski says. “I think it is only going to go up from here.”

How far up? With the impressive ownership group in place, there is no reason why Arizona will be without a Major League Soccer team for long if Arizona United, created in 2014, achieves, Woszczynski says. “(Metro Phoenix) is the biggest market in the U.S. without a MLS team right now,” he says. “Bringing in those big-name guys is only going to help that push for the next few years down the road.”

Woszczynski knows a good thing when he sees it. He played for several teams in the United Soccer League before he joined Arizona United.

“My wife and I have loved it,” he says of the Valley. “It is a great area...a lot of good food. I love what the club is doing.

It has been great having (coach) Frank Yallop in this year. I think our ownership is great. They have really supported us. It is a great place to be.”

An Indiana native, Woszczynski split time between basketball and soccer as a youngster. After a few years, he realized that his future was in soccer.

“It has been a blessing to be able to come out here and call this my job,” he says. “I enjoy this weather and being out with the guys. It’s been a blast.”

without a contract and spent time practicing with another MLS team before he signed with the LA Blues of the USL. That second chance after his experience with the Fire continues to drive him.

“Most of the guys here want to get up to that top division,” he says. “Having a taste of it my rookie year with a couple different teams, it would be great to get back up there. I just have to keep playing well and working hard.”

Working hard is exactly what Woszczynski has been doing for Arizona United. In 2015, he set a USL record for saves in a season. The record was bittersweet for Woszczynski, though.

“It is a personal achievement to have and to make but you don’t want that much action because I think we gave up the most goals in the league, too,” he says.

“I look at that more than the saves.”

After finishing 10-16-2 and 10th in the Western Conference last season, Arizona United hopes to improve this season by utilizing its home-field

advantage—the Arizona heat.

“Today it was 110 degrees and it doesn’t feel that hot right now to us,” Woszczynski says.

“Guys coming from other cities are going to die in this weather. So if we can keep our fitness up and stay sharp at home, it can really help us out.”

Arizona United, however, has struggled with its “home field.” The team has moved from Peoria to Scottsdale and then back to Peoria during the last three years.

It doesn’t matter where Arizona United plays, Woszczynski says. He believes the key to boosting its fan base is winning.

“People come out and they want to see us play and see us do well,” he says.

“As we start winning more game, the fans will continue to grow and the numbers will grow.

“Everyone wants to support a winning product. That is our responsibility, to get those results on the field, play an exciting brand of football (the name that the sport is known by outside of

the United States), which I think we do.

I think we will start to get some results going our way and see more people in the stands.”

Thus far in 2016, Arizona United has struggled.

“The guys are staying positive... coming into the summer with the hot weather and all,” Woszczynski says. “We just need to be prepared for that and make this a fortress.

“We need to make it hard for teams to win and play here and make us win games here. We’re kind of staying positive in that it is a long season and the Western Conference is so close in points from top to bottom. I think we will be fine.”

Arizona United’s season runs through Saturday, September 24. For more information, visit arizonaunited.com.

BURNING DESIRE

Woszczynski was drafted by the Chicago Fire in 2012 from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. He left the club WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

THE YOUNGSTER

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FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE FUNNEL CAKE BLOG: WHAT’S NEW IN SoCAL

STEP INTO A

GHOST TOWN

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

G

host Town, the oldest section of Knott’s Berry Farm is celebrating its 75th anniversary. To make money during hard times, Walter and Cordelia Knott began serving fried chicken. Their boysenberry pies and delicious home cooking drew the masses.

The restaurant was so popular, something needed to be done to keep the waiting crowds entertained. Ghost Town was born.

During the summer, “Ghost Town Alive!” fully immerses guests into the Old West, where they become part of an all-day show. The premise: Guests enter the town of Calico on the day of the 75th anniversary hoedown. All is peaceful. The barber is offering his services inside his shop (stop by and get a mustache), the assay office is

buzzing with activity, the sheriff is playing cards and talking to townsfolk, the newspaper staff is out and about. Mayor Parnell and his wife preparing for a re-election ceremony at 4 p.m.

All of this changes when Clay Mayfield waltzes into town causing trouble and proclaims that he has a deed to Calico.

The sheriff tells him the deed is fake, while citizens fill the streets in shock. Irritated, Mayfield and his gang go on to cause trouble throughout the day. The gang robs the assay office and train depot, and tries to loot the bank. This plays out mini shows around Ghost Town. Guests are invited to help stop them at 2:30 with a posse. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the sheriff. Have news? Tell the reporters at the telegraph office.

The cast members have done an amazing job to engage guests. Opening day, the show went off without a hitch and guests were drawn into the story. The 4 p.m. election gets derailed a bit (all part of the story), and much to everyone’s surprise, park guests showed up in droves to participate.

Other entertainment includes new Calico Saloon and Stunt Shows. After sun goes down, the train rolls in with a carload of circus performers performing a 30-minute show of mystifying acts that you do not want to miss.

For the adrenaline junkies, Ghostrider, the tallest, fastest, longest wooden roller coaster on the West Coast, has received a new track and new trains, providing a significantly smoother ride, which seems incredibly faster than before.

Check the Knott’s Berry Farm website for schedule of events.

Knott’s Berry Farm

8039 Beach Boulevard Buena Park, California 90620 714.220.5200 knotts.com

For photos and additional updates, visit: facebook.com/theFUNnelCakeBlog • theFUNnelCakeBlog.com 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

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN JULY Caity Hemmerle » The Entertainer!

The World of Giant Insects

JULY 1 THROUGH JULY 31 Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition, “The World of Giant Insects,” transports families into a bug’s life by getting up close and personal with interactive animatronic critters.

Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.716.2000, azscience.org, 10 a.m. daily, $6 plus general admission.

Ice Age: Collision Course, Overnight at the Museum!

“Old MacDonald”

JULY 1 THROUGH JULY 10 The famous farmer and his animal friends put on a show this month at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater.

The show is created with rod puppets and features toddler-friendly music and is great sing-along fun.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, various times, $7-$10.

JULY 8 In celebration of the July 22 release of “Ice Age: Collision Course,” the Arizona Museum of Natural History is hosting a special overnight camp called “Ice Age: Collision Course,” where kids ages 6 to 12 and adult chaperones older than 21 will “chill out” with mammoths, mastodons and more.

Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, http://bit.ly/1PifDKF, 6 p.m., $35-$45.

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JULY 4 Indulge in fair fare like hot dogs, barbecue, ice cream, fry bread, shaved ice and more at the annual Tempe Town Lake Festival. Music and fireworks are headliners.

Tempe Town Lake, 620 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.350.5189, tempe4th.com, 5 p.m., $5-$30.

JULY 7 Join the Glendale Summer Band for its 50th summer with a familyfriendly concert at Murphy Park Amphitheater in Glendale. This particular week will feature music from “Peter Pan” and “Hook.”

Murphy Park Amphitheater, 58th and Glendale avenues, Glendale, 623.930.28208, glendaleaz.com, 8 p.m., free.

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Teen social media mavens bring YouTube videos to life Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival

Glendale Summer Band Series: Never Grow Up

TWIN POWER

Westgate Wednesdays: “Frozen” Fiesta

JULY 13 Families will get the chance to meet and take photos with characters from “Frozen” at Westgate’s weekly festival.

Music, games, prizes and dancing make this the perfect “Frozen” experience.

Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, 623.385.7502, westgateaz.com, 6 p.m., free.

hen 16-year-old brothers Grayson and Ethan Dolan were in high school last year, neither dreamed that their quirky videos would reach more than 10 million fans.

“I never knew it was actually possible,” Grayson says. “It’s amazing.”

With model-like good looks, the Dolans are known for their comical, relatable skits about teen life, like, “How It Feels When You Find a Dollar,” “Never Text and Walk” and “Weird Yoga Poses.”

New videos are added every Tuesday on their official YouTube channel and consistently trend No. 1 on Twitter. The duo, who have millions of social media followers between them, are bringing their 4OU tour to the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Friday, July 8.

So what exactly will they do?

“With pretty much every show, we make our YouTube videos come to life,” Grayson says. “We’re doing the same challenges and games that we do in our

videos, but on stage. We have our friend, Alex (Aiono), who is also a YouTuber and singer, as our special guest.”

Like the stage show, the videos Ethan says, are easy to create. The brothers just do whatever comes naturally to them—or their fans.

“Sometimes we tweet and ask fans what they would like to see,” says Ethan, who hopes to pursue traditional acting with his brother. “We just have really random ideas.”

Creating YouTube videos is satisfying, but it pales in comparison to live shows.

“There’s no better feeling than being on stage and having supporters right in front of you,” Grayson says. “It’s the most fun thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Dolan Twins

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m.

Friday, July 8, $30.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

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FOLLOW YOUR HEART Learn what makes us tick at Halle Heart Children’s Museum Kimberly Hosey » The Entertainer!

I

f you’re looking for an indoor adventure as our temperatures soar—or to sneak in a bit of learning while your kids are on summer break—Halle Heart Children’s Museum has you covered. During the summer, the center’s longer hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday) ensure that more visitors will have a chance to take a journey into the circulatory system to see what makes our hearts tick.

Halle Heart Children’s Museum, a program of the American Heart Association, originally started as the Halle Heart Center in 1996, expanding to a 16,000-square-foot museum in 2011. But until recently, the interactive, kid-friendly museum did not offer regular public hours. A grant from Insight Inc. last year allowed the museum to open to the public. To those just learning of it, it can feel like a bit of a hidden gem, but more than 35,000 guests visit the Halle Heart Children’s Museum each year.

With an open, airy, colorful design and eight engaging exhibits, the museum makes learning heart health welcoming and entertaining for kids as well as adults.

Visitors learn about everything from the dangers of smoking to exercise and the importance of a balanced diet; as well as how to spot signs that someone is having a stroke or heart attack—and what to do. The museum’s beginnings as a center to educate school groups, teachers and parents about heart are clear, and it’s translated beautifully into an engaging and fun family outing destination.

The museum is billed as a children’s destination, but with information like how to perform CPR on an infant and

how to plan meals, everyone in the family has something to learn here.

The museum has some striking exhibits (and photo opportunities) as well: A giant model of a human heart greets visitors, surrounded by information about arteries and veins, and life-size models of a giraffe, elephant, zebra and other creatures greet families in the “All Creatures Great and Small” exhibit.

Windows display models of their hearts and let kids compare heart sizes with their fellow animals. Kids can press a button to learn about each animal and even hear the hearts beat.

What makes the museum perfect for kids—especially younger kids—is the hands-on nature of it. Kids will love the arts and crafts available, but they can also practice making healthy food choices in the museum’s marketplace. There, kids “shop” for artificial (but realistic) food items, read food labels, ring out at cash registers, and learn how to plan healthy meals.

In the “kitchen,” meal prep takes center stage—and all the while, kids are setting a foundation for making healthful choices.

The museum stresses eating a balanced diet, making physical activity part of our daily routine and saying no to tobacco— especially smoking, says Programs and Operations Director Claudine M. Wessel.

And the museum certainly does that. But the secret to their success is the same as the “secret” to all successful lessons: They make you want to learn.

Check the museum’s website for special events like their Toddler Test Kitchen cooking series, Little Rhythms Music and Movement classes, Video Game Olympics and more.

Public hours for self-guided tours are daily during public hours. Admission is $5

for adults and children 4 and older, $4 for guests 62 and older, and children 3 and younger are free.

The also museum offers guided tours, available by appointment only, which meet 18 state curriculum standards for science, health and physical education at the second- and fifth-grade levels.

Halle Heart Children’s Museum

2929 S. 48th Street, Tempe 602.414.5353 halleheartchildrensmuseum.org

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

THE SHOWMAN

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LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

RELISHING

THE PAST

Toad the Wet Sprocket fine with being remembered as ’90s act Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

T

oad the Wet Sprocket’s Dean Dinning is thankful for the 1990s. The decade was filled with great music, including the band’s breakthrough album, Fear, he maintains. The bassist is pleased, too, that the era is finally being recognized for its proclivity.

“A lot of people are thinking about the ’90s again and ’90s pop culture, like the ‘Empire Records’ soundtrack and ‘Friends.’ People write articles about why ‘Empire Records’’ soundtrack was the best soundtrack of all time.

“We were involved in so many things at that time, too, and we’re definitely coming back now. “ Thirty years after Toad the Wet Sprocket began, the name is continuing to become a piece of pop culture trivia.

“We keep ending up in TV shows and things like that,” Dinning says. “There was even a Toad the Wet Sprocket commemorative beer.”

Toad the Wet Sprocket as well as Rusted Root are bringing back the era with a co-headlining run that comes to the Marquee Theatre on Sunday, July 10.

The run also allows Toad the Wet Sprocket to thoroughly reexamine 1991’s Fear.

“It’s nice to have something like that to celebrate,” he says of Fear’s 25th anniversary. “It’s a great record. There are so many good songs on it. It certainly did well for us. We wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t a great record.”

Dinning isn’t exaggerating when he suggests he owes his career to Fear, which spawned the hits “Walk on the Ocean,” “Hold Her Down,” “All I Want” and “I Will Not Take These Things for Granted.”

They still resonate with fans.

“They’re just good songs and the

production’s not overbearing,” Dinning says about the tunes’ longevity. “We were very tasteful about what we were doing back then—and still are.”

Despite a few short breaks, Toad the Wet Sprocket has maintained its original lineup of Dinning, vocalist/guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols and drummer Randy Guss.

“This is the same four guys who got together in 1986,” Dinning says. “This has never been a band that’s about one person. That may have prevented us from being bigger.

“Like with Matchbox Twenty, everybody focuses on Rob Thomas. Twenty years later, Rob Thomas is out with Counting Crows. I hope the other guys in Matchbox Twenty are doing well.”

In 2013, Toad the Wet Sprocket released its first new album in 16 years called New Constellation. In a nod to the continuing success of Toad the Wet Sprocket, a Kickstarter campaign

to raise money to record the album. It raised $50,000 in 20 hours. Earlier this year, the band recorded a cover of Roger Miller’s “Nothing Can Stop You My Love.” Dinning expects it to be released in the fall.

“Things are ever-expanding,” he says.

“Seriously, when you hear this thing, it’s going to blow you away. It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.

“I see us continuing. There’s more music to be made. After New Constellation, we have a lot more ground to cover. We have a lot more to explore and we still got it.”

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 10, $33-$113.62.

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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 Madrid

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Selena Gomez w/DNCE

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

JULY 1 Brit Floyd

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$55

Kevin Morby

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

Ozzmania w/Damage Inc. Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Orpheum Theater (Flagstaff), 8 p.m., $31.50

Ted Nugent

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$70

JULY 2 Authority Zero

Marquee Theatre, 6:15 p.m., $20

Enrique Iglesias

AVA Amphitheatre, Casino del Sol, 8 p.m., $65-$150

G-Eazy w/Logic, Yo Gotti, YG Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6:30 p.m., $28$354

Khani Cole’s Sonic Table

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., 9 p.m., $28.50-$35.50

Thee Commons

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., free

Frankie J

Rawhide, 4 p.m., $15

JULY 3 Flight of the Conchords

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50-$55

Frankie J

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $15-$25

Hinder (acoustic)

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $48.50-$58.50

JULY 4 KISS

AVA Amphitheatre, Casino del Sol, 8 p.m., $100-$1250

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $34.25-$115.25

JULY 6 Chicago

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $72-$132

The Falcon

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

Jon Bellion

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20

The Peach Kings w/Mobley Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

JULY 7 Margaret Glaspy

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $11-$12

Speak Easy

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $5-$8

The Psychedelic Furs

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$33

Terrance Simien Zydeco Experience

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

JULY 14 Devon Allman

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

Taste of Chaos Tour w/ Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Saosin, The Early November Comerica Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $39.95-$59.95

JULY 15 Alfredo Olivas w/Hnos. Vega Jr.

JULY 8

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $40-$95

Dolan Twins

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $30

Rick Springfield w/The Romantics

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $55-$75

Al Stewart

Desert Thawout Day 1 w/Radio Fix, Atoms Fall, Run Definitely Run, Throw Logic

Slightly Stoopid w/SOJA

Marquee Theatre, 5 p.m., $10

JULY 9

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $27-$1820

Mesa Amphitheatre, 5:30 p.m., $35-$102

Rascal Flatts w/Kelsea Ballerini

JULY 5

Brian Wilson

JULY 16

Mitski

Darius Rucker w/Dan + Shay, Michael Ray

Al Stewart

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $26-$345

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

Drew Cooper’s Backyard BBQ

Deerhoof

Rialto Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $10-$12

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $15-$18

JULY 10

Desert Thawout Day 2 w/ Sicmonic, Howitzer, There Is No Us, Lost In Lies

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $110-$130

Toad the Wet Sprocket w/ Rusted Root Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $33-$113.62

White Lung

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

JULY 12 Halsey

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50

Flight of the Conchords JULY 3

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50-$55 After a 2012 reunion tour sparked a new interest in this Wellington, New Zealand-based comedy-folk duo, the Flight of the Conchords, has been teasing at a potential feature-length film follow-up to its Emmy-nominated TV show for the past several years. Now, as part of its 2016 tour, Flight of the Conchords will be stopping at Comerica Theatre to deliver its usual brand of dry and witty Wellington humor over folk-inspired parodic music.

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JULY 13

I Set My Friends On Fire

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

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $48-$78

Pinegrove

Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Marquee Theatre, 5 p.m., $10

The Happy Together Tour 2016 w/The Turtles Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $45-$100

Smoke Season w/Caught a Ghost Valley Bar, 8 p.m., free

JULY 17 Dixie Chicks

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $27-$397

The Fall of Troy

Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $17-$20

Pitbull

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7 p.m., $35.20-$135.20

Robert Ellis

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

DMX

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $30-$500

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$36

Otherwise

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $30-$43

Pedrito Martinez Band

JULY 28

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $12-$15 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$43.50

Phillip Phillips w/Matt Nathanson, A Great Big World Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $39.50-$49.50

Rob Zombie w/Korn, In This Moment

Modest Mouse w/Brand New JULY 25

RUNA

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$33.50

Streetlight Manifesto

Steven Tyler

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.95-$149.95

Big Business

Billy Strings Trio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$33.50

Digitour Summer

Crescent Ballroom, 4 p.m., $25-$129.99

Meghan Trainor

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $29.95-$59.95

JULY 25

Dark Sermon

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $33-$108

Lawrence

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Mindi Abair

Mesa Arts Center, 8 p.m., $60-$200

iVardensphere

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

Wye Oak

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

JULY 19 Goo Goo Dolls w/Collective Soul

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $10-$12 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

The Offspring

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45-$65

JULY 22 Bob Log III

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $48.50$89.50

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Hunny w/The Frights

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Stephen “Ragga” Marley Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $27

JULY 20 Eve 6

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Fear of Men

Inter Arma Jill Scott

Shawn Mendes

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40

JULY 23

Reckless Kelly

Boris

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $20-$23

Chromeo

Maya Day + Night Club, 12 p.m., $20

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Emily King

JULY 30 Atlas Genius w/Bear Hands Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $22-$25

The Claypool Lennon Delirium Marquee Theatre, 9 p.m., $29.75

Los Master Plus

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Nicky Jam

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $52.50-$142.50

JULY 31 Sublime with Rome

Comerica Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $39.50-$59.50

Woods

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $14-$16

JULY 26 Boz Scaggs

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $39.50-$225

Protoje & The Indiggnation

Club Congress, 7:30 p.m., $13-$15

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $30-$65

Ultimate Painting

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39-$59

Django Festival All-Stars Robert Cray

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $60-$95

Modest Mouse w/Brand New

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$14 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$43.50

CeeLo Green

Cash’d Out

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$43.50

Martina McBride

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $15-$18

Todrick Hall

JULY 18

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$23

JULY 24

JULY 21 Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Belly

JULY 29

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $20 Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27

The Jayhawks

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $28-$337

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39-$59 After an almost immediate sold-out show at the Marquee and an appearance at Summer Ends Festival in Arizona in 2015, Brand New is returning to the Valley once again, as part of a co-headlining tour with Modest Mouse. Each of these acts is popular in its own right, with Modest Mouse born of the indie world and Brand New being an extremely influential emo band. Now, fans will get the chance to see both bands as part of one tour.

Fitz & The Tantrums w/Zella Day

Lyfe Jennings

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $20

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TTNG

Twenty One Pilots

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7 p.m., $20.25-$40.25

Chris Isaak

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $55-$85

JULY 27 C.W. Stoneking

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Earl Klugh

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., 9 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Meghan Trainor JULY 24

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $29.95-$59.95 On July 24, Meghan Trainor will be stopping at Comerica Theatre to deliver her brand of doo-wopinspired pop songs. With five platinum singles behind her and two well-charting albums, Trainor is continuing her pop success.

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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

A TASTE OF

CHAOS

Emo heavyweights help revive the stalled tour Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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T

aking Back Sunday singer Adam Lazzara has seen his fair share of musicians move in and out of his band.

But now that the same guys have worked with Lazzara for three albums, it was time for him, bassist John Nolan, guitarist Eddie Reyes, bassist Shaun Cooper and drummer Mark O’Connell to experiment.

“Everybody has been stretching themselves as they’re playing,” says Lazzara, who just wrapped up recording Taking Back Sunday’s seventh album.

“All of us are really comfortable with one another’s abilities.

“That helped us with the last record (2014’s Happiness Is). This time, everybody pushed themselves that much further. When I hear what Mark and Shaun have come up with, I can’t believe it’s the band I’m in.”

Taking Back Sunday fans can get a preview of the as-of-yet-unnamed album when the band performs along with Dashboard Confessional, Saosin with Anthony Green and The Early November as the Rockstar Energy Drink Presents Taste of Chaos tour on Thursday, July 14, at the Comerica Theatre. The jaunt, founded in 2005 by Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman and John Reese, has returned to stages for the first time since 2009.

Lazzara says the tour was a longtime coming, as all of the bands are friends.

“We had done a good number of shows with Saosin when they were actively touring,” he says. “With Dashboard Confessional, we met Chris a few years ago when we played a festival together. We never did an actual tour together though.

“We’re happy to make this happen.

For us, we just finished the record. We’ll play a couple new songs, which I’m really happy about. It’s going to be a good time—high energy in the Arizona heat. Well, it’s a bonus that we’re playing inside.”

Rockstar Energy Drink Presents Taste of Chaos w/ Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Saosin and The Early November Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster. com, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, $39.95-$59.95.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

TWO DECADES OF

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Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

T EXTREME FUN Vans Warped Tour returns to Phoenix on its 22nd tour

he Vans Warped Tour has brought extreme sports and a variety of music to the United States and beyond for more than two decades. Founder Kevin Lyman has given acts like Katy Perry, My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy their big breaks by crossing genres from punk to hip-hop to pop and electronic.

This year’s Vans Warped Tour, which hits the Phoenix Event Complex on Tuesday, August 2, will maintain its traditional feel while making small improvements.

“We’ve scaled back a number of stages a little bit. We got a little bit more focused and, if you look at the lineup, we went back to our roots,” Lyman says. “It’s a very well-balanced lineup. It’s still going to feel like the Warped Tour. There’s still going to be a lot going on.

It just might not be so manic.”

Some of those returning to the Phoenix stage are Sum 41, New Found Glory, Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish.

“NOFX and Bad Religion used to come every couple years. It’s a great way to connect with new fans,” Lyman says.

“Then you have bands like Less Than Jake and Reel Big Fish, because ska never ages.

Those bands could be around forever and they never get old.”

However, it is the newer acts that Lyman is especially looking forward to.

“I’m excited for some of the bands, because I know they’re going to grow this summer,” explains Lyman, specifically citing Against the Current. “By now they’re pretty well known within this genre of music, but when I booked them in October, a lot of people were like, ‘Oh man, I don’t think I’ve heard that band.’ And then two bands that are completely new—The Heirs and Sykes from the U.K.—are going to surprise a lot of people.”

There is a reason that the Vans Warped Tour is the longest-running traveling music tour. By bringing together new acts with veteran Warped Tour bands, the event allows fans to come together and discover new music in one place.

While stages have been scaled back and the location has been changed, Lyman says he believes that Warped Tour is still as familiar as it was two decades ago. The tour has constantly evolved with the times without losing sight of its beginnings.

“The sense of discovery is still there and I think the value is still there,” says Lyman. “If you compare it to other festivals, we’re still the most reasonably priced music festival, I feel, with this amount of lineup that we’re bringing. So we try to make it accessible for as many people as possible, leave them as comfortable as possible and open some minds up to some discovery.”

Vans Warped Tour

Phoenix Event Complex, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, 602.622.2518, VansWarpedTour. com, Tuesday, August 2, $35-59.

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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

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

The Church’s Steve Kilbey helps create the ultimate ’80s night out Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

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G

rowing up in Australia, Steve Kilbey was hungry for concert double bills because they were economical and entertaining.

As an established musician leading the alternative rock band The Church, Kilbey is satisfying fans who follow ’80s music by touring with the Psychedelic Furs. He sees it as a perfect fit.

“There aren’t a lot of bands in the world who have the same spirit as The Church, but the Psychedelic Furs do,” says Kilbey, via telephone from Australia.

“They have the same influences as me. They love Dylan and Bowie. I think that’s a good match.”

The similarities don’t stop there between the Richard Butler-led Psychedelic Furs and The Church, who is set to perform first when the two bands come to the Pepsi Amphitheatre in Flagstaff.

“The music is yearning and self-deprecating,” Kilbey says. “Richard looks at himself as well in those songs.”

He cites the Furs’ “Highwire Days” as an example.

“The way he sings it, there’s an implication that the view wasn’t as good as he thought,” he says. “Both of us specialize in regret, but I don’t think either band is

depressing. We’re sometimes sad, but we’ll use happy music. Sometimes we’re happy but we’ll use sad music.”

Kilbey, whose band is best known for the song “Under the Milky Way,” says he feels a kinship with Butler.

“However, we do make very different music,” he says. “They have a lot of keyboards and sax. We are a guitar band and, unlike the Psychedelic Furs, we’ve gone on making new albums.

“They explore their catalog, which is fine.”

The Church is touring in support of its 25th studio album, Further/ Deeper, which was released in North America last year to rave reviews. That same year was a successful year for the band with performances at SXSW, Primavera Sound in Spain, two North American tours and its first European tour in eight years.

“I can’t stop writing music,” Kilbey says. “Someone in Australia once wrote about The Church and said we were like sharks. We have to keep swimming or else we’ll die.

“I’m always working on new music and always writing new songs. I have a very protestant work ethic. I work all the time. It’s all a bit of a paradox. I’m trying to maintain the connection with what

we used to do and at the same time move forward.”

With a catalog like that, it’s difficult to create a setlist.

“We have 25 albums and that’s 250 songs that we could do,” he says with a laugh. “We have to narrow it down and it’s not fun making up a setlist when you’re in The Church.”

Kilbey learned to be prolific from David Bowie, whose death he called “tragic.”

“I was on a holiday with my family and I was taking an afternoon nap,” he says. “I woke up and everyone was sitting there crying. I said, ‘Oh my God. What’s happened?’

“They told me that David Bowie just died. I just did this concert in Sydney for David Bowie. It was the most grueling gig I had ever done. There’s nobody like him.

You can’t compare anyone to him. He was my No. 1 influence in the way I sing and what I do.”

Psychedelic Furs and The Church

Pepsi Amphitheatre at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff, pepsiamp.com, 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, $18-$200.

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TAKE TWO

Darius Rucker enjoying success as country artist Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

D

arius Rucker is embracing his musical second act.

After years of fronting Hootie and the Blowfish, Rucker made an easy transition to country music in the late 2000s. The move was so successful that he is only one of two African Americans who has won a Country Music Association (CMA) award; the other was the influential Charley Pride in the 1970s.

Playing country music and writing songs in that genre allow Rucker to scratch one item off his bucket list.

“I was just doing it because I said I wanted to make a few country records someday,” says Rucker via telephone from his Charleston, South Carolina, home. “I would have done it in a little studio with my friends. I was going to do it big scale or not. Then I got a record deal and somebody was going to pay for my record. That was a good thing.

“It’s almost a decade in and I’m still playing big shows and having songs on the radio.”

Some of those tracks include “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” which went No. 1, and “Wagon Wheel,” a threetimes platinum smash. He is working on a new album as of press time.

Rucker, who plays Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix on Saturday, July 9, is excited to return to the Valley.

“Arizona’s always been so good to me,” Rucker says. “That’s what it’s all about for us; we want people to leave and say, ‘That was fun.’ If they’re not having fun, we’re not having fun.

“But every time I get to do it, I get really excited to go out and create a fun atmosphere.”

He calls his show a full-fledged party.

“For us it’s about playing the songs that people want to hear and have fun doing it,” says Rucker, who does perform Hootie and the Blowfish songs during his set.

“There are no big dance routines or wardrobe changes. We’re old school. We just want to come out and play the songs and hopefully everybody there has a good time and says, ‘I want to see him again.’”

Resurrecting older tracks with a different band sometimes isn’t appealing to musicians. But, again, Rucker is all about having fun and pleasing the audience.

“Getting a new crowd every night keeps it fresh for me,” Rucker adds. “It’s a thrill seeing different faces sing along and get so excited about the song they’re dying to hear. I know a lot of guys who don’t like to play old songs, but I’m not one of those guys.”

For his party, Rucker is bringing along Dan + Shay and Michael Ray. “Dan + Shay and Michael Ray are great,” says Rucker, 50. “My thing about opening bands is I want somebody who’s doing something and making noise in the business; people I want to get to know better and I want to hang out with.

“I met Dan + Shay and Michael Ray and I thought these guys are cool. I can hang with those kids.”

The Nashville scene has been good to Rucker. He counts Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley as one of his best friends.

“I love Charles,” he says. “Charles is one of my best friends in the business.

He and I are tight. We get each other. We have a good time. Anytime I get to work with Charles I say yes. I’m trying to get him to do something on this record. He’s not only an amazing talent, but he’s a better person and I love him.”

They’re avid golfers, too. Rucker’s love of the sport is well-documented; he even performed at Tiger Woods’ wedding.

“I’ve taken Charles golfing a couple of times,” he says. “He’s a really good player. I’m OK and I’ll leave it at that. We enjoy the game so much. It’s cool that he can sing like that and it’s cool that he can write like that. But he’s the guy you want to hang out with outside of music.”

As for music, Rucker says he feels blessed.

“I chalk up my success to luck,” he says. “I love being able to try something different. The whole country music thing was such a godsend. I was able to start over and that was a good thing.”

Darius Rucker w/Dan + Shay and Michael Ray

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9, $32.50-$50.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2016

THE NIGHTOWL

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SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

MAD MIXOLOGIST

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers is a French culinary term that basically translates to “putting in place,” as in set up. Professional—and even some home— kitchens use the concept of mise en place to arrange every single ingredient from meats to cheeses to spices and vegetables that their team expects it will need during a shift. If one person doesn’t buy into the concept and does his or her own thing, it can disrupt a bar just as badly as it can disrupt a kitchen.

What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own?

to find the bourbon that best fit our needs. We wanted something rich and oaky with hints of vanilla and a smoky finish that could be enjoyed on its own and stand up to being used in cocktails.

Finally, we met with the proprietor, Tom Bulleit, who shared with us that he revived his great-great-great grandfather’s family recipe in 1987 to create the 10-year brand. I am sharing this journey to share the result. We launched our custom 10-year Bulleit this past spring, and the Bittersweet is one of the first crafted cocktails we developed specifically to pair with our exclusive barrel.

By looking at me, I bet you’re thinking I am a strictly whiskey kind of guy? While I certainly like a neat whiskey or an old fashioned now and then, I actually love dry Riesling from Dr. Loosen; true champagnes like the pinot noir based Egly-Ouriet; or even a rosè. Right now, I am really into Chinon rosè, which is a cabernet franc from France.

What does ordering rum and Coke say about a person?

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

M

att Doerr dubs himself a people person.

Initially setting his sights on becoming a chef, Doerr fell in love with the front of the house and bartending when he joined the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in 2006. Eventually mentoring under some of the top beverage consultants and mixologists in the nation through the Michael Mina Group, who operates the Princess’ award-winning Bourbon Steak, Doerr was formally made cocktail curator and resort beverage manager in 2015.

Tell me about the oddest drink request you’ve gotten.

I have a tie with two stories that could not be more different from each other. I once tended bar during a convention. Used to being challenged to mix hot drinks of the moment, I had to laugh when a couple of the convention guests challenged me to get them a Silver Bullet (aka a Coors Light) and CMD. While the Coors Light was doable enough, the CMD stumped

me. Turns out he wanted a Crown Royal with Mountain Dew. Believe it or not, this was an actual challenge. Have you ever been to a restaurant or bar that had Mountain Dew on tap? On the complete flip side, I still remember being challenged to create a Ramos gin fizz—and to do it quickly. Seems easy enough, right?

Wrong! First, the Ramos gin fizz has double the amount of ingredients as most traditional cocktails, including gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg white, sugar, cream, orange flower water and soda water. And second, because of how you need to treat the egg to ensure a perfect fizz, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to make just one of these suckers. Believe it or not, I accepted the challenge and created a secret recipe that helps me to batch the cocktail without diluting it—making the Ramos gin fizz a snap.

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working?

This goes back to my culinary days.

Three words: mise en place. Or, to be more specific, the lack thereof mise en place. If you’ve seen “Top Chef,” you are probably familiar with the term. But it

It might mean that they are set in their ways. I often take an order like a rum and Coke or Diet Coke as a chance to tell them a story—be it the story of rum and its evolution, the history of the cocktail scene itself or even a story of other drinks that people love if they love rum and Coke.

What is one cocktail would love for us to feature in the magazine this month?

The Bittersweet, a blood orange colored cocktail with a very special ingredient (noted below).

What do you like about this drink?

In October 2015, we had the chance to visit the Bulleit Bourbon Distillery to help choose a custom 10-year Bulleit barrel solely for the use of Bourbon Steak at the Princess. We would be the first restaurant worldwide to do this with Bulleit. First, we met with one of the lead distillers, who took us on a full tour, showing us the process of their distillation. We then went to the cooperage facility and walked through the steps of how they make their own barrels and the toasting process. Then, we tasted samples

BITTERSWEET Yield: Makes 1 cocktail Recipe: 1 1/2 oz. Bourbon 3/4 oz. Blood orange puree (Perfect Puree) or fresh blood orange juice when available 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/4 oz. Aperol 1/4 oz. Cynar 3 mint leaves Pinch coarse black pepper METHOD Measure all ingredients and combine in a mixing tin. Add ice and shake well. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange wheel and mint sprig.

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THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR JULY Evan Baltman » The Entertainer!

Armin Van Buuren

JULY 2 With a slew of impressive accolades under his belt, Armin Van Buuren is easily one of the most successful DJs of the decade. His popular podcast, “A State of Trance,” attracts millions of listeners weekly and his song “This Is What It Feels Like” featuring Trevor Guthrie was nominated for best dance recording Grammy. His worldrenowned trance and house music has electrified venues across the globe and continue to do so during his tour for his latest album Embrace.

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, 11 a.m., $40.

Kill the Noise

JULY 9 Jake Stanczak, better known by his stage name Kill the Noise, has become a staple in EDM festivals. With major gigs like HARD, Electric Daisy Festival and Audiotistic under his belt, it’s safe to say that he’ll impress at Monarch on July 9.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington St., Phoenix, 602.456.1991, 9 p.m., $15.

JULY 16 If you’re a fan of trap, drum-and-bass or hip hop, you won’t be disappointed with Trapfest. Presented by Relentless Beats, Trapfest is the one-stop shop for big names in electronic and hiphop music. With headliners like GTA, Troyboi, Stooki Sound, Oshi, Just Blaze, Craze and Four Color Zack, be sure to expect a nice variety of styles and flavors, but also beats that will definitely keep your head bobbing.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, relentlessbeats.com, 8 p.m., $40-$250.

they were also named Artists to Watch at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Make sure to catch these two on their impressive “Emotional Roadshow World Tour” when they arrive to light up the Talking Stick Resort Arena on the 26th. The show is nearly sold out.

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7 p.m., $20.25-$40.25.

DMX

G-Eazy, Logic, YG and Yo Gotti

JULY 2 After concluding his “When It’s Dark Out” tour with A$AP Ferg just a couple months ago, G-Eazy sets off with Logic, YG and Yo Gotti on his “Endless Summer” jaunt. G-Eazy has definitely made his name known in the hip-hop community recently with his wildly successful single “Me, Myself and I” as well as his sophomore effort When It’s Dark Out in 2015.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Ave, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, 6:30 p.m., $30-$69.50.

Trapfest

Warren G

JULY 9 Synonymous with West Coast hiphop from the late ’90s, Warren G is set to entertain new and old fans of hip hop with his hits like “Regulate” and “This DJ.” He’ll celebrate the release of his new EP, Regulate...G Funk Era, Pt. II with his Livewire show.

Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com, 7 p.m., $23.

JULY 23 Known for his aggressive-yet-soulful take on hardcore hip-hop, DMX became a big name in the music industry a decade ago. Sure, he’s had his troubles, but we can’t deny his talent. His first four albums entered the charts at No. 1, making him the first artist to do so. He also starred in the film “Exit Wounds” in 2001.

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396. 7136, thepressroomaz.com, 8 p.m., $30.

Twenty One Pilots

JULY 26 It’s hard to listen to the radio without hearing this rap-infused high-tech pop duo and its hit “Stressed Out.” Formed in 2009 by high school friends, Twenty One Pilots features drummer Josh Dun and vocalist/keyboardist Tyler Joseph. Their 2015 album, Blurryface, was extremely successful at the Billboard Music Awards and

Brodinski + Ryan Hemsworth JULY 30 Blurring the lines of hip-hop and indie-pop, Canadian DJ and producer Ryan Hemsworth is a rising star in electronic music. Known for his many remixes of popular artists, Hemsworth has also produced two albums, with his latest being 2014’s Alone for the First Time. Don’t miss this up-andcoming performer when he takes the stage at Monarch.

The Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington St, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $15.

WELCOME TO THE

HOUSE PARTY

Trapfest returns to Arizona with a lineup worth talking about Dylan Arndt » The Entertainer!

O

ver the last few years, trap music has been taking over the speakers of nightclubs, pool parties and main stages—and fans are going hog wild for it.

Trap music has become trendy thanks to its belligerent and gritty lyrics telling the hardships of the “trap”—street life, poverty, violence and harsh experiences in urban surroundings.

Relentless Beats is bringing its next installment of Trapfest to The Pressroom in downtown Phoenix. Fans have seen performances by UZ, Brillz, Bro Safari and many more of the industry’s leading names. This year, however, the talent is spilling over the main room and onto the patio of The Pressroom.

Dominating the decks in the venue’s main room is headliner GTA, creators of the track “Red Lips,” and Aero Chord.

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Joining the provocateurs of good times ahead is U.K. smooth talker Troyboi, who is bringing his silky trap beats and amazing MC skills back to the Valley after a rousing performance at Phoenix Lights.

Finally, up and comers Stooki Sound, who just played EDC Las Vegas, and the opener, Oshi.

If that’s not enough, Just Blaze is hosting his own house party stage where classic trap/hip-hop with a host of DJs like Craze and Four Color Zack.

The trap is in full force with this one, even taking audiences back to the classics and the beginnings of an era. Be sure to witness the event of the year for all you trap heads out there, and don’t forget to learn a little about where it all started, too.

Trapfest

The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats.com, 8 p.m. Saturday, July 16, $40-$750.

BOWLING • LASER TAG • ARCADE • MINI BOWLING • BILLIARDS • LASER MAZE CAFE • BRICK OVEN PIZZA • LOUNGE

MIC DROP.

KARAOKE NIGHT

JOIN US EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT IN THE PILOTS LOUNGE FOR SOME HOT KARAOKE AND SOME COOL DRINK SPECIALS. 9PM - 12PM

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DJ BY DESIGN

90

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

Natalie Wasile books weekend mainstay at Club X Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

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N

atalie Wasile, also known as DJ Design, started performing in bars a decade ago. With years of experience behind her name, she has worked her way up to performances at large spots such as Talking Stick Resort, Dos Gringos and Mill Cue Club, just to name a few. Not limited to local shows, Wasile has also spun at venues across the United States and in the Caribbean.

“I’ve been into music my whole life. My dad took me to concerts at a really young age,” says Wasile, whose first concert was Bush and No Doubt.

Wasile began DJing 14 years ago, shortly after graduating high school in Nebraska.

“My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, actually taught me how to DJ. I would say it was a hobby for about five years and then, after that, I started getting some gigs kind of by accident,” explains Wasile, whose husband, Stephen, spins under the name DJ Switch.

“I would actually fill in for my husband while he would go to the restroom. I was DJing at the Sun Bar and the bar owner didn’t know that I could do that, so that’s actually how I landed my first gig.”

Now, 10 years later, Wasile entertains Saturday nights at Club X at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle. Wasile incorporates a wide variety of genres and influences into her performances.

“I play absolutely everything. I play rock, house, hip hop, top 40,” she says.

“When I’m at home, I definitely like to play more house music, though. There’s a song by ZHU called ‘In the Morning’ that I’m really into.”

As a DJ, Wasile cannot approach a performance with a firm setlist. Different crowds give varying responses to the music, requiring a certain attentiveness and skill to play off the atmosphere.

“I definitely scan the room and kind of see what I’m working with,” she says. “If there’s something that’s getting a response, I try to play off of that. There’s a different vibe when there are girls in the room and I think that’s maybe my advantage, because I can definitely relate to that—and typically when you can get the girls dancing, it kind of helps gets things started.”

According to UltraStar Promotions and Events Manager David Trujillo, she is the perfect DJ for Club X, which is known as Luxe Lounge the rest of the week. It offers ladies night promotions on Saturdays.

“Her style of music that she brings, her live mixes, her energy that she herself just brings is a great fit for Club X.”

DJ Design

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center’s Club X, 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 520.494.7827, ultrastarakchin.com, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays, free.

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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

Evan Baltman » The Entertainer!

In the summer The word “July” months, the iron in the Eiffel comes from the expands name “Julius” and Tower and allows the used in honor of structure to grow JULIUS CAESAR. 6 INCHES.

54% of Americans list shopping as a favorite summer vacation activity.

There are more than

12,000 summer

camps in the United States.

The MLB All-Star Game was introduced on July 6, 1933, at Comiskey Park in Chicago.

Before the Civil War, schools did not have

SUMMER VACATION. Kids only had breaks during spring planting and fall harvest.

In the United States,

FLORIDA

is the most popular destination for summer vacations.

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The first

FATHER’S DAY

in the U.S. was observed on June 19, 1910.

THE SONY WALKMAN was released on

JULY 1, 1979.

The

POPSICLE

was created by accident when 11-year-old Frank Epperson left a cup of powdered soda, water and a stirring stick on his porch overnight.

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PRESENTED BY

SEPTEMBER 16 + 17 PHOENIX RAWHIDE SEPTEMBER 16 Brillz • Diplo • Fki Ist Jackal (DJ Set) • RL GrIme Snakehips • Tchami What so not SEPTEMBER 17 Baauer • flosstradamus Grandtheft • justin martiN • le youth • lil dicky