North Valley Magazine - Oct/Nov 2021

OCTOBER 2021/NOVEMBER 2021 · $3.99

The

HARROWING TALE The Bella Twins' mom shares brain tumor journey

Face of

AMERICAN POLO NIC ROLDAN

Bruce Kirkwood

looks forward to Scottsdale's beauty

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CONTENTS

22 ON THE COVER: Nic Roldan (Photo by Dave Seibert) OCTOBER 2021/NOVEMBER 2021 · $3.99

The

HARROWING TALE The Bella Twins' mom shares brain tumor journey

Face of

AMERICAN POLO NIC ROLDAN

Bruce Kirkwood

(Photo by Nick Mele)

FEATURES 22 The Face of American Polo Nic Roldan looks forward to Scottsdale’s beauty

16 Fit for an Emperor JB Smoove welcomes sports betting, Caesars Sportsbook to Arizona

30 ‘Love Affair’ with the Desert Diana Madaras shows the colorful side of Tucson

32 Arts at the Rocks

30

Maestro Hector Olivera brings his world-class talent to Desert Hills

33 All That Jazz Benefactors unveil Lakeshore’s new venue

36 ‘Exciting and Challenging’ The virtual Beaux Arts supports the students at Scottsdale Artists’ School

37 Bigger and Better Scott Youngs brings excitement to Arizona Masterworks Chorale

39 Returning to the Stage Arizona Musicfest brings the likes of Kenny G and Sergio Mendes to town

42 Grand Overtures NVSO unveils 2021-22 concert series 2

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

37

looks forward to Scottsdale's beauty

SERVING THESE COMMUNITIES AND MORE: GRAYHAWK • DESERT HIGHLANDS • DC RANCH • SILVERLEAF • ESTANCIA • TROON NORTH DESERT MOUNTAIN • LEGEND TRAIL • THE BOULDERS • WHISPER ROCK

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CONTENTS FRESH 10 Tender Little Hearts Scottsdale ranch connects community through equine therapy

13 Homemade Delicacies High Street Farmers Market returns to North Phoenix

14 ‘Passion’ Project Bruce Kirkwood talks no regrets, music and his debut album

16 Arizona’s ‘Idol’ Beloved singer Amelia McLean debuting original music

18 Silver Anniversary

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14

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Hidden in the Hills artist studio tour returns

TASTE 44 ‘Peace, Love and Pasta’ Chef Scott Conant revisits his family’s favorite meals in book

36 What’s Cooking Apple Fritter Pull-Apart Bread

BETTER 47 ‘I’ll Love Who I Am’ Kathy Laurinaitis shares her harrowing medical journey

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VOLUME XXI / ISSUE 10

Celebrating 30 years!

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FRESH • PHILANTHROPY

Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales and Facilitated Equine Mini Therapy founder Terry Holmes-Stecyk reads to a group of children alongside Boone, a registered therapy animal and miniature Sicilian donkey. (Photo courtesy of Terry Holmes-Stecyk)

Tender Little

Hearts

Scottsdale ranch connects community through equine therapy

By Jordan Houston

North Scottsdale nonprofit is tapping into the empathetic nature of miniature horses for the greater good, offering therapy and reading services for older adults and young children.

The Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales and Facilitated Equine Mini Therapy is an assisted equine therapy outreach program.

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Founded in March 2019 by Terry HolmesStecyk, the organization provides assisted therapy for children and adults with special needs or developmental disabilities, as well as those in need of emotional relief therapy, such as homes serving abused or at-risk children, foster homes and centers, hospice, hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, senior care centers, memory care facilities and more.

She encourages reading and literacy for children through her Mini Tales program.

All services are free and incorporate the use of a miniature therapy horse or donkey, qualified through the Miniature Equine Therapy Standards Association and American Miniature Therapy Horse Organization, according to Holmes-Stecyk.

“You can’t look at the interaction between

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

humans and little horses and not know that there is some therapy going on there,” she says.

“Horses can hear a man’s heartbeat from 4 feet away. They are herd animals, so they sync with that man, and together you see the relaxation of the human, the relaxation of the mini horse, and the magical moments of this positive energy between the two.”

The organization strives to join the forces of miniature therapy teams with psychological and medical professionals through education and collaboration. Tender Little Hearts has won numerous awards, including the Daughters of the American Revolution Community Service Award and the winning spots for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

Continues on page 12

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Literacy Promotion Contest for the Southwestern Division and nationals.

She says miniature horses are excellent companion animals because they can “mirror and respond” to human behavior. As herd animals, “they rely on an acute stream of sensory data to sense safety or danger; they can also hear the human heartbeat within 4 feet, and research on heartrate variability indicates that horses have a profound ability to synchronize their own heartbeat with that of human beings.”

“Think of where a child’s eyes are or where a senior in wheelchair is. The mini horses are almost eye-to-eye with them,” explains Holmes-Stecyk, who is also a McDowell Sonoran Conservancy steward. “The eyes are the window to the soul, so you look into those big, beautiful eyes and melt.”

Therapists who incorporate herd animals into therapy can tap into the client’s inner psychology through the response of the horse, Holmes-Stecyk notes, considering that the animals respond within the same spectrum of physical and emotional response that are

12

governing their behavior.

“We are providing that emotional connection,” she says. “We go to advocacy centers for children that have been abused in ways we can’t even imagine. You watch these kids and it’s like the world buzzes around them. They brush and braid their manes and talk to the horse, and we let those moments happen for the kids.”

Tender Little Hearts recently started using two chalk-fabric therapy vests, allowing children to write their thoughts and feelings on a vest worn by the horse.

“The children can write their stories on the horse and then it’s more fun than if they are just drawing on a piece of paper,” HolmesStecyk says. “They know that the therapist can’t keep that vest, so they feel more comfortable.”

For the literacy aspect, Tender Little Hearts offers several services to promote reading among young children through its Mini Tales.

The vertical seeks to bring reading opportunities to those who could benefit from the interaction with the therapy animals, Holmes-Stecyk explains. The

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

program allows kids to read to the therapy animals or be read to by the founder near horses.

A virtual option, through the Giddy Up and Read program, is also available via the organization’s website. Parents and their children are given the option to listen to a selection of recorded books online and read along while watching the therapy animal through the screen.

“To those families that read to their children, statistically, it makes such an impact in child care and it helps them learn language and learn words,” Holmes-Stecyk says.

“It’s such a basic thing to do but has such a significant impact on that toddler, and then they become young readers.

“Plus, for families, you now associate reading with something very good in your life, and that is a family bond.”

Tender Little Hearts Mini Tales and Facilitated Equine Mini Therapy 13906 E. Montello Road, Scottsdale tenderlittlehearts.org

FRESH • COMMUNITY

Homemade Delicacies High Street Farmers Market returns to North Phoenix

A

The Farmers Market at High Street features a variety of vendors with gifts and treats.

By Jordan Houston

(Photo courtesy of High Street)

romas of baked goods, visions of pitched tents and quiet sounds of community chatter will paint the scene at High Street on Sundays through the spring with the return of its annual farmers market.

The Farmers Market on High Street, located off of Loop 101 at 56th Street, officially kicked off Sunday, October 3. It runs from 10 a.m. through 1:30 p.m.

Roughly 100 vendors will decorate the North Phoenix spot, dubbed a staple for quality dining and entertainment opportunities, to showcase hand-crafted goods, food, arts and more.

The dog-friendly event seeks to attract shoppers from across the Valley to indulge in and connect over creative local products while enjoying the open-air district’s stylish urban neighborhood.

Attendees can expect to find farmfresh produce, locally sourced honey, home-baked breads and sweets, olive oils, barbecue sauces, tamales, natural meats, German sausages, flowers, organic brownie mixes, kettle corn, hummus, baby clothes, jewelry and artsy home décor, Attendees can expect to find items from according to High Street spokesperson across the Valley including home-baked Robyn Patterson. breads, organic brownie mixes and sweets.

“A lot of people are excited it’s starting (Photo courtesy of High Street) back up again,” Patterson says.

“It’s the perfect time of the year to get support local businesses,” Patterson says. “I outside, enjoy the weather and support local think High Street has done a good job at businesses. And I think people are excited to giving space to local businesses outside of their have things to look forward to — a weekly existing tenants. thing all the way through spring.”

“Personally, I just love the mom-and-pop Although a list of scheduled vendors wasn’t businesses that are supported and find success available at press time, Patterson says previous through events like this. It’s a fun way to farmers market favorites, such as Big Reds Hot introduce their products to new customers, Sauce, RA Seasonings and The Tamale Store, and I think a lot of people need support during will be returning this year. this time. I know it has been tough, especially She adds that the popular market is the on food businesses.” perfect opportunity to knock out holiday Since its inception, High Street has shopping while uplifting the community and embodied a modern blend of “the swanky and supporting small businesses. suave from Scottsdale and the casual creature“I think farmers markets, in general, bring comforts of Phoenix.” communities together, and I think it helps High Street offers entertainment outlets

for all social palates, including hip nightout venues for those after-work gatherings, boutiques for leisurely shopping, and delicious treats and succulent eats at top-rated restaurants. The area is also the only location worldwide that houses a Sprouts Express Market.

“It’s a really unique property up in North Phoenix,” Patterson expresses. “It’s a top dining and entertainment destination, and it’s essentially one street of great restaurants, entertainment venues, shops and random businesses.”

After mornings spent at the upcoming farmers market, attendees are invited to unwind at one of High Street’s many delicious eateries, including The Boozy Breakfast, The Stir Coffee Bar, Modern Margarita, Mellow Mushroom and Hula’s Modern Tiki.

The Farmers Market on High Street will also adhere to all social distancing, health and safety guidelines relating to COVID-19, ensuring that participants of all ages can safely enjoy the festivities, Patterson adds.

“I think they always look to expand year after year and add new vendors,” she explains.

“They added safety protocols to comply with COVID-19 health regulations to ensure the safety of the vendors and the crowds.”

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

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FRESH • ARTS

‘Passion’

PROJECT Bruce Kirkwood talks no regrets, music and his debut album

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

B

ruce Kirkwood studied accounting at the University of Southern Mississippi, but something else was tugging at his heartstrings.

Music.

“It was hard to pass up my passion,” Kirkwood says about pursuing a music career. “I knew I’d have a lot of regrets if I chose accounting.”

A professional violinist, the North Phoenix resident is set to release his debut album, “Passion,” on November 30. A release party will be scheduled soon.

“I haven’t slept,” he says with a laugh about “Passion.” “I’ve been up all night working on it. I have to work on it when I 14

can. I do a lot of traveling for events.”

The Chicago native, who was raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, is experienced in playing a variety of styles and presenting a fusion of a classical and contemporary sounds. Thanks to his talents, he has performed for various prestigious organizations and events, such as the Houston Rockets, Iyanla Vanzant, Archdiocese of New York, National Urban League, Mayo Clinic, Essence Festival and Oprah Winfrey Network. With a collective social media following of over 100,000 people, he commits to using his global presence to motivate, empower and bring hope to the world.

He does so through his weekly Facebook

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Chicago-born violinist Bruce Kirkwood moved to North Phoenix to pursue a career in music. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Kirkwood)

FRESH • ARTS Bruce Kirkwood, who grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, is raising money to help those suffering from the aftereffects of Hurricane Ida. Kirkwood survived Hurricane Katrina. (Photos courtesy of Bruce Kirkwood)

Live performances, as well as motivational content on social media.

“This window of time is set aside weekly as an opportunity for people to step away from the negativity of social media and join a personable environment where positive energy and motivation is generated and transferred freely throughout those present,” Kirkwood says.

Kirkwood moved to Arizona to pursue his dream. He chose Phoenix to be near his agent/manager, Marion Kelly, the Mayo Clinic’s director of community affairs and the co-founder of the Diversity Leadership Alliance.

“We met in November 2018 at a conference in Mobile, Alabama,” Kirkwood says. “He was there repping the Mayo Clinic, and I was there performing.”

Kelly invited Kirkwood to perform in Phoenix, and the violinist fell in love with the desert, mountains and music scene.

“Coming from Biloxi, there are far more resources and connections here,” he says. “It was about time for me to move. COVID was slow, so it allowed me to go ahead and make that move. I have no regrets.”

He still has ties to the south, however.

He recently held a virtual benefit for New Orleans after it was hit by Hurricane Ida. Kirkwood wanted to “meet a need and be a part of the solution.”

“So many people sit back, see it as entertainment or something to look at and say, ‘Wow,’” says Kirkwood, a Hurricane Katrina survivor. New Orleans is an hour from where he was raised.

“Many people don’t take that next step and help people rebuild and recover. We’re raising funds for the Greater New Orleans Foundation. My heart goes out to the devastated residents of the birthplace of jazz, who are once again forced to rebuild their communities.”

He’s still collecting money through GoFundMe, and all funds will be donated directly to the Greater New Orleans Foundation and allocated for purposes such as erecting temporary shelters, distributing food and water, providing medical care to the more than 4 million residents without

power, and other necessities.

A violinist for about 20 years, Kirkwood is looking to Phoenix and Kelly to “catapult” him to where he wants to go. He yearns to continue to grow and make more connections.

“I love the musician community around here,” Kirkwood says. “There are great musicians and quality music opportunities at a very high level here. It’s new to me to

have that locally. I’m really getting plugged in and making those connections to take things to the next level. That’s happening so quickly.”

Bruce Kirkwood

brucekirkwood.com GoFundMe: https://bit.ly/KirkwoodIdaFundraiser

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

15

FRESH • ARTS

ARIZONA’S

‘IDOL’

Beloved singer Amelia McLean debuting original music

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

T

he effervescent Amelia McLean comes bounding into North Italia in Gilbert.

“Here I am!” she says enthusiastically.

McLean has plenty of reasons to be excited. She’s headlining her first show of all-original music on Thursday, October 14, at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix. The day prior, the “American Idol” alum is releasing an EP, “Light I Can Follow.”

“I don’t know if there are any female artists right now in Phoenix who are doing the kind of music I’m doing,” says McLean, who is influenced by 1970s music’s harmonies and “big vocals.”

“We recorded ‘Light I Can Follow’’70s style, where the band got together and recorded in one room. Nowadays, everybody’s doing a drum session and then a guitar session, etc.

The way we did it, it really captured a magic that you don’t just get with how they’re doing production now. I’m super stoked because I love listening to it. I cried multiple times throughout the recording process.”

McLean moved to the Valley five years ago from Jackson, Michigan, to pursue a career in music. She took piano lessons throughout middle school and high school.

“Growing up in a small town, there weren’t a lot of opportunities for me to stay and try and develop my career,” she says. “I always wanted to live out West. I came out here when I was 19 and chose Arizona because my sister lived here. I was hoping it would be my steppingstone to LA.” Once she arrived in Arizona, she moved to Peoria and performed in coffee shops and at open mic nights. She did not expect the reactions or opportunities that were to come.

She slowly evolved into one of the Valley’s most beloved singer-songwriters.

In 2017, she won Alice Cooper’s Proof is in the Pudding, her first competition. She,

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in turn, opened for Cooper, Amelia McLean will perform October 14 Tommy Thayer and Ace with Adam Simons, Matthew Thornton Frehley, Rob Halford and Slash. and Shane Travis. (Submitted photo) Her success only grew from there. Two years later, McLean reliable and are good and able to commit to was awarded a golden ticket to Hollywood wanting to do music with me.” for season 18 of “American Idol.” She credits As a producer, Martinez and McLean her friend, fellow Phoenician Wade Cota, clicked right away before she collected her who was in the top six of “American Idol” band. the previous year, for recommending her to a “We were totally aligned in what kind of producer of the show. music we like,” McLean says. “That really “I saw the opportunities that Wade got, and helps because you don’t have to spend time I was like, well, it won’t hurt to try,” she says. explaining, ‘OK, I’m going for this sound.’ We She traveled to Hawaii to compete in the just have a really good flow.”

Top 40 before being eliminated from the McLean considers the band, her audiences competition. and venue owners “family.”

McLean frequents wine bars, private “I love them all,” the 25-year-old Chandler clubs and restaurants performing covers. She resident says with a smile. “We become friends frequents the Cave Creek/Carefree area, and I get to know them. I like the people side which she loves for its small-town feel. of performing, too.

“I grew up listening to artists like James “There’s a couple who started coming to Taylor and Carole King and all that good my gigs in Chandler and literally, to this day, I stuff,” she says. “I love being able to cover those call them ‘mom and dad.’ We went to Hawaii tunes, but every artist wants to play their own together. They became my family.” music. Now I get the big opportunity to do so.”

McLean is hoping the Rebel Lounge gig She chalks it up to maturity and a “really leads to other original music performances. good circle of people — good musicians, good “Ideally, I’m hoping to get started by going producers and good people in the industry to on a tour with a band as its opener,” she says. work with.”

“I’m thankful because, over the last five years, “I also have the right people who want to I’ve made a lot of really good friends and good work with me,” she says. connections.

“There are a lot of people who just take “I just haven’t really utilized them, because advantage of you. It’s taken time, but I’m at there hasn’t been a need to. I’ve never had a a place where I have the perfect team. I have product to show. To be able to say, ‘This is the a band who’s just completely excited to play product. What can you do with it?’That’s been music with me, tour and go all the way, which the dream.” is awesome.”

Amelia McLean w/Adam Simons, Her band features acoustic/electric guitarist Matthew Thornton and Shane Travis David Martinez, who also produced “Light I WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, October 14 Can Follow”; drummer Marty Welker; bassist WHERE: The Rebel Lounge, 2303 E. Indian Zorin McGuire and acoustic/electric guitarist School Road, Phoenix Adam Simons.

COST: $15 “They’re stellar musicians,” she says. “That’s INFO: therebellounge.com half the battle. It’s great to find people who are

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

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Silver FRESH • ARTS

Hidden in the Hills artist studio tour returns

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

H

idden in the Hills is celebrating its silver anniversary the last two weekends of November with free, self-guided tours featuring 191 artists at 45 private studios in the Desert Foothills communities.

Coordinated by the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, the event is Friday, November 19, to Sunday, November 21, as well as Friday, November 26, to Sunday, November 28.

Londoner enthralled by desert landscape Michele Corsini has always loved to create. She was born in London and was influenced, in part, by her Italian father, who was a skilled mosaic craftsman. She “ran away” to art college in 1983 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts, painting, from St. Martin’s School of Art in London in 1987.

Then, in 1988, she joined her high school friend, Mark De Simone, in a true adventure. They moved to the United States.

“I ran away again, this time to Phoenix,” she says. “And upon arriving with Mark, my first thought was, ‘What was this land?’ I was enthralled by the harsh beauty of the desert landscape. I was only in my 20s, and here I was in this wonderland of majestic landscapes, harsh vegetation and resilient animals. It was truly an adventure 18

Plein air painter Michele Corsini paints a giant agave in Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League)

like no other.”

She and Mark spent much of their first year in the United States exploring the Southwest and Mexico. They bought an old Volkswagen bus and traveled to remote areas to hike and mountain bike.

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

“In those early years, we would brew our own dark beer and make our own wholegrain bread because we couldn’t find it in Phoenix,” Corsini recalls.

Eventually the two good friends fell in love, married, and had three children.

FRESH • ARTS

Early in their marriage, they bought 18 acres by Lake Pleasant and began learning about sustainable living systems. They built a straw bale house on the western edge of Cave Creek. It’s been their home for 21 years.

“America has been very good to us,” she says. “It has been a liberating experience, and we have learned that there are huge opportunities if you can prove yourself.”

Corsini’s career has evolved since she moved to America. She had a successful faux finishing business in the 1990s, and she indulged in elaborate projects, including byzantine mosaic murals, largescale commissioned oils and sophisticated wall finishes.

She scaled back on her business when she had her children, but her passion for

Mixed-media collage artist Mimi Damrauer works in her studio.

(Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League)

painting was reignited when she began working on small plein air pieces in 2011.

“I had been volunteering in the school, but I wanted to get back to painting,” she says. “I worked out a schedule where I would drop my kids off at school, go paint outside, and then pick them up. I love the immediacy of the format, and over this time period, I have honed my skills. I’ll set up anywhere a scene entices me — on the side of the road, balancing on rocks, in a wash or on a Plein air painter Michele Corsini often paints Palo Verde trees and rooftop.” other desert vegetation. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League)

The Sonoran Desert and central Mexico inspired Corsini. Years ago, she and her husband bought a second home in Guanajuato, a city known for its colonial architecture.

“We fell in love with it because it reminds us of Europe,” she says. “We spend our summers there because it is a higher elevation and much cooler. Our yard is full of giant agaves and other beautiful plants and trees that I love to paint.”

Corsini’s work ranges from large-scale oil paintings and charcoal drawings to small, soft pastel plein air paintings and abstract mixed-media pieces.

“I very much see my work, over the years, as a coming back to familiar themes, but every time with new eyes and expertise. The wonder of coming to this desert land from a very tame, conquered landscape has never been lost on me. That our trees and plants can survive this harsh

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19

FRESH • ARTS environment and still sing with color every spring is a marvel. I love to celebrate that and probably always will,” she says.

During Hidden in the Hills, Corsini will exhibit her new work at Judy Paxton Bruce’s Studio No. 4 in Cave Creek. And her daughter, Anna Lucia De Simone, will exhibit watercolor paintings during the event at Youth Art Studio No. 1, at the Sonoran Arts League’s Center for the Arts in Stagecoach Village.

Pivoting to paper collage during pandemic Mimi Damrauer returns to Hidden in the Hills for her fifth year, energized by her time in her studio.

The talented mixed-media collage artist creates large, bold, colorful wall art from small, hand-painted pieces of paper fabric that she paints and sews together into a whimsical or abstract design. Her vibrant pieces often resemble primitive folk art.

Damrauer grew up in Ohio surrounded by creativity. She credits her mother for teaching her and her sisters about art and cooking. By age 9, she was teaching herself how to sew at home and taking art lessons at the Toledo Museum of Art. “The inklings of a business were planted,” recalls Damrauer, a North Phoenix resident. “That lead to my “Cactus - Organ Pipe” by mixed-media collage artist whimsical style of painting, stitching, Mimi Damrauer. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League) drawing and hand-cut wobbly designs.” profound, positive effect on her work, as The self-taught artist moved to it forced her to spend more time in her Arizona in 2016 and is inspired by her studio. surroundings, including everything from “I was ready for a change, and during sidewalk cracks to scenery from road the lockdown, I tried to make the best trips. of the situation by taking classes online, Recently, she felt the need to get back to exploring new techniques and just basics and simplicity. playing,” she says.

“As I go through my life, I appreciate “I had so much fun that I developed a how to edit and make my life less completely new technique of making my complicated. I see objects in their simplest own medium to sew, which I call paper forms, and my style is all about editing fabric.” what I see down to recognizable images,” Damrauer experimented with acrylic she says. “I am simply striving for good paint on a strong construction-like paper design. In a world that can be so busy and and created fabric to sew on a sewing overwhelming, I hope that my artworks machine. are pleasing and joyful to look at.”

She cleaned out her studio, which was The COVID-19 pandemic had a full of fabric from all over the world, and 20

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she spent time learning more about the tools she had accumulated over the years. She even took the time to create her own tools and homemade stamps.

“My hand-designed papers are painted, stamped and resisted to get a wide variety of color and designs,” she explains. “Each piece of paper has at least two to four layers of colors.”

She adds that she uses stamps to pull color and shapes out or put lines and squiggles back in.

She then cuts the paper into 3-inch squares to create her background.

“I like the scale of that, and I find it to be fun because it’s always changing. There is always something interesting to look at in every square,” she says.

With dozens of hand-painted paper squares to choose from, she then begins to sew.

“I am able to control the color and shading as I build my final design,” she says. “The end result is a simple design that is more complicated when you look at the composition.”

When her designs are finished, she mounts them on wood panels and applies varnish with sun protection.

Her obsession is “Arizona Barnyard,” which includes animals and scenery that she is surrounded by — horses, chickens, cactus and mountains. She also recently added Matisse-inspired shapes to create abstract pieces.

During Hidden in the Hills, Damrauer will exhibit her new work at Sandy Pendleton’s Studio No. 21 in Cave Creek.

“I believe my work resonates with others because it is happy, bright and simplistic. I’m having so much fun creating my designs,” she says.

“I just want to share that joy with others.”

Hidden in the Hills

WHEN: Friday, November 19, to Sunday, November 21; and Friday, November 26, to Sunday, November 28 WHERE: Desert Foothills communities COST: Free admission INFO: hiddeninthehills.org

Caption This will be Nic Roldan’s fourth time playing the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort. (Photo courtesy of Nick Mele)

22

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

The Face of

AMERICAN POLO N ic Roldan has played polo around the world, but every year he’s drawn to the energy of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort.

“I’ve played all over the world,” says Roldan, who is also a model. “You get to see some of the most incredible places, meet some incredible people and see some of the most beautiful fields and backdrops — Scottsdale being one of them.”

This year, the event will celebrate its 10th anniversary with Roldan suiting up for the Aspen Valley Polo Club, owned by Marc and Melissa Ganzi.The club will face off against La Mariposa Argentina Polo Team, which is making its event debut.

Among the additional teams scheduled to play in 2021 are Jet Set Women’s All-Star Polo Team, Bogota Polo Team, Arizona Polo Club, Grand Champions Polo Club and Wine Country Polo.

“We love the spectators,” Roldan says. “We love the way they get behind the event and the

Nic Roldan looks forward to Scottsdale’s beauty

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

whole party scene. It’s definitely one of a kind in the United States. ASU is close by, and the younger demographic goes as well. It’s always a fun event, definitely.”

Fourth-generation star

Born December 4, 1982, in Buenos Aires, Roldan grew up with horses in Wellington, Florida, and Boston, as he started riding at age 2.

He comes from a long line of polo players: his great-grandfather, Audilio Bonadeo Ayrolo, won the Argentine Open in 1931 and 1938, while his grandfather and father also played.

“He pushed me, in a way, to play polo, but he wasn’t forcing me,” he says about his father. “He really pushed me to follow my dreams, work

Nic Roldan is the present leading American polo player, with an impressive 8-goal handicap rating.

(Photo courtesy of Nick Mele)

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23

There are a variety of seating options, like these viewing stands, where pologoers can sit field-side and enjoy the four polo matches, plus all the festivities within the event. (Photo courtesy of Dave Seibert)

Unlike other professional sports, fans at the Scottsdale Polo Party will have a chance to meet the players, including Nic Roldan, who plays in polo matches around the world. (Photo courtesy of Nic Roldan)

Polo fans pose for pictures and enjoy the events within the event at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships.

(Photo courtesy of Dave Seibert)

24

the country’s leading player.

Winston Churchill once said, “Polo is a passport to the world.” Based in Wellington, Roldan enjoys the travel and the adrenaline associated with playing polo.

“I’m a huge sports fan,” says Roldan, who also enjoys soccer, golf, tennis, biking and hiking. “That’s all I ever do, is play sports, but to be able to create a bond with the horse and travel the field at 25 to 30 miles per hour and hit a little ball flying in the air is incredible. It’s such a complex sport.”

Polo is comparable to hockey, as it’s electric, fast, physical and rough, yet it’s the perfect spectator sport, he says.

‘The beauty of polo is it gives me a lot of free time,” he says. “As an athlete in general, you can’t be training every day nonstop. I really started to grow a passion for real estate and interior design and architecture. As I was getting older — in my mid-20s — I started to invest money in houses, gutting and flipping them and selling them. I did really well with it.”

hard and pursue my passions. I have a hugely supportive family. My father played polo his whole life.”

Roldan played in his first tourney when he was 6 and turned professional at 15, when he became the youngest polo player to win the 1998 U.S. Polo Open with the Escue Team. When it became too hard to balance school and polo, his parents hired a private tutor to educate The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been Roldan. performing at half-time “It’s historically one of the since the Scottsdale Polo most important tournaments Party started 10 years ago.

(Photo courtesy of Dave Seibert) in the world,” Roldan says about the U.S. Polo Open. “I was the youngest to win the U.S. Open at 15 years old, but it feels like a lifetime ago. I’m 38 now. I say this all the time, but at the end of the day, it’s what kick-started my career.”

Now with an 8-goal handicap rating, Roldan is the captain of the American polo team and is

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

This will be the 10th anniversary of the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships when the event returns the polo fields at WestWorld of Scottsdale on October 23.

(Drone photo courtesy of James Larcher)

Dominick’s Steakhouse will join Neiman Marcus, Barrett-Jackson and Bentley Scottsdale for Prime: A Luxury Tent Experience. (Photo courtesy of Dave Seibert)

Roldan is now invested in the building and design of homes, a clothing line, PoloGear, Super Coffee, and he co-founded High Goal gin.

“They’re all brands that align with my passions and what my life is all about,” he says.

‘Crazy concept’

Jason Rose, who founded the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented

by Talking Stick Resort, is looking forward to the 10th annual event.

“That’s a milestone I never thought would have been the case when we launched this creative, funky, crazy concept in 2011,” he says with a laugh.

“We have never seen ticket sales like this year.To put it in perspective, we are 310% ahead of 2019’s numbers. I think that really speaks to the longevity of the event and the pent-up demand. People know when they come to this event that they’re going to have an exceptional unique time.”

Featuring Roldan, this year’s event will see its biggest footprint, as “every possible piece of grass will be utilized,” Rose says. Peripheral events include dog fashion shows, dance clubs on the field of play, the world’s largest catwalk fashion show, rugby and the inaugural Morning Beer Festival.

“We’ve identified beers that may taste a little better before noon,” Rose says. “If you want to get an early start, check out the first Morning Beer Festival.

“And what would be a more dramatic and fun way to enter the event than by a zip line.

It makes for a pretty interesting setup. You can enjoy the zip line throughout the day, too.

You’ll be staring at the polo action when you’re zip lining.”

Rose says the goal is to create the unexpected so it may pique the public’s interest.

“The strength of the event has been there’s something for everyone — the very young, older folks, gay, straight, Black, white,” Rose

Polo guests can all take to the field during half-time of each of the matches for the ceremonial Stomping of the Divots.

(Photo courtesy of Dave Seibert)

says. “It’s been a melting pot of experience out there that has allowed this concept — now a major event — to continue evolving successfully.”

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Talking Stick Resort WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 23 WHERE: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: 480-423-1414, thepoloparty.com, info@thepoloparty.com

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FIT FOR AN EM JB Smoove welcomes sports betting, Caesars Sportsbook to Arizona

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

he Emmy Awards, HBO and sports betting in Arizona have one thing in common.

JB Smoove has a hand in them.

Earlier this year, Smoove received his first career Emmy nomination for Best Actor in a Short Form Series for his performance as Chief Billy Bills in the “Mapleworth Murders.”

The nomination was a long time coming for the acclaimed showman.

“I got my start in the industry in the 1990s on the comedy circuit in New York and then with Def Jam Comedy, and eventually with a gig on MTV, just like Snookie,” Smoove says with a laugh.

Technically, his MTV break came with a 1999 recurring role on the channel’s “The Lyricist Lounge Show,” not a reality television show.

In 1999, Smoove also landed a guest spot on HBO’s “The Chris Rock Show,” where he would work for the first time with Rock.

In fact, Smoove eventually worked on Rock’s “Everybody Hates Chris”TV series in the mid-2000s and then star with Rock in the 2014 feature film “Top Five.”

During the nearly 15 years in between “The Chris Rock Show” and “Top Five,” Smoove worked as a cast member on “Cedric the Entertainer Presents “and earned a writing position on “Saturday Night Live,” which, in 2007, earned Smoove and his fellow writing partners a Writers Guild award for Best Comedy/Variety Series.

He also appeared in “Date Night” with Steve Carell and Tina Fey and the Farrelly Brothers-directed comedy “Hall Pass,” as well as “The Sitter” with Jonah Hill, “We Bought a Zoo” with Matt Damon and “The Dictator” opposite Sacha Baron Cohen.

In 2007, Smoove not only earned the “SNL” honors, but he began his career-defining role as Leon Black on “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

“I joined in season six after my fictional sister, Loretta Black (played by Vivica A. Fox), 26

JB Smoove recently won an Emmy for his performance as Chief Billy Bills in "Mapleworth Murders."

(Submitted photo)

was displaced during Hurricane (Edna) and moved in with Larry David,” Smoove says.

His character also moved into David’s palatial California mansion despite already living in Los Angeles and never experiencing Katrina-like fictional Edna himself. “I moved in and never left.”

Smoove’s masculine, ultra-confident, freeloading character quickly became a fan favorite on the highly improvised series, which follows “Seinfeld” co-creator David as he plays a version of himself living semi-retired and always annoyed in Los Angeles.

“Most people don’t know, but JB actually stands for Jerry Brooks, so I am technically the second Jerry to hilariously terrorize

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Larry on TV,” Smoove says.

After being derailed by COVID-19, Smoove and David will return to the small screen later this month for the muchanticipated 11th season of the series.

JB Smoove served as Caesar Entertainment's Caesar to kick off sports betting across the state of Arizona.

(Submitted photo)

MPEROR “While I can’t give anything away, this season is a sure bet for viewers,” Smoove says.

“And you can trust me, because I am now the grand emperor of the betting world.”

While that may sound like hyperbole, Smoove is only half joking.

On September 9, Smoove rolled into Phoenix on a chariot — a luxury Uber wrapped like a chariot, to be more specific — to serve as Caesars Entertainment’s Caesar to usher in sports betting across Arizona. He joined executives from Caesars Entertainment as well as Derrick Hall and Luis Gonzalez of the Arizona Diamondbacks for the public celebration.

“The Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is going to be a state-of-art entertainment destination unlike any other in Arizona,” Smoove says.

During the ceremonial first bet on September 9, Smoove provided a $20,000 donation from Caesars to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation to fete the partnership and the organization’s commitment to the community.The sportsbook, sports bar and broadcast studio, made possible through Caesars’ exclusive sports betting and daily fantasy partnership, will be located at the former Game 7 Grill space located just outside of Chase Field. It will feature a sports betting experience befit for an emperor and an all-inclusive experience for nonsports bettors alike.

The approximately 20,000-square-foot, two-story venue will feature indoor and outdoor seating options including two floors of sports betting space, a full-service bar and VIP lounge, an extensive menu, and wall-to-wall flat screens.The space will be open year-round, but no wagering is allowed on game days.The venue will have flexible hours of operation to cater to specific sporting events.

Bet like a Caesar: Two floors of sports betting space provide a next-level atmosphere to bet.

Whether it’s with a teller at a kiosk, or on the Caesars Sportsbook app, customers will have many choices to easily place a wager.

Watch like a Caesar: With around 1,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor LED

screens, Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field will be a sports environment worthy of any Caesars emperor.

With many major sporting events being displayed, customers will never have to worry about asking to change the channel again.

Dine like a Caesar: A sports betting experience befit for an emperor needs a menu to feast like one.

Customers can indulge in top-notch food in 10,000 Caesars square feet of indoor and Entertainment's outdoor dining space. sports betting Hydrate like a Caesar: experience is befit for an emperor.

Caesar never walks (Submitted photo) around without his goblet, so customers can make sure to have a drink in hand, too. Emperors can grab their preferred beverage of choice at the inside or outside bar, or even at the private bar in the VIP lounge.

Arrive like a Caesar: Caesar never strolled far to get where he wanted once he stepped off his chariot.That will be the case at Caesars Sportsbook, where the action is easily accessible from parking areas surrounding Chase Field.

“The Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field will be the premier sports betting and entertainment destination in Downtown Phoenix,” says Hall, the president and chief executive officer of the Arizona D-backs.

“D-backs fans, Arizona residents and outof-state visitors, whether they are sports bettors or not, should look forward to this state-ofthe-art, year-round location that will feature first-class dining, betting and hospitality experience — all while taking in their favorite sporting event or watching their favorite team.

This sportsbook will transform the sports viewing experience in Arizona.”

While the permanent space is being built, according to Smoove, fans can make a bet

at Chase Field at ticket windows 21 to 25, marking the first MLB stadium where sports fans can place an in-person wager. Leading up to the grand opening of the retail space, bets can also be placed at five betting kiosks on the north side of the plaza being installed in the interim.

“As Caesar, I would be remiss if I didn’t also note my reign over sports betting through modern technology in Arizona as well,” Smoove says.

Arizonans can download the Caesars Sportsbook app, register and place bets at their fingertips as well.

The easy-to-navigate app integrates mobile sports betting with Caesars’ industry-leading loyalty program, Caesars Rewards, where every bet, win or lose rewards the bettor with Tier Credits and Reward Credits that can be used to unlock unbeatable experiences within the Caesars portfolio of properties and partnerships, including access to VIP experiences with the D-backs at Chase Field for registered app users in Arizona.

“We are all Caesars now! Let the bets begin, Arizona!” Smoove says.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

27

Performances and artwork arrive this fall

T

Preview

here is nothing quite as special as experiencing a new theatrical performance or concert that makes one think.

Sharing it with others who are on the same journey makes it even more impactful.

After a long pandemic absence of live performances, local theaters and concert halls around the Valley offer a chance to see favorite artists, classical compositions and theatrical productions live this fall.

Check out these local events in the next few months.

Continues on page 30

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OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

‘Love Affair’ with the Desert Diana Madaras shows the colorful side of Tucson

T

By Laura Latzko

ucson gallery owner and painter Diana Madaras has had a 45-year love affair with the city’s landscape and wildlife.

Each fall, she takes that relationship and parlays it into her annual show.

This year, she dubbed it “Love Affair,” and it runs from Saturday, October 23, to Sunday, November 7, at her gallery.

For “Love Affair,” Madaras painted desert landscapes and floral scenes as well as portraits of different domestic and wild animals, including birds, bobcats, coyotes, horses and bison.

Madaras was inspired by spots in Southern Arizona, including Hacienda del Sol and Santa Catalina Mountains, as well as Rancho de la Osa in Sasabe, and places in Wyoming and South Dakota.

She tried to incorporate important details — such as the pots that the plants were placed in at Hacienda del Sol — into scenes in her paintings.

For reference, she uses photos taken by herself and a photographer friend.

“You have to start with a good reference to make a good painting,” Madaras says. “I have thousands of photos, and sometimes I will look through them and see what captures my imagination at any particular time.”

This year, the show will feature three new pieces from “The Masters Series,” in which Madaras recreates the styles of renowned painters using saguaros as the focal point. Her 30

Madaras Gallery’s annual show “Love Affair” will feature works such as Diana Madaras’ “Pink Ocotillo II.” (Photos courtesy of Diana Madaras)

newest pieces are in the styles of Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo and Raphael.

For the Pollock-inspired piece, she used a paint-splattering technique. Within the Kahlo-inspired piece, she painted an image of Kahlo on a saguaro cactus.

Thus far, she completed eight works of art for the series, which was inspired by artist John Nieto, who combined Native American subject matter with a Picassoinspired cubist style.

“I thought that was very interesting and wanted to try my hand at painting my subject matter, which is more of the desert, in the style of Picasso,” she says.

“That was one of the first ones, and it led to more and more because it was so much fun.”

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

Stately saguaros

Madaras has used saguaros in her work for years and was not at a shortage for inspiration.

“I’ve painted the saguaros so many times that I know the shape pretty well. I can paint saguaros from memory,” Madaras says. “It’s an iconic representation of the Sonoran Desert. It’s one of the only places that has saguaros. They are so stately, and each one has personality.”

Madaras, who uses watercolor and acrylic paints and pastels, has been working as an artist for about the last 25 years.

The impressionist painter is known for her use of vibrant colors and her nature-themed subject matter. She often tries to highlight the beauty within everyday scenes.

She says her style continues to evolve, but it still retains signature elements.

“I never want to lock myself into anything, but I think you can recognize pieces as ‘Madaras’ pieces,’” says Madaras, a signature member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild.

“You will see some very traditional Madaras pieces in this show and then some that are more experimental, but that’s pretty typical for me.”

Throughout the years, Madaras’ artwork has been featured in the Tucson Museum of Art, the estate of a former president of Mexico and resorts. Along with painting, another passion of Madaras is giving back to her community.

Madaras founded the nonprofit organization Art for Animals in 1999 to help injured, abused and orphaned animals through art. The foundation has raised more than $200,000 during the last 20 years for various animal causes.

She has had a love and respect for animals from an early age. Growing up in New Jersey, her father was a veterinarian.

“I grew up in my dad’s veterinary hospital, taking care of animals from the time that I could walk,” Madaras says.

Madaras has also supported the Boys & Girls Club, the Arthritis Foundation and

the American Cancer Society.

Passionate about painting Madaras enjoyed painting in high school and college, but she wasn’t encouraged to be an artist. She was on a very different path before she decided to pursue art in her 30s.

Formerly, Madaras owned a sports marketing company.

It was during a trip to Greece in 1993 that she picked up a brush.

“I saw somebody’s work and got inspired to paint again,” she says.

“I had stopped for many years. A professor at the Madaras Gallery’s annual show “Love Affair” will feature works such as Diana Madaras’ “Saguaro Pollock.”

University of Arizona saw my work and invited me to paint with A commission from a local friend encouraged his group in Greece, and it changed my life.” her to paint the desert landscape and then When she started, she was painting animals. buildings and landscapes from the Bahamas.

“That’s the first time I painted the desert, and I just really loved doing it. And then the animals came later,” Madaras says.

Madaras hopes the new exhibition spotlights her deep passion for being an artist.

“I love the whole painting scene, every aspect of it, from taking a photo for reference, to creating a design, to painting it, to framing it, to selling it. I love all aspects of the artist experience,” Madaras says.

Madaras says over the last year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, painting helped her to stay centered.

“It is meditative for me and peaceful,” Madaras says.

MORE INFO

Madaras Gallery’s annual show “Love Affair” will feature works such as Diana Madaras’ “Take the High Road.”

What: “Love Affair” Gallery Show When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sundays, from Saturday, October 23, to Sunday, November 7 Where: Madaras Gallery, 3035 N. Swan Road Cost: Free admission Info: 520-615-3001, madaras.com

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

31

Arts at the

Rocks Maestro Hector Olivera brings his world-class talent to Desert Hills

By North Valley Magazine Staff

M

aestro Hector Olivera will perform during the Desert Hills Presbyterian Church’s second dedication concert for the stateof-the-art Rodgers Infinity 361 digital and pipe combination organ.

Part of the Arts at the Rocks series, the concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, November 7, is expected to be filled to capacity, creating an experience of a lifetime for

Besides his Sunday, November 7, concert, Maestro Hector Olivera will host a workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 6, at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. (Photo courtesy of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church)

those who can attend the free event.

Olivera is a passionate, gifted and creative musician, whose personal interpretations of classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world.

Born in Buenos Aires, Olivera began playing the pipe organ when he was 3.

At age 5, he played for the legendary Eva Perón. Seven years later, he entered the University of Buenos Aires, and by 18, he performed for heads of state and celebrities throughout Latin America.

He relocated to the United States to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York on a scholarship. Olivera launched his career three years later. He has since performed solo concerts throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia and Central and Latin America.

He has joined on stage prominent symphony orchestras worldwide.

Whether in a prestigious venue like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall or the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, the most sophisticated and demanding organ aficionados claim Olivera is “one of the greatest organists in the world today.”

To reserve seats, visit https://bit.ly/DesertHillsPresOrgan.

Olivera is also hosting a workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 6.

Email music.arts@deserthills.org for more information or call the church office at 480-488-3384.

The church is located at 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road, Scottsdale.

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OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

All That

Jazz

Benefactors unveil Lakeshore’s new venue

By Bridgette M. Redman

T

he dream of two Valley jazz supporters will open its doors this October.

Bob and Gretchen Ravenscroft have built the new 30,000-square-foot performing arts venue bearing their name at 8445 E. Hartford Drive in the Scottsdale Perimeter Complex.

The first resident company to perform there will be Lakeshore Music, which is moving from the Tempe Center for the Arts. The opening show, the Kenny Barron Trio, is sold out.

Woody Wilson, Lakeshore’s founder and artistic director, says advance sales for the season are impressive. Out of the 1,800 available seats for the season, there are only about 500 remaining.

“It’s a beautiful new building,” Wilson says. “It’s 200 seats, which is what we had at TCA, and I’m excited about it.”

Building a relationship

Lakeshore Music President Woody Wilson, left, and Ravenscroft Director David Bauer say the intimate Jazzbird will bring in the best of local music and smaller national acts. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Wilson says the Ravenscrofts have supported Lakeshore since he founded it in 2009 and through the pandemic.

“So, when Bob said he was going to build a theater in Scottsdale and asked if we would come with him, I said, ‘Fine,’” Wilson recalls.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

33

“We’ve been at TCA for a long time and saw the ups and downs of the building. I helped pass the arts tax, which supports the building now. My contact with Tempe still remains, but I’ve just changed buildings.”

Wilson says the building is more high-tech than others. It is a recording and listening facility with a sound system he calls second to none.

“It incorporates the Constellations Sound System, which is a leading sound system of buildings and venues throughout the world,” Wilson says.

“No expense has been spared for this room to be a video center and a broadcasting center. There is a sound studio back behind the venue itself. It’s got everything new. It is exciting in terms of the acoustic and the fidelity.”

Ravenscrofts do that.

“We inherit a series that is already well established, has a good track record and momentum, and we’re able to host something that is already readymade,” Bauer says. “It just made sense for us to partner with Woody. (The series) will make a big splash in the community and benefit him with a spectacular venue to bring all of his patrons who have been following him for years.”

Bauer says the venue allows for video and video mapping on the side and back walls.

“What sets us apart from a lot of other venues is that this particular venue has been built with the highest level of commitment to architecture and design as it relates to acoustics,” Bauer adds.

“The technology that has been implemented and built into the space is unique. It creates an immersive experience for the audience.”

Built to high standards

Intimacy in the Jazzbird

Ravenscroft Director David Bauer agreed this venue is the couple’s dream.

“They have had a desire to establish a venue that achieves the highestquality experience of music and artistic excellence,” Bauer says.

“Ravenscroft embodies their heart and their passion for presenting arts and music at the highest level of excellence possible. At the core of who Bob and Gretchen are is that they want music and arts to be presented in such a way that ultimately brings attention to God or draws people to the creative wonder that God places in artists and musicians.”

Bob Ravenscroft is a longtime arts lover. The couple’s nonprofit foundation, Music Serving the Word, is committed to presenting arts in an enriching way. Bauer says the building helps the

Maestro Hector Olivera Internationally Acclaimed Organist You can be assured that DHPC’s stateof-the-art Rodgers Infinity 361 digital and pipe combination organ will NEVER be played like Maestro Olivera will.

Maestro Hector Olivera is a passionate, gifted, and unique musician, whose personal interpretations of both classical and popular music have amazed and delighted audiences around the world.

Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 3:00 PM Workshop – Prior day Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 10:00 AM

Both are FREE but you must hold a ticket for admission.

Reserve yours at: www.signupgenius.com/go/organconcertPUBLIC Concert sponsored by the DHPC Organ Committee, managed by Music & Arts

Traditional Sunday Services 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM (live streamed)

34605 N Tom Darlington Rd, Scottsdale 85266 For information: Call (480) 488-3384 or email music.arts@deserthills.org

www.deserthills.org 34

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

In addition to the 200-seat concert hall, the venue houses Jazzbird, a lounge which, starting Fridays in October, will host music from popular and up-and-coming local musicians. It will serve light food and a selection of wine and local craft beers.

“The Jazzbird is a hang space on Friday nights when we do our weekly thing,” Bauer says. “Once a month, we have another series called Jazz for the Soul. It is a casual, performance-driven space where you can come and enjoy some food and beverage; sit in a nice lounge environment; and enjoy a beautiful stage with audio, video and lighting capabilities that will also serve to create an immersive bar experience. It is a full jazz show scene experience, kind of like a New York City jazz club.”

Lakeshore’s opening reception is at the Jazzbird, which seats about 100 patrons.

Lakeshore returns to live performances

Wilson says their season almost didn’t happen. During the pandemic closure, Wilson’s wife, Carol, died from cancer complications.

She will be honored during the first of nine piano-centric shows.

Carol never missed a performance.

“Every one of these shows has a great pianist in it,” Wilson says.

Season tickets went on sale May 24. They are slightly pricier because it costs more to put the artists in hotels and feed them in Scottsdale.

“We want people to come and see this beautiful facility,” Wilson says. “It is remarkable that people actually have the wherewithal to build a building like this and take a risk on it,” Wilson says.

“The Ravenscrofts have been an integral part of the jazz and music scene in Phoenix for many years. They are one of the leading philanthropists when it comes to jazz music in the United States. To have someone step up and build a building like this with their own private money is pretty remarkable on a national scale.”

Bauer agrees the building is going to be a major boon for jazz lovers.

“If they are looking for something more than a concert with sound, but something that really brings you into the whole performance, this is going to be the place to get that,” Bauer says.

Ravenscroft Hall

Scottsdale Perimeter Complex 8445 E. Hartford Drive, Scottsdale lakeshoremusic.org

Arizona Musicfest THE STARS RETURN TO MUSICFEST Over 30 Concerts Between October and April • Pick Your Own Seats Online

ABBA THE CONCERT

LeANN RIMES

RAY ON MY MIND

CHRIS MANN 1/ 7

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG 1/ 10

BERNADETTE PETERS 1/28

SERGIO MENDES

STEVE TYRELL

SARAH CHANG

BEETHOVEN’s 9th PAUL ANKA 3/14 & 16 — ODE TO JOY! 2/27 ANKA SINGS SINATRA

10/ 3 1 & 11/ 1

KENNY G 2/ 19

11/ 13

2/22

PINK MARTINI 3/22 50 YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL 3/28 WITH CHINA FORBES

11/ 19

1/ 31

THE TEXAS TENORS 4/ 1

CELEBRATES THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK

2/4

EMANUEL AX 4/21 IN RECITAL

480.422.8449 • AZMUSICFEST.ORG All Concerts In North Scottsdale

Painting by Daniel Keys. (Submitted photo)

Painting by Kevin Macpherson. (Submitted photo)

Painting by Carol Hamilton. (Submitted photo)

‘Exciting and Challenging’ The virtual Beaux Arts supports the students at Scottsdale Artists’ School

T

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

rudy Hays says the Scottsdale Artists’ School found taking its virtual fundraiser online was “exciting and challenging.”

Because patrons around the world had the chance to participate, the school is doing it again.

The 28th annual Beaux Arts is set for November 10 to November 13.

“Taking Beaux Arts to a virtual platform last year for the first time was both exciting and challenging,” says Hays, the school’s executive director.

“We have decided to stay virtual for 2021 because it allows our instructors, students and art community from around the world to participate.”

Beaux Arts, an extensive virtual silent art auction, is the school’s primary annual fundraiser. It features a variety of original artwork — such as oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and sculptures — from renowned professional artists. The auction also offers a limited set of juried work from the school’s student artists as well as travel packages and unique treasures.

For 39 years, Scottsdale Artists’ School has been a prominent influence in the community, teaching the fundamentals of fine art to artists and aspiring artists of all ages and skill levels.

The school is considered a leader in

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visual art training for all levels, offering over 270 adult programs annually taught by the nation’s leading artists. The learning environment includes fully equipped studios, a library, student lounge and a rotating art gallery. In addition, the school has a premier youth academy and an extensive outreach program.

Scottsdale Artists’ School attracts more than 3,000 students and visitors yearly from all 50 states and many foreign countries.

“We have over 250 workshops and classes a year for fine arts programs for adults,” spokesperson Skye Fallon says.

“Our instructors are from around the nation and world, in some cases. We offer oils, acrylics, drawing and sculpture — almost anything you can think of. We don’t have pottery wheels or anything like that.

We have sculptors who cut.”

Children ages 6 to 18 can partake in their own programs.

“They’re not like arts and crafts,” Fallon says. “A lot of parents send their kids to an arts and crafts camp. The kids have a real artist experience. They get the real tools the artists here use. It’s really neat. With COVID, we had camps all the way through both summers and gave children their own artist space, table, easel and social distanced with their own little arts studio. There were 10 to 12 people to a room.”

Some students may not be able to receive this education without assistance. Proceeds from Beaux Arts are vital to supporting these programs.

At Beaux Arts, attendees can bid on the Beaux Arts signature painting, Timothy Horn’s “Two Bedroom Ranch,” an 18-by-

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

24 oil painting created exclusively for the event.

Horn — a leading landscape painter whose subject matter often includes structural elements such as vintage buildings and vehicles — is an instructor at SAS. His paintings are as much about the subjects he paints as they are about the effects of light within a particular scene. He won numerous awards, has been featured in many high-end art magazines and is represented by four galleries.

In addition to the auction, guests can also purchase tickets to win the 2021 signature raffle sculpture, an enchanting piece by Sandy Scott. “Pacer” is an 11-by-13-by-5 bronze sculpture of a Standardbred horse captured in its “pace” gate. Scott is a master sculptor whose art graces many well-known venues across the United States, including the Clinton Library, which showcases her magnificent “Presidential Eagle.”

The Beaux Arts auction begins at noon Wednesday, November 10, and ends 6 p.m. Saturday, November 13. Each day, interactive activities will take place on social media, including artist interviews, studio tours and the opportunity to win “door” prizes.

“Prior to COVID, we were giving about $75,000 a year in scholarships,” Fallon says.

“They’re based on need and merit. We have really supportive artists who teach here.”

Beaux Arts 2021

WHEN: Noon Wednesday, November 10, to 6 p.m. Saturday, November 13 WHERE: Virtual, scottsdaleartschool.org COST: Free registration INFO: scottsdaleartschool.org

Bigger and Better Scott Youngs brings excitement to Arizona Masterworks Chorale

By Bridgette M. Redman

fter decades of teaching and conducting sacred chorale music, Scott Youngs is eager to be part of the Arizona Masterworks Chorale.

There, he can explore the options available for a large community chorale.

Youngs has taken the helm of the 42-year-old Arizona Masterworks Chorale as artistic director. This comes on the heels of a long career with All-Saint’s Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, where he served as music director for 30 years and founded the Boy and Girl Chorister programs.

Youngs left All-Saint’s three years ago and has been looking for something new.

He found it with Arizona Masterworks Chorale, which, over the years, performed at the cathedral.

“After a career in church music for my entire life, breaking out of that mode is interesting,” Youngs says.

“It’s a fun challenge. There is so much gorgeous chorale music. It’s absolutely endless. I thought, why not? A new challenge is what I need. I don’t want to become complacent.”

Scott Youngs was the music director at All-Saint's Episcopal Cathedral for 30 years before leaving three years ago for something new.

(Photo by Chris Loomis)

Focusing on American music

Youngs is launching his first season with “American Beauty,” four concerts that focus on the most melodic and beautiful of American music.

The first concerts — Saturday, November 6, and Sunday, November 7 — will be music from the heartland, including “The Road Home” by Stephen Paulus, “Frostiana” by Randall Thompson, and “She Walks in Beauty” by David Foltz.

The second concert will be in December and is dubbed “New England Christmas.”

Even after decades in Arizona, he says it still seems odd to have Christmas with 80-degree weather. He chose this theme because he misses the snow.

Valentine’s Day weekend hosts the third concert, with the theme of “Love from Sea to Sea.” Arizona Masterworks Chorale will finish the year in May with a “Made in America,” featuring tunes for choir and percussion.

Better and bigger

The chorale has two goals: being better and bigger.

Founded as a 60-voice choir, Arizona Masterworks Chorale has only 36 members.

It had to cut back from its usual repertoire to do chamber-size music.

“They would like to go back to their 55- to 60-voice size and do larger things,” Youngs says.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

37

“Their repertoire has stayed large in size and scope. That’s where they really like being, so to me that’s exciting.

I spent so much time with English cathedral music and chamber music choirs. … It is one more uncharted territory for me, a new challenge.”

Youngs has spent his career teaching from fourth graders to graduate students. He’s fully prepared to answer the chorale’s questions.

“If you’re going to stand in front of a choir and ask for something in particular, you’d better be able to explain how they can produce what you are asking for,” Youngs says.

He notes the chorale is a community choir and not a professional act. Youngs says the singers love to perform and have had voice lessons. He still doesn’t expect them to walk in as readymade professionals. It’s why he plans to bring in vocal coaches and hold workshops.

“They are there to be molded and shaped and educated,” Youngs says. “They are there to be brought to as much of their potential as possible. That’s the fun. You get to teach and watch them grow up.”

Sharing duties

Youngs also wears the hat of music director and founder of the Arizona Bach Festival, which was born at AllSaints, where there was a seven-year series of Bach cantatas.

The rector retired, and this was Youngs’ promise to the community that good music would continue.

It continued for seven years and then, in 2008, as planned, it broke off into its own nonprofit with its own board of directors.

“It grew up and moved out on its own,” Youngs says.

“The Arizona Bach Festival is going strong. I can’t be parted from that project. That is my heart and soul left over from many years.”

The festival brings top classical artists from all around the world to perform in Phoenix each January.

Return to togetherness

Youngs is excited to direct the chorale. He says they have endless potential.

“They’re open to great

Proudly presents our 10th concert season!

$5 Tickets available at www.northvalleysymphony.org "Re-Opening Overtures" October 16, 2021, 7 p.m.

"Musical Gifts for Christmas" December 18, 2021, 7 p.m.

"Women in Music" March 12, 2022, 7 p.m

"Across America" May 21, 2022, 7 p.m.

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Scott Youngs is launching his first season with "American Beauty," four concerts that focus on the most melodic and beautiful of American music. (Photo by Chris Loomis)

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

2021-22 Season Sponsors

programming,” Youngs says. “They’re looking for new members and are willing to do workshops and vocal coaching. It is such a great fit.”

Getting together as a group is important after the pandemic pause from live music.

“No one has been performing or playing,” Youngs says. “That’s an amazing thing that now we can do that again. There is so much excitement. You’re going to see an explosion of chorale music. People have missed it, and they have missed that community.”

Arizona Masterworks Chorale: “From the Heartland” WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 6 WHERE: St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 6533 N. 39th Avenue, Phoenix WHEN: 3 p.m. Sunday, November 7 WHERE: Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley COST: $15 to $20 INFO: arizonamasterworks.com

RETURNING to the STAGE Arizona Musicfest brings the likes of Kenny G and Sergio Mendes to town

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Bria Skonberg will perform November 15 at La Casa de Cristo Church. (Submitted photo)

NOVEMBER

ABBA The Concert (tribute act) 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 1 Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale Tickets are $49 to $111 LeAnn Rimes 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 13 Highlands Church

rizona Musicfest unveiled its starry lineup of exceptional artists to celebrate the return of live indoor concerts in North Scottsdale.

Following the challenges and disappointments of last season, Musicfest has regrouped and renewed its commitment to bringing the joy of music.

In its largest season, Musicfest will produce 30 concerts between November and April.

“As our community emerges from the difficulties of the last year, we are honored to engage and entertain audiences with

DECEMBER

Tickets are $49 to $84 Bria Skonberg 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 15 Gathering Place, La Casa de Cristo Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale Tickets are $39 and $59 Ray on My Mind 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 19 Highlands Church ABBA The Tickets are $35 to $72 Concert performs November 1.

exceptional performances that will uplift and reunite friends, neighbors and artists around our shared love of music,” says Allan Naplan, Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director.

Featured artists include Paul Anka, Bernadette Peters, Kenny G, LeAnn Rimes, Sergio Mendes, Sarah Chang and Emanuel Ax, as well as Pink Martini, Broadway’s John Lloyd Young and the Texas Tenors. The season also features the Festival Orchestra, comprised of musicians from some of the nation’s finest orchestras.

For tickets, call 480-422-8449 or visit azmusicfest.org.

Young Musicians Fall Concert 2 p.m. Sunday, November 21 Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix Tickets are $20

The Christmas Serenad3 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 3 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $84 A Brassy Christmas with the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 10 Gathering Place, La Casa de Cristo Church Tickets are $29 to $66

JANUARY

Chris Mann Celebrates the Tony Bennett Songbook 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 7 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $84 John Lloyd Young: Broadway’s Jersey Boy 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 10 Highlands Church

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

39

Tickets are $49 to $84

Tickets are $55 and $81

Bernadette Peters 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 28 Highland Church Tickets are $49 to $111

Sarah Chang and the Festival Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 22 La Casa de Cristo Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale Tickets are $25 to $94

Sergio Mendes 7:30 p.m. Monday, January 31 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $84

FEBRUARY

Steve Tyrell 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 4 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $84 “A Star is Born”: The Concert 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 7 Highlands Church Tickets are $35 to $72 Music City Hit-Makers 7:30 p.m. Monday, February 14 Highlands Church Tickets are $35 to $72 Kenny G 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 19 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $102 Festival Sinfonia 2 p.m. Sunday, February 20 Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

Paul Anka performs March 14.

(Submitted photo)

Inon Barnatan and the Festival Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 24 La Casa de Christo Church Tickets are $25 to $89 Festival Orchestra Pops: A Salute to Arizona and the Wild West 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 25 La Casa de Cristo Church Tickets are $25 to $89 Beethoven’s 9th — Ode to Joy! 2 p.m. Sunday, February 27 La Casa de Cristo Church Tickets are $25 to $94

MARCH

Callaway Sisters in “Sibling Revelry” 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 7 Highlands Church Tickets are $35 to $72

Paul Anka: Anka Sings Sinatra 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 14 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $111 Pink Martini with China Forbes 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22 La Casa de Cristo Church Tickets are $41 to $102 Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ’n’ Roll: Part 2 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 28 Highlands Church Tickets are $39 to $76

APRIL

The Texas Tenors 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 1 Highlands Church Tickets are $49 to $84 The McCartney Years 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 4 Highlands Church Tickets are $35 to $72 Emanuel Ax 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21 La Casa de Cristo Church Tickets are $41 to $102 Callaway Sisters perform March 7 at Highlands Church.

(Submitted photo)

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OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

The Official Blues Brothers Revue 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29 Highlands Church Tickets are $35 to $72

EYE CARE NORTH IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE ADDITION OF A NEW DOCTOR TO THE PRACTICE

Dr. Nicole Anderson OD

DIZZINESS, HEADACHES, ANXIETY, NAUSEA, DOUBLE VISION.

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Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) is a misalignment of the eye muscles. The line of sight from one eye is slightly different than the other eye. Therefore the eye muscles have to work harder than they should to correct the misalignment and achieve a single line of focus.

Tense and overworked muscles in and around the eyes caused by BVD can be responsible for dizziness, headaches, nausea, anxiety, gait imbalance, neck pain and other unwanted symptoms.

Have you seen multiple specialists but nothing seems to help?

Neurovisual medicine is a subspecialty of optometry that uses a new approach to treating micro misalignments of the eyes not normally detected on a routine eye exam. Dr. Julie Lam practices at Eye Care North in Cave Creek and is the only Neurovisual optometrist in Arizona.

She is the 25th doctor in the United States to complete training at the Neurovisual Medicine Institute in Michigan. She has helped many patients, including TBI sufferers, with their symptoms by treating BVD with special lenses.

To find out if you have BVD, fill out the screening questionnaire at www.eyecarenorth.com. A staff member will call you with the results and let you know if a Neurovisual evaluation can help with your symptoms.

Dr. Nicole Anderson is an Arizona native and completed a residency in Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation at the University of Houston. Her experience includes pediatric eye exams, strabismus (eye misalignment), and amblyopia (lazy eye). Dr. Anderson is licensed to practice full-scope optometry and diagnoses and manages dry eye, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. She is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry.

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NVSO music director Kevin Kozacek conducts the “A Scandinavian Tour” concert in October. (Photo courtesy of Pete Schulte/Lucky Dog Images)

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OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

NVSO unveils 2021-22 concert series

N

By North Valley Symphony Orchestra

orth Valley Symphony Orchestra will present its 10th anniversary season, bringing an affordable concert experience to the North Valley after a season of virtual, smaller performances.

The 2021-22 season includes four musical performances throughout the year, beginning with “Re-Opening Overtures,” 7 p.m. Saturday, October 16, at North Canyon High School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union Hills Drive.

Ten years ago, NVSO’s first concert was titled “Opening Overtures,” so it is only fitting that the name “Re-Opening Overtures” be used to return to live performances. The concert will feature performances by full orchestra, brass, winds and strings.

The music will include Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Rossini’s Overture to “The Barber of Seville,” Barber’s “Adagio for Strings,” Holst’s “St. Paul Suite,” Strauss’s Overture to “Die Fledermaus,” and Raff ’s “Sinfonietta for Winds.”

The season also includes: 7 p.m. Saturday, December 18: “Musical Gifts for Christmas” NVSO is bringing its gift of music to the North Valley for the holiday season. This family-friendly event will include a visit from

Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as a medley of some Christmas favorites, and a singalong.

Music will include arrangements from Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and Balamage’s Festive Fanfare.

This concert is sponsored by Dr. Howard Robinson of I-Med. 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12: “Women in Music” After having to cancel this concert two years ago due to the pandemic, NVSO is proud to recognize the 100th anniversary of women’s suff rage by performing music composed by women, including awardwinning composer Joan Tower’s “Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman.”

This concert is sponsored by CASCO Financial.

7 p.m. Saturday, May 21: “Across America” NVSO closes out the 10th anniversary season with a celebration of America’s places and people. Enjoy music inspired by America, including Daugherty’s “Route 66,” music by American Indian composer Jerod Tate, and Dvořák’s beloved “New World Symphony.” This performance will also include the world premiere of a commissioned work by James DeMars,

North Valley Symphony Orchestra returns with "Re-Opening Overtures" October 16. (Sumitted photo)

professor emeritus of composition at ASU, to celebrate the 10th anniversary season.

NVSO is committed to making concert tickets affordable for all. Tickets are $5 each concert, or $15 for a full season pass for the four concerts.

Purchase tickets at the NVSO website, northvalleysymphony. org, or by calling 623980-4628. Concert and season sponsorships are available for businesses or individuals who would like to support NVSO’s return to live performances.

“The effects of the pandemic have been devastating for the performing arts around the globe, but I am so proud of our NVSO student and adult musicians for what they accomplished in the past year,” says Liz Galpin, NVSO board president and cellist.

“We are very excited to be offering the opportunity for live, in-person performances during our 10th concert season. Our musicians have missed performing for our community, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to hear some exceptional orchestral music.”

NVSO is partially funded by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture through appropriations from the Phoenix City Council.

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

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TASTE • DINE

‘Peace, Love and Pasta’

Chef Scott Conant revisits his family’s favorite meals in book

By Alex Gallagher

C

hef Scott Conant has been delighting diners with his award-winning cuisine for 35 years and has captivated audiences with his tenure as a judge on the Food Network shows “Chopped” and “Chopped Sweets.”

More recently, he has inspired readers with his latest cookbook, “Peace, Love and Pasta: Simple and Elegant Recipes from a Chef ’s Home Kitchen.”

As the fourth cookbook to be penned

by Conant, he wanted this cookbook to be more personal. “‘Peace, Love and Pasta’ is genuinely me cooking from my home kitchen, while my earlier books were much more restaurant focused,” the Scottsdale resident says.

While he has been cooking in kitchens across the world for over three decades, it was the dishes he procured in his home kitchen that shine in the book.

“It wasn’t until I had children that I started to cook more at home and, frankly, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I was cooking at home every day,” Conant says. “While I was testing these recipes, I was also putting dinner on the table for

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the girls and having fun doing it. This book is a culmination of that and truly about me cooking for my family.”

For the New England and Italian recipes, Conant revisited the recipes that his grandparents made — mostly out of ingredients grown in their garden.

“My grandparents absolutely influenced me to cook Italian food, 100%. The nostalgia of their garden growing up continues to inspire me every day,” he says. “I always say I can’t smell Chef Scott Conant is hosting two dining events to celebrate the basil without thinking release of his book, “Peace, Love and Pasta” at his restaurants of my grandfather and The Americano and Mora Italiano. (Submitted photos) standing together in his garden.” out to me like, ‘This is fennel. These are Conant credits his grandfather as being borlotti beans. This is basil,’ and so on.” one of his first culinary arts teachers. he says. “My decision to cook Italian food “Throughout my childhood, my stems from them, while the decision to grandfather would constantly point things be a chef came from experiencing the

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

TASTE • DINE Chef Scott Conant created the recipes for his new book while cooking dinners for his wife and two daughters, while also including passed-down family recipes that his grandparents used to make.

and fennel together, and camaraderie that I found it was spectacular.” in the kitchen. I just love While borlotti bean that sense of team.” soup is a favorite dish, It was their cooking Conant has another gothat made him fall in to recipe — his mother’s love with food.

“Sunday sauce.”

“We used to eat their “The chicken cutlets zucchini flowers like popcorn,” Conant says. with melted tomatoes and burrata — I can eat “My mother would fry that every day of my life,” them to perfection, and he says. they were incredible.”

That says a lot, but he When he wasn’t has one dish he adores. snacking on zucchini “The caramelized flowers, Conant onion risotto with enjoyed several other “Peace, Love and Pasta” is the braised short ribs is dishes his early idols fourth cookbook for “Chopped” and “Chopped Sweets” judge hands down my favorite. perfected, including his Scott Conant.

I would make it right grandfather’s borlotti now if I could,” Conant bean soup and his says.

“A very close second to that is the mother’s “Sunday sauce.”

“My grandfather used to make this Turkish Manti. When we were shooting the photography for the book, that was my borlotti bean soup, which was brothy with team’s favorite dish.” tomatoes, onions, garlic and olive oil, Some of these dishes have made their thickened by the starch of the beans; it way onto the menu at Conant’s restaurants, was basically all boiled together. He would and all of them have received rave reviews sometimes add fennel to it,” Conant says. from the eateries’ guests and his family.

“I distinctly recall the flavors of the beans

“A few of the dishes are served in the restaurants, some are inspired by the restaurants, and I wouldn’t put anything in a book if it wasn’t overwhelmingly positively received from my family or guests,” Conant says.

While Conant and his family have a love for pasta, he hopes the book can help readers find the same peace he finds when he cooks.

“Besides the reference to cooking pasta, it’s a nod to my own evolution to a certain extent,” he says. “I feel like I’ve gotten to this point where I’m more settled. With that kind of peace of mind comes a lot of peace and love.”

When Conant is not writing a cookbook, on TV or cooking for his family, he is kept busy with his restaurants: the Americano in Scottsdale; Mora Italiano, a modern osteria in Phoenix; and Cellaio, an Italian steakhouse at Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, New York.

“Scottsdale is such a great place to do business, to live and spend time with family. It made perfect sense to move here,” he says.

As for his book, he hopes it can help solve the age-old question of “what’s for dinner?”

“I hope that people are inspired to cook these dishes and make these recipes part of their home repertoire,” Conant says.

“I remember as a kid, my mom always wondered, ‘What are we going to have for dinner?’ Hopefully, there’s a couple of your new favorites inside this book for your family.”

Celebratory dinners Scott Conant is hosting two dining events to celebrate his book’s release. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 19, he’ll lead a dinner at The Americano, 17797 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, $175, bit.ly/ SCxAmericanoOct19; and 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, Mora Italiano, 5651 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, $155, bit.ly/SCxMoraOct27.

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TASTE • DINE

What's Cooking

with JAN D’ATRI

Apple Fritter Pull-Apart Bread

D

oughnuts with our coffee were always a treat in my family, because we didn’t buy them very often.

When you’re Italian, the perfect paring with your espresso is a biscotti. But oh, those doughnuts! My real weakness, though, was an apple fritter. Those rugged, rustic clumps of dough, smooshed together with apple bits, laced with an ooey gooey glaze, were just too irresistible.

Now, to make matters worse for my waistline, what sits before me is a bread pan bubbling over with what pretty much looks like an apple fritter on steroids. This is going to be really good — or really bad, depending on how much willpower I have.

I found this recipe for apple fritter pullapart bread that is made with delicious and delicate sweet yeast dough and sugary, buttery diced apples that are caramelized.

The dough is rolled out, topped with the

diced apples and then sliced in squares, stacked in groups of four, and just stuffed into the pan. This recipe is just downright fun. The pan went into the oven, and an hour later, sitting before me were apple-laced slabs of heaven ready to be pulled apart and devoured! You can make this with the homemade dough recipe below or you can make it with refrigerated croissant dough. Just promise me you’ll make it!

Apple Fritter Pull-Apart Bread Ingredients • 3 containers refrigerated croissant dough, rolled out into one solid rectangle, or homemade dough below For the dough • 3 cups flour • 1 package yeast • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup water • 1 egg, beaten • 3/4 cup milk • 1/4 cup butter (I used Kerrygold Triple butter) For the filling • 6 large crisp apples, peeled and diced • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice • 1 cup brown sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

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For the glaze • 1 cup powdered sugar • 3 to 4 teaspoons milk, half and half, or water Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease 9-by-5-inch bread pan.

In a skillet, cook apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, vanilla, butter, cinnamon and cornstarch until mixture is thickened. Set aside to cool.

Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles; remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until melted; set aside.

Put flour, yeast, brown sugar and salt in a bowl; mix well.

Add the water, egg and milk/butter mixture.

Mix until dough forms into a ball, kneading for about 5 minutes.

OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

On a floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle.

Evenly spread apple mixture over dough.

Cut dough into even 3-inch squares.

Stack four squares onto each other with spatula. Stack them side by side in pan until piles are used up. Bake 50 minutes. If top gets too brown, place foil over top and continue to bake. In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar and milk, cream or water until smooth.

Remove bread from oven and pour on glaze. Pull apart and enjoy!

BETTER • HEALTH

‘I’ll Love Who I Am’ Kathy Laurinaitis shares her harrowing medical journey

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

athy Colace Laurinaitis, with one side of her face drooping, struggles to relax and let her bright, natural smile shine through during a photo shoot in her luxurious condo.

Interviews and photo shoots are important to Laurinaitis, as, for the last year, she had surgery for a blueberry-sized benign tumor on her brainstem and now deals with its aftereffects. She documented part of her journey on her twin daughters’ show “Total Bellas,” and she yearns to continue that journey to bring awareness to brain health.

On Laurinaitis’ one-year survivor anniversary, the Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona announced it will honor her at its Brainiac Bash…a Soiree to Support Brain Health on Friday, January 14, at North Phoenix’s Chateau Luxe. She will speak at the gala and receive the Woman of Courage award.

The evening will feature ballroom routines from competitive dancers and prominent Arizonans, including Barry Goldwater Jr., Dr. Dina Shacknai, Carrie Martz, Debbie Gaby and Julie Xander, and a performance by the Bella Twins, Nikki Garcia-Colace

Kathy Colace Laurinaitis, the mother of Nikki and Brie Bella, will be honored with the Woman of Courage award at the Brainiac Bash…a Soiree to Support Brain Health.

(Photo by Dennis Murphy)

NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021

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BETTER • HEALTH and her fiancé, “Dancing with the Stars” professional Artem Chigvintsev.

Initially, Laurinaitis — who is married to WWE legend John Laurinaitis — was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, which her daughter Brie thought was due to stress.

Brie — one half of the WWE’s Bella Twins with her sister, Nikki — encouraged her mom to have acupuncture. “‘Total Bellas’ did not ask us to showcase it then,” Laurinaitis says. “It was my husband who said, ‘Do you want to showcase this to bring awareness?’ When I showcased Bell’s palsy, a lot of people reached out to me and thanked me for doing it. A lot of people with Bell’s palsy are embarrassed. I get it. I thought, ‘I am that person now.’”

When their mom was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Nikki and Brie were weeks away from giving birth. This should have been a time of great joy for the family, which also includes son JJ and stepchildren Maya and Zack.

“Kathy and her family found themselves in a frightening situation, navigating uncharted territory after her brain mass diagnosis and then recovery after a 14hour surgery,” says Carrie Collins-Fadell, director of the statewide nonprofit Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona.

“No one would have blamed her if she wanted to keep her health struggles private, as there is so much stigma around brain health and injury, but instead she actively chose to be an open book and went through her process on national television. She has been incredibly open about her cognitive challenges and the immense hard work of recovery, in the process becoming a voice for so many others.”

“Total Bellas” did not cover Laurinaitis’ entire story. The last season ended just after she underwent brain surgery. She

says she feels OK, but there is still a long battle ahead. She has double vision, which happened after the brain surgery.

“I’ve not only had brain surgery,” says Laurinaitis, who’s been treated at the Mayo Clinic. “I had two eye surgeries because my eye wouldn’t close. I have a titanium weight in my upper eyelid. In my lower eyelid, they took 6 inches out of a muscle in my thigh and made, what they call, a hammock.

“They put it in the lower eyelid to help it close. I had to have it twice. I had the first one done and then the titanium weight fell.

So, I had a second surgery. I drive with a patch, because of the double vision, and I just saw my ophthalmologists. There’s too much of a gap in my double vision to use a prism glass.”

Confident and well spoken, Laurinaitis says she has suffered from anxiety during the roller coaster year.

“I saw my doctor yesterday, and they said that’s normal because of the trauma,” she adds. “I’m not used to feeling that way.

Coming out of the surgery, for the first six months, I was relying on people for help.

That, in itself, has been a learning process.”

Her husband has been her rock during the medical journey. Laurinaitis says John took 30 days off from the WWE and “never left my side.” His support helped her get a jump-start on the healing process and getting back to work.”

From the diagnosis to today, Laurinaitis says it’s been a learning experience. Many think of accidents as the only cause of brain trauma, when surgery can be just as damaging.

“I feel like the brain is the queen bee. She does so many different things,” she says.

“In my world, with what I’ve learned in the last year, is it gets forgotten until something happens. Also, it’s like a muscle.

When you look at stroke patients or people

COMING NEXT ISSUE The Food Issue Featuring a comprehensive dining guide of North Valley restaurants, divided by cuisine type as well as Top Valley holiday events and festivals.

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OCTOBER 2021 | NOVEMBER 2021 NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM

going through any type of brain trauma, it’s all about being patient and giving the brain time to recover.”

Laurinaitis is in line for more surgeries.

She’s hoping plastic surgeons might be able to help with her face, as “I’m not giving up on my face.” Her goal is a full recovery.

“I’ve come a long way,” she adds. “I’m just trying to be patient. If this is who I am, this is who I am. I’ll love who I am, but it hasn’t been easy to do that. It’s changed me.”

Laurinaitis says it’s an honor to speak at the gala. She whole-heartedly supports the nonprofit.

“I just look at everyone the organization has helped, and that makes my heart happy,” she says. “I read all the stories on social media and, oh, my gosh, some of the stories about what these people and children have gone through are just heartbreaking.”

She says she has not quite planned what she is going to say at the gala.

“Everyone sitting out in the audience has a brain,” she says with a slight smile. “I’m going to bring awareness to everyone about brain trauma and brain health. What this organization does for people, and not even the person who is the survivor but also the family. The family goes unnoticed in a sense.

They worked so hard to help, and it’s not easy.

“Most people have jobs, and they’re trying to help and take care of the survivor. It’s also recognizing that it’s a team effort with the patient, the medical team and the family.”

Brainiac Bash…a Soiree to Support Brain Health WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, January 14 WHERE: Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $250 INFO: https://biaaz.org/event/brainiac

Join us for a night of Memphis Rock 'n' Roll – with cocktails, a musical tribute performance, and dinner by MCatering Your attendance helps support our innovative outreach programming that spreads hope and healing to families across the Valley and beyond. Funds raised by our gala have helped make it possible for our flagship Partners That Heal program to touch the lives of more than 65,000 seriously ill patients in local healthcare facilities, and have helped us provide scholarships so that children from low-income families have the chance to attend our highly inclusive Summer Theatre Camp, which provides more support for emotional, neurological and motor challenges than any other theatre camp in the state.

100 OFF/TICKET*

$

AESAZ.CO/ELP/PHXTHEATRE

With Code

NORTHVALLEY *Limit Two Tickets Per Household Expires November 1, 2021

2 0 21/2 2 S E A S O N

CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS

The Copper Queen Film* OCT 2021

El Milagro del Recuerdo (The Miracle of Remembering)

DEC 3, 4, & 5, 2021 HERBERGER THEATER CENTER

OF BRINGING YOU

CLOSER A Little Night Music MAR 4, 5, & 6, 2022

Carmen JAN 28, 29, & 30, 2022

SYMPHONY HALL

Così fan tutte APR 8, 9, & 10, 2022 SYMPHONY HALL

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MCDOUGALL RED SERIES * The Copper Queen Film is a digital presentation and not part of our in-theater ticket packages.

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