Flag Live Student Guide - September 2023

A Letter from NAU’s Student Body President

Hey there Lumberjacks!

My name is Maria Emilia Machelor, and I am this year’s Student Body President for NAU. With a role like this comes a lot of excitement and time spent learning about NAU’s role in the Flagstaff community. I am ready to learn more!

Maria Emilia Machelor

Throughout the year, stay tuned to the Timber Talks, the ASNAU weekly newsletter email, to stay updated on on-campus events.

Joining and returning to NAU can be a very overwhelming experience. With so many events, activities, organizations, and clubs to join, sometimes it is hard to decide what you want. The Associated Students of NAU alongside other student organizations like Peer Jacks, Campus Living Student Association, SUN Entertainment, True Blue Ambassadors, and many others are here to help make your experience at NAU one to remember. I am a big advocator of utilizing your resources! Take your time scouring the NAU website on the page Get Involved @ NAU under the Dean of Students to find ways to get involved.

ASNAU is the undergrad student government here on campus. We utilize the mandatory ‘23 fee’ to fund events and resources for the student. If you would like to learn more about how your money is used, please don’t hesitate to email me at ASNAUPresident@nau.

edu. Alongside our infamous Homecoming Carnival on campus, ASNAU also provides the Lumberjack Concert Series, club/individual reimbursements, club material resources, free legal counsel, “Kiss My Axe” t-shirts, and so much more! Our website, https://in.nau.edu/asnau/, is constantly being updated with new information, so please feel free to check it out. ASNAU advocates for the student, we are here for you. If there is ever something you would like to bring more attention to, my email is always open. Our Senate meetings meet bi-weekly, and the meetings are open to the public. The exact dates are on True Blue Connects if you would like to attend. I highly encourage y’all to attend and learn more about your student government.

At Northern Arizona University there are more than 400 student organizations on campus. This is JUST a snippet of what NAU offers! With study abroad available at the Center of International Education, a multitude of research and internship programs, and intermural and club sports, opportunities to get involved are endless. Whatever you decide, I hope you find what is right for you. Please use ASNAU as a resource! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Stop by the ASNAU office in the Union, room 206, and say hi to us.

Sincerely,

Maria Emilia Machelor “Because of the Student, We Exist”

Being a Neighbor

JESSICA CLARK

This morning, the ground was still soaked with rain water from the previous night’s storm. I went outside that night to let my goats and chickens out of their enclosures and into their respective yards. I, too, was soaked.

The weeds (mostly kochia, an invasive species in this area) have grown tall and hearty with the onset of the seasonal rains, and many plants now close to my height— are growing in or adjacent to the path, making accessing these enclosures a challenge. As often happens when I am beset by this sort of inconvenience, I made a plan to pull weeds and toss them into the enclosures for the animals to munch on each time I go out to care for them.

The plans I come up with early in the morning when something is of immediate concern to me, though, fall apart as surely as spilled pellets of chicken feed melt in the rain, and so we are (again this year) the house in the neighborhood with the obscenely tall weeds—or at least the weeds so tall that if anything obscene was happening among them, a neighbor would be hardpressed to observe it. The obvious solutions to these challenges—mowing or spraying poison—both work against my ultimate aim for the property, which is for its empty spaces to be filled with wild, native plants. Mowing would knock down all plants indiscriminately, and spraying the area’s favored herbicide would mean killing a number of “weeds” that are exactly the plants I desire to cultivate, not to mention allowing plant poison to build up in the soil around where I am trying to grow food That leaves pulling and replacing with native seeds, a labor intensive practice that we struggle to implement effectively on such a large property.

The neighbor who shares the largest stretch of fence line with me is an advocate for herbicide. He insists that it will only kill the plants one doesn’t want, leaving the ones one does, which I expect is true if what one wants is a vast monoculture of grass. Although he and his partner are kind to me and mine, I suspect we are a nuisance to him for our lack of adequate weed control measures. He keeps mules who are tempted by the plants growing across the fence, and so he sprays poison a good 3 feet across the fence line to deter them from reaching

through. This is a compromise that works for me—I allow the neighbor to encroach ever so slightly onto my land with a substance I’d rather not be anywhere near, and he doesn’t bother me about my terrible lack of weed control everywhere else

Still, I wonder if this couple sits at home complaining about my unkempt property the way my husband and I complain about the noise, garbage, and lack of animal control practiced by another set of neighbors we share a fence line with. It is funny to feel simultaneously like a terrible neighbor for keeping a bit of a messy property and a great one for being relatively quiet and unobtrusive.

In reflecting on what type of neighbor I am and how I am perceived by those living in my immediate vicinity, I wonder what actually makes a good neighbor. The conflicts between me and my two neighbors come largely down to being considerate—it would be more considerate of me to more carefully manage the weeds along the fence where the neighbor’s animals might try to access them, and it would be more considerate of my other neighbors to keep their animals enclosed and their music to a reasonable level. Being considerate, though, feels like

more of a baseline for coexistence rather than a marker of goodness. After all, we do share a fence with a third set of neighbors who keep pretty much entirely to themselves. I don’t think of them as “good” so much as “absent.”

To cross over into being a truly good neighbor, I think one must have a positive impact on the area and the people who live within it. This can be done through small actions—lending tools, caring briefly for pets, purchasing neighborhood kids’ fundraising products, sharing in the maintenance of communal areas, or sheltering packages from the elements—or through large actions like organizing community events or advocating for better neighborhood conditions

Most of my neighborly-style efforts toward “goodness” take place outside of my immediate locale. I spend the energy I have available trading food and goods with friends, participating in local community writing-events, and promoting workshops and businesses that are helping grow the local food economy In short, I try to be as good of a community member as I can be, and as a result, my standing as a neighbor fluctuates somewhere between absent and

neglectful.

I tell myself that this is okay—the world is hard, and we’re all doing the best we can, right? But letting myself off the hook in this way still feels so deeply unsatisfying. It’s not that I think I should be harder on myself or just push through and make good neighboring a priority regardless of the toll it takes. Rather, it feels to me like it takes an awful lot to be a good citizen, community member, neighbor, friend, partner, family member, and person in the world as it is. Ideally, we would all spend more time reflecting on why that is and what we can do about it. With so many drains on our energy resources, though, I’m not sure how to pull it off.

Maybe the key is to tackle both simultaneously by throwing a few weed pulling and social activism planning parties. Participants could build community while tearing down unwanted plants or doing other important chores. Laundry and lobbying? Dishes and dissent? Whatever the answer, I don’t think we’re going to find it alone. Making things better for everyone necessarily involves collaborating, communicating, and helping with each other’s burdens—a “pulling together,” if you will, to bring about camaraderie and meaningful change.

JESSICA CLARK Weed eaters

Hot Picks

THE BEE GETS BUZZED

Are you looking to reclaim your elementary school title of Spelling Bee Champion or looking for a second chance? Then the Adult Spelling Bee at the Drinking Horn Meadery is the perfect event for you! This light-hearted, good time is a blast to participate in and just as fun to watch. The event also serves a bigger purpose by benefiting the Literacy Center through a plethora of great, local raffle prizes From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., sip on some delicious mead, support the Literacy Center and s-p-e-l-l your h-e-a-r-t out! This event is 21+, participation is free and live Celtic music follows at the event’s conclusion.

DRINKING HORN MEADERY, COURTESY Drinking Horn offers a wide variety of meads in addition to mead cocktails, signature sodas and the opportunity for customers to bring in food from neighboring restaurants at its Mead Hall location downtown.

» FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY | 9.15 – 17

FLAGSTAFF’S FOLK FAVORITE

Founded by members of Flagstaff Friends of Traditional Music, the award-winning bluegrass and acoustic music festival Pickin’ in the Pines has been a Flagstaff staple since it was first held in 2006. Since then, it has been voted “Best Festival” by the readers of the Arizona Daily Sun five years in a row! Pickin’ in the Pines features various genres of acoustic music from bluegrass to Celtic to old-time music. No matter who you are or what you like to listen to, there is something for everyone This year’s festival lineup includes Sam Bush, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Ronnie Bowman Band, Blue Canyon Boys and many more This year’s festival will be held from Sep.15

17 at the Pepsi Amphitheater. Tickets are available for purchase online or over the phone, and children 14 and under are free when they are accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Act fast because tickets to this very popular event sell out quickly. Don’t miss out on this month’s folk fix!

» FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | 9.15 – 16

A SPOTLIGHT ON STARGAZER

Stargazer Collaborative Theater is a woman-founded theater and collaborative arts company and is brand new to Flagstaff. They believe in creating compelling, diverse and thought-provoking theater performances. Through traveling to communities with minimal access to art, performing at schools around northern Arizona and a full inaugural season featuring multiple musicals, an educational production, a play and a fundraising cabaret, Stargazer is hitting the ground running Their inaugural show, The Women of Broadway Fundraiser Cabaret, will feature a cast of local actors performing hits from Wicked, Rent, Chicago, Les Miserables and more All proceeds earned will benefit Stargazer Collaborative Theater’s upcoming season and educational program. You can attend this show in person at Coconino Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. on both dates, but if you aren’t able to get out of the house, you can attend virtually. To learn more visit their website at stargazercollaborativetheatre.com.

RACHEL GIBBONS, ARIZONA DAILY SUN Foghorn Stringband plays to a growing crowd at the Pickin’in the Pines music festival at the Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill County Park.

» THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY | 9.21 –

GALACTIC GALA

23

Flagstaff’s annual Star Party brings the dark sky experience to residents of Flagstaff, the southwest and people from all across the world. The goal of Flagstaff’s Star Party is to share a piece of Flagstaff’s incredible, starry skies with individuals who may not have the opportunity to see these incredible night skies otherwise due to urban glow. Humans have been gazing up at the night sky for thousands of years, creating stories surrounding constellations, theorizing and dreaming. The Star Party features naked eye observations, over 25 telescopic observations hosted by professional and amateur astronomers, astronomy talks and guided tours. The event will be held at Buffalo Park from Sep. 21 – 23. You will not want to miss this spectacular night-time event!

» SATURDAY | 9.23

SONGS AND SCHOLARSHIP

September features an insane lineup of music-themed events, and while every single one of them is special and worthy of praise, the Flagstaff Music Festival is doing things a little differently. Returning to Heritage Square, the free festival aims to celebrate local bands including F-Town Sound, Toxic Positivity and The Flag 5 and raise awareness and funds for the Haven Walker Music Scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the memory of Flagstaff musician Haven Walker and awards five $1,500 grants to support local students and their musical journeys. While this event is free, they will be auctioning off a brand new guitar and taking donations that will go towards the scholarship fund. If you want to support this amazing cause or learn more about the festival, you can visit their website at flagstaffmusicfestival.com Music starts at 11:45 p.m. Be there, at the Square!

» FRIDAY | 9.29

SYMPHONY’S SEASON OPENER

After a long take-five, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra is back for their 74th season of musical magic. This season promises to break sound barriers and introduce our community to some compositions of a deeper cut. For their first show, they’re presenting Love & Laughter: Dvorak, Cloud and Rachmaninoff. Thrilling melodies from Dvorak’s Carnival Overture will sweep you away to start, but afterwards, strap in for a whimsical and delightful composition written by Flagstaff’s very own Judith Cloud. Her work will put a smile on your face, and guest clarinetist Jun Watabe will dazzle you with her talents. Sergei Rachmaninoff’s monumental Second Symphony concludes the show at an inspiring high with its lush and heartwarming melodies Head on over to Ardrey Auditorium for a taste of what’s to come and learn more at flagstaffsymphony.org. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Please nominate us Best Brewery for Best of Flag2023

COURTESY, FLAGSTAFF DARK SKIES COALITION

Local dog treat company, Woof 66 Treats, creates tail-waggin’ snacks for your canine companions

ASH LOHMANN

Many dog treats currently on the market have long ingredients lists, often including additives many pet owners have never heard of. Woof 66 Treats owner Nicole Jones said that’s what prompted her to take matters into her own hands, crafting dog treats at home, using only ingredients she knew were good for them. Then, after moving to Flagstaff from Austin, Texas, Jones said she knew it was time to take her dog treat baking to the next level, and thus, Woof 66 Treats was born.

“The idea for Woof 66 Treats came about while enjoying some tasty pints at Mother Road and watching the dogs relax on the patio,” the Woof 66 Treats website reads “Woof 66 Treats are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are sourced locally as much as possible.”

Woof 66 creates two types of treats: Pumpkin Paws and Brew Bites. The Pumpkin Paws have four ingredients: Oat flour, brown rice flour, pumpkin, egg and cinnamon. The Brew Bites are made with Mother Road Brewing Co. spent grain, wheat flour, peanut butter, egg, and of course, love

“Our dogs can’t get enough of Woof 66 Treats,” one customer review on the Woof 66 site read, “We feel good knowing they have been made with the utmost care and quality ingredients. And as homebrewers, we appreciate the use of spent grains While we enjoy a beer, our dogs enjoy a treat.”

Jones said Mother Road Brewing Co. employees will set aside a bucket full of spent grain for her to use for the Brew Bites. After squeezing much of the moisture out of the spent grain as possible, Jones said she throws all the Brew Bites ingredients together in a large mixer to get a dough formed.

“Some people are worried, like ‘Oh, is there hops in it?’ because

hops are toxic to dogs,” Jones said. But dog owners have no need to worry about the safety of their Woof 66 products, Jones said In fact, “the inspiration [behind the business’ creation] was definitely making a quality product,” Jones said. “Both [flavors] are really good for the dogs; they’re high in fiber”

Jones said licenses aren’t required for making dog treats, which is another reason she said she thinks it is important to have high quality ingredients in the Woof 66 Treats, which are made right in Jones’ home kitchen.

Whether it’s the Pumpkin Paws or the Brew Bites, Jones said that once the dough is rolled out, it’s time for the fun part: She uses fun-shaped cutters to cut out the individual treats.

Woof 66 Treats come in all kinds of interesting shapes, Jones said. Some of the company’s classic shapes include a Route 66 logo, a squirrel, and a pint of beer. Though, Jones said some of her favorite shapes to make are a camper and a water drop as well as seasonal shapes like the ones she brings out around Halloween and Christmastime

After the treats are baked, the Pumpkin

Paws and Brew Bites are then dehydrated so that they can maintain a two-to-threemonth shelf life Once dehydrated, the treats are packed up and sent to their destinations. Owners with pups in need of a Woof 66 fix can head to woof66treats. com to order, but Woof 66 Treats are also available at several local businesses around Flagstaff.

With Flagstaff’s strong local community of small business owners, Jones said she’s happy they help one another out and show up to support each other. Among the local businesses stocked with Woof 66 Treats are Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery, Kickstand Kafe, Square Root

Foods, Mother Road Brewing Co., Eat N Run, The Western Post, Flagstaff Station Market Cafe, Warner’s Nursery, Pay-NTake, Midtown Animal Clinic, Grand Canyon Spirits, Hoot Mart, HomCo Lumber and Hardware, Woody Mountain Campground, Bespoke Inn Flagstaff, Orchard Canyon on Oak Creek, Under Canvas at Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, On The Road Meals, and at both of the Flagstaff

Toasted Owl locations

While Jones said she likes to have fun with the shapes of the dog treats she makes, and that she especially likes to match the treat shapes to the vibe of the business that would be selling them.

“At Toasted Owl, for example, they have a dog menu now which is super cute and we make owl-shaped treats!” Jones said.

Aside from supplying Flagstaff pups (and beyond) with tasty treats, Woof 66 Treats has another goal.

“It is our mission to help those in need find their forever homes,” the Woof 66 Treats site reads. “We adopted our pup, Mac, from High Country Humane and are extremely grateful for all they do for our community When you adopt a dog at High Country Humane, you and your new pup will go home with a free bag of Brew Bites.”

In addition, Jones said that 5% of all Woof 66 Treats’ proceeds go to High Country Humane Society to help support their operations Woof 66 Treat-lovers can also support High Country Humane by donating using the link on the Woof 66 site.

Woof 66 Treats are also available for purchase alongside other goodies on the company’s website, so pups can enjoy Pumpkin Paws and Brew Bites as well as support High Country Humane Society from anywhere.

It is our mission to help those in need find their forever homes. We adopted our pup, Mac, from High Country Humane and are extremely grateful for all they do for our community...

Service through performance

Northern Arizona Playwriting Showcase features new writers, directors, actors and venue

LARRY HENDRICKS

Aschool shooting. A challenging employee. Pharmaceutical misdeeds Pirates taking over an office.

The themes are varied and full of laughter, drama and sorrow – all within 10 minutes

The annual Northern Arizona Playwriting Showcase, taking place Sep. 16 and 17 at the Weatherford Hotel downtown, will feature performances by a host of new and veteran local actors being directed by new

and veteran local directors.

“It’s an event that showcases new, short plays and involves the Flagstaff community as directors and actors to showcase local talent and local theater,” said Ann Cummins, retired NAU creative writing professor who helped create the event with some of her graduate students 15 years ago Since 2010, Cummins has collaborated with veteran actor, Linda Sutera, as co-producers of the showcase. Sutera oversees the theatrical production while Cummins organizes

the playwriting contest. Cummins said that 10 plays were selected by a panel of judges. The winning playwrights come from all over the country, including three from Arizona, one from Flagstaff, and there’s even one from New Zealand.

“The pool this year was big,” Cummins added, stating that 76 submissions were received, which is three times more than the previous year.

There will be a total of eight directors,

two of them directing multiple plays in the showcase, and 11 actors shifting among the 29 parts featured in the 10 plays. Typically, actors audition for each role.

“We felt it would be good to have a smaller cast of actors,” Cummins said, to keep the production more manageable in scope.

In the past, the showcase plays have featured up to three characters, but that changed this year, Cummins said. One play has two characters, while another has nine.

LARRY HENDRICKS PHOTOS

From left to right: Actor Karly Moyers,Northern Arizona Playwriting Showcase co-producer Ann Cummins,directors Nichole Katz,Lisa Heydenreich,and Susan Chastain,and actor Kelly Gibbs.

Another change from the previous year is the venue. This year, the showcase will be staged at the Weatherford Hotel, which, according to Drew Purcell, former Theatrikos executive director and current Weatherford employee, was where Theatrikos got its start in the basement back in 1972.

“It seemed like a good way to celebrate the playwrights and actors,” Purcell said.

Nichole Katz, theater veteran who is directing one of the plays, added, “The focus is on the text. We honor the playwrights’ words … It’s a celebration of art.”

The format will be that of a performance reading, with actors holding the scripts in their hands to get the dialogue right. Narration will be done by veteran actor Tony Sutera and piano backing by S.E. Willis

“It’s good community theater,” Cummins said. “There’s a wide variety of theater experience and relevant subject matter.”

It’s also a place where people can order drinks and food.

Katz is directing A Valentine for Ellie, a somber, deep piece of a parent’s grief in the wake of a school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL. She took on the play because, she said, it is her hometown school.

“I felt compelled to direct that play,” she said, adding that it speaks to the identifi-

cation of trauma in perpetrators before it’s too late.

Veteran actor Kelly Gibbs will be playing three parts during the showcase, including a part in A Valentine for Ellie.

“This is a first for me,” Gibbs said of appearing in the showcase. “I’m really looking forward to this”

In Valentine, Gibbs plays a woman whose

daughter is killed in the school shooting. In Black Flag, she has to change tone to comedy as an office celebrates Pirate’s Day. And she rounds out her parts with A Month of Mondays, where she goes back to a serious role of a mother whose daughter is concerned she is in mental decline.

Actor Karly Moyers is an NAU Theatrical Performance graduate and acting, to her,

If you go …

What: Northern Arizona Playwriting Showcase

Where: Historic Weatherford Hotel, 23 N. Leroux St., downtown.

When: Saturday, Sept 16, at 7 p m , and Sunday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $10 at the door. Drinks and food may be purchased before performances and during intermission

Info: Visit the Northern Arizona Playwriting Showcase at arizonaplaywriting org

“… was a bug that bit me, and I can’t get it off.” She is featured in three performances, including serving as Gibbs’ daughter in Valentine.

“I found a community here, and I have an opportunity to serve my community through these performances,” Moyers said.

Proceeds for the performances at the Weatherford cover the cost of putting on the showcase and will help support next year’s event. The showcase is sponsored by NAPS and the Northern Arizona University English Department.

Nichole Katz,director of the 10-minute play A Valentine for Ellie,musician S.E.Willis, and actors Kelly Gibbs and Karly Moyers.

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A tale of two senior years

Senior year has been staring me in the face lately. It was always lurking in the shadows; since I moved into my freshman dorm, I was acutely aware of my limited time in college. I think it’s because of the lingering sense of anxiety I have from graduating from high school in 2020.

The concept of senior year probably bears a lot of significance for many soon-to-be college graduates like myself. The last time most of us were seniors, things didn’t go over so well.

When I started my last year of high school, I was bright-eyed and hopeful. It was going to be my year, I thought. My friends could feel it, too. The halls at school brimmed with possibility and excitement. New experiences waited behind every door, waiting to be discovered and converted into opportunity.

Needless to say, spring 2020 ended such naive thinking. Possibility and excitement were replaced with uncertainty, a sense of impending doom and, most of all, canceled plans.

My losses and emotional struggles that year were in no way comparable to those of family members grieving the loss of loved ones to COVID-19, nor were they at all similar to the trauma Black citizens experienced that summer following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many others.

It wasn’t hard so much because of the disappointment of losing out on

my senior trip, prom or graduation. It wasn’t even because I didn’t get closure with so many of my high school friends. The emotional weight really came from realizing what it meant to be coming of age at such a critical turning point in history. The conglomeration of everything took its toll—the pandemic, the social and economic unrest and the state of political affairs. The year took on an apocalyptic flavor.

Despite all this, I spend a lot of time practicing gratitude for my college experience for everything that it has been—albeit appearing lonely to the untrained eye. But I wouldn’t trade my freshman year holed up in my dorm for anything. Sure, I missed out on football games and typical freshman traditions But I spent my nights doing crafts and watching movies with my roommate, and that counts for something.

On top of that, the abrupt end to my senior year of high school makes me prioritize appreciating my college senior year. I won’t take it for granted and lose it again.

And what of the aforementioned crushing emotional weight of entering adulthood in 2020? It’s certainly still a concern. I’ve had my fair share of mental health struggles over the last three years, but it has gotten so much easier to take things one day at a time. I appreciate life for what it is, rather than dread it because of what it might turn out to be.

I write all this not to garner pity; in fact, I hope to do quite the opposite. Of course, it was unpleasant to be a senior in 2020; because of that, however, I am going to ensure that I make it amazing to be a senior in 2024.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Marley Green

A group of students cross the street in front of Cline Library on the Northern Arizona University campus; one of many large groups of students getting oriented with school in preparation for the 2023-2024 academic year

STUDENT GUIDE The 2023 Flag Live

FLAG LIVE STAFF & MARLEY GREEN, The Lumberjack Editor in Chief

Embarking on your college journey is an exciting chapter filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Whether you’re a freshman just stepping onto campus or a returning student ready to resume your pursuit of knowledge, this guide is your companion to making the most out of your college year.

If you’re in need of an introduction, we are Flag Live. For nearly 30 years, we have written stories with the intention of elevating and stimulating Flagstaff’s arts and entertainment community, and as the new school year begins we understand that, for some, this town can be a tough nut to crack. That’s why we’re here. To help you on this journey, we’ve partnered with Marley Green, editor-in-chief at NAU’s student-run newspaper The Lumberjack to sort out what you need to know, to stay in the know. From on-campus secrets to the best of local nightlife, this guide will set you up for success in all facets of your collegiate life.

Remember college is not only about hitting the books but also about discovering who you are, exploring your passions and embracing the diverse community around you. So, let’s dive in and embark on this incredible journey together a journey that will shape your future and forge memories that will last a lifetime.

CAMPUS LIFE

Best on-campus spots to hit the books

In those moments where you simply cannot sit at your desk anymore, an amazing alternative is the Health and Learning Center The building is home to the gym, classrooms, a healthy café and a fair amount of study spaces. There are first-come, first-serve study rooms or you can sit in front of a floor-to-ceiling window and take in the campus view. Another great spot little known even among upperclassmen is the Science and Health building There are lots of great buildings on campus, but this one is unmatched in terms of study space. And you don’t need to be a health science student to take advantage. There’s no bad place to sit in Science and Health, and you’ll always find a spot. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a first-come, first-serve study room in there, as well.

Most underrated spot on campus

Picture this: You have a little bit of time between classes and need to grab a coffee. You head to the Union Starbucks, and the line is nearly out the door But don’t fret! The HRM Cult Café is mere steps away. Tucked away in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management and run by student volunteers, the café is a great way to support fellow students and to avoid a seriously long line when you only have a few minutes Its homey atmosphere lends itself well to study sessions, and they serve coffee from Cult Artisan Beverage, a local alternative to corporate Starbucks.

Please see GUIDE Page 18

RACHEL GIBBONS ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Best ways to get involved on campus

There are more than 300 student organizations that cover almost any interest or hobby you may have. You should absolutely attend club fairs and see what is out there for you. This advice will get repetitive, but it is that way for a reason. Focusing on your studies is important, but a good extracurricular activity will help you advance both your social and academic careers. Try to find something that can act as a double agent!

Best school functions/activities

The first Wednesday of every month is Wingo Wednesday in the DuBois ballroom. This is one of my favorite campus event traditions by SUN Entertainment, a student-run organization on campus that plans free events for students It’s a free bingo night with chicken wings, 10 rounds of bingo and prizes. If you go to Wingo, arrive early sometimes they hit capacity and have to turn people away or leave people sitting on the floor. Throughout the year, SUN hosts more than Wingo; open mic nights, concerts, paint nights and more events multiple times a week. Every Friday and Saturday night, count on something fun happening on campus

DRINKS & DINING

Best place to get coffee that isn’t Starbucks

Matador Coffee Roasting Company’s unique indoor-outdoor vibe is perfect for any and all Flagstaff weather. And, in my humble opinion, they make the best iced caramel latte in town. They have a wide range of fun syrups crème de menthe, raspberry, salted caramel and raspberry, to name a few and delicious baked goods. I frequent the walk-in location on Milton Road and Butler Avenue, and while getting there can be a bit of a challenge due to traffic, it’s seriously worth it.

Another favorite of mine is Val’s Workshop, which combines the function of a coffee shop with that of a hair salon, wrapped into an aesthetic that reminds me of a classy but cozy hotel lobby. The coffee drink selection is unique, and they taste as luxurious as the atmosphere. It’s the kind of place with chess boards on the tables and big, fluffy chairs to sink into with a book or some homework.

Best spot for brunch

Tourist Home is my favorite brunch spot in town by far and feels like it is distinctly Flagstaff. With indoor and outdoor seating and a dog-friendly patio, it’s a great place to debrief after a night out with friends or bring your parents when they visit you. Their breakfast and lunch menus both bring a sort of southwestern charm, with huevos rancheros, pork green chile and eggs and breakfast burritos star entrées. If you’re someone who likes a brunch cocktail, they have a ruby mimosa and a whiskey chai, among other popular classics, like Bloody Marys

Best vegan/vegetarian options

Flagstaff is generally an herbivore-friendly city. It’s difficult to eat plant-based at most campus dining locations without things getting repetitive, but if you’re able, there are lots of great options off-campus. Plantasia, a relatively new vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant downtown, has boomed in the last few months. There’s a cute patio, cauliflower wings and tofu banh mi that garner exceptional reviews on Yelp and among my plant-based friends.

Best places to take a date

If you have money to spend: If you like authentic Italian food, you will like Fat Olives Be prepared to wait for a table (especially on a Friday or Saturday night). Everything I’ve ever ordered at Fat Olives

has been divine, from pizza and pasta to appetizers and dessert. They are certified by Verace Pizza Napoletana, meaning they prepare Neapolitan pizza the authentic, traditional way. Guy Fieri even visited Fat Olives on an episode of “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.” If it’s good enough for the mayor of Flavortown, it is certainly worth the expense for me.

If you’re balling on a budget: SoSoba downtown has really excellent “Halfy” Hour deals At late afternoon and early evening times, a selection of their ramen and cocktails are half-price. I rave about SoSoba for the usual $16 a bowl, so $8 is a steal If you’re on a meal plan with dining dollars, you may find yourself scrambling to make sure you spend them all by the end of the semester. I recommend 1899 Bar and Grill on north campus. You can use your dining dollars, which you might have to spare at the end of the semester anyway.

Best cheap drinks

Every bar in town will have happy hour deals, but to me, not much can top The Mayor. Since they have a rooftop, it’s a fun atmosphere to be in right around sunset, and the bar food is a cut above the rest. In addition to these, though, the happy and power hour deals are worth it. Cocktails are $2 off, and draft beers are $1 off. It may not seem like much, but since the cocktails are cheap to begin with, it makes for a relatively inexpensive night compared to other bars.

Mario and Mandee Martusciello pose for a photo inside the roasting room of their business, Matador Coffee on Milton Road.

JAKE BACON/ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Best late night vibes

Rendezvous, located near the lobby at Hotel Monte Vista, is open until 2 a m every morning. The swanky, vintage lounge is a coffee shop by day and bar by night. There’s a wide, unique cocktail and draft beer selection, plus tons of couches and chairs to catch up with friends under mood lighting. Personally, it’s my favorite last-stop bar at the end of a night out. It’s open the latest and is generally the most chill, especially by midnight or so. It’s a great place to settle down, have one last cocktail and wait for a driver to come pick you up.

OUTDOORS

Best hikes for all skill levels

For the casual hiker: Aspen Loop is a great, easy hike, especially in fall semester while the Aspen trees are in full autumn bloom. It’ll get you a little winded, but there isn’t too much of an incline, and it’s a great place to see the orange and yellow hues of fall. It’s also dog-friendly!

For a fun workout: There are lots of trails in Sedona, but a perfectly intermediate-level hike is out and back to Devil’s Bridge. While completely flat in some places, some of it requires steep, strategic steps, and I had to take quite a few water breaks when I did it. The photo op standing on the natural rock bridge itself at the end is a must. Just watch your step!

For bragging rights: Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona and takes five to eight hours. It’s a must for any experienced hiker in the area, but I recommend hiking other trails in the area before jumping into Humphreys, especially if you are new to living at elevation.

Best places to go stargazing

Lake Mary is amazing at both day and night, but it suits stargazing purposes very well. Driving 15 or so minutes out of town makes all the difference in eliminating light pollution, even though Flagstaff is a Dark Sky City. Bring a jacket and flashlight if you plan to exit your vehicle. It gets chilly and incredibly dark! This is a great activity to do with roommates after a long day.

Best places to see fall colors

I mentioned Aspen Loop already, and it is certainly a contender for best fall colors. But North Quad takes the cake here because it is a great place for a fall-themed picnic The trees change into their signature reds, oranges and yellows, but the grass stays lush, making it perfect condition to lay down a blanket or hammock, grab a pumpkin spice latte and a book and relax for a while.

Best spots to clear your head after a long day

When I am breaking up a long study session or feeling very overwhelmed on my way home from class, I like to make a detour and drive up to Mars Lookout just outside Lowell Observatory. It provides a rather romantic view of the city and stars. If you’re lucky, you might see some deer during the day. If you’re in need of perspective, Mars Lookout is the perfect place If you picnic, be sure to clean up after yourself and be respectful of those around you! For many, it’s used as a place for introspection and reflection.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Best budget-friendly activities

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention First Friday Art Walk, a community art fair that occurs on you guessed it the first Friday night of every month. It’s free, with the option of spending money to support local artists by buying their art A community resource your wallet will thank you for taking advantage of is a culture pass, which can be checked out at Flagstaff Public Library. With a culture pass, two people can enter various museums and such throughout Arizona for free. You’ll need a library card, but it’s a very easy, cheap way to visit venues you otherwise might not have gotten a chance to! It’s worth noting not all the passes are for museums located in Flagstaff, but some are just a short drive away.

Best spots to shop instead of Target

Even if you’re a new freshman, you’ve probably visited Old Town Shops. But Flagstaff General Store sells a similar slew of products household decor, jewelry, clothes, candles and more with more of a local, Flagstaff feel. It’s great for dorm decor, gifts and when you want to get yourself a treat for getting through that really tough week of midterms I’m also a fan of accessories from Rainbow’s End, owned by Flagstaff city councilmember Miranda Sweet.

Best things to do on the east side of town

Ah, Flagstaff Mall our unsung hero. Did you know there’s a Barnes & Noble in town? How about Old Navy? Vans? Flagstaff Mall has such a reputation for being a ghost town, but it makes for a great day of shopping, and if you find yourself in need of a run to any corporate stores that aren’t Target, the mall is the place. There’s also a discount shoe store and a few antique shops. I’ve also spent quite a few weeknights at late-night showings at Harkins, and it reminded me that I used to like seeing movies pre-pandemic!

Best day trips

Sedona is 45 minutes out of town and filled with anything you could hope for hiking, fun dining and shopping. A recommendation you might not hear as much is to drive an hour or so southeast to visit Pine and Strawberry There’s a quaint downtown area with plenty of antique shops and soft serve ice cream in Pine, but you would be smart to stop in Strawberry to try empanadas from PIEbar AZ They have every flavor you could hope for, in addition to cocktails and coffee. If you’re looking to get out of town on a Sunday morning and be back by Sunday evening, a trip to Pine and Strawberry should be at the top of your list.

HANNAH ROSE GRAY

Remember, college is not only about hitting the books but also about discovering who you are, exploring your passions, and embracing the diverse community around you.

Impossible College

On June 30th, I took a trip with my friend Beya and our youngest boys to Clear Creek Reservoir to paddleboard. The wind was strong. The water was murky. The sun was hot. We managed to make it around the reeds but no further. When I emerged from the water, I found a horrifying sight My paddleboard fin had come out of its socket and had fallen to the reservoir floor. The boys searched the mud for the fin, but it was nowhere to be found. No worries, I thought. That’s what Amazon is for. I searched the internet as deeply as the boys searched the river. Nope. Not for this paddleboard. This fin is particular It has little notches to anchor the fin (not so well if you don’t slide the lock all the way through). I called CA Paddleboards, the company who made our board, to see if they had replacement fins—the kind with notches in the bottom for extra hold. They haven’t made that kind of fin in years. Someone in Utah had just lost his, and they’d had to share the disappointing news with him.

My husband, Erik, wasn’t pleased about the loss. He teased that maybe I could go to the Maker Lab at NAU to get a new one printed. That seemed impossible to me. Farfetched to him. But not to be deterred, I visited the Maker Lab website. I learned Tinkercad. I tinkered and prototyped and screwed up measurements. Zoe kept telling me I needed calipers. Max, mentioned only when I had almost finished drawing the fin, having bruised my head hitting it against the wall of three-dimensional design, “Oh yeah. I learned Tinkercad in science last year. You’re doing it wrong.” I made one fin. It was too small I made another fin. The notches were in the wrong place. I made another fin. The base was too wide. But five prototypes later, I finally have a fin that slides into the notch inside the paddleboard fin-holding device. Now, summer is mostly over, but perhaps, it will warm up enough for us to make it to the water one more time before winter

As I hope for a windless, warm day to try out my fin, I’m getting ready for the school year. Like every August, I’m writing my syllabi. I’m attending convocation. I’m emailing students. But this year has a difference. My oldest child, Zoe, left for college. I wrote a long essay that isn’t quite right for Flag Live about how sending a child to college is

like giving birth a second time—but with the sadder consequence that instead of bringing home a baby from the hospital, you abandon that baby 300 miles away in a dormitory that is only as big as the giant size king bed I returned to where she once slept between me and her dad.

Leaving her was the hardest thing I’ve ever done Even harder than conjuring a paddle board fin out of thin air. But if it is hard for me, it’s even doubly hard for Zoe. I’ve been teaching college students for 15 years, advising them, mentoring them, trying to be helpful. But it’s not until I saw the work from Zoe’s point of view that I realized how much purpose, perseverance, and strength it takes to begin college.

Our whole family has been on mission Get-Ready-for-University all summer, nay, all year It began with simple emails Don’t forget to choose your meal plan. Contact potential roommates. Hope they snap you back or connect on Insta. Pick your major. Now? Yes, now. But I’m not sure…You can change your mind. But make that mind up now. And be pretty certain or you might end up needing to enroll in 15 additional required hours Did you meet with your advisor? Did you choose your meal plan? We told you way back in April to choose your meal plan.

Even I, who spends a lot of time navigating campus computer systems, had a hard time figuring out the University of Arizona’s system. They use a different Learning Management System. It turns out, I really didn’t know how to enroll in classes. It’s not the same as NAU and thus, a puzzle that I had to jerry-rig together. I’m pretty sure she’s in classes now, although where the writing course we enrolled her in went, I will never know.

During move-in week, we were told to park on the far side of the dorm because why direct people to the actual parking lot when you can make them wait 45 minutes to park for 10 minutes to toss everything your daughter owns into a rolly bin and hope you didn’t smash her 4,000 pounds of toiletries or lose her keys.

Oh. You did lose her keys deep in the bottom of the bin.

Two hours later (car re-parked somewhere less daunting), you have tetrissed her tiny room into a simulacrum of a living space—bins stacked on bins (full of toiletries), extension cords running up and through and down and around, detachable hooks and picture hangers installed, the all-important tiny stapler placed with an

emphasis that resounded ‘school will happen here.’

And then we had to leave. The first days, Zoe was miserable. I was miserable. She texted, “I miss you.” I texted, “I miss you too.” She texted, “I miss my home.” I texted, “How is this even home without you?” But the next day got a little better. She texted me 4 times instead of 5. She and her roommate went to Target. They found a swimming pool. Then, Sunday was a little better still. There was a club fair. She texted that she signed up for aerial, dance team, power lifting, and roller derby. On Monday, she only texted three times “I love math, so today was better.” Tuesday was better still. “I slept in until 10:30. Tuesdays are my easy days.” By Wednesday, I got a lot

of phone calls, but that was because her schedule left no room between math and psych and the doors were locked and what should she do? I said, change your schedule, if you can, for a better class. That’s the best part of college; you can adapt your schedule to suit your needs

Letting my first born go to college seemed impossible. Leaving home seemed impossible to Zoe. Figuring out how Tinkercad worked and how to build a brand-new paddleboard fin seemed entirely impossible. But every bit of effort makes the impossible a little more possible until you are fully-finned and floating all the way to college knowing that you can float home again whenever your schedule, once you’ve got it sorted, permits.

Nicole Walker

NICOLE WALKER An impossibly possible paddleboard fin.

NICOLE’S IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE IDEAS

Masters of Brewtality gets into the school spirit with stomachs full of cool spirits

It’s that time of year again, boils and ghouls. Our beloved collegiate constituency has returned, and the battle-hardened local drinking contingent are ready to welcome both the new and experienced booze hounds back with open arms. The tail end of summer is our favorite time of year down here in the Masters of Brewtality crypt as we’re finally past that vicious bit of high-altitude heat and not quite into the cold season. Patio parties abound, and this month, we’re spotlighting the most epic of downtown drinking spots for those ready to let the libations flow, Flagstaff Style.

We’re starting out right off campus with a wander down San Francisco Street B66 Brunch,Brew, and Bar-B-Que, and its various locations and variations have been a drinking staple for years. Don and crew there have figured a few things about what it takes to serve in a college town In addition to righteous Happy Hour specials, they’ve also got dishes on the menu for under $10, which we’d like to see more of when it comes to downtown cuisine Money is going to be universally tight for our beloved college folks, and if you cut them a break, they will come out in droves. Great patio with fire pits as well, and we’ve heard great things about the burger joint next door, too!

On the next block north, there are two weekend-scene essentials: Southside Tavern and The Mayor. Southside is probably as close to an authentic dive bar experience as one can find here in Flag, with nightly specials and an objective lack of pretentiousness They feature weekly events like open mics, karaoke, and dance parties, too! Onto The Mayor… This place shreds. The food is fantastic, the drinks are strong, the rooftop patio has fire pits and games, and the specials are the kind that you can only get away with if your liver still works with the power of youth. They’ve got Power Hours, they’ve got Happy Hours, they’ve got Industry Nights, they’ve got Movie Nights, trivia, and themed music nights The hangover menu is hedonistic to the point of being dangerous with an insane 96 oz Mimosa tower available to turn all those bad-morning feelings into good ones. There’s some innovative takes on bar food standards here, too, and we can’t recommend this place enough

Continuing on, it’s not really a night on the town without at least popping into Cornish Pasty. Many an epic evening has started there with their irresponsibly cheap Irish Car Bombs Half Jameson, half Baileys, sunk into an ice cold, frothy pint of Guinness is a sure fire way to get the vibe going right. There’s plenty of cheap beers, specials, frequent music, and the food is stellar and affordable. The MOB staff is more likely to wash up here on a Monday or Tuesday afternoon as we’re all getting old, but the weekends are truly something to behold.

As we move across the train tracks, we’re going to throw a quick bit of safety advice in this month’s issue: Don’t mess

with the trains Every year, a handful of people die on the tracks. Not kidding. The trains are massive, heavy, incapable of stopping quickly, and having spent a good chunk of our lives here in Flag, we can tell you this is an extremely grisly way to die Just leave them alone so you can keep partying. And, you know, existing.

On the corner of Historic Route 66 and San Fran, we’ve got the Corner Tavern, Southside’s newly opened partner in crime. With wall to wall TVs with any game you could want playing from open to close, Mario Cart tournaments, karaoke, and a stellar bar food menu, this place is packed constantly The view from the quaint patio looks directly at the historic train station, and for the art lovers out there, watching the passing trains puts your finger on the pulse of the most innovative graffiti to bless the rails from coast to coast

No article about the quintessential college downtown drinking experience in Flagstaff would be complete without mentioning Collins. Collins has been the hardest partying bar in Flagstaff since we can remember, and things get nuts there every weekend. The drink specials are some of the best in town with $10 Irish Trashcans all day every day, a two-for-one on domestics and well cocktails on Fridays from 10 p m ‘til close, and bottomless mimosas available

from 11 a m to 3 p m on Saturdays and Sundays Sports of every kind are on their seemingly endless supply of bigscreen TVs, and the food is incredible. We’re lucky to have a varied selection of places with decent bar food, but Collins has taken everything to the next level Their burgers and buffalo wings have been in our Top Five Favorites here at the MOB crypt since we first tried them, and they’ve stayed incredible every time.

Hopefully, this is a good start for your downtown drinking adventure, boils and ghouls. Naturally, or perhaps even unnaturally, this is just our humble opinion on the best places to party as you’re cruising through your college experience Runners up for other best watering holes would the Gopher Hole at the Weatherford and the Monte Vista Lounge. Both have awesome specials and are incredibly haunted, which makes us feel right at home. For a more local vibe outside of the downtown area, Sportsman’s by the hospital is a not-so hidden gem with mind blowing wings and killer drinks and the bar at the bowling alley is as classic Route 66 as you can get. If possible, pop by the Museum Club next door for their Dime Beer Nights, but be careful, it’s one of the most haunted bars in the state and you run the risk of becoming one of its permanent patrons, too. Until next time, cheers!

Mike Williams

JAKE BACON, ARIZONA DAILY SUN

Run Flagstaff expands with grand opening of Flagstaff Shoebox

PAUL GARCIA

Run Flagstaff has been serving the community’s need for running shoes, apparel, organized training and more since 2009 at their downtown location. Over the years, the business has grown significantly and recently expanded with a secondary location, Flagstaff Shoebox which had its grand opening on August 5th.

“We had a lot of requests over the years for things besides running shoes,” Vince Sherry said about the new store. Sherry is the owner of Run Flagstaff and the new Flagstaff Shoebox. “We had requests for lifestyle shoes, hiking boots… we had a lot of requests for kids’ shoes. We carried some of those things throughout the years but never a full selection. And because of our limited retail space we couldn’t do those categories justice.”

To accommodate those requests Sherry opted to open a new store to cater to those needs While this might seem like an odd choice, for Sherry, it was the best solution

to fill a community need.

“As Run Flagstaff continued to grow, we really got tight on space,” Sherry said. “A normal progression in that circumstance would have been just to look for a bigger location, but we feel strongly that Run Flagstaff belongs downtown. We also feel that Run Flagstaff at its core is a running store, which there aren’t really any left in the country. They tend to get a little diluted to fill other community needs like footwear for service industry, footwear for walking, things like that.”

The idea of having additional retail space and a general footwear store was something Sherry had in mind for several years. The opportunity to implement these ideas came in February when a storefront became available. The acquisition of the additional store would allow Run Flagstaff to remain, first and foremost, a running store while the new Flagstaff Shoebox could focus on the needs of the community.

“For several years we wanted to have a

footwear store to meet the needs of people who aren’t runners,” Sherry said. “Flagstaff can be a hard place to find shoes, especially for kids. This is our way of branching out and serving an underserved segment of the community.”

A focus of Flagstaff Shoebox is to provide what Flagstaff has been missing in a shoe store. To that end, each brand is carefully selected to fulfill a specific purpose.

“We try to find footwear that’s suitable for the customer’s purpose,” Sherry said about choosing brands to carry. “We had a lot of customers that came to Run Flagstaff over the years looking for footwear for the service industry. So, we have a frame on our walls of service shoes that someone can wear for long hours comfortably; shoes that are resilient and durable working in a kitchen or the hospital. So the brands we carry get chosen based on the purpose we’re trying to fill and what those individual companies produce.”

Lifestyle shoes for everyday wear was

another category that the community requested often.

“We had some people come in looking for something they can just kick around in and still look good, but we do have plenty of shoes for stuff like pickle ball and other sports.” Sherry said. “So, stuff you can hike up Mount Humphreys in and be able to wear to school or to the grocery store. We also have quite a bit of options for the youth category. We have shoes they wear for PE, sports, and trail shoes, which I think is really unique. You don’t see a lot trail shoe option out there for kids. We put a lot of focus there because the terrain in Flagstaff is pretty rough; there are a lot of cinders and rocks around town, so it has to be tough and waterproof so it can survive the winter.”

Whether you’re looking for something casual, trendy, fashionable, or durable Flagstaff Shoebox is sure to have it. Flagstaff Shoebox is located adjacent to Run Flagstaff on E Route 66 in the downtown area.

MAN OR MYTH?

Alejandro Rose-Garcia, the voice behind Shakey Graves, discusses ‘Movie of the Week’, the creative act and folk tales

MATTHEW HAYDEN

Alejandro Rose-Garcia is on a bus in the parking lot of a Hampton Inn, just hours away from the first show on his four-month tour, but somehow, everything feels normal.

A decade ago, normal meant busking for cash on the streets of Austin; now, it means headlining sold-out shows around the country, but he still gets stage fright.

“It’s always harrowing,” Rose-Garcia said “You never know if you’re gonna go out there and no one will come, or who knows? Anything could happen.”

Off stage, these thoughts play through his head like film on a reel, but when he’s performing, he is not burdened by the anxieties of turnout or the hypotheticals He is electric, charismatic, dynamic and powerful, a folk legend in the making; he is Shakey Graves, yet somehow, everything feels normal.

* * *

On Sep. 27, Shakey Graves, or Rose-Garcia as he’ll henceforth be called, is coming to the Orpheum Theater with indie rock band Flipturn as their special guests. Tickets for the Flagstaff show are already sold out.

Thinking about the size of his fan base and how rapidly it has grown since he released his debut album “Roll the Bones” on Bandcamp in 2011 overwhelms Rose-Garcia.

“It’s crazy to me,” he said “I try not to think about it because all my happiness comes in tandem with irrational anxiety about everything, but looking at the positive side, it’s great It means a lot ”

The fandom surrounding Rose-Garcia and his folksy alter-ego is a reflection of the grassroots nature of his entire musical endeavor Initially, he started making music for himself as a way of actualizing his irrepressible creative drive, and he’s found that creating music helps ground himself and verbalize his thoughts on the world and life.

“The finding and recording of music is so fun because it’s like turning a wish into a statue,” he said “It exists in the

world. Now, you’ve caught this ethereal thing and pinned it down a bit. Like that’s it; that’s the song. It doesn’t change; it won’t change when you listen to it ”

He pulls stuff out of thin air and his imagination, puts pen to paper and records songs that may or may not see the light of day Rose-Garcia tangles with that existential reality on a daily basis because he sees the value of every track he puts to tape. He constantly revisits old demos and attempts to treat them with the attention that he thinks they deserve, and for the longest time, he had only himself to parse through his creative history.

“I didn’t set out, initially, to have this music project be such a lonely endeavor,” he said, “but it definitely started with me trying to make songs with the idea of playing them with a band; I just didn’t have any reason that people would want to be in my band.”

Now, he does.

Over the years, his crew has grown from a one-man band to a three-piece to a complete five-piece featuring drums, bass, keyboards and multiple guitars, allowing his work to become fully realized in every way, both musically and thematically.

“I tried to make my stamp and stand on my mountain and plant that flag and everything,” Rose-Garcia said, “and then I realized, really, that the joy of playing music is doing it with other people and not having to be OCD or super mastermind every single little thing… Learning how to [make music] collaboratively is like the pleasure and bane of my existence. It’s really difficult and super fun ”

Rose-Garcia’s latest studio album, “Movie of the Week”, releases on Sep. 15, and he says that it’s his attempt to free himself from the contradictory and ultimately, self-immolating process of creating something that transcends what he feels his work is supposed to be.

He said, “I want people to listen to it, but I also don’t want to pander to what I think people want because that’s usually wrong People are looking at me to make

AlejandroRose-GarciaisthemanbehindShakeyGraves,andwhilehestartedasaonemanband,hehasexpandedhisoperationtoincludeawholeassortmentofinstruments.

that decision… Like, in my mind, I somehow see that an album should be based on a series of made up or created rules, so

we mix and match a lot of stuff. And the songs just stick together.”

Most of Rose-Garcia’s work is braided

ALDEN BONECUTTER

ALDEN BONECUTTER together with narratives, by stories of the world and self-discovery and tied off at the end by overarching themes and motifs. As for the “Movie of the Week” , he doesn’t want to give too much away, but he admits that most of it was written towards the end of the Trump administration during COVID. Those events and his anxiety over the warming of the earth’s climate all rest at the forefront of his newest release.

“I’m not straying from that stuff material wise,” he said. * * *

Over the last few weeks, Rose-Garcia and a friend of his have become entangled in the world of folk tales, fairy tales, myths and fables, their similarities, differences and morals. He says that folk tales like Paul Bunyan or Pecos Bill are often based on real people who are gifted with unusual strengths and are made famous by the exaggeration of their stories’ retelling. This fascination has allowed him to draw a simple conclusion about his work.

“By that definition,” he said, “my music is just folk music It’s me telling grandiose stories of the road that may or may not be true or of my journey through life or my opinions. They are exaggerated; they might not have actually happened.”

Shakey Graves is the hero of Rose-Garcia’s folk tale. He’s larger than life, he’s walked across the world, he sings songs of truth and justice, but like any man, he has his dark side.

I heard he killed a guy.

ShakeyGraveswillbeperformingattheOrpheumTheaterlocatedat15 WAspenAve.onSep 27 Doorsopenat6:30p.m.,andtheshowstartsat 7:30p.m.TicketsforthisshowhavebeenSOLDOUT,butchecktheOrpheum’swebsiteatorpheumflagstaff.comtoseewhatotheramazingshows areonthedocketforthisyear.

THE PULSE

ONGOING

MONDAY

Dark Sky Brewing:

Locals Monday.Every Monday from 12–10 p.m. enjoy $2 off non-barrel aged pours 10 oz and higher for Flagstaff locals.

Bingo Night Play bingo every Monday from 6–8 p.m. $5 entry fee.

Museum Club:

Open Mic Night. Every Monday night from 6–9 p.m. Bands welcome Many musicians have been asked back for paying gigs.

Oeno Wine Lounge:

Hospitality Night Every Monday, hospitality workers get 20% off their order Proof of employment required.

Tappy Hour.Monday-Friday 12–4 p.m.All wine and beer taps are half off

TUESDAY

Flagstaff Brewing Company:

Poet Brews Poets and writers are welcome to share their work with the public at this open mic. Sign up at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.

Heritage Square:

Kids Squared.Free kid-friendly activities every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

Jazzercise:

African Dance Class. Lessons focus on the traditional dances from Guinea, West Africa.

6:45–8:15 p.m.

Museum Club:

Line Dance Lessons. Every Tuesday from 5–8 p.m.

Karaoke. Every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to close

Oeno Wine Lounge:

Teacher Tuesday.Every Tuesday educators get 15% off wines.

Tappy Hour Monday-Friday 12–4 p.m.All wine and beer taps are half off

WEDNESDAY

B66 Brunch Brew and BBQ:

Team Trivia. Join them every Wednesday for what Flagstaffians are calling “the best trivia night in town!” 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Brews & Cues:

Brews Trivia. Eight rounds of hosted trivia. Up to 6 people per team. Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place $3 Mystery Bags and $2 Jello Shots

6:30 p.m.

Charly’s Pub and Grill: Wednesday Night Blues. Presented by Northern Arizona Blues Alliance. 6:30–9 p.m. East Flagstaff Community Library:

Family Storytime. Every Wednesday from 10:30–11:15 a.m.

Firecreek Coffee:

Singer-Songwriter Open Mic.Share your original songs between 7–10 p.m.

Gopher Hole:

Karaoke & Service Industry Night Happy Hour prices for service industry personnel from 6 p.m. until close with the singing starting at 9:30 p.m.

Heritage Square:

Dancing on the Square. A mixture of swing, Latin, and ballroom dancing from 7–10 p.m.

Mead Hall:

Trivia Night Themed categories, including visual and sound, and prizes for the winners.

6–8 p.m.

Oeno Wine Lounge:

Warrior Wednesday All active military and first responders get 15% off

Tappy Hour Monday-Friday 12–4 p.m.All wine and beer taps are half off

Shift:

Wine Wednesday Half-priced bottles of wine all evening.

Weatherford Hotel:

Blues Night at Charly’s.Every Wednesday night from 7–9 p.m.

THURSDAY

Dark Sky Brewing:

Trivia Night TAPP’D Trivia! Thursdays 7–9 p.m. at the DSB Beer Garden

Gopher Hole:

Trivia Night Doors open at 6 p.m. with trivia starting at 6:30 p.m.

Heritage Square: Kids Squared.Free kid-friendly activities every Tuesday and Thursday from 10-11 a.m.

Thursday Night Jazz.Jam out to jazz,blues and funk from local bands. 5–7 p.m.

Mead Hall:

GREENLAW Live Celtic music at the Mead Hall every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Museum Club:

Free Line Dance Lessons from 5–8 p.m.

Free Country Swing Lessons from 7–8 p.m.

Dimes with DJ FRSH Amazing drink specials from 8 p.m. to close

Oeno Wine Lounge:

Wine Tastings. Stop by between 5 and 7 p.m. to enjoy $20 wine tastings and $5 tastings for club members.

Tappy Hour Monday-Friday 12–4 p.m.All wine and beer taps are half off

FRIDAY

Jazzercise:

Casino Rueda in Flagstaff Cuban-style Salsa Dancing followed by social dancing. 7:30–10 p.m.

Museum Club:

Acoustic Happy Hour.Live country music from 5:30–10 p.m. Check the schedule for shows and times.

Oeno Wine Lounge:

Tappy Hour Monday-Friday 12–4 p.m.All wine and beer taps are half off

SATURDAY

Creative Spirits Downtown:

Creative Kids Painting Classes Drop your kiddos off for 90 minutes of shop time or stick around and paint with them. 4–5:30 p.m.

OpenStudioNights.PaintandcraftwithCreative Spirits and pick your favorite project.1–6 p.m.

Museum Club:

Live country dance bands every week from 8:30 p.m.–1 a.m.

SUNDAY

Dark Sky Brewing:

Pints and Poses: Yoga at the taproom every Sunday morning from 10:15–11:30 a.m.$15 fee per class.

Sunday Funday. Live music every Sunday at the DSB Beer Garden 4–6 p.m.

Flagstaff City Hall:

Flagstaff Community Farmers Market Celebrate your community and the hard work of its regional small growers and small businesses at the farmer’s market every Sunday. 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Heritage Square: Sundays on the Square. Grab some lunch and dine outdoors while enjoying local music. 12–2 p.m.

Jazzercise:

Ballroom social dancing. Dance lesson, open dancing from ballroom and swing to latin dance genres 5:15–7 p.m.

Museum Club:

Latino Night Celebrating Latino and Spanish music every Sunday from 9 p.m.–2 a.m.

Oeno Wine Lounge:

Wine Education Night A 30 minute lesson on wine topics starting at 4:30 p.m. $20 per person.

Thu/9.7

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater: Marauda.Explosive EDM performer that dub-

step fans will love.Doors: 8 p.m.| Show: 9 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Bright Side Bookshop:

The Slickrock Desert with Steve Hinch A slideshow presentation and reading of his award-winning book, The Slickrock Desert: JourneysofDiscoveryinanEndangeredAmericanWilderness 6–7:30 p.m.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library:

“Particular Bravery” with T.L. Derks. A presentation about the story behind his book ParticularBravery:TheBattleofXaCamMyandthe DeathofaGruntCompany 6–7 p.m.

Fri/9.8

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater:

Roy Orbison Returns. Wiley Ray & The Big O Band perform classics from one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time,Roy Orbison

Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Museum of Northern Arizona: Easton Collection Center Tour Behind-thescenes tour of the Platinum LEED-certified Easton Collection Center 3—4 p.m.

Sat/9.9

MUSIC EVENTS

The Arboretum: Ryan Biter Mountain Melodies is a seasonal concert series featuring local musicians. 5–7 p.m.

Coconino Center for the Arts:

Mama’s Broke. Unique folk duo that weaves traditional music forms with original modern compositions. 6:30 p.m.

Orpheum Theater: Next Level Karaoke Night Free singing competition and an unparalleled karaoke experience for folks 21+. 9 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

City Hall:

Flagstaff Urban Flea Market. A gathering of unique artisans, eclectic peddlers and oneof-a-kind creators selling a wide assortment of products 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Fort Valley Trailhead:

Volunteer Trail Day. Flagstaff Biking Organization hosts the annual Pedals vs Pistons vs Horseshoes vs Hiking Boots 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

The Peaks Senior Living Community: Bare Aspen Wine and Beer Tasting. Enjoy a wide selection of wine, beer and food from local and regional favorites to benefit the

Special Olympics. 12–4 p.m.

Willow Bend: Wild Foods Workshop An opportunity to learn about local,wild foods and their practical uses 9–11 a.m.

Sun/9.10

VARIOUS EVENTS

Bright Side Bookshop:

Sunday Storytime with Gaby Belt.Join regional author Gabriela Orozco Belt for a reading of her children’s book,OnlyforaLittleWhile/Por unratito 9:30–10:30 a.m.

East Flagstaff Community Library:

Raptor ID Workshop Uncover the fascinating world of raptors and delve into their distinctive features, behaviors and habitats. 1–2:30 p.m.

Mon/9.11

MUSIC EVENTS

Yucca North:

Joyce Manor Pop-punk rock band from Torrence, CA that does not rely on gimmicks. 21+ 7–11:30 p.m.

Wed/9.13

VARIOUS EVENTS

Mother Road Brewing:

Flagstaff Fitness Sampler Sample a variety of fitness regimes from a variety of studios and health and wellness stations. 5–8 p.m.

Picture Canyon:

Invasive Weed Pull.Come learn about invasive weeds and take care of the beautiful Picture Canyon. 5–7:30 p.m.

Thu/9.14

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater:

28 Years of Son Volt: Performing songs from Trace and Doug Sahm. A country, Tex-Mex, rock, rhythm and blues, folk and psychedelic sound for all. Doors: 7 p.m. | Show: 8 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Drinking Horn Meadery:

Adult Spelling Bee. A free, light-hearted spelling event that benefits the Flagstaff Literacy Center 21+ 6–7:30 p.m.

Fri/9.15

MUSIC EVENTS

Pepsi Amphitheater: Pickin’ in the Pines. Flagstaff’s famed bluegrass and acoustic music festival comes back for its 17th year Doors: 9 a.m. | Show: 10 a.m.

Yucca North:

ZEECEEKEELY. Up-and-coming artist from

NORTHERN ARIZONA’S DAILY EVENT LISTINGS » SEP. 7 – OCT. 4, 2023

THE PULSE

Tucson bringing their fresh reggae vibe to the pines. 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Coconino Center for the Arts:

Women of Broadway Fundraiser Cabaret Join newly founded Stargazer Collaborative Theatre for their inaugural show. 7 p.m.

Orpheum Theater:

GYM.TAN.PARTY! A beach party in the pines for students to strut their Jersey Shore style to a Jersey Shore soundtrack. 9 p.m.

Sat/9.16

MUSIC EVENTS

Drinking Horn Meadery:

The Sun Jazz Trio Local trio bringing chill vibes as the fall weather rolls in. 8:30–10:30 p.m.

Pepsi Amphitheater:

Pickin’ in the Pines. Flagstaff’s famed bluegrass and acoustic music festival comes back for its 17th year Doors: 9 a.m. | Show: 10 a.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Coconino Center for the Arts:

Women of Broadway Fundraiser Cabaret Join

newly founded Stargazer Collaborative Theatre for their inaugural show. 7 p.m.

Marshall Elementary School: Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Special Care Nursery Reunion. Annual event is for all the

patients who have spent time at Flagstaff Medical Center’s critical care nursery 1:30–3:30 p.m.

Museum of Northern Arizona: Moore Medicinal Garden Tour Learn about

plants native to the Colorado Plateau and their medicinal uses on this free tour 10–11 a.m.

Orpheum Theater:

Josh Novey Combat veteran and clean-humored comedian with a charming act that all can enjoy. 18+ Doors: 7 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.

Sun/9.17

MUSIC EVENTS

Pepsi Amphitheater: Pickin’ in the Pines. Flagstaff’s famed bluegrass and acoustic music festival comes back for its 17th year.Doors: 8:30 a.m.| Show: 9 a.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Coconino Center for the Arts: Open Figure Drawing with Jeff Roth.Cultivate your ideas and practice your technical skills at this free event on the third Sunday of every month. 5:30–8:30 p.m.

Museum of Northern Arizona: Moving from Appropriation to Authenticity Panel Discussion. The first of three talks that addresses issues surrounding cultural appropriation of Indigenous art and culture. 2–3 p.m.

Mon/9.18

VARIOUS EVENTS

Bright Side Bookshop:

Joy Ride: An Evening with Kristen Jokinen. a presentation, discussion, and signing of her book,JoyRide:ABikeOdysseyfromAlaskato Argentina 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Wed/9.20

VARIOUS EVENTS

Buffalo Park:

“Step Into Health” Walking Club Every third Wednesday of the month, join North Country HealthCareforawalkbetween3:30and4:30p.m.

Thu/9.21

VARIOUS EVENTS

Buffalo Park:

Flagstaff Star Party. Free event that features 30 telescopes hosted by both professional and amateur astronomers from around Flagstaff and across the country 6–10 p.m.

Pulse continued on page 28 »

WELCOME BACKJACKS!

Build-your-own pizza, pasta, salad, with fresh unlimited toppings.Pizza is firedinour blazin’ hot brick oven and ready in minutes! Aunique fast casual experience,with high quality healthy food, that’saffordable and fast. Dairy free,gluten free &keto options.17

Craft Beer Taps,2 Wine Taps and local craft Root beer on Tap!

JAKE BACON, ARIZONA DAILY SUN Students walk to classes on the first day of the fall semester.

AFREE celebrationoflocalmusic

THE PULSE

NORTHERN ARIZONA’S DAILY EVENT LISTINGS » SEP. 7 – OCT. 4, 2023

» Pulse continued from page 27

High Country Humane:

Puppy Yoga Fundraiser A 45-minute yoga class with puppies hosted by Leap Groove Mobile Studio 6–6:45 p.m.

F-TownSound

Museum of Northern Arizona:

Designed to Move: Seeds that Float, Fly, or Hitchhike through the Desert Southwest A curator talk with Heidi Fisher 2 p.m.

Rogers Lake County Natural Area:

Museum of Northern Arizona:

Thirsty Thursday Live music by NAU Jazz Faculty Food provided by Baja Mar 5–8 p.m.

Fri/9.22

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater:

mssv. Experimental rock trio featuring guitar poet Mike Baggetta, legendary punk bassist Mike Watt and versatile drummer Stephen Hodges Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.

Pepsi Amphitheater:

GRiZ presents: Ursa Major Curated live music event with workshops, art, craft vending, and a chance to gather and celebrate as a community. SOLD OUT! Doors: 2 p.m.

| Show: 3 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Buffalo Park:

Flagstaff Star Party. Free event that features 30 telescopes hosted by both professional and amateur astronomers from around Flagstaff and across the country. 6–10 p.m.

Sat/9.23

MUSIC EVENTS

Heritage Square:

Flagstaff Music Festival. F-Town Sound, Toxic Positivity and The Flag 5 perform at a festival benefiting the Haven Walker Music Scholarship 11:45 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

Orpheum Theater:

Xtra Ticket Arizona’s longest running Grateful Dead tribute band coming up on their 30th anniversary Doors: 7 p.m.

| Show: 8 p.m.

Pepsi Amphitheater:

GRiZ presents: Ursa Major Curated live music event with workshops, art, craft vending, and a chance to gather and celebrate as a community. SOLD OUT! Doors: 2 p.m.

| Show: 3 p.m.

Yucca North:

The Stone Foxes.Rock‘n’roll band from the bay area whose incredible live performances have been nationally lauded.

7 p.m.–12 a.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Buffalo Park:

Flagstaff Star Party.Free event that features 30 telescopes hosted by both professional and amateur astronomers from around Flagstaff and across the country 6–10 p.m.

Coconino Center for the Arts:

Tom Kiefer: El Sueño Americano and Darcy Falk: Regarding Privilege Opening Receptions. Exhibits that address the human issues of migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and white privilege. 6–8 p.m.

Sunset Wildlife and Stargazing. Catch a glimpse of elk, coyotes, prairie dogs and hawks as they hunt and forage at sunset while experts comment on the wildlife.6–8 p.m.

Sun/9.24

MUSIC EVENTS

Pepsi Amphitheater:

GRiZ presents: Ursa Major Curated live music event with workshops, art, craft vending, and a chance to gather and celebrate as a community. SOLD OUT! Doors: 2 p.m. | Show: 3 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Drinking Horn Meadery:

Tarot Card & Rune Readings. Ashley Null immerses you in the fascinating world of fortune telling every last Sunday of the Month. 5–8 p.m.

Mon/9.25

VARIOUS EVENTS

East Flagstaff Community Library:

Anime Tales and Play: Science in Anime Learn how food in anime and the connections it has to science at this free event Ages 12-17 3:15–4:30 p.m.

Tue/9.26

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater:

Joanne Shaw Taylor One of the most sought-after guitarists in the world of rock. Doors: 6 p.m. | Show: 7 p.m.

Pepsi Amphitheater:

Snarky Puppy. Jazz, funk and rock jam band with three Grammys Doors: 6 p.m. | Show: 7 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

Harold S.Colton Research Center:

Brady Building Open House and Dinosaurs of the Navajo Nation.Open house and talk led by Adam Marsh,MNA Research Associate and Paleontologist at Petrified Forest National Park. 3–5 p.m.

Wed/9.27

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater:

Shakey Graves Electric folk artist with a grandiose stage presence performing with indie-rock band Flipturn. SOLD OUT! Doors: 6:30 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.

Pepsi Amphitheater:

The Used with Sleeping with Sirens.Post-hardcore and pop rock bands on tour promoting their new albums. Doors: 6 p.m. | Show: 7 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

East Flagstaff Community Library:

Pride in Your Community: Out in STEM. A discussion on the influence LGBT+ folks have in the STEM workforce 12+ 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Mountain Sports:

Downtown Geology Rocks! Tour Learn about the ancient history of the stones used to build Flagstaff during this 45-minute tour 1–2 p.m.

Thu/9.28

MUSIC EVENTS

Orpheum Theater:

Cory Marks. Canadian rocker known best for his song “Outlaws and Outsiders”Doors: 6:30 p.m.| Show: 7:30 p.m.

Fri/9.29

MUSIC EVENTS

Ardrey Auditorium:

Love and Laughter: Dvo ák, Cloud and Rachmaninoff The first concert of the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s 74th season. 7:30 p.m.

Orpheum Theater:

Flagstaff Battle of the Bands 2023.Five bands will compete live for a chance to perform at the DUSK Music Festival in Tucson. Proceeds go to FALA Doors: 7 p.m. | Show: 8 p.m.

Sat/9.30

MUSIC EVENTS

High Country Motor Lodge: Flagstaff Fadeaway Music festival featuring performances by Color Green,Sylvie and The Senators and benefiting the Glen Canyon Institute.

Orpheum Theater:

Crankdat Energetic dubstep and trap artist that’s DJed on some of the largest stages in the world. 18+ Doors: 8 p.m. | Show: 9 p.m.

Yucca North:

Three Bad Jacks.Rock band that flaunts their freaky style all around the world. 21+ 7 p.m.–12 p.m.

VARIOUS EVENTS

The Arboretum:

Bird Talks. Local author and birder, Margaret Dykeman, teaches participants about regional birds with hands-on activities. 12–1 p.m.

Museum of Northern Arizona:

Science Day. Features science stations for all ages, a talk about the last Ice Age mammals on the Colorado Plateau and a short skit from Flag Shakes about Shakespeare and medicine 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Mon/10.2

MUSIC EVENTS

Yucca North:

Tropidelic.Six-piece band that blends reggae,rock,hip-hop and funk into high energy music that’s not to be missed. 8 p.m.–12 a.m.

Tue/10.3

MUSIC EVENTS

Pepsi Amphitheater:

Goose Indie band that blends funk and contemporary folk into groovy, genre-bending music. Doors: 6 p.m. | Show: 7:30 p.m.

Wed/10.4

VARIOUS EVENTS

DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff: 7th Annual Northern Arizona Travel Expo Meet with renown cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, tourism offices, and your local travel advisors to learn all about new hot developments in travel. 5–8 p.m.

East Flagstaff Community Library: Neon Teen Party. An afternoon of fun with pizza, crafts, glow sticks,virtual reality and more.Ages 12-17.2:30–4 p.m.

Onceamonth,KirstenMathisencreatesanoriginalpieceofwordartusingapast Flag Live!article. ThisonewasmadefromwordsfoundincontributorMargaritaCruz’sarticleAn intimatelookatwhatnourishesus:AsneakpeakintotheBodyGardenwithMOCAF Find more on Instagram at @kingdom.of.words.

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