17220 N. Boswell Blvd., Suite 230E, Sun City, AZ 85373
623-972-6101
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Advertising and Submissions: Contact the marketing department by phone at 623-972-6101 or email us at azads@iniusa.org.
Press release submissions and event listings are always welcomed at aznews@iniusa.org.
Staff:
Charlene Bisson / CEO
Kris Marler / Sales Consultant
Jim Bounds / Sales Consultant
Shannon Carrillo / Production & Design
Erica Odello / Ad Design
Notes:
This publication is offered free of charge in an effort to keep our neighbors informed, as well as to support the local business owners who make up our community. Without their support, this publication would not exist. Please support their business, and let them know you saw them in this newspaper. Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
myhyperlocalnews.com
Beginning on Friday, Jan. 31, Chompie’s restaurant locations around the valley will be offering specialty sweet treats in honor of Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14.
The following delectable desserts will be available:
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries, $19.99 per lb.
• Valentine’s Cookies, $3.99 each
• Strawberry Cheesecake, $6.99 per slice
• Tarts, $6.99 each Cupcakes, $3.99 each
• Bar Cake, $29.99 • For
Chompie’s,
Photo courtesy of Chompie’s
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jeadan Andre
SASEBO, JAPAN — Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Roger Alonso, from Phoenix, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), demonstrates medical equipment to Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Sailors from the JS Haguro (DDG 180), in the ship’s medical bay, Jan. 10. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
City News Get ready for Peoria’s spring Sustainable U classes
PEORIA HAS ANNOUNCED ITS SUSTAINABLE U PROGRAM FOR SPRING 2025
The classes are taught at the Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road. To register, call 623-773-7137 or visit www.peoriaaz.gov/recplace and select Adult Specialty Classes.
For more information, email conservation@peoriaaz.gov or visit www.peoriaaz.gov/sustainability.
You’ll be amazed by something new every day, inspired by the capabilities and passion of your co-workers, and you’ll be able to transform your professional ambitions into career realities.
Come, grow with us.
Visit: bit.ly/4gn2eE6 to view positions.
Hiring for all positions in Phoenix and Avondale and for our new locations in East Valley and Arrowhead.
Previous Sustainable U presentations are available on the Peoria Sustainability Videos playlist on YouTube.
CLASS OFFERINGS
Composting
Saturday, Jan. 25, 9:30-11 a.m.
Discover how to transform kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich gold for your garden! Learn the art of balancing greens and browns, troubleshooting common composting issues, and unlocking the secrets to successful composting and reducing your waste.
Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9:30-11 a.m.
Discover the vegetables that do best in the Arizona springtime. Get planting tips and harvesting tricks for a bountiful garden!
Recycling 101
Tuesday, March 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
Recycling staff will guide you through the items accepted in Peoria’s recycling program versus items meant for the trash. Recycling properly is the key to diverting waste from landfills and helps lead to a sustainable future!
Top Desert Plants that Thrive
Saturday, March 29, 9:30-11 a.m.
Join us as we explore the most remarkable desert plants that not only survive but flourish in the dry Arizona climate. Learn care tips and how to best incorporate them into your own yard!
Desert Tree Benefits
Saturday, April 12, 9:30-11 a.m.
Desert trees play a vital role in our ecosystem, from providing shade and cooling to enhancing soil health and supporting local wildlife. A certified arborist will help you maximize the beauty of desert trees in your landscape!
Irrigation Repair and Maintenance
Tuesday, April 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Learn how to keep your irrigation system in top shape! You’ll learn how to fix leaks, get optimal efficiency from your system, and ensure your plants get the water they need to thrive in our desert climate.
Education
Oasis Elementary Student Wins Annual District Spelling Bee
The Peoria Unified School District held their annual District Spelling Bee on Thursday, Jan. 16, where top spellers from across the district competed in front of their peers.
The winner of this year’s Annual District Spelling Bee is Riki Gross from Oasis Elementary School who won in the 11th round with the word “argot.”
THE SEVEN RUNNERS-UP INCLUDE:
• Addy Bates from Parkridge Elementary School (grade 7)
• Jazmin Garcia from Vistancia Elementary School (grade 8)
• Ryder Jones from Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School (grade 7)
• Riley Kinney from Sun Valley Elementary School (grade 7)
• Nick McGuire from Peoria Traditional School (grade 8)
• Harper Mortensen from Alta Loma Elementary School (grade 5)
• Kylee Pichl from Oakwood Elementary School (grade 8)
The Maricopa County Region 4 Spelling Bee will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7 at the Glendale Elementary School District, 7301 N. 58th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. The Arizona State Spelling Bee will take place on Saturday, March 15 at the Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix. Scripps National Spelling Bee held in Washington D.C. May 27-29.
Christopher J. Harris, CFP® Senior Vice President Financial Advisor
Paul Farabaugh Wealth Management Associate
Karen McAndrew Senior Registered Client Service Associate
Nihaal Rao, CFP,® CPWA,® ChFC® Senior Vice President Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley Phoenix Branch 2398 E. Camelback Rd. Suite 800 Phoenix, AZ 85016 1-800-528-6083
James Clark, CFP® First Vice President Financial Advisor NMLS #: 1268227 623-875-2424
Morgan Stanley Peoria Branch 16155 N. 83rd Ave. Suite 100 Peoria, AZ 85382 1-800-347-5032
Riki Gross with Dr. Teresa Hernandez and Mr. Jeff Tobey (Courtesy of the Peoria Unified School District)
Community
New leash on life for dog-loving hospice volunteer
By Lin Sue Flood Photo coutesy of Hospice of the Valley
Marian Wallace loves dogs and loves volunteering, so she put the two together to provide joy to others.
She and her three adorable Labradors — Mattie, Harper and Richey — are the newest members of Hospice of the Valley’s pet therapy program. They visit youngsters at Ryan House, which provides respite support to families with medically fragile children.
“I quit working to volunteer nine years ago,” said Marian, who enjoyed a successful career in financial services but had a deep desire to support worthy causes. “My checkbook was full, but my soul was empty.”
Marian also discovered that she’s a “foster failure” — she just can’t part with the dogs she fosters and currently has six! Her puppy, Charlotte, will turn 2 in January and also is becoming certified. “Labs are easy to train and children love them!” she declares.
The first time Marian joined Hospice of the Valley’s pet therapy program was about 10 years ago. A friend who had a therapy pet inspired her to rescue and train dogs. She began visiting hospice patients with her first two labs, Shiloh and Amy.
However, the 65-year-old Moon Valley resident’s true passion has always been working with kids, and she spent nearly a decade providing pet therapy to children at Phoenix Children’s, the Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix Public Library — and now, Ryan House. “It’s that child-animal interaction that I find so incredible,” she said.
When she visits pediatric patients (only one dog at a time, naturally), she puts on quite a show — entertaining the kiddos
with jaw-dropping pet tricks. Her pooches know how to give “pawtographs,” count to eight, play hockey table, crawl like babies and sit tight balancing a treat on their noses until Marian gives the OK to munch them. Each dog wears a different color leash so people can easily tell them apart.
One of the most endearing qualities she sees in all of her Labs is how intuitive they are, tapping into the mood and emotions of children to comfort them.
Marian feels that rejoining Hospice of the Valley’s pet therapy program is the perfect way to thank the nonprofit agency for caring for her late father and sister — and now, her 92-year-old mom. “On behalf of my family, I needed to give back to such a tremendously supportive organization.”
Serving precious children alongside her beloved pets is a dream come true for Marian. “Ryan House has always been where I wanted to be.”
Interested in joining our pet therapy teams or giving back in another meaningful way? Visit hov.org/volunteer
Lin Sue Flood is community engagement director at Hospice of the Valley.
Hospice of the Valley volunteer Marian Wallace and her friendly therapy dogs: (from left) Mattie, Harper and Richey.
Neighbors Hello Neighbor!
MY NAME: George Valverde
BUSINESS NAME: Dillon’s KC BBQ
TITLE/POSITION: Chief Executive Officer
LOCATIONS: Surprise (World Wildlife Zoo), Glendale (59th Ave. and the Loop 101), Peoria (Bayou at Lake Pleasant) and Morristown (Western Trails Ranch) . We’ve been in business since 1999, we’re celebrating our 25th anniversary as a company.
HOURS OF OPERATION: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I’ve been in the restaurant business since I was 16. I’ve been involved my entire life.
WHAT I AM EXCITED ABOUT AND WHY?: I love networking and meeting people. They’re the ones that keep us in business. Our business motto is Elite, Unique Locations and Memorable Experiences. We model ourselves as a Destination Location.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Fundraising and special events. We do that to pay it forward, We love hosting events to be able to pay it forward. The opportunities to network with other people and to be able to pay things forward. For example, on Jan. 20 we are doing an event with Alzheimer’s and giving away $1,000 to a foundation. And on Jan. 25 we’re working with the town of Morristown and a child trafficking event, where we’ll give another $1,000 to a foundation.
WHAT AM I MOST PROUD ABOUT: I have employees that go back with me as far as 1995. That
is what we call dedication and those employees help us grow as a company.
WHAT AM I PROMOTING: We have won numerous awards for our BBQ and our appetizers. Our Lake Pleasant and Morristown locations also have souvenir stores inside them.
FAMILY: Single, with two daughters in their 20s.
George at Western Trails Ranch (Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson/Greg Garcia)
Peoria Hometown Heroes Award 2024 winners Joey Lucidi (left), and George Valverde celebrate being restaurant owners at last year’s event. Lucidi owns Westside Concepts, while Valverde is CEO of Dillon’s KC BBQ. (Independent Newsmedia/Charlene Bisson)
Financial Tax Season: Like Spring Cleaning for Your Finances
As February rolls around, the scent of love (and chocolate) fills the air, let’s not forget another looming date: tax season. It’s the financial equivalent of spring cleaning, minus the dust bunnies but with just as many hidden surprises. Let’s roll up our sleeves and tackle those metaphorical closets, shall we?
1. GATHER YOUR “LAUNDRY”: Just as you wouldn’t sort laundry without collecting all the socks, don’t start taxes without gathering your financial paperwork. W-2s, 1099s, receipts — everything. Remember, if your records are scattered like unmatched socks, you’ll be piecing things together longer than it takes to binge an entire Netflix series.
2. SORT THE KEEPERS FROM THE TOSSERS: Think of deductions as the sentimental items in your closet — they’re worth holding onto. Contributions to retirement accounts, charitable donations, and home office expenses might be your ticket to a smaller tax bill. But don’t get carried away. Uncle Sam won’t let you count that coffee habit as a “business expense,” no matter how many Zoom meetings you endured.
3. LET THE PROS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING: Attempting to navigate tax law on your own is like assembling IKEA furniture without the instructions. A tax professional can help you find deductions you didn’t know existed and ensure you’re not overpaying. Think of them as the Marie Kondo of your finances — they help you decide what “sparks joy” in your tax return.
4. PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR: Tax prep isn’t just about the past year; it’s also your chance to set the stage for a smoother 2025. Contribute to an IRA, adjust your withholdings, or consider tax-loss harvesting. It’s like pruning your financial garden now so you can reap the rewards later.
5. AVOID THE PROCRASTINATOR’S
TRAP: Waiting until April to start your taxes is the financial equivalent of waiting until the morning of February 14 to buy flowers. It’s stressful, costly, and you’ll be left scrambling. Get ahead now, and save yourself the last-minute headache.
IN CLOSING: Tax time doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With a little preparation, some professional help, and a sprinkle of humor, you can tackle it like a champ. And who knows? Maybe this year’s refund will feel less like a surprise and more like a well-deserved bonus. So, grab your paperwork, channel your inner organizer, and get to it. Just remember: even taxes are easier to tackle with a sense of humor and a plan.
Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Advisor. Wilde Wealth is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Please be advised trades cannot be accepted via email or voicemail. This article is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information on the subjects covered. It is not, however, intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For specific professional assistance, the services of an appropriate professional should be sought. A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. Past performance is not an indication or guarantee of future results.
(Metro Creative Connection)
TURF MONSTERS Won’t Trip You Up on Landscaping
By Shay Moser
The “turf monster” may be the first thing that comes to mind when a player gets tripped up on the field, but it’s also the name behind the Valley’s award-winning artificial turf installation and landscaping company.
Turf Monsters, says owner Mike Freeland, “provides highquality landscaping using the best materials and installation at a competitive price.”
Opened in 2017, Turf Monsters offers more than artificial grass. It also provides custom putting greens, full-service landscaping, landscape lighting, trees and plants, pavers and patios, pergolas, and firepits and grills.
DON’T
TRIP ON THE COST
Freeland says that because the company buys all its products in bulk, it can pass the savings on to customers.
“We’re still coming in competitively priced compared to some of our competitors who install low-quality products,” he says.
Word-of-mouth recommendations are also a factor in Turf Monsters’ success.
“Friends and family want to know if someone had a good experience,” says Freeland. “A lot of our business comes from customers’ neighbors and relatives.”
More proof of Turf Monsters’ work is in the more than 350 five-star Google reviews about its quality work, dependability, and trusted team.
“Putting green turf
Freeland says only the highest-grade putting turf available is used in their installs. “The synthetic fiber turf we use is durable, low-maintenance, and scuff-resistant,” he says.
Turf Monsters also customizes putting greens for small yard corners to entire areas. “Our professional installers help create a putting space for customers’ needs and budget,” Freeland says.
Arizonans who want to practice golf on the hottest summer days can even work with Turf Monsters to create an indoor putting green.
Pet-friendly turf
For customers with pets, Turf Monsters offers pet-friendly turf designed with materials that are non-toxic, soft to the touch, and heat-resistant.
FROM LIGHTING TO COMPLETE LANDSCAPING
“We get people’s yards done right the first time,” Freeland says. “You never have to worry about who is working on your yard, and we stick to our deadlines.”
Turf Monsters is also an artificial turf wholesaler. “It’s not always easy to find the right synthetic turf to make your outdoor space vision come to life,” explains Freeland.
Additionally, Freeland says Turf Monsters has a good relationship with its distributors, which helps get more products for the money and discounted prices. He says the strong relationship with distributors also leads to a more efficient, cost-effective, and productive supply chain.
“We didn’t have any product shortages during the pandemic.”
WANT TO KICK SOME GRASS?
Freeland says Turf Monsters’ artificial turf options feature a mix of olive green and field green turf fibers for artificial turf, putting greens, and pet-friendly turf. “It looks as real as it feels,” he says.
Artificial turf
Installation specialists help customers design their yards to fit their lifestyles and activities.
Landscape specialists work with customers to design comfortable and attractive lighting that will add aesthetics, curb appeal, and safety to outdoor spaces.
“Landscape lighting lets you use your outdoor space long after the sun goes down,” says Freeland.”
Besides artificial turf installation and maintenance, Turf Monsters offers tree and plant installation, maintenance, and landscape edging and trimming. Turf Monsters also offers water-saving irrigation services and custom-built fire pits and grills.
“We know the Arizona landscape can be harsh for trees and plants, so we help create a custom landscape design that is attractive and will thrive in the desert,” says Freeland. “But when you are looking for a low-maintenance design, paver installation is the way to go.”
He says pergolas are also easy to care for and extend the outdoor living space.
Much of Turf Monsters’ products, including TigerTurf, the highest-quality synthetic grass, are made in America. Its custom fire pits and grills are also built with 100% American-made products.
“We offer turf installation and landscaping services Valleywide,” says Freeland, adding that customers can call to schedule a free estimate.
TIME TO TURF?
Freeland recommends browsing the website and checking out Turf Monsters’ social media channels to see examples of past work, testimonials, and information about financing.
Call or send a message through the contact page on the website to ask questions and schedule an appointment. Visit turfmonstersaz.com or call 623-294-2877.
This content is sponsored by Turf Monsters.
Real Estate How is the market doing? Please be more specific.
As we move into 2025, I often hear the question, ‘How is the market doing?’ I have to ask what specifically they are asking about. Interest rates? Prices going up or down? How long is it taking to sell? Most people have to stop and think about it as they don’t really know what they are asking. So, let me talk a little about each one.
Over the past year we saw what looks like a roller coaster as interest rates went up, back down below where we started 2024 and then right back up to just about where we started! So, a lot happened with rates but we ended up close to where we started 2024.
If your interest rate is high then let me know and we can set you up with our preferred lender to let you know when it is worth refinancing if they drop again. A lot of people missed out this past year as they were waiting for rates to drop more and then they went back up.
When I talk to most agents, it was a rough year. I can understand as most people thought we would see a bigger drop in interest rates that would stay lower and that would help buyers qualify for homes and in turn sellers would have someone to sell to. Interest rates did go down for a bit during 2024 but then went right back up and we are just about to the same place we were 12 months ago! Each time we saw rates drop, we saw a quick increase in the number of sales as buyers were locking in on those dropped rates. But as they go up, things would slow back down.
About the only thing all of the experts agree on is if we can get the mortgage rates down, then we will see sales go up.
I looked at the average sale price a year ago for 85383 vs. now and our average
started at $784,430 and we are now at an average sale price of $752,448. That’s a drop in the average of $31,982. That looks really bad, but our average had dropped to $683,716 in July and August., so we are heading back up. Springtime is a good time for the Valley of the Sun, so we will probably see prices increase over the next few months.
The last thing is how long it is taking to sell a home in our area. A year ago we averaged 81 days on the market and now we are at 77. That is not much of a difference but I’m happy it is fewer days on market and not more.
I drove up through Vistancia to see how the building is going and they are clearing a lot of land in between Vistancia and the 74. It is going to be an incredible place to live with the amazing views back there. They are calling it Saddleback and they are estimating another 6,500 homes to be built. Like most people, I have mixed feelings as I will miss the open desert areas but I also understand we are growing and need places for people to live. A friend of mine once said, ‘There are always new friends to make” so I like to think of it that way when I picture all of these new homes being built.
I hope your 2025 is off to a great start and keep getting better!
Frank May grew up in the Valley, graduating from Northwest Christian School and Northern Arizona University. He is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Fine Properties and has been helping both buyers and sellers for over 20 years. He has been a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider (ELP) since 2003. Learn more at mayteam.com.
Entertainment
Movie Reviews and Upcoming Release Dates
By Tony Beal IN THEATERS
A Complete Unknown
Bob Dylan’s rise to stardom in the 1960s, his relationships, and the evolution of his music.
For forty minutes, A Complete Unknown immerses you in the mystique of Bob Dylan, all while avoiding the typical structure of a musical biopic. Unfortunately, by minute forty-one the film falls back into those well-worn trappings. Using greatest hits compilations and the standard drama of a new star as an unnecessary crutch. Leaving you to feel as if you just attended a concert film with a side plot. There was real potential based upon the amazing life of Dylan, fantastic director and a terrific cast. I do appreciate the film not idolizing its subject like most films of its type. Allowing the audience a chance to decide whether or not to dislike Dylan. In the end, it’s hard to not feel a bit of dèjá vu, particularly once the film has a last-minute source of conflict with Dylan and Pete Seeger. The script ends up rushing the
storyline, despite its nearly two-and-a-halfhour runtime. An entertaining film with little to offer beyond that.
Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera
Nick O’Brien pursues Donnie Wilson to France ahead of a massive diamond heist.
In an impressive showing, the follow-up film manages to surprise the viewer by differentiating itself from its predecessor in both structure and tone. A feat rarely achieved by most sequels. The success is greatly attributed to the amazing chemistry between Gerald Butler & O’Shea Jackson Jr. They are a solid duo, deflecting their different but parallel ideologies off of each other. There is no shortcomings in the supporting cast either. Throughout the film you can feel that everyone gave it their all and made you feel a little something for each character. All of this makes the setup that much more engaging, drawing you in and making you part of the heist. The final arch of the film, the job itself, takes on the intensity of a slow burning fuse that leads to an explosive release of tension, prioritizing silence over gunfights. Overall, a pleasant surprise and a well-done improvement over the first film.
Hard Truths
A film about two sisters with very different personalities and immensely different relationships with the people who surround them.
I am always amazed at how a film can be so devastating yet hilarious at the same time. Mike Leigh reminds you that life is a roller coaster in his latest work. Each actor, no matter the amount of dialogue or screen time, creates a feeling of resemblance to the viewer, as either someone you know or someone you’ve been yourself. Running the gambit from irritating, to lovable, to hilarious all in a single scene. I’ve rarely heard an audience roaring with laughter to being deathly quiet in such short time spans. Leigh is able to sum up the power of film n less than 100 minutes with a well told
story, a caring cast and some amazing photography. It will stay with you long after you leave the theater.
ON NETFLIX
Carry-On
A TSA agent finds himself at the center of a terrorist plot on Christmas Eve.
It’s the simplicity that makes Carry-On work. The film is to the point and fast but never rushing. Carrying us through well done chase sequences, dramatic bar scenes and intense interactions at airport checkpoints. Each character is engaging, right down to the lesser seen supporting cast that in many features can seem obnoxious or simply pointless. Taron Everton delivers an impressive performance as a man appearing meek but is actually quite clever. As always Jason Bateman is nothing less than stellar. Playing a dry, calculating criminal who knows exactly what to do and when to get what he wants. The film is a must see. Giving you what you want in intensity, action and wit. Proving Netflix doesn’t have to use a massive budget to provide quality entertainment.
NEW RELEASES
February 5
Becoming Led Zepplin
February 7
Love Hurts
Heart Eyes
Bring Them Down (Limited)
Parthenope (Limited)
February 14
Paddington In Peru
Captain America: Brave New World
Verona’s Romeo And Juliet
The Gorge (Apple TV+)
February 21
The Monkey The Unbreakable Boy Cleaner (Limited)
February 28
The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
The Legend Of Ochi Last Breath
(Courtesy the Assocaited Press)
(Courtesy of IMdB)
(Courtesy of IMdB)
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS
SURPRISE FARMER’S MARKET
When: Every Sunday
Where: Ottawa University Student Union, 14360 W. Tierra Buena Ln., Surprise
What: Bring the entire family out to enjoy the Surprise Farmer’s Market, Presented By Good Energy Productions every Sunday from 3-7p.m. outside the Ottawa University Student Union Building. The Surprise Farmer’s Market will be brimming with fresh produce, unique crafts, a wide variety of tasty food options, artisanal products and seasonal harvests, as well as a DJ filling the air with your favorite music. Inquiries and vendor signup is available at www. surprisefarmersmarket.fun
Info: surprisefarmersmarket.fun/
MERYL MCMASTER: BLOODLINE AT THE HEARD MUSEUM
When: Through March 2
Where: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: Meryl McMaster: Bloodline is a survey exhibition featuring the pioneering large-scale photographic works of Canadian artist Meryl McMaster (b. 1988), reflecting her mixed nêhiyaw(Plains Cree)/Siksika, Dutch, and British ancestry. This exhibition spans McMaster’s past accomplishments (2008-2019) and her recent explorations (2022-2023) of family histories, particularly those of her Plains Cree/ Métis female forebears from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation in present-day Saskatchewan, Canada. This will be the first major solo exhibition of Meryl McMaster’s work outside of Canada. McMaster interrogates colonial histories, residential schools, and ancestral trauma, re-creating and re-imagining oral histories and stories in reclamation. Info: heard.org/exhibition/bloodline/
When: Through March 30
Where: Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 East Highway 60, Gold Canyon
What: Don’t miss Raucous Revelry at the 37th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival! The Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast - all rolled into one non-stop, day-long adventure. You never know what you will find on or off the stage! Walk through our gates to be transported back in time. Mingle with over 2,000 costumed characters, eat a giant roasted turkey leg; take part in games of chance and skill; cheer on your favorite knight; Shop in over 200 artisan shops The Arizona Renaissance Festival is open Saturdays and Sundays Feb. 1 – Mar. 31 and Presidents’ Day Monday, Feb. 17.
Just East of Apache Junction, on U.S. Highway 60.
Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com/
2025 WM PHOENIX OPEN CONCERT IN THE COLISEUM: BLAKE SHELTON AND GWEN STEFANI
When: Feb. 1
Where: TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
What: The Thunderbirds are excited to once again host the annual Concert in the Coliseum on the famous 16th hole on Saturday, February 1. Country music superstar Blake Shelton and three-time GRAMMY winner Gwen Stefani will take center stage live from the iconic 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale as co-headliners for the 2025 edition of the Concert in the Coliseum presented by Swire Coca-Cola on Saturday, Feb. 1, just two days before WM Phoenix Open tournament week. Fans will
enter through the main WM Phoenix Open entrance and enjoy an engaging experience on the walk to 16 featuring entertainment, beverage sampling and fun activations. Specific gate opening time to be determined but should be late afternoon/early evening (approximately 3:30 p.m.). The “Concert in the Coliseum” is a 21 and over event. Info: wmphoenixopen.com/concert-inthe-coliseum-5/
SAVANNAH BANANAS AT CAMELBACK RANCH - GLENDALE
When: Feb. 6-8
Where: Camelback Ranch - Glendale, 10710 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
What: Touted as “The Greatest Show In Sports”, the Bananas will bring their Banana Ball World Tour to Camelback Ranch-Glendale on three consecutive dates - February 6-8. The Savannah Bananas are a professional baseball team based in Savannah, GA that play their own version of baseball called Banana Ball, a fast-paced, action-packed style of baseball with rules that include no bunting, a two-hour time limit, fans catching foul balls for outs, batters stealing first base, and a one-on-one tiebreaker showdown at the end of the game if the game is tied. The team has been featured on ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Sports Illustrated for everything from playing a game in kilts, using a Dancing First Base Coach, the first ever baseball player to wear stilts, players backflipping while catching fly balls, and a whole lot more. The team has been known as TikTok’s favorite team with over 8 million followers, more than every team in the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA on TikTok.
Where: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: The art of hoop dance honors cultural traditions shared by multiple Indigenous communities. With roots in healing ceremonies, traditions and practices, today hoop dance is shared as an artistic expression to celebrate and honor Indigenous traditions throughout the U.S. and Canada. Dancers are judged on a slate of five skills: precision, timing/rhythm, showmanship, creativity and speed. Contestants compete in one of five divisions: Tiny Tots (age 5 and younger), Youth (6-12), Teen (13-17), Adult (18-39) and Senior (40 and older). Cash prizes totaling $25,000 are awarded to winners in each division, and victors in each division can claim the honor of being the World Champion.
Info: heard.org/event/hoop/
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
When: Feb. 21
Where: Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
What: This is your chance to witness the world record-breaking, trick-shot stars of basketball LIVE as they bring their signature SPINS, DUNKS, and SLAMS to the court, taking on their determined rivals, the Washington Generals. This year we’re bringing FUN and innovative CHALLENGES to showcase our superstars’ impressive skills and seemingly impossible feats of athleticism. Watch in awe as players go head-to-head in an exhilarating battle of skills featuring epic dunks, jaw-dropping four-point shots, and more—it’s friendly competition at its most exciting!
