Images Arizona (February 2024)

R ITA’ S REFLE C T I O N S

ARIZONA MUSICFEST

PHOTOGRAPHY ESSAY

AVIAN AFFECTION

D A T E

N I G H T

D O N E R I G H T

FEBRUARY 2024 PROUDLY SERVING THESE COMMUNITIES: Anthem Country Club l Anthem Parkside C1 imagesar izona.c February Desert Hills om l New River2024 l Tramonto

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OVER 30 CONCERTS IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE

The Doo Wop Project 2/2 & 2/3

MozART Group 2/27

Moon River and Me 2/19

Rita Moreno In Conversation 3/16

Brian Stokes Mitchell & Lara Downes 2/12

Judy Collins 3/22

Gunhild Carling 3/12

Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles 4/26

Festival Orchestra Week 3/5-3/10

CONCERTS ARE SELLING OUT! BUY TODAY!

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480.422.8449 | AZMUSICFEST.ORG

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THIRD THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15 FROM 4-7PM

COMPASS & CROW STUDIOS 99 Easy St. Suite 202 815-222-3530

M & E STOYANOV GALLERY 30 Easy Street 480-575-7857

SUE BICKERDYKE INTERIORS & ART GALLERY

36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive

ZUVA GALLERY

42 Easy Street 310-433-4465

WILD HOLLY GALLERY

22 Easy Street, Suite 235 480-595-8757

STEVE STENTO GALLERY 42 Easy Street 623-330-7647

99 Easy Street, Suite 235

GRACE RENEE GALLERY 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. Suite 7 480-575-8080

SONORAN ARTS LEAGUE GALLERY

BELLA FINE GOODS 36889 N. Tom Darlington Dr. 480-488-7062

GALLERY MICHÉLE

7275 E. Easy Street Suite A104

THUNDERBIRD ARTISTS GALLERY 100 Easy Steet Suite 1 480-313-8447

ADELANTE

7212 Ho Hum Rd. Suite 14 480-488-1285

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What's Inside?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RITA’S REFLECTIONS: ARIZONA MUSICFEST MAKES MAGIC WITH MORENO

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DATE NIGHT DONE RIGHT

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AVIAN AFFECTION

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COMMUNITY

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MESSAGE IN THE MELODY

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RECIPE

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From the Publisher Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo Francine Coles Susan Kern-Fleischer James Malcolmson Rebecca L. Rhoades Shannon Severson

Photographers

Francine Coles Loralei Lazurek

Advertising Sales

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416 Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221 imagesarizona.com Submission of news for community section should be in to shelly@imagesaz.com by the 5th of the month prior to publication.

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Whether enjoyed as a communal experience from a seat in a theater or in solitude from the comfort of my own couch, one of my favorite ways to unwind and relax is by watching a good movie. I am partial to romantic comedies because there is nothing on Earth that is more cathartic than love and laughter.

This month, we are celebrating the silver screen with an issue filled with stories about people, organizations and events that bring all of the magic of the movies to life right here in our own community.

From an interview with 92-year-old entertainment icon Rita Moreno ahead of her Arizona Musicfest conversation to a feature about a musician who creates cinematic instrumental rock, we have designed these pages to be a unique celebration of cinema on the local level.

Of course, we are also helping you celebrate Valentine’s Day with plenty of ideas for date nights with your significant other, friends or kids, as well as a photo essay — featuring some of Scottsdale resident Tom Mangelsdorf’s photographs of rosy-faced lovebirds — that we hope inspires your affectionate side.

There is a lot to love about this month’s issue of Images Arizona — which is, as always, a direct reflection of the community we serve.

So microwave a bag of buttered popcorn or grab a heart-shaped box of chocolates and enjoy!

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2023 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited.

The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

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Photography by Loralei Lazurek

With Love, Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221

SANDERSON LINCOLN

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G R A C E

R E N E E

G A L L E R Y

FEBRUARY

ARTIST

Brandon Reese

CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURAL ARTIST

Step into a world of awe-inspiring ceramic art that defies convention and embraces boundless creativity. Join us for an exclusive reception celebrating the remarkable work of ceramicist Brandon Reese, a visionary artist renowned for his transformative large-scale sculptures. Immerse yourself in a captivating display that challenges the norms of ceramic art, inviting you to explore the intricate interplay between form, emotion, and relationships.

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ARTIST RECEPTION Thursday, February 15 Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

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Grace Renee Gallery Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon.

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GraceReneeGallery.com | 480.575.8080

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Photo by Mark Anderson This past fall, Gilbert resident Mark Anderson welcomed his first grandchild, David, courtesy of his daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Jake Watson. Before the baby’s grand arrival, Rachel and Jake asked Anderson to take their “baby bump” photos in the desert — a task that he considered to be a true privilege.

“We headed to Apache Junction to capture the Superstition Mountains in the background during the golden hour,” says Anderson, who recently left his job to pursue photography full-time, with an emphasis on landscape and aerial images. “Clouds were moving in, and we were racing the sun, which was setting early behind the clouds.

“As we gave up and headed to the car, the sunset intensified in color. Rachel and Jake quickly crossed the street while I changed to a longer lens and a lower angle so I could capture some shots of the sun setting between them, silhouetting Rachel’s bump as they shared some tender moments.” instagram.com/markeandersonphotography

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SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS TO IMAGES@IMAGESAZ.COM OR TAG #IMAGESAZ ON INSTAGRAM FOR POSSIBLE PUBLICATION IN AN UPCOMING ISSUE.

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

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Rita Moreno’s passion for film is palpable.

For her, it is an art form capable of exhibiting a kaleidoscope of emotions, a mirror reflecting the complexities of human existence.

“For me, film is a bunch of things,” Moreno says. “It is an entertainment; it is an inspiration; it is a heartbreaker. That is why I love film. It does so many different things for people.”

From the playful whimsy of “Singin' in the Rain” to the heart-wrenching drama of “West Side Story,” the actress has seen and experienced it all, and her insights are both profound and relatable.

On Saturday, March 16, Moreno will grace the stage at Highlands Church for an intimate event as part of Arizona Musicfest. Far from your typical Q-and-A, the evening will unfold as a vibrant tapestry woven from the entertainment icon’s 92 years of life, laughter and lessons learned under the bright lights of Hollywood and beyond.

The “conversation,” as she prefers to call it, will be guided by interlocutor Cheryl Boone Isaacs — former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who will toss out questions that spark Moreno’s remarkable wit and wisdom.

Rita Moreno

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“

For me, film is a bunch of things. It is an entertainment; it is an inspiration; it is a heartbreaker. That is why I love film. It does so many different things for people.

Rita Moreno

“Obviously, it has to start with some questions,” Moreno explains. “But it is essentially just a back-and-forth between myself and this person I met a half-hour ago. And the audience absolutely loves it because it leaves me free to tell any kind of stories I want to. And I am not 92 for nothing.

I have a lot of stories to tell. Some of them are pretty funny.

Some of them are really sad. It is a life, after all.”

Moreno especially enjoys telling stories in which she can poke fun at herself — which, she says, assures the audience that she is being honest, vulnerable and sincere. She also does not shy away from speaking her mind.

“I am a very direct and alert old broad,” she explains. “I am pretty blunt and I do not mess around.”

The event is intentionally designed to match Moreno’s personality and reflect storytelling in its purest form; raw, honest and deeply human.

It could also be called a masterclass in living life to the fullest. Appearing most recently in this past holiday season’s “Family Switch” on Netflix, Moreno still actively seeks out new roles, embraces challenges and finds humor in the absurdities of everyday life.

“I love being active,” she proclaims. “And I love acting. I am an actress after all. It is just what I do. I love to pretend that I am someone else. And that never goes away.” imagesar izona.c om February 2024

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Doo Wop Project

Brian Stokes Mitchell and Lara Downes

Kristin Chenoweth

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MozART

Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director, Allan Naplan, says that, with so many accomplishments under her belt, the EGOT winner certainly does not need to continue acting at all.

“But she seems to thrive on it,” Naplan adds. “So why stop? I mean, she has already broken every barrier as a female artist, a Latin artist and beyond.

And she continues to do so simply by continuing to work — which is really something to be celebrated. And that is exactly what we are going to be doing with our March 16 event.”

RECORD-BREAKING SEASON That celebration will continue through the remainder of this winter and spring as Arizona Musicfest presents a wide variety of artists as part of its 33rd season.

On Friday, Feb. 2, The Doo Wop Project will take the stage with an exciting performance that features fresh renditions of doo-wop classics as well as “doo-wopified” versions of contemporary hits.

Three days later, “Classical Mystery Tour” will recreate the Beatles’ firstever concert in America 60 years ago.

However, those hoping to “Come Together” for the performance will have to “Let It Be,” because tickets have been sold out for months.

“We have sold out more concerts this season earlier than ever before,” Naplan says. “And we have 1,600 seats in our primary venue so it certainly speaks to the attraction of the artists we are presenting. It also speaks to Arizona Musicfest's standing in the community in that we put on good shows and audiences can trust that each one is going to be a worthy entertainment option for them.” imagesar izona.c om February 2024

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On Monday, Feb. 12, Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell and trailblazing pianist Lara Downes will join forces for “A New World A-Comin’,” a revelatory evening of music reflecting on the transformative expansion of music from the first half of the 20th century.

Actress Kristin Chenoweth will follow the duo five days later with a show that was one of the fastest sold-out concerts in Arizona Musicfest history, second only to Johnny Mathis.

On Monday, Feb. 19, Monica Mancini — the daughter of legendary composer Henry Mancini — will present a concert endearingly titled “Moon River and Me,” a centennial celebration of the extraordinary artist who was nominated for an astounding 18 Oscars and 72 Grammys.

Blending classical music and comedy, the string quartet MozART Group will then take the stage on Tuesday, Feb. 27, ahead of Arizona Musicfest’s Festival Orchestra Week.

Monica Mancini

“Anchored by luminary opera star Renée Fleming, this is the best-selling festival orchestra week that we have ever had,” says Naplan, noting that the soprano’s Sunday, March 10, concert is among this season’s sold-out performances.

Other Festival Orchestra Week shows include a centennial celebration of “Rhapsody in Blue” on Sunday, March 3; “Superman, Schumann and Strauss” on Tuesday, March 5;” and a concert featuring music from the stage and screen on Friday, March 8.

One of last season’s breakout stars, Swedish musical sensation Gunhild Carling, will then take the stage again with a brandnew show on Tuesday, March 12.

“There is no one with more hyphens in their career than Gunhild Carling with the 11 or so instruments that she plays,” Naplan says. “And she plays them exceedingly well. She is a throwback vaudevillian artist who can do it all. Her show was a huge hit last year, so I immediately knew that we needed to bring her back this year.”

Renee Fleming

Gunhild Carling

Also coming back this season is legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins, who previously appeared as part of Arizona Musicfest 10 years ago. Her Friday, March 22 show will be followed by Ladysmith Black Mambazo on Monday, March 25. The late former South African President Nelson Mandela designated the group “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world.”

CMT’s 2022 “Next Woman of Country” Miko Marks, Nashville singer Kristina Train and a five-member all-female

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band will then take the stage on Monday, April 1, for “Trailblazing Women of Country” — a show that features the music of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton.

“On Friday, April 5, we will welcome the World Doctors Orchestra — featuring 85 physician musicians from around the world,” Naplan says. “Each year, they choose just four locations to assemble. Not only do they perform at a very high level, but they also do a lot of good in the community by giving all proceeds from the concert to a worthy charity. This particular performance will benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic.”

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain will then take the stage on Monday, April 15, before “Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles” closes Arizona Musicfest’s season on Friday, April 26.

GROUNDBREAKING CAREER Among Moreno’s favorite roles that she has played on stage and screen over the past nine decades are antagonist Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” and Amanda Wingfield in “The Glass Menagerie” — a character she calls a “fatiguely difficult woman.”

“I love playing women who are very involved with themselves because they usually have no sense of humor,” Moreno explains. “I think that there is nothing funnier to play as an actor than a person with no sense of humor.”

However, she says that one of her most rewarding roles was as Valentina in 2021’s “West Side Story.” Having portrayed Anita in the first cinematic adaptation of the imagesar izona.c om February 2024

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Broadway musical 60 years prior, the opportunity essentially brought Moreno’s life full circle.

“It was such a lovely part,” the actress says. “And I was so touched when I found out that they were going to let me sing 'Somewhere,' a song that I have always revered; not just loved but truly revered.

Judy Collins

“I was in tears because there are so many amazing things about the state of people’s hearts and lives in that movie. I was beyond thrilled, and I will never be able to thank Steven [Spielberg] and Tony [Kushner] enough for offering me that role. Steven told me that he believed it was the best acting that I have ever done. And I agree with him. I really enjoy watching myself in that film.”

She also enjoys seeing other actors practice their craft, having recently rewatched Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts jab verbal knives into each other in 2013’s tragicomedy “August: Osage County.”

“My God, those women were just sensational in that movie,” Moreno says.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The actress adds that, over the course of her storied career, one lesson has made its way to the forefront: Never give up — advice that is especially true in the entertainment industry but could very well also be applied to life in general.

“I say that as a person who is from another country, who has had to deal with the whole Puerto Rican business,” she notes.

“You must never, ever give up. That takes a certain strength of character. If you think you cannot take it, then quit and do something else. Because you really do have to be strong in this business. And it is a business. It is an art, but more often than not, it is a business.”

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

Forged in the fires of a career that has defied stereotypes and shattered barriers, Moreno is a pioneer for Latina representation in Hollywood. An icon and an inspiration, her March 16 event as part of Arizona Musicfest is certain to be filled with laughter, tears and everything in between. azmusicfest.org

Experience Festival Orchestra

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Arizona Musicfest Presents Rita Moreno: In Conversation Saturday, March 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Highlands Church | 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale | $53+ | azmusicfest.org

Music Alive!

Exceptionally strong ticket sales in recent seasons have allowed Arizona Musicfest to expand its physical footprint in Scottsdale, with the nonprofit organization now occupying an entire building on 79th Street and Thompson Peak Parkway.

“We now have two programming spaces,” says executive and producing director Allan Naplan, noting that revenue from concert ticket sales benefits valuable performance and scholarship opportunities for youth as well as enrichment programs for adults.

“One can seat 120 people and the other can seat as many as 60 people. Both of those spaces are now filled four to five times every week with our Music Alive! programs, which are all under the direction of our new resident artist and director of community music programs, Josh Condon.”

Naplan adds that Arizona Musicfest’s music lectures, discussion groups and music-making programs are seeing packed crowds.

“This is everything that we have hoped to continue building,” he explains. “There is now a constant flow of people coming into Arizona Musicfest to engage in and talk about music. It has been proven that music strengthens and enhances an aging person’s cognitive mind and that social engagement, such as the kind we provide through these programs, is vastly beneficial to a person’s health and happiness.”

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COMMUNITY February 2024 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through Feb. 11

‘THE LEHMAN TRILOGY’ The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Lehman Trilogy,” a poetically opulent play about a family dynasty that triggered the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Through Feb. 22 ‘ON THE TOWN’

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “On the Town,” in which three curious U.S. Navy sailors search for love, fun and the beautiful Miss Turnstiles in 1944 New York. See website for prices and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623776-8400; azbroadway.org

Feb. 2–4

‘THE LAST FIVE YEARS’ Starlight Community Theater will present its production of “The Last Five Years.” See website for price and times.

Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

Feb. 2–18

‘THE PIANO LESSON’

Feb. 2 and 3

THE DOO WOP PROJECT Arizona Musicfest will welcome five engaging, charismatic and dashing Broadway stars for a concert featuring fresh renditions of classic Doo Wop hits as well as “doo-wopified” versions of contemporary hits. $49+. Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “The Piano Lesson,” a powerful and poignant drama set against the backdrop of 1930s Pittsburgh. $50. See website for times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-258-8128; blacktheatretroupe.org

Feb. 3 and 4

CELEBRATE THE BLUES The Musical Instrument Museum will host an event that celebrates the blues. See website for schedule of events. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480478-6000; mim.org

Feb. 5

TASTE AMERICA The James Beard Foundation will present an intimate gathering with a multi-course menu created by TasteTwenty chefs. Proceeds will benefit the participating chefs, as well as the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programming in support of equity, sustainability, women’s leadership and a future where all can thrive for the culinary industry and beyond. $500+. 6 p.m. Tía Carmen at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort, 4000 N. Scottsdale Road, Phoenix. jamesbeard.org

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Feb. 6

PURSES FOR A PURPOSE Anthem Giving Circle will host its annual Purses for a Purpose event, which raises money to be returned to the community in the form of individual grants as well as donations to schools and organizations. The 1950s-inspired event will feature a number of new and gently used purses that can be won by attendees via raffles and auctions. All proceeds benefit Anthem Giving Circle’s various charitable efforts. $70; raffle tickets are 5 for $20 or 15 for $50. 5–8 p.m. Ironwood Country Club, 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, Anthem. anthemgivingcircle.com

Feb. 7

‘SIDE-BY-SIDE’ The musicians of the Phoenix Symphony and the Phoenix Youth Symphony will join forces to perform a special concert. See website for price. 7:30 p.m. Symphony Hall, 750 N. First St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

Feb. 7–March 17

‘THE TRUTH ABOUT WINNIE RUTH JUDD’ The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Truth About Winnie Ruth Judd.” See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Feb. 8–11

‘DISNEY’S ARISTOCATS KIDS’ Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “Disney’s Aristocats KIDS.” $25. See website for times.

Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Feb. 10 and 11

‘ENGLISH MADRIGALS AND MASTERWORKS’ Arizona Masterworks Chorale will perform a concert featuring beautiful choral works from Edward Elgar, Charles Villiers Stanford, Orlando Gibbons, Hubert Parry and William Harris, with guest artists, the singers of Canticum Novum. See website for price. Saturday 7:30 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix; Sunday 2 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. arizonamasterworks.com

Feb. 12

‘A NEW WORLD A-COMIN’’ Arizona Musicfest will welcome Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell and trailblazing pianist Lara Downes for a revelatory evening of music reflecting on the transformative expansion of music from the first half of the 20th century. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org imagesar izona.c om February 2024

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COMMUNITY February 2024 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Feb. 15

BRANDON REESE Explore a series of large-scale sculptures that push the traditional boundaries of ceramic art during a special reception for ceramicist Brandon Reese. Predominantly known for its simple, familiar forms created in a variety of methods, Reese’s work playfully and beautifully expresses the idea that relationships offer a unique ability to enhance individual elements while simultaneously unifying them to create a powerfully emotional and visual experience. Free.

4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Feb. 15–18

‘MOVING MOVIES’ Ballet Arizona will celebrate cinematic classics with its world premiere production of “Moving Movies,” transporting audiences back in time to Hollywood’s Golden Age with a unique dance experience that takes ballet from the stage to the big screen. $35+. See website for times. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. balletaz.org

Feb. 16 and 17 Feb. 24

COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA

In celebration of the centennial of jazz vocalist Sarah Vaughan, the legendary Count Basie Orchestra will perform a concert from which proceeds will benefit The Nash's jazz education center and its efforts to expand the center's facilities in downtown Phoenix to serve more youth. $59+. 7:30 p.m. The Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. thenash.org

‘LOVE IS IN THE AIR’ North Valley Chorale will perform a concert of music that reflects themes of love, romance, friends and family. $40+.

Friday 7 p.m.; Saturday 3 p.m. Phoenix Boys Choir Center, 1131 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. northvalleychorale.org

Feb. 16–18

WIGWAM FESTIVAL OF FINE ART Vermillion Promotions will host its 14th annual Wigwam Festival of Fine Art, featuring the incredible works of more than 125 of the Southwest’s most accomplished fine artists and craftsmen, as well as lively musical performances, exquisite resort dining and refreshing beverages. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Wigwam Resort, 300 S. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. vermillionpromotions.com

Feb. 18–March 3

GREATER PHOENIX JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL The Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will host its 28th annual event, which aims to provide entertaining and compelling international films with Jewish themes to audiences across the metropolitan Phoenix area. $15+. See website for schedule and venues. gpjff.org

Feb. 19

‘MOON RIVER AND ME’ 22

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Arizona Musicfest will welcome Monica Mancini — the daughter of legendary composer Henry Mancini — for a centennial celebration of the extraordinary artist who was

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COMMUNITY February 2024 Writer Joseph J. Airdo

nominated for an astounding 18 Oscars and 72 Grammys. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Feb. 21–24

INDIE FILM FEST Indie Film Fest will host its annual event, which — in addition to film screenings — will include panels, mixers and other events hosted throughout the artist community on Roosevelt Row. $10+. See website for schedule.

Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. theindiefilmfest.com

Feb. 22–25

‘MEAN GIRLS: HIGH SCHOOL VERSION’ Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “Mean Girls: High School Version.” $25. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Feb. 23–25

‘MARDI GRAS IN NEW ORLEANS’ Trumpeter, singer and conductor Byron Stripling will play “St. Louis Blues” and sing “What a Wonderful World” while leading the Phoenix Symphony in music including “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” See website for price. Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. Orpheum Theatre, 700 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

Feb. 24–March 3

SEDONA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL COUNCIL NAMES NEW HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Anthem Community Council recently hired Tanya Dahl as its new human resources director. Dahl has been an executive and strategic partner within global organizations, leading and influencing human resource strategies and initiatives for the past 20 years. Her experience spans a variety of small to mid-sized companies within technology, professional services, distribution and manufacturing facilities, from start-up to growth stages. onlineatanthem.com

The Sedona International Film Festival will host its 30th anniversary event, featuring more than 140 films as well as filmmaker discussions, workshops and seminars. See website for prices, schedule and venues. sedonafilmfestival.com

Feb. 27

MOZART GROUP Arizona Musicfest will welcome string quartet MozART Group for a concert that blends classical music and comedy. $39+. 7:30 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

Feb. 28

‘FINDING NEMO, JR.’ AUDITIONS Musical Theatre of Anthem will hold auditions for its upcoming productions of “Finding Nemo, Jr.” (ages 6–13), for which all youth will be cast. $325; sibling discount available. 5 p.m. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

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March 1 and 2 M3F FEST

M3F will host its annual festival, featuring the dreamy sounds of Dominic Fike, award-winning London vocalist Arlo Parks, Minnesota indie rockers Hippo Campus and the mesmerizing music of Bakar. All proceeds will benefit local charities, with $2 million donated since 2022 and $5.2 million raised in total since the festival’s inception in 2004. See website for price and schedule Steele Indian School Park, 3401 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. m3ffest.org

March 2

‘AMERICAN SONGBOOK’ ProMusica Arizona’s Women in Song, an auditioned ensemble of female vocalists, will perform a concert of American Songbook classics. Free. 2 p.m. Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe St., Peoria. pmaz.org

March 2

‘THE MUSIC OF QUEEN’ Conductor, arranger and producer Brent Havens will lead a cast of powerhouse rockers and the Phoenix Symphony in such classic songs as “Another One Bites the Dust,” “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” See website for price. 7:30 p.m.

Arizona Financial Theatre, 750 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

March 2 and 3

LITCHFIELD PARK ART AND WINE FESTIVAL Vermillion Promotions will host its 26th annual art and wine festival in Litchfield Park, featuring the work of more than 150 jury-selected fine artists and craftsmen, as well as a beer and wine garden offering an assortment of Arizona’s best wineries and local microbreweries and distilleries. Free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Litchfield Park. vermillionpromotions.com

March 2 and 3

‘ROMEO AND JULIETTE’ Arizona Opera will present its production of “Romeo and Juliette.” See website for prices and times. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-2667464; azopera.org

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While there’s certainly nothing wrong with being a regular at your favorite restaurant or routinely participating in a beloved hobby, sometimes it’s nice to break with routine and try something out of the ordinary.

What better month for novelty than one that celebrates love and friendship? Whether with a significant other, family or dear friends, Arizona is replete with date nights that are different — and sometimes even daring!

ON CLOUD WINE There’s love language and then there’s wine language, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Wine Collective owner Zoya Vora-Shah invites guests at her Scottsdale tasting room and bottle shop to sample sips and sweets or use their senses to try new varietals and learn about wine in ways that enhance enjoyment.

Writer Shannon Severson

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Photo by Henry Hendrix and Courtesy of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Among Vora-Shah’s offerings are sensory wine tastings, prepaid experiences by appointment for four or more participants that are available year-round, but make for a great double-date or friends night. A presentation of 150 aromas and six varietals teaches the language of wine in an approachable way, mimicking how the owner herself first learned about enjoying wine and pairing it with food.

Sunsets and Sips events run 5–7 p.m. on Feb. 8, 14 and 22.

This is the architectural treasure’s most popular program, joined by the live musical performances of TW Live and the In Conversation speaker series, which “explores the connections between architecture, art and nature.” An informal, hosted conversation brings the audience and experts together; four of the eight sessions for the year will be online.

“It’s a deep dive,” Vora-Shah says, “[It’s] a wonderful experience to have with anyone who loves wine and wants to get into understanding more about it. The experience is unique to any place in the valley and opens up a new way to enjoy wine. My passion is really to decipher wine and make it more approachable.”

“At Taliesin West, we use our cultural programming to bring people together and to give our local residents a reason — beyond tours — to visit and enjoy the property,” says Alexandra Freyermuth, Taliesin West’s manager of cultural programs.

“Programs like [these] offer guests ways to connect with each other while they enjoy the beauty of Wright’s work.”

Sweets for My Sweetie is another option that is being offered Feb. 14–18. Vora-Shah makes it a priority to partner with woman-owned businesses, and this pairing of wine with chocolates and other sweet treats will focus on products from local female artisans. The tasting can incorporate red wine, white wine or bubbles, according to guest preference.

Arizona’s own classical jazz musician, Richard Brennan, will bring his original music to Taliesin West’s Garden Room on Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. Brennan’s soulful compositions are characterized as best experienced live and in person.

the-wine-collective.com

FILMS AND FLIRTATIONS

PILLARS OF PASSION Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece becomes the backdrop for sunset viewing, wine sipping and socializing as guests can walk along the pathways of the estate and visit one or two indoor spaces.

franklloydwright.org

Take in a movie under the stars at Harkins Moonlight Cinema as a Scottsdale Fashion Square rooftop is transformed into an open-air cinematic experience showing classic films — which change weekly — every Friday and Saturday night for a ticket cost of $14.50. It’s an attraction that has been in the works for a while and has been well-attended since its debut in October 2021, with many sold out showings.

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Photo Courtesy of Harkins Theatres

“We had been planning for Moonlight Cinema ever since we opened our Camelview at Fashion Square location and saw the views from the top level,” says Harkins Theatres president and CEO Mike Bowers. “We are always looking to create unique moviegoing experiences. Arizona’s beautiful evenings and luminous night skies were a perfect fit for an open-air cinema experience where movie lovers and families can snuggle up and experience their favorite classic movies under the stars. The response from our guests has been phenomenal.”

High-tech touches like wireless stereo headphones deliver the best sound to each guest as they settle in on lounge chairs in front of a huge screen. It’s “BYOB” — Bring Your Own Blanket, but blankets, beanies and scarves can also be purchased at the venue.

The usual Harkins concessions are offered, including hot cocoa, and there is a selection of wines, local beers, espresso drinks, cocktails and “The Stardust,” a Moonlight Cinema exclusive. harkins.com/moonlight

I WANNA BE LOVED BAYOU As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”

The Phoenix Symphony brings the sounds of a Mardi Gras street parade to the Orpheum Theatre Feb. 23–25 as part of its APS Pops Series. Bring your belle or beau as audiences are served

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a steaming hot helping of New Orleans jazz. It’s all being led

by Byron Stripling, a trumpeter, singer and conductor who will “stand in for Satchmo” on “St. Louis Blues” and will sing “What a Wonderful World,” all while conducting the symphony’s talented musicians on music synonymous with New Orleans natives, including Fats Domino and Mahalia Jackson. phoenixsymphony.org

RIDDLES AND ROMANCE The fun of a scavenger hunt and the charm of a picnic meal in a scenic location come together in one unique adventure.

Once a Mystery Picnic Date is reserved and paid for, a set of clues arrives in your inbox. Solving the clues leads primarily to locally owned small businesses for elements of the picnic, a point of interest or scenery stop, and the final location: a park where you can spread out your picnic blanket and enjoy the fruits of your clever clue-solving.

“A Mystery Picnic Date is one of our most popular experiences, making it a great option for Valentine’s Day,” says Samantha Schuster, U.S. delivery team lead for the Australian parent company AmazingCo. “Not only do you get to explore an area together while solving riddles and clues, but you also have the chance to get to know each other better through fun games and conversation starters designed to create a deeper connection.”

Your adventure can be arranged either in town — Scottsdale or downtown Tempe — or a bit further away in Prescott or Sedona.

Upgrade options for a hot drink to kickstart the day, an extra snack or a bottle of wine can be added to many experiences. Most cities are a mix of driving and walking to the destinations, but it varies.

Participants say that even if they’re locals, they enjoy visiting a place or two to which they’ve never been.

The company also offers gift cards.

pickleball courts, yard games, a full restaurant and a bar.

“Once you get a paddle in someone’s hands, they fall in love with the game,” says CJ Hoyt, the venue’s pickleball manager.

On Feb. 21, the venue will host a Sweetheart Pickleball Tournament for both social and competitive players.

One week earlier, on Valentine’s Day, it will host an interactive murder mystery dinner and dessert show for guests 21 and older.

Photos Courtesy of @alicecocktailexperienceglobal

amazingco.me chickennpickle.com

QUEEN OF HEARTS Enjoy a “through-the-looking-glass” evening in a secret Phoenix location as part of the “Alice in Wonderland’ Pop-Up Cocktail Experience. Guests 21 and older step into Alice’s Mary Janes and travel to a lavishly outfitted Wonderland, following the White Rabbit to encounter the Caterpillar and White Queen through an adventure that features riddles and hidden secrets in mirrors, a human-scale chess match, and a croquet game.

At $47, the whimsical 90-minute journey includes a welcome drink, two bespoke cocktails and a sweet treat. There are also family-friendly versions of the party, hosted by the White Queen. explorehidden.com

COURTSHIP ON THE COURT Sometimes it’s fun to add a little competition to date night. Pickleball is a sport that is easy to play, even if you haven’t done so before. Chicken & Pickle, located in Glendale’s Westgate Entertainment District, features indoor and outdoor

LOVE IS IN THE AIR A hot air balloon ride may be the bucket list date you’ve dreamed of, a memorable adventure to celebrate a milestone or maybe even a way to pop the question “on cloud nine.”

Rainbow Ryders will offer a $165 Valentine’s Day gift certificate special Feb. 1–14 for rides beginning on Feb. 19. Baskets accommodate 12–14 passengers.

“Here at Rainbow Ryders, love takes flight in a hot air balloon,” says Scott Appelman, the company’s founder and CEO. “Drift through the clouds, share breathtaking views and create timeless memories checking off a bucket list item together. In the sky, every date, wedding or proposal becomes an elevated celebration of love.”

Photo Courtesy of Rainbow Ryders

Early birds can enjoy morning sunrises while floating over the Sonoran Desert.

Evening rides afford views of the brilliant sunsets of Arizona legend.

Every flight ends with a celebratory champagne toast and refreshments back on the ground. rainbowryders.com

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If a picture can be worth a thousand words, is the same true for a song without lyrics? The music of BARANS answers the question with a resounding “yes.” BARANS creates cinematic instrumental rock as “songs for your human experience.”

The mind behind it all is Joe Barans, a 23-year-old Grand Canyon University graduate who appears younger than his years but whose vision isn’t confined by time or convention. The Anthem native first picked up a guitar at age 12 and almost immediately began playing in bands, learning stage presence, how to function in a group and how to engage a crowd.

“I [immediately] felt comfortable on stage,” he reveals. “I didn’t have stage fright. All I cared about were songs.

I didn’t need to play solos; I did, but I joined the Rhapsody Music band program early because it was always about songs. Learning [songs] was my form of practice.”

Barans resonates with a description ABBA used for their music — as “a highlight reel of parts” — and says the key word

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is variety. That thirst for variety and talent in assembling songs is captivating audiences around Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Diego who are drawn to his live, three-hour nonstop BARANS shows, where he is often accompanied by drummer Jonathan Bresar. They’ve been a band in demand and played 43 shows in 2023.

THE POWER OF A MELODY With the attention span of tech-addled minds not being what it used to be, BARANS harnesses the interest of listeners with a variety of instruments, tempo, sound effects, clips of spoken words and Joe’s infectious onstage energy.

“What I’ve found is that by not using lyrics, we’ve been able to connect with a very wide group of people,” Barans says. “We aren’t vocal, but we are not without a voice. It’s a very conscious and active appeal to [listeners].

“At [downtown Phoenix] First Friday, festivals and marketplaces, we’ve found that there is no language barrier [with our music], and a lot of people are drawn to that. It’s been this really great, almost immersive live experience, and we’re constantly working to evolve it. Our live shows are born out of asking, ‘What can we do?

How can we work within constraints and how can we really show the power of a melody?’”

Joe Barans is a 23-year-old Grand Canyon University graduate who appears younger than his years but whose vision isn’t confined by time or convention.

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography by Loralei Lazurek

As music is often storytelling, one may believe it is too difficult to get a message across without the use of words, but consider the long, rich history of classical music, and now, in contemporary times, the way a musical score influences the feel and message of every scene in a movie. BARANS’ music sets the table and allows listeners of all ages, languages and cultural backgrounds to approach and begin to imagine their own stories, inserting their own experiences and moods into a meaningful individual and collective moment.

“People will interpret your music their own way, with or without words,” Barans says. “Mine is a blank canvas.”

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An Anthem native, Barans first picked up a guitar at age 12 and almost immediately began playing in bands, learning stage presence, how to function in a group and how to engage a crowd.

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BARANS harnesses the interest of listeners with a variety of instruments, tempo, sound effects, clips of spoken words and Joe’s infectious onstage energy.

Live performances begin with a medley of cover songs — references that every listener can relate to — and then a found audio clip of actor John Cleese breaks through the music to say, “And now for something completely different,” and the show unfolds like a movie one can hear instead of see. One sound and song flows into the next.

Backing tracks allow Barans to interact with the crowd and take an occasional water break.

“The parts are always new,” he says. “The song goes in different directions. There’s all this stuff going on that doesn’t let attention wander. It’s all about the show. We’re hitting them with a lot of different elements: an old Walmart ad, a track of thunder rumbling, the drums and music. I’ve seen people spend 30–45 minutes when they were planning to go have drinks with friends but they choose to listen to us.”

SOUND SCRAPBOOK As BARANS’ songs are the sum of many parts, Barans not only composes new music but also relies on technology to create, search for royalty-free sounds and utilize his own archives for inspiration and material.

“I have well over 1,000 audio files of things I’ve written,” he explains. “I use them for samples, go back and relearn or switch melodies. Nothing is too sacred to go back and see what can be made better.”

In addition to guitar, Barans plays keyboard, banjo, mandolin and ukulele — an instrument that he sometimes brings out during live performances. To build these cinematic scores and have a full, layered sound during live shows, he uses Logic, a premier professional digital audio workstation system.

Another tool he uses is Spitfire Audio, a London company that produces sounds for keyboards that are exact tracks of particular instruments — such as a Stradivarius violin, the piano in the Abbey Road Studio where the Beatles recorded or the sound of an entire orchestra.

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Barans not only composes new music but also relies on technology to create, search for royalty-free sounds and utilize his own archives for inspiration and material.

He begins with guitar and drums and then decides what else the song needs from his own recordings, clips from the public domain or natural sounds that he has recorded on his own. He adds separate tracks with metronome-style timing “clicks” and voice cues to be used by his drummer during live performances.

All these elements combine to make a demo that eventually becomes the finished backing track for his live performances.

Barans coordinates each track with sounds that link the end of one song to the beginning of the next. Every piece of the experience is carefully planned to engage the audience and draw them in.

“At an event like First Friday, I had to learn to work a crowd,” Barans says. “No one is there to see you. You have to convince them to take 10 minutes to sort of take us in. I feel the responsibility to earn people’s attention. It’s something to be respected and earned. We work with the challenge of people’s short attention spans and we’ve been invited back regularly for the past year, which is highly unusual [to be invited again and again].”

ICONS AND INFLUENCE Actively seeking out and listening to all kinds of music and watching films is another part of Barans’ creative process.

“I’m always seeking out things I haven’t heard,” he says. “It’s research, as much a part of the process as writing, playing or recording. You won’t write music if you don’t listen to it or make a film if you don’t watch movies. I always want to find new paths. It’s like refueling, and then I’ll go and interpret it.”

Currently, he’s intrigued by world music, with a focus on bossa nova. He’s been immersing himself in Bach and Rachmaninoff in the classical sphere.

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“Classical can be [considered] monolithic, but it’s not,” Barans observes.

“I consider what I like in film scores by composers like Ennio Morricone, John Williams, Alfred Newman and Max Steiner and listen for those elements in classical music. For example, Sting enjoys listening to Bach. Whoever I like, I find out who they listen to. That’s how I have crept into classical more and how I can look into that style.”

Among his rock influences are the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Prince — artists who were not afraid to experiment, couldn’t be confined to one “box,” and greatly focused on putting on a fantastic show.

“There’s a quote I like by [bestselling author] Austin Kleon,” Barans recalls.

“He says, ‘You don’t want to look like your heroes; you want to see like your heroes.’ I like how the Beatles saw things.

They weren’t afraid to experiment. They put ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘Rocky Raccoon’ on the same album. I want to see and approach things in the same way. When we perform, I dress all in black. It’s more about the show and the music.”

As much as Barans is laser-focused on performance, his persona is sincere, authentic and humble. He consistently credits those who’ve helped him in the past — his first guitar teacher, Ray Goodwin, and the director of his first band program, Jonathan Nilsen — and today — the folks at Roosevelt Row Community Development Corp. and Las Vegas oddities shop owners Chris and Erin Kmit. Barans expresses gratitude for the opportunities he’s had to perform

Music

and for the audiences who listen for a short time or the entire time.

“I always say thanks for listening,” he says. “We don’t charge people or do ticketed events, but people have been wonderfully generous to tip us. They choose to listen to us and I don’t want to charge them.”

Barans considers the audience his focus group, and his goal is to connect with people and to see people connecting with each other. BARANS’ instrumental music is that connector.

“I want to reach people, connect with people, reach the communities I perform in,” he explains. “Often in marketing, they say to find your niche. It’s not wrong, but what we’ve found is that we appeal to a lot of little groups — groups I wouldn’t have assumed would like [our music]. I’ve seen goth teenagers standing alongside retirees, all listening and engaged and interacting. I can make eye contact and see them smiling and I make that connection with them.

Photo by Angela Vaughn and VGroup Photography

Photo by Matthew R Images

“We have enough division; music is bringing people together. With [lyricized] music, there may be something people don’t enjoy and so they stop listening.

The message is lost. This is just a melody.

I feel confident that my songs will live or die by the melody.”

BARANS can most often be found at Desert Ridge Marketplace, Tempe Marketplace and Roosevelt Row’s First Friday festivals.

Photo by Surreal Sister Photography

BARANS Friday, Feb. 16 | 6–9 p.m. | Desert Ridge Marketplace | 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix | Free imagesar izona.c om February 2024 Saturday, Feb. 24 | 6–9 p.m. | Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe | Free

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Having photographed rosy-faced lovebirds for many years and regularly observed their behavior, wildlife photographer Tom Mangelsdorf believes that the species is truly emblematic of Valentine’s Day. “Rosy-faced lovebirds are very social and affectionate, and they tend to perch together as couples,” Mangelsdorf says. “They will feed each other or just touch their beaks together in recognition of their bond to one another.”

Additionally, although they tend to be very active throughout the day, lovebirds snuggle close to their mates at night and turn their faces toward one another while sleeping.

“Rosy-faced lovebirds mate for life,” Mangelsdorf explains. “If one of them dies, the survivor will often show uncharacteristic behavior similar to what humans refer to as depression.”

In honor of Valentine’s Day this month, Images Arizona is showcasing some of Mangelsdorf’s photographs of these fascinating feathered creatures, from whom we can learn a thing or two about affection.

It is our hope that February’s photo essay sets your heart aflutter, inspiring you to cuddle up closer to the one you love and do something special this Valentine’s Day to cause their cheeks to blush brighter than the faces of these beautiful birds.

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Tom Mangelsdorf

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Release the Doves... er, Lovebirds!

According to the National Audubon Society, the first documented sighting of lovebirds in Phoenix occurred about 40 years ago.

“Sometime in the mid-1980s, someone turned loose several rosy-faced lovebirds in the greater Phoenix area,” says photographer Tom Mangelsdorf, noting that the species — formerly referred to as peach-faced lovebirds — is native to the southwestern, sub-Sahara parts of Africa.

“It may have been done accidentally or by someone who had grown tired of their pets, but that small, initial release has led to an ever-expanding family of more than 2,000 wild lovebirds that have spread throughout much of Phoenix and its surrounding communities.”

Mangelsdorf notes that pet birds typically do not survive if they escape into the wild.

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“But lovebirds have beaten the odds — perhaps because of their native African desert habitat, which is similar to our Sonoran Desert,” he says. “Despite their beautiful peach, blue and green coloration, these small parrots are difficult to spot in their desert environment. In fact, you might hear their shrill screeching before you see them.”

Mangelsdorf considers himself extremely fortunate to have, across from his Scottsdale home, several large saguaros in which 15–20 rosy-faced lovebirds have chosen to make their nest.

“We have shared the same little community for nearly five years,” the photographer says. “Being good neighbors, they frequently visit my yard at feeding time. In exchange for some sunflower seeds, my avian neighbors have agreed to allow me to photograph them.”

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A flock of rosy-faced lovebirds — and parrots in general — is sometimes referred to as a prattle, a company or a pandemonium. After having lived with my noisy neighbors for many years, I really think that pandemonium fits them beautifully. Tom Mangelsdorf

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“

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Rosy-faced lovebirds make their nests in protected areas, such as crevices in trees or buildings. In Scottsdale, a favorite nesting spot is tall saguaro cacti. Saguaros are like apartment houses for birds.

Gila woodpeckers will peck away the outer skin of the cactus and make their nests inside, where it is cooler and protected. Other bird species — from sparrows to owls to lovebirds — will take over those nests when they are abandoned and make them their own little residences. Tom Mangelsdorf

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About the Photographer Tom Mangelsdorf first dreamed of making photography his career during his early 20s.

While living in Carmel, California, he briefly attended photography school in Santa Barbara until life interrupted his photographic ambitions.

“There was a war on, so I finished a degree in political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and joined the Navy as an intelligence officer during the Vietnam War era,” explains Mangelsdorf, who returned to the Monterey Peninsula following his discharge before moving to Scottsdale in 1991.

“In civilian life, I have spent more time than I ever wanted to in the corporate world doing technical writing, marketing and working with computers and software,” he adds.

After his retirement as an information systems manager/web content developer, Mangelsdorf’s interest in photography emerged from a decadeslong slumber — with a particular focus on birds.

“There is something especially wonderful about birds, and I use my camera to capture those unique avian characteristics,” the photographer says. “I am not an ornithologist or a typical bird-watcher. I simply enjoy birds on a more general level. I capture their portraits without trying to explain the scientific or technical details of either bird life or photographic jargon.”

In addition to being a frequent writer and photography contributor for The Cactus-Wrendition, the quarterly publication of the Maricopa Audubon Society, Mangelsdorf will have five of his photographs featured in “Birds of Arizona and New Mexico: A Photographic Guide to Birding the Borderlands,” a field guide set to be published this year.

He has also published four of his own books — including “Born in a Burrow,” a look at the endearing lives of burrowing owls, and “Time Slices,” a personal narrative with photographs of various species of Arizona birds, both of which are available digitally on his website. tommangelsdorf.com

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Writer Shannon Severson // Photography Courtesy of Design for Dogs and the Arizona Animal Welfare League

Dream houses aren’t just for Barbie and billionaires any longer.

For the past 10 years, Facings of America has been helping Arizona residents’ canine companions to live their best lives in architecturally significant pet palaces through Design for Dogs — a fundraising event benefiting Arizona Animal Welfare League, the state’s oldest and largest no-kill shelter.

Last year’s event raised more than $80,000 in support of the shelter’s programs — which, since its founding in 1971, have saved the lives of more than 100,000 cats and dogs as well as provided low-cost medical care, behavioral training and adoption events to the community. The nonprofit also partners with rural shelters and rescue organizations that have limited resources.

In honor of Design for Dogs’ tin anniversary, organizers of this year’s event — which is set for 5–9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 at Facings of America Showroom in Scottsdale — are hoping to raise $100,000, with a full 100% of funds going directly to the nonprofit organization.

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The event grew legs and the primary reason is because the level of architecture and design and execution [resulted in] next-level dog houses. Richard van Gilse

THE HOUSE THAT MISS KITTY BUILT The Arizona Animal Welfare League was founded by a group of animal lovers that included actress Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty on the classic television program “Gunsmoke.” The seeds of a small operation have grown over the past 50 years, creating connections all over the state and now serve an average of 4,000 cats and dogs annually.

The Arizona Animal Welfare League’s director of communications, Kimberly Vermillion, says the organization, which has its main facility in Phoenix, now has more than 80 employees and 400 active volunteers.

“We partner with rural rescues throughout the Southwest,” she adds. “Animals also come our way from a variety of local county shelters in Phoenix and around the state. We also work with foster-based rescues — especially for dogs — and we have an owner surrender program.”

Rescue partners are smaller organizations that may receive vaccine reimbursement funding or food donations and that may not have the time and space to support all the animals in their care.

Foster homes are key to the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s success. Vermillion says summer is “kitten season” and everyone is busy with the roughly 1,200 kittens that come through the shelter. A large portion of those kittens spend some time in foster care before they are ready for adoption. In 2023, the Arizona Animal Welfare League had 200 active foster families who helped care for puppies, kittens, medically complex animals and those who just didn’t do well in the shelter environment.

“We are very grateful for our foster families,” she says.

“They care for puppies and kittens under 8 weeks old. To be adopted, each animal must be at least 8 weeks old, be

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vaccinated, reach a certain weight and be spayed or neutered and microchipped.

We also offer low-cost microchipping to the community each year.”

The shelter’s on-site medical clinic plays a vital role, and relief veterinarians help support shelter clinic operations, sometimes performing 20–30 surgeries per day, in addition to case management.

The organization’s Medical Miracle Fund can take in more difficult cases for specialty services, including orthopedic issues and amputations. Every dollar raised in support helps finance compassionate care.

On a day-to-day basis, the team is dedicated to providing animals with high-quality care until they are adopted as beloved pets. They walk dogs in the yard, staff vaccine clinic days and also volunteer at fundraisers — including Design for Dogs.

“We truly try to make [the shelter facility] feel like home,” Vermillion says.

“It’s a warm, welcoming, clean space.

Our staff and volunteers really try to make [their stay] a happy time for them.”

A DECADE OF DOGGY DOMICILES In keeping with the celebration of a decade of helping animals in need, this year’s Design for Dogs event will feature 10 all-star teams of past supporters and/or winners.

Each group of participants will create a swanky doghouse to be auctioned off as well as compete for Best in Show accolades, awarded by a panel of celebrity judges who assess overall design, dog friendliness/usefulness and application of sustainable materials.

Past judges have included media and social media figures, business owners, artisans and politicians. Attendees who don’t have a pampered pup at home

can still get in on the fun with raffle prizes, food and drinks and dogs and puppies to admire.

The teams are truly a who’s who of talented participants. Facings of America president Richard van Gilse reveals that the company’s more than 50 years in Phoenix has earned it a local network of builders, architects and interior designers who leaped at the chance to participate.

“Before I could finish the pitch to the first person I called, they said, ‘Of course we are in,’” he says. “We did that ten times and got ten yeses.

That is an outpouring of what makes this event successful. We have had an extremely strong outpouring of people who want to build; it’s a significant investment on their part in terms of materials, time and talent.”

Last year’s event sold 500 tickets, and the winner was “The Working Mutt Doghouse,” created by Ware Malcomb of Breise Construction. Created as a compact and elegant indoor piece of furniture, it cleverly concealed storage for pet toys, treats and accessories and even included a slide-out drawer to hold food and water bowls.

Whether modern and minimalist, traditional and cozy or quirky and kitsch, creators let their imaginations — and talent — run wild, but there are a few parameters for size and weight: The doggy domicile must be able to fit through a 36-inch-wide backyard gate and be able to be lifted by two people.

Van Gilse says Facings of America has always been involved in philanthropic activities in the community, but when they wanted to do even more, they asked their employees for ideas. The response in favor of the Arizona Animal Welfare League was “overwhelming.”

Many employees had rescue pets and wanted to support the effort. imagesar izona.c om February 2024

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“We met with the Arizona Animal Welfare League and said, ‘We are just a small local tile company, but how can we help?’” recalls van Gilse, adding that there were some big creative ideas. “We went to the drawing board and one employee had the idea for a doghouse. We work with some of the most creative architects, interior designers and craftsmen in the valley.

Challenging them to design and build doghouses would be a big draw. Out of that, Design for Dogs was born.”

The first year raised $7,000, and the team not only felt proud but took all they had learned about building an event from scratch: commitment to the cause, community involvement and careful management of expenses. It grew from there, and the team is dedicated to raising more money each year.

“We started out not knowing anything and now we hold one of the best industry events and one of the best overall,” van Gilse says. “We keep it grassroots; it’s not exclusionary or hoity-toity. We want it to be fun and get the entire community involved.

“The event grew legs and the primary reason is because the level of architecture and design and execution [resulted in] next-level dog houses. They’re not your average. We have world-class architectural firms. Some work on massive commercial industrial buildings, but they stop what they’re doing to build a dog house for a good cause.”

Van Gilse and Facings of America are proud of the event’s success and enjoy seeing the creations and the reactions of event attendees. Guests meander through the showroom to admire the luxe creations and use a specialized app to make silent bids. The build teams are

Experience

Design for Dogs

on hand to answer questions about their creatively named creations, making for a highly interactive experience.

“We are grateful to sponsors, to the Arizona Animal Welfare League and every single volunteer in our industry,” van Gilse says. “We are grateful that everyone has been attracted to [the event] and encourage people who want to buy a doghouse or who just want to have a fun evening to attend.”

LEND A PAW Vermillion looks forward to seeing how the upcoming event will grow as it has every year.

“This year’s all-star event is so unique,” she says. “We’re super excited that [Design for Dogs] has been going on for this long and it has just been getting bigger and better every year.”

Richard van Gilse // Facings of America

In addition to attending the annual Design for Dogs fundraiser at Facings of America, those who wish to support the Arizona Animal Welfare League have multiple options. The charity is always looking for on-site volunteers, foster parents or monetary donations.

There is also a wish list on Chewy. com and Amazon.com, where items are delineated by priority and can be delivered directly to animals in need, as well as an adoption center at Chandler Fashion Center, where one can find a furry new family member.

The adoption center replaced a puppy mill store in 2012 and has been going strong ever since. aawl.org designfordogs.org

Kimberly Vermillion // Arizona Animal Welfare Leage

imagesar izona.c om February 2024 Friday, Feb. 23 | 5–9 p.m. | Facings of America Showroom | 16421 N. 90th St., Scottsdale | $55 | designfordogs.org

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RECIPE

Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies

Makes: 40 cookies

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2 ounces block cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 3/4 cup sanding sugar, pink and red or assorted colors 40 chocolate hearts, unwrapped

Directions:

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together until combined. Set aside.

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Love is in the air, so let’s make some easy drop cookies topped with chocolate hearts!

These Sparkle Sweetheart Cookies will delight everyone you love. They are tasty, crunchy, sparkly and heartfelt!

In a large bowl, using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together on high speed until relatively smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined and creamy.

Add the egg, vanilla extract and almond extract then beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to combine.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be thick. Cover the dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 to 60 minutes and up to 3 to 4 days. If chilling for longer than 2 to 3 hours, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking because the dough will be quite hard and the cookies may not spread.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.

Pour the sanding sugar into a bowl or a few separate bowls if using multiple colors. Roll balls of cookie dough, about 1 tablespoon per cookie, in the sanding sugar to coat. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Using the back of a measuring cup or drinking glass, gently press down on each dough ball to slightly flatten. Bake the cookies for 12 to 13 minutes or until very lightly browned on the edges.

Remove from the oven and cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Press a chocolate heart into each cookie and quickly stick the baking sheet in the fridge or freezer so the warm cookie does not completely melt the chocolate heart. Let set for about 15 minutes, then enjoy.

Cookies will stay fresh, covered at room temperature, for one week.

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Maximum of 3 Sellers and 3 Buyers Per Month i mages aWe r i zo n awant .c o m February 20 24 to thank the 45 home owners who made 2023 a record year.