Images Arizona December 2021 by Images Arizona Magazine

December 2021

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Arizona Musicfest

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

ABBA THE CONCERT

LeANN RIMES

RAY ON MY MIND

CHRIS MANN 1/ 7

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG 1/ 10

BERNADETTE PETERS 1/28

SERGIO MENDES

STEVE TYRELL

KENNY G

SARAH CHANG

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

10/ 3 1 & 11/ 1

2/ 19

11/ 13

2/22

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

11/ 19

1/ 31

THE TEXAS TENORS 4/ 1

CELEBRATES THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK

2/4

EMANUEL AX 4/21 IN RECITAL

480.422.8449 • AZMUSICFEST.ORG All Concerts In North Scottsdale

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ROC229454

“It’s what you’re doing and who you’re with that creates the memory.”

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SANDERSON LINCOLN

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December 2021

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IMMERSED IN THE ICONIC SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Photography Courtesy of Arizona Musicfest

COMMUNITY EVENTS Writer Joseph J. Airdo

UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

HOW LOVELY ARE THY BRANCHES Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Rusty Childress

HOMERUN HUMANITARIAN Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks

SHEET PAN PUMPKIN MAC AND CHEESE

46 8

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Writer and Photographer Francine Coles

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December 2021

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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph J. Airdo Amanda Christmann Francine Coles Susan Kern-Fleischer Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Black Francine Coles Loralei Lazurek Carl Schultz

ADVERTISING SALES Alex Orozco 602-524-4912 alex@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.

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays here in Arizona and we have decked out this month’s issue with stories that reflect the uniquely festive atmosphere that is found exclusively in our state. After all, every home, business, stage, resort, garden, museum, cookie and cake has been beautifully decorated in celebration of the season, we felt as though it was only fitting that we adorn our pages with all things merry and bright. From sneak peeks into our convivial community’s many joyous concerts and plays to behind-the-scenes looks at enchanting new exhibitions and experiences, this month’s issue is filled with fun and festive things that you can do with your friends and family to make the most of this holiday season. From inspiring stories about exemplary people and organizations to tips from our community’s most creative individuals about how you can expertly transform your home into a winter wonderland, the pages of this month’s issue are designed to help you step into Christmas and December’s other holidays with ease. Even this month’s photo essay, which features photographer Rusty Childress’ comforting images of our state’s pine trees naturally decorated with snow, are evocative of the classic Christmas scenes that we see in both movies and our imaginations. This is the time that so many of us look forward to all year long. As another year draws to an end, I want to thank you for inviting Images Arizona into your home each month. I also want to thank the many businessowners, artists and kind-hearted individuals and organizations who not only make this publication possible but also ensure that there is always a wealth of captivating stories to tell about our incredible community. On behalf the entire Images Arizona family, I wish that you and yours have a wonderful holiday season that is jam-packed with joyous moments that lead to cherished memories that last a lifetime.

Cheers!

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

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

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December 2021

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

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 02 1 The Serenad3

Scientists have proven by countless studies over the years that music of all types has a positive impact on one’s mood, memory, stress levels and even pain management. Therefore, it is only natural that holiday music has an even more favorable effect on each of those areas. Fortunately, Arizona has no shortage of opportunities to immerse oneself in the iconic sounds of the holidays, as stages across the state come to life this month with musicians performing the many songs that help to make this the haphappiest season of all. “There are so many wonderful community concerts celebrating the holidays,” says Allan Naplan, executive and producing director of Arizona Musicfest — which is currently in the midst of its 31st season. “It is our mission to bring distinguished artists [to the Valley]. So when we do a holiday show, it is with a major act.” This year, Arizona Musicfest will bring two such acts to the Valley to help residents ring in the holidays — The Serenad3 and The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. Ticket sales from both concerts benefit a variety of music education programs in the community. “The Serenad3 is an ensemble that is launching a massive career,” Naplan says. “It was started by Fernando Varela, who was on ‘America's Got Talent.’ He was then discovered by David Foster, the king-maker of pop music with Celine Dion and Josh Groban.” Shortly thereafter, Craig Irvin and Devin Eatmon joined Varela to form The Serenad3. Known for its acclaimed collaborations with Gloria Estefan, Voctave and Pia Toscano, the group quickly became a viral sensation through popular video performances of “Mary Did You Know?,” “Carol of the Bells,” “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.” “They will have a very large chamber orchestra behind them on stage,” Naplan adds. “[The concert] will also feature William Joseph, who is this massively viral pop pianist from Phoenix.” After The Serendad3’s Dec. 3 performance at Highlands Church, The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass will take the stage Dec. 10 at Gathering December 2021

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The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass

Highlands Church

La Casa de Cristo Church

MUSIC

“

There are so many wonderful community concerts celebrating the holidays. It is our mission to bring distinguished artists [to the Valley]. So when we do a holiday show, it is with a major act. Allan Naplan

Place at La Casa de Cristo Church for a concert called “A Brassy Christmas.” Born into the first family of American jazz, Rodney Marsalis began trumpet lessons at age six and continued under the tutelage of his cousin, Wynton. Identified early on as a trumpet prodigy, Marsalis has performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world. He later joined forces with ten premier musicians — including trumpet, trombone, French horn and tuba players — to form The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. “Brass is such an iconic element of Christmas music,” Naplan says. “To fill Casa de Cristo Church with this first-rate ensemble will be really exciting.” azmusicfest.org

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COMMUNITY

2021 DECEMBER

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Dec. 2–5

ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, JR. Photo by Michele Celentano Musical Theatre of Anthem will present its production of “Once on This Island, Jr.,” a highly original theatrical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” $25. See website for times. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Through Dec. 19

SHOP AND BE MERRY HOLIDAY MARKET Scottsdale Center for the Performing

artist Luke Murphy’s dynamic

Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road,

LED sculptures that undermine

Scottsdale. therailroadpark.com

and liberate technology from its commercial form and function. $10;

Through Jan. 20

events featuring live music by

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS EXHIBITION

Arizona musicians, a curated market

Desert Foothills Library hosts an

of fine arts and crafts, children's

exhibition of works by the 53 artists

holiday activities and specialty food

who participated in this year’s

and beverage offerings. Free. See

Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio

website for dates. Noon–4 p.m.

Tour. Free. Desert Foothills Library

Scottsdale Center for the Performing

Gallery, 38443 N. Schoolhouse

Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale.

Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286;

scottsdaleperformingarts.org

dfla.org

Arts hosts a series of indoor holiday

Through Dec. 31

MCCORMICKSTILLMAN RAILROAD PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTS

p.m. McCormick-Stillman Railroad

youth, student, senior and veteran discounts available. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-8744666; smoca.org

Through April 24

LEGACY OF CEYLON: ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY OF SRI LANKA Phoenix Art Museum hosts an

Through April 10

PIXEL-BY-PIXEL: INTERVENTIONS BY LUKE MURPHY

exhibition featuring a selection of rare and outstanding Sri Lankan artworks that date from as early as the sixth century and span 1,000 years, illuminating the influence of

Photo by Joe DeNardo

Buddhist and European traditions

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary

on the nation’s art history. $23;

hosts a winter wonderland of holiday

Art hosts the first solo museum

youth, student and senior discounts

lights and displays. $15. 6–9:30

exhibition of New York City-based

available. Phoenix Art Museum,

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1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-2571880; phxart.org

Dec. 3 and 4

WINTER ARTISAN MARKET The Sonoran Arts League will host a showcase of local artists and makers of unique, handmade holiday gift options. Free. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B, Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Dec. 3 and 4

AARON HENRY JEWELRY

Holiday Festivals and Activities

Meet the father and son team behind this luxury jewelry collection. Extra inventory will be on-hand, including special one-of-akind pieces, each of which is hand-crafted, bringing classical Old World quality to modern design. Free. Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. with wine and appetizers 4–7 p.m; Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-5758080; gracereneegallery.com

Dec. 3–19

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL Starlight Community Theater will present

TALLEST CHRISTMAS TREE IN ARIZONA AT THE ANTHEM OUTLETS

November 20 - January 1 Arizona's tallest fresh cut Christmas tree will light on November 20 at 6pm and will be available for viewing through New Year's Day.

RAILROAD PARK TO SHINE WITH HOLIDAY LIGHTS November 30 - December 29 More than 100,000 lights will adorn trees and displays during McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park's Holiday Lights program.

PRESCOTT’S 67TH ANNUAL COURTHOUSE LIGHTING December 4 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm As Arizona’s Official Christmas City, Prescott brings a heavy dose of yuletide cheer. Here in the pines one parade just isn’t enough, they need two.

its production of “The SpongeBob Musical,” based on the popular animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” See website for price and times. Starlight Community Theater, 1611 W. Whispering Wind Dr., Suite 9, Phoenix. starlightcommunitytheater.com

Dec. 5

HO-HO-HOEDOWN Old Town Scottsdale Rodeo Museum will

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host an event featuring festive décor, live country music and delicious food from the Mission Restaurant. See website for price. Noon–2 p.m. and 3–5 p.m. Old Town Scottsdale Rodeo Museum, 3806 N. Brown Ave. Scottsdale. scottsdazzle.com

December 2021

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Dec. 3–June 18

CHIHULY IN THE DESERT Glass artist Dale Chihuly will return to the Sonoran Desert with a new exhibition at two of Arizona’s most iconic venues — Desert Botanical Garden and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. Combining art, architecture and nature, Chihuly’s masterpieces will stun from day to night as color, light and form come alive for the first time ever at two locations for a joint exhibition. See website for prices. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale. chihulyinthedesert.org

Dec. 9

GOLD PALETTE ARTWALK The Scottsdale Gallery Association

4–7 p.m; Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

celebrating the appearances of the

Grace Renee Gallery, Historic

Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on

Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum

Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City in

Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080;

1531. Light refreshments will be

gracereneegallery.com

offered. Free. 4 p.m. Old Adobe Mission, 3817 N. Brown Ave.,

will host a special holiday-themed Gold Palette ArtWalk of participating studios and galleries throughout the Scottsdale Arts District, which resides along Main Street from Scottsdale

LAS POSADAS: A JOURNEY TO THE MANGER

Scottsdale. oldadobemission.org

Dec. 16

Desert Mission United Methodist

CAREFREE ART NIGHT

Church will present a reenactment of

Explore fine art in the breathtaking

Mary and Joseph's search for an inn

shadows of Black Mountain.

on the night of Jesus's birth during

Courtesy shuttles will be available

a holiday event that also includes

to transport guests to participating

live music, food and activities

art galleries around Carefree during

JACQUELINE EARLE: PLAYFUL DIAMONDS

for children. Free. 5 p.m. Desert

an event that includes live music,

Mission United Methodist Church,

refreshments and, of course, lots

7373 E. Dixileta Drive, Scottsdale.

of fine art — including your next

Meet the designer behind this nearly

desertmissionumc.org

masterpiece. Free. 4–7 p.m. See

Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School on Marshall Way to Fifth Avenue. Free. 6:30 p.m. See website for locations. scottsdalegalleries.com

Dec. 10 and 11

magical jewelry collection. Extra

website for participating galleries.

inventory will be on-hand, including

visitcarefree.com

special one-of-a-kind pieces, each of which features diamonds that are strung rather than set, allowing each stone to capture light in a fun and playful manner. Free. Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. with wine and appetizers

Dec. 12

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Dec. 12

MIRACLE OF THE ROSES PAGEANT Old Adobe Mission will host its annual Miracle of Roses Pageant,

Dec. 18

LIVE NATIVITY AT OLD ADOBE MISSION Old Adobe Mission will pay homage to the birth of Jesus Christ with a live nativity scene featuring real performers and animals reenacting the holy manger scene. Free. 6–8 p.m. Old Adobe Mission, 3817 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. oldadobemission.org

Dec. 18 and 19

SPARKLE AND SPIN SCAVENGER HUNT The city of Scottsdale will host a seasonal scavenger hunt featuring puzzles and riddles that lead participants from clue to clue, all culminating in a final challenge to earn a unique holiday keepsake. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and/ or dress up in holiday attire. $18. 1–4 p.m. RSVP. Marshall Way Bridge, 7124 E. Stetson Drive. scottsdazzle.com

Dec. 18 and 19

‘TIS THE SEASON: HOLIDAYS AT MIM Musical Instrument Museum will be transformed into a winter wonderland with seasonal songs and musical traditions from around the world. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Dec. 18–July 17

GENERATION PAPER: FAST FASHION OF THE 1960S Phoenix Art Museum will host an exhibition of more than 80 rare garments and accessories from one of fashion’s most experimental and whimsical eras, all made from paper, plastic, laminate and other nonwoven textiles. $23; youth, student and senior discounts available. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-1880; phxart.org

December 2021

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Dec. 4–18

SCOTTSDAZZLE STROLL The city of Scottsdale will host a sprawling celebration featuring live music, public art installations, holiday décor and a 40-foot Christmas tree that lights up the night with dazzling holiday spirit. Hot cocoa, coffee and sweet seasonal treats will be offered. Free. Saturdays 6–9 p.m. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. scottsdazzle.com

Jan. 7

CHRIS MANN CELEBRATES THE TONY BENNETT SONGBOOK Top-selling recording artist, singer, songwriter and actor Chris Mann will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate the legendary

of Disney’s treasured animated

Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st

film. Auditionees aged 6–10 should

Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001;

prepare a musical theater song.

musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 10:30 a.m. RSVP. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Anthem. 623-336-6001; musicaltheatreofanthem.org

music of Tony Bennett with songs from the Great American Songbook, Broadway and the biggest pop hits of

Jan. 8 and 9

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG: BROADWAY’S JERSEY BOY John Lloyd Young will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate classic hits from the 50s and

$49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church,

SEUSSICAL AUDITIONS

9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road,

Photo by Michele Celentano Musical Theatre of Anthem will

Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road,

Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Bennett’s most famous collaborators.

audition potential cast members

Jan. 8 and 9

CINDERELLA KIDS AUDTIONS Photo by Michele Celentano Musical Theatre of Anthem will audition potential cast members for its upcoming production of “Cinderella Kids,” a stage adaptation

Jan. 10

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for its upcoming production of “Seussical,” a musical caper in which Dr. Seuss' best-loved characters collide and cavort. Auditionees aged 11–19 should prepare a musical theater song. Audition preparation workshops are available for an extra charge. $325; sibling discounts available. 2:30 a.m. RSVP. Musical

60s rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop and rhythm and blues. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

• • • •

PROFESSIONALS

Each office independently owned and operated.

MIKE HIGGINS

623.640.7502 | MikeSellsAnthem.com

December 2021

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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

TIS THE SEASON COMMUNITY

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through Dec. 30

ELF: THE MUSICAL Arizona Broadway Theatre presents its production of “Elf: The Musical,” based on the 2003 film in which a baby mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole where he is raised as an elf. As a grown man, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his father and discover his true identity. See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-7768400; azbroadway.org

Through Dec. 24

RUDOLPH THE REDNOSED REINDEER

Through Dec. 19

BALLET ETUDES’ THE NUTCRACKER

HOLIDAY POPS The Phoenix Symphony will perform

Childsplay presents its production of

Ballet Etudes presents the 35th

a concert of hymns and carols from a

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,”

anniversary of its production of

variety of traditions and faiths as well

a musical adaptation of the beloved

“The Nutcracker.” See website for

as beloved secular songs. See website

television holiday special. $13+. See

price and times. Through Dec. 5 at

for price and times. Symphony Hall,

website for times. Herberger Theater

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N.

75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-

Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix.

Arizona Ave., Chandler. Dec. 11–19

1999; phoenixsymphony.org

childsplayaz.org

at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. balletetudes.net

Through Jan. 2

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS

Dec. 3

The Phoenix Theatre Company

THE CHRISTMAS SERENAD3

presents its production of “Million

Powerhouse vocal trio The Serenad3

Dollar Quartet Christmas,” featuring

will take the stage as part of Arizona

holiday hits through the lens of Johnny

Musicfest. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands

Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and

Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road,

Elvis Presley. See website for price and

Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Dec. 3–5

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Dec. 3–19

BLACK NATIVITY Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “Black Nativity,” which delivers a powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. See website for price and times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. blacktheatretroupe.org

Dec. 3–19

WINTER WONDRETTES Desert Stages Theatre will present its production of “Winter Wondrettes,” a seasonal celebration in which girls must use their talent and creative ingenuity to save a holiday party. See website for price and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org

Dec. 4 and 5

AN ARIZONA HOLIDAY ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra will perform a concert featuring traditional festive holiday fare as well as works by Arizona composers. $25; youth, student, senior and military discounts available. Saturday 7 p.m. Barry Goldwater Performing Arts Center, 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix. Sunday 3:30 p.m. American Lutheran Church, 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City. 623-326-5172; pmaz.org

Dec. 5

Dec. 5 and 18

CHRISTMAS WITH PHOENIX BRASS COLLECTIVE Phoenix Brass Collective will perform a concert of holiday music.

p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Dec. 5–12

Musical Instrument Museum will welcome crooner José James for a concert of music from his new holiday album. $33.50+. 7 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-4786000; mim.org

Dec. 9–19

CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS Dream City Church will present its annual Christmas production featuring a live orchestra, exciting acrobatic silk artists, awe-inspiring aerial stunts and a beautiful nativity with a majestic kings’ times. Dream City Church, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. celebrationofchristmas.org

Big Brass will take the stage as part

Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

discounts available. See website for times and locations. orpheus.org

Cleaning of Combustion Section Testing of all Furnace Safety Controls Furnace Control Board Operation Inspection of Gas Valve & combustion cycle Inspection of Blower motor operation Inspection of Draft Inducer operation Inspection of combustion gas venting

The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia

The Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix

songs. $25; youth, student and senior

• • • • • • •

A BRASSY CHRISTMAS of Arizona Musicfest. $29+. 7:30

traditional and contemporary holiday

Includes:

Dec. 10

HOLIDAYS WITH ORPHEUS will perform a concert of both

Safety Inspection!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM JOSÉ JAMES

procession. $10+. See website for

concert. See website for price. 2

System

Dec. 7

Scottsdale Center for the Performing

Nancy Sowers for a special holiday

Heating

locations. phxbrass.com

dance numbers, professional

of Jeanie Pierce, Lee Chivers and

It’s time for your

Free. See website for times and

SONORAN SILVER FLUTES HOLIDAY CONCERT Arts will welcome the flute trio

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December 2021

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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Dec. 3–19

LET ALL THE WORLD SING Phoenix Boys Choir will perform a concert of seasonal favorites at multiple venues around the Valley. $15+; youth discounts available. See website for times and locations. boyschoir.org

Dec. 10

Dec. 10–24

Dec. 11–19

Scottsdale Center for the Performing

Ballet Arizona will present its

Chandler Center for the Arts will

Arts will welcome Maestro José

production of “The Nutcracker,”

welcome an energetic variety show

Hernández and his platinum-selling

featuring a score masterfully

featuring a cast of more than

Mariachi Sol de México for a special

performed by the Phoenix Symphony.

100 dancers, singers, a horse and

holiday concert. See website for

See website for price and times.

carriage, special guest performers

price. 8 p.m. Scottsdale Center for

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St.,

and a champion hoop dancer. $30;

the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second

Phoenix. balletaz.org

student discounts available. See

A MERRY-ACHI CHRISTMAS

BALLET ARIZONA’S THE NUTCRACKER

website for times. 250 N. Arizona

St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Dec. 10–23

PHOENIX BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 11 and 12 CELEBRATE!

Sonoran Desert Chorale will perform a concert of traditional Christmas carols and modern holiday tunes.

Phoenix Ballet will present its

$18+; student and senior discounts

production of “The Nutcracker,”

available. Saturday 7:30 p.m. First

featuring beautiful sets, festive

United Methodist Church, 15 E. First

costumes, superb dancing and

Ave., Mesa. Sunday 3 p.m. La Casa

magical on-stage snowfall. $25+.

De Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E.

See website for times. Orpheum

Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-305-4538;

Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

sonorandesertchorale.org

phoenixballet.org

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SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Ave., Chandler. chandlercenter.org

Dec. 12

SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC HOLIDAY CONCERT Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform a concert of holiday music. $15. 4 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Dec. 12

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

and 5 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Salt River Brass will perform a concert of holiday music. $18+; student and senior discounts available. 3 p.m. Mesa Arts Center, One East Main St., Mesa. saltriverbrass.org

Dec. 12

ROSIE’S HOUSE HOLIDAY CONCERT of holiday music. Free. 4 p.m. RSVP. Memorial Hall at Steele Indian

A NEW ENGLAND CHRISTMAS Arizona Masterworks Chorale will

Dec. 16–20

A CHORALE CHRISTMAS

perform a concert that aims to recreate the iconic New England setting with inspirational music that celebrates the holidays. $15+. Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Phoenix Chorale will perform a

at Christ Church of the Ascension

concert of holiday music with the

Episcopal Church, 4015 E. Lincoln

intention of bringing tidings of comfort

Drive, Paradise Valley. Sunday 3 p.m.

and joy. See website for price, times

at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100

and locations. phoenixchorale.org

N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. arizonamasterworks.com

Soloists and ensembles enrolled at Rosie's House will perform a concert

Dec. 18 and 19

Dec. 18

MARTY ASHBY’S HOLIDAY JAZZ CELEBRATION

Dec. 19

Musical Instrument Museum will

AJ ODNEAL AND THE LITTLEST BIG BAND CHRISTMAS SHOW

welcome the Marty Ashby Quartet,

Scottsdale Center for the Performing

A PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS

Lewis Nash and special guest Ann

Arts will welcome multi-

Hampton Callaway for a concert of

instrumentalists AJ Odneal and

traditional favorites and new songs for

Ted Belledin as well as some of the

Musical Instrument Museum

the holidays. $44.50+. 7:30 p.m. Musical

Valley’s best jazz musicians for a

will welcome acoustic guitarist

Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo

holiday performance. See website for

Peter White, saxophonist and

Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

price. 4:30 p.m. Scottsdale Center for

School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. rosieshouse.org

Dec. 14

the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second

vocalist Mindi Abair and multiinstrumentalist Vincent Ingala for a concert of Christmas music through a contemporary jazz filter. $49.50+. 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd.

Dec. 18

MUSICAL GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS North Valley Symphony Orchestra

St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Dec. 21

favorites. $5; youth discounts

PAUL MCDERMAND’S CHRISTMAS ISLAND

available. 7 p.m. North Canyon High

Musical Instrument Museum will

HANDEL'S MESSIAH

School Auditorium, 1700 E. Union

welcome Paul McDermand, his band

Hills Drive, Phoenix. 623-980-4628;

and special guest Don Marovich of

The Phoenix Symphony, the Phoenix

northvalleysymphony.org

the world-renowned Kingston Trio

Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Dec. 16 and 17

Symphony Chorus and soloists will perform Handel’s masterpiece. See website for price. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 602-495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org

Dec. 16–19

ASSISTED LIVING: THE MUSICAL — THE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome the production of a play set at Christmas at a retirement home. See website for price. 2 p.m.

will perform a concert of holiday

for a concert of seasonal and popular

Dec. 18 and 19

BALLET THEATRE OF PHOENIX AND CONVERGENCE BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Ballet Theatre of Phoenix and Convergence Ballet will present their combined production of “The Nutcracker.” $30. Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. Horizon High School, 5601 N. Greenway Road, Phoenix. ballettheatreofphx.org and

favorites. $44.50+. 7 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION The Phoenix Symphony and vocalist Leslie Odom, Jr. will perform a concert that rings in the new year. See website for price. 7:30 p.m. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org

convergenceballet.org December 2021

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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Azy Scotten Photography

Patti Graetz is a firm believer that arts organizations should support and utilize local talent whenever and wherever possible. She joyfully puts that belief into action throughout the year via ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra, for which she serves as artistic director and principal conductor. However, this holiday season, Graetz will take that philosophy one step further with a concert featuring festive fare — some new and some traditional — all written by Arizona composers. “I have wanted to do this for a while and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do it,” Gratez says. “So I started seeking out Arizona composers of choral and orchestral music and found some truly wonderful pieces.” Dubbed An Arizona Holiday, ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra will perform the concert Dec. 4 and 5 at two different locations in the Valley in collaboration with the Arizona Christian University Firestorm Chorale. “We will be featuring a piece called ‘Winter Celebrations’ by Craig Bohmler, who is the composer of ‘Riders of the Purple Sage,’” Graetz says. “It is a multicultural piece that features different melodies from different cultures around the world. It is almost a small cantata at 14 minutes long because it is an extensive work and covers so many cultures — from Kwanza to a Vietnamese holiday called Tet and, of course, Hanukkah. There is even a Hindu melody.”

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“

It is wonderful that Arizona has such a rich pool of composers to choose from to do a concert like this. It will feature holiday favorites with a little bit of a different flair.

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Patti Graetz

An Arizona Holiday will also feature three pieces composed by Dana Graybeal, a retired music teacher from Thunderbird High School and Phoenix College, including “O Holy Night,” “Adeste Fideles” and “Deck the Hall Fantasy.” “We also have two of our members who have composed pieces for us,” Graetz says. “[Trombonist] Frank Darmiento has written an arrangement of carols that he calls ‘An Arizona Christmas.’ It incorporates a lot of different musical styles but definitely has a Southwestern flavor to it. And our tenor section leader Aaron Smith has written a beautiful piece for a choired orchestra based on ‘In the Bleak Midwinter,’ the very famous melody by Gustav Holst.” Three more Arizona composers round out ProMusica Arizona’s program, including Linda Spevacek, J. Edmond Hughes and Tom Peterson — the last of whom has written a medley of “The Holly and the Ivy,” “O Christmas Tree” and “Deck the Halls.” “It is wonderful that Arizona has such a rich pool of composers to choose from to do a concert like this,” says Graetz, noting that An Arizona Holiday will also include the standard sing-a-long that has become an annual tradition for ProMusica Arizona Chorale and Orchestra. “It will feature holiday favorites with a little bit of a different flair.”

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An Arizona Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 4 | 7 p.m. | Barry Goldwater Performing Arts Center 2820 W. Rose Garden Lane, Phoenix Sunday, Dec. 5 | 3:30 p.m. | American Lutheran Church 17200 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City $25; youth, student and senior discounts available 623-326-5172 | pmaz.org

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HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of Dream City Church

More than four decades ago, Dream City Church introduced Arizona audiences to a holiday production that goes far beyond the standard Christmas story. Taking an already amazing tale and accentuating it with additional awe-inspiring elements, the church created an annual tradition that continues to this day. “So many families make it a tradition,” says Brooke Baker, creative arts director for Dream City Chruch. “They come year after year after year after year. We had to take a year off last holiday season due to COVID and it absolutely devastated us to not bring this coveted celebration to our community. But, the show must go on and we are incredibly overjoyed to go again this year.” Baker adds that this year’s “Celebration of Christmas” show — set for Dec. 9–19 and subtitled “The Brightest Star” — will be more magical and cutting-edge than ever before, featuring a live orchestra, exciting dance numbers, professional acrobatic silk artists, impressive aerial stunts and, of course, a beautiful Nativity with a majestic kings’ procession. “This year’s storyline is a journey of a girl chasing her dream on Broadway,” Baker says. “She is chasing those bright lights then, suddenly, they kind of fade away and that leads her to the Manger where she finds the true meaning of Christmas.” Noting that “Celebration of Christmas” has grown and expanded exponentially over the past 41 years, Baker says that the storyline and show elements change periodically.

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It is definitely a show that is going to bring lots of entertainment, smiles, laughter and Christmas joy. Then it is going to tell you what the true meaning of Christmas really is. Brooke Baker

“The one thing that does not change, though, is that beautiful Nativity scene,” she says. “It really makes the Christmas story come alive right in front of your eyes with live camels, beautiful costumes and, of course, this little, sweet, innocent baby that represents Jesus and a flying angel that touches the top of the baby's head. It is really spectacular and gives you chill bumps.” Baker adds that in designing this year’s show, which includes just about every style of music imaginable, she tried to hit every demographic to ensure that “Celebration of Christmas” has something for audiences of all ages and walks of life. “It is definitely a show that is going to bring lots of entertainment, smiles, laughter and Christmas joy,” she explains. “Then it is going to tell you what the true meaning of Christmas really is.” Baker has been involved with “Celebration of Christmas” in some way, shape or form for the past 28 years but “The Brightest Star” will be her first time at the creative helm. Having always loved performing and working with other people, she calls the opportunity “a dream come true.” She has been especially impressed with the show’s cast and crew members, many of whom are local talent and all of whom possess remarkable dedication. “Their commitment is really beautiful,” Baker says. “We have gone through every little detail of this show. None of us want to take a bow. We just want to give our community something great.” celebrationofchristmas.org

EXPERIENCE

Celebration of Christmas Dec. 9–19 | Dream City Church 13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix $10+ | celebrationofchristmas.org

December 2021

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Desert Botanical Garden

Glass artist Dale Chihuly has found inspiration in a variety of ways over the years. “But what is most important to him when developing an exhibition is the environment,” says Britt Cornett, director of exhibitions for Chihuly Studio. “He approaches every site — whether in a garden or a museum — with the intention to create unexpected experiences.” Chihuly this month returns to the Sonoran Desert with a new exhibition at not just one but two of Arizona’s most iconic venues — Desert Botanical Garden and Taliesin West. Combining art, architecture and nature, the glass artist’s masterpieces will stun from day to night as color, light and form come alive for the first time ever at two locations for a joint exhibition. “This exhibition is special because it includes two very distinct locations,” Cornett says. “Desert Botanical Garden offers the opportunity to present Dale’s work against the beautiful desert landscape while Taliesin West allows him to show his work against the inspiring architecture of American icon Frank Lloyd Wright. Gardens and architecture both play a key role in Dale’s history.”

GORGEOUS IN THE GARDEN

Chihuly’s artwork has graced Desert Botanical Garden twice before — once in 2008–2009 and again in 2013– 2014. The garden’s executive director Ken Schutz says that in addition to several new forms, some popular ones

make encore appearances, albeit in different colors. None of the pieces in this exhibition have ever before been displayed at Desert Botanical Garden. Moreover, for the first time ever, some of Chihuly’s works will be staged inside of the garden’s Dorrance Hall for what Schutz believes will be considered the highlight of the exhibition. “Never before have we had an interior presentation,” Schutz says. “We are taking Dorrance Hall, which is probably 4,000 square feet of exhibition space, and creating six stagings inside that building. I love every one of these pieces but I think that interior presentation will be the showstopper.” Schutz adds that Desert Botanical Garden is a great place to exhibit Chihuly’s artwork because, unlike most other gardens, it encourages the artist to stage them amongst the plant displays. “Many public gardens have large lawns and public areas,” he explains. “Chihuly’s work will often be displayed in an area like that so guests must walk from one area to another to see the glass then walk back again to see the plants. We have two rules: You cannot do anything that would be unsafe for the public and you cannot do anything that would be unsafe for the plants. Beyond that, we just asked him to go crazy and let his creative spirit run wild.”

December 2021

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As a result, Chihuly’s artwork is completely integrated into the core garden and interior space. “So it is part of the garden experience as you look at real plants alongside Chihuly’s plant-like creations in glass,” Schutz says. “It is kind of like a ‘Star Trek’ episode in which two planets collide and the life forms from each of them grow side-by-side. I think that is what makes it so unique to see his artwork in our setting.”

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Schutz adds that because the aesthetic of Chihuly’s artwork changes throughout the day as the light changes, it would behoove one to visit Desert Botanical Garden’s exhibition multiple times throughout its run — at least once during daylight and at least once at night.

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“It is pretty at all hours of the day but it is especially pretty starting around 4 p.m. through that golden hour where there is still a lot of light but it is coming in at an angle,” he explains. “The plants really glow at that time, too, so if I only had one time to see it, I think I would come right before sunset. Then it completely changes character in the dark. They employ really skillful theatrical lighting to make these really striking nighttime displays.”

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If visiting at night in December, one will also be treated to live music performances, entertainment and thousands of dazzling hand-lit candles during Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden.

ASTONISHING WITH THE ARCHITECTURE

Unlike Desert Botanical Garden, this exhibition marks the very first time Chihuly’s artwork has ever been shown at Taliesin West, which served as architect Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home and school in the desert from 1937 until his death at the age of 91 in 1959. Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation vice president and chief learning and engagement officer Nikki Stewart says that it will be fascinating to finally see Chihuly and Wright in conversation with one another in a public space — especially given the similarities of their work. “Chihuly and Wright have much in common, especially their inspiration,” she explains. “They are both deeply inspired by the natural world and world cultures. These two men were actually working very similarly albeit in different times and places.”

December 2021

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Chihuly creates these magical installations. Every time I look at them, I see them in a different light and from a different angle. They never cease to delight my brain. Ken Schutz

Stewart says that Wright gained inspiration for much of Taliesin West’s architecture from the natural world — the shape of the mountains and the desert cactuses — that surrounds the property. “The same thing is true for Chihuly,” she adds. “He is looking at the natural world and creating abstractions of what he sees. He is looking at plants, nature, animals and spaces and creates works of art that fit within and go beautifully with them.” Like Desert Botanical Garden, most of Taliesin West’s exhibition is staged outdoors but also consists of a dazzling display within the property’s garden room. Also like Desert Botanical Garden, the aesthetic of Chihuly’s artwork changes throughout the day as the light changes, therefore Stewart suggests people plan multiple visits to Taliesin West throughout the exhibition’s run. “The dazzling sunlight during the day is a great way to see this glass,” she says. “And at nighttime, once it is all lit up with artificial light, it looks completely different.” Fortunately, Taliesin West has made it easy for visitors to experience both aesthetics. “The signature experience here is called In a New Light,” she says. “It is a 90-minute tour that takes you through all of Taliesin West so you get to see all of the Chihuly artworks while learning about Frank Lloyd Wright. Then we offer an evening program called Sunsets and Sips during which you can have a cocktail out on the prowl and watch the sun go down. As it does, all of the glass and artwork in the building comes to life in a completely new way.”

BEAUTY IS EVERYWHERE

Noting that although one’s interaction with artwork is subjective and personal, Cornett ultimately hopes that those who visit Desert Botanical Garden or Taliesin West will escape into the beauty of Chihuly’s work and see the world through the glass artist’s eyes — if even just for a moment. “Dale’s large-scale installations are often comprised of blown-glass forms that take inspiration from the natural world,” Cornett explains. “I encourage visitors to spend time considering the influence of light, space and form, which are critical to how Dale approaches his work. It has been a hard time for our world and I think that people need art and beauty in their lives more than ever.” Schutz agrees that everyone has different aesthetic senses. “I really like pattern, color and abstraction,” says Schutz, calling attention to the ZoLo play-sculpture set sitting on his desk. “Chihuly creates these magical installations. Every time I look at them, I see them in a different light and from a different angle. They never cease to delight my brain.” Stewart adds that each and every one of us has to interpret art and the beauty in the world around us for ourselves. “Chihuly interprets it in glass, light and color,” she says. “Wright interprets it in spaces, shape, light and color. So they are very similar. But I think that the real lesson from Chihuly’s work is that beauty is everywhere. And he makes that beauty really easy to find.” chihulyinthedesert.org

MUSIC

Chihuly in the Desert Dec. 3–June 18 | Desert Botanical Garden | 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West | 12621 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale See website for prices | chihulyinthedesert.org

December 2021

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Rusty Childress

The practice of decorating a tree for Christmas has some roots in religion, but the tradition actually branches back even further in history. Long before the advent of Christianity, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows in the winter with the belief that evergreens warded off witches, ghosts, evil spirits and illness. Evergreen boughs also reminded those in the Northern hemisphere that plants would grow again upon summer’s return. Egyptians filled their homes with green palm rushes as representations of the triumph of life over death. Early Romans decorated their homes and temples with evergreen boughs as reminders that farms and orchards would soon be green and fruitful. Northern Europe’s druids decorated their temples with evergreen boughs as a symbol of everlasting life. Even the Vikings in Scandinavia cherished evergreens for similar reasons. The Christmas tree traditions that we practice today got their start in Germany during the 16th century and were not widely accepted by Americans until the late 19th century. Lights eventually replaced antiquated candles and, by the early 20th century, Christmas trees glimmered and glowed each holiday season in homes across the country while communities around the globe gathered to light larger versions — like the one in Rockefeller Center in New York. As beautiful as our Christmas trees are all decked out for the holidays, they are even more majestic in their natural form, as seen in forests such as those we have right here in Arizona. In fact, our state has the largest continuous belt of ponderosa pine forest in the world, according to photographer Rusty Childress. “It stretches uninterrupted from New Mexico to the Grand Canyon,” he explains. “There are 2.4 million acres of forest land with ponderosa pine. The forests consist of Coconino, Tonto, Kaibab and Apache-Sitgreaves. Immersing yourself in any of these sacred forests can evoke calm and is sure to nurture your soul.” It is our hope that this month’s photo essay, featuring numerous images in which Childress has magnificently memorialized the aesthetic enchantment of pine trees in Arizona’s winter, imbues you with at least a small sample of that soul-nurturing feeling. It is also our hope that it helps you to see the brightly lit and beautifully decorated tree that is at the center of all of your Christmas celebrations with an even more profound appreciation. December 2021

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After I shoot in the early morning, I hike four miles in pines. This is one of the best ways to practice nature-bathing mindfulness because you activate the senses by listening to the wind through the trees and by enjoying the intoxicating smell of the pines. Rusty Childress

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Snowfall acts as the preverbal icing on the cake in photography. Specifically, the contrast of white snow with green needles and red bark can provide an unforgettable punch to a scene. Unless you're a skier, it’s the kind of landscape most people seldom have access to, making it even more rare and special. Rusty Childress

December 2021

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Forests inspire us, comfort us and remind us how fragile life is. With the abundance of wildfires today, we need to not only take plenty of vitamin W — wilderness — but also take ownership and maintain stewardship with the intention of preserving forests. Rusty Childress

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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER After beginning his career as a photojournalist in 1978, Rusty Childress spent 33 years in the automotive industry. He kept his camera close at hand and, in 2007, he became a freelance photographer and started an outdoor event photography business specializing in motorsports and concert photography called The Main Event Imaging. Today, Childress focuses on natural history photography as he spends most of his time underwater, on an all-terrain vehicle, in the air or on a sport utility vehicle overland expedition in search of a story that must be told. “For example, most of our environmental struggles originate from an out-of-sight-out-of-mind scenario that threatens the equilibrium of our life support system that we call Mother Earth,” Childress says. “Mankind's reckless dominion as an apex invasive species is destroying our finite planet through overpopulation at the exponential rate of 150 per minute, 9,000 per hour, 220,000 per day, 1.5 million per week and 80 million per year.” Childress aspires for his work to celebrate and emphasize the aesthetic value of nature. He hopes that his images leave people touched, moved and inspired in a way that empowers them to take ownership and provide stewardship of the natural world. “Understanding that people protect what they love, I am committed to capturing nature's moments and sharing the resulting images as a form of artistic activism,” he explains. childress.com

December 2021

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

i mCourtesy a g e s a r i zof o nMusical a . c o m Instrument De c e m b eMuseum r 2 02 1 Photography 42

Erard Grand Piano

Musical Instrument Museum invites its visitors on a daily basis to explore the vast cultural and historical significance of music. However, a new special exhibition at the museum takes that one step further, transporting visitors through time and across the globe to witness its innovation, artistic ingenuity and importance. “We are hoping that people get a sense of really aspirational human achievement,” says Musical Instrument Museum curator Rich Walter, noting that the new special exhibition demonstrates how people all around the world — from as far back as 6,000 years ago through today — have created musical treasures that convey valuable information about the time and place in which they lived. Musical Instrument Museum last month debuted Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments, a special exhibition that features 75 standout instruments remarkable in beauty, craftsmanship and cultural significance. “We are in a unique position at Musical Instrument Museum to have a global collection of instruments so we can approach that concept of ‘treasures’ from different perspectives from around the world and through different periods of time,” Walter says. “We can get into one gallery space musical instruments that are regarded as treasures based on their artistry, the beauty of their construction and the treasured historic importance that they may represent.”

STORYTELLING POWER

Many of the items on display in Musical Instrument Museum’s special exhibition are exceptionally rare archaeological artifacts — some of the oldest known instances of musical instruments that have been meticulously preserved. “A lot of these instruments were built specifically for use in royal courts,” he explains. “Some of them were made deliberately for elevated performers. Those are some of the physical details that people can read into the objects and really get a sense of the storytelling power that these instruments have.” That storytelling power transcends time as there are also numerous much more recent examples of instruments that, just as significant as their more ancient counterparts, also warrant a place under the special exhibition’s “treasures” banner. “Many of them come from ages and cultures in the past but there are people today who are making outstanding musical instruments to the highest standards as well,” Walter explains. “That is just another way of impressing upon our visitors to the gallery that music is still important and that people are still really aspiring to do their very best in making the most incredible musical instruments they possibly can.”

EYE FOR THE AESTHETIC

That aspiration is not exclusive to the sounds that the musical instruments make, though. As evident by the incredible construction and intricate markings and finishes on each object, the special exhibition is filled with genuine works of art.

December 2021

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“All of the instruments throughout our galleries are really exciting and thought-provoking but this particular exhibition really draws together particular items that have a really important musical role to play,” Walter says. “However, even if you ignore that, it is really self-evident that they are exquisite objects. So much care has been taken into creating them. So much eye for the aesthetic is found everywhere in this gallery. Some objects boast centuries-old Japanese lacquer applications. Others feature gilt-bronze sculptural treatments. And many have surfaces that are painted or inlaid with patterns or designs that are beautiful and imbued with even more portions of the story about each culture or time period. “It is going be really exciting to be able to walk through and see through the ages and across geography that there are so many ways that people imagine their sense of beauty, balance and the ideal version of these instruments,” Walter says. “Many of them are traditional instruments but these examples of them are sort of the pinnacle of what you could ever imagine one of those to be.”

FINEST EXAMPLES

Among the many objects on display are a teponaztli, a figurative Aztec slit drum; a sho, a free-reed mouth organ composed of bamboo pipes; and a bull head and plate from a lyre from Ur, one of the world’s oldest string instruments hailing one of the earliest recorded human civilizations.

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We are hoping that people get a sense of really aspirational human achievement. Rich Walter

Conch Shell Trumpet

The clear centerpiece of the special exhibition is an 1889 Erard grand piano, which was awarded Grand Prix honors at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris — the event during which the Eiffel Tower debuted. “Erard was arguably the finest European piano maker at the time,” Walter says. “It happens to carry really extensive giltbronze mounts and incredible wooden geometric marquetry all over its surface with gilt-cast bronze sculptural details. It is not uncommon for these world’s fair type of instruments to be just way over the top and this is basically the best that that company could do at the time. It is a really stunning instrument.” Other notable musical instruments on display include an Amati violin likely made for a royal marriage, a trumpet likely used during one of the earliest athletic games, Jimi Hendrix’s famed Black Widow guitar and a conch shell trumpet from the Maya civilization.

EXPERIENCE

“The conch shell trumpet is one of these instruments that has a lot of decorative elements on it that help us understand the idea of ancestry and how people have used some of these really elevated types of instruments in ritualistic and royal settings,” Walter says. “To have such a

fragile object like that surviving so many years later is a miracle in and of itself. Its decorative surface treatment carries an even deeper narrative. We are able to see how music factors so integrally into people's most important personal and sacred events.”

ETERNALLY ENDURING

Walter adds that Treasures: Legendary Musical Instruments effectively tells extremely deep, culturally powerful and eternally enduring stories. “It has been fun for us because we can take advantage of our entire collection and think about it broadly to find some really special instruments that bring to the foreground just why they are so singularly special,” says Walter, noting that Musical Instrument Museum is also grateful to the various individuals and institutions who lent pieces to the special exhibition. “We have brought the entire world together in one gallery. We are really excited for visitors to see the wide range of how people all around the world and through different periods of time have applied their best efforts into making the finest musical instruments they possibly could.” mim.org

The Arizona Diamondbacks this fall honored the legacy of Mike Kennedy (shown here on right with former player Brad Ziegler) by officially naming the effort the Mike Kennedy Diamonds Back Field Building Program.

i m a g e s a r i z o n a . c o m De c e m b e r 2 02 1 Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Arizona Diamondbacks

Over the course of his career and residency here in Arizona, Mike Kennedy did not only demonstrate servant leadership but lived it. “Mike was all about service and made it a part of his daily life — serving his family, serving his church and serving his community,” says Derrick Hall, president and chief executive officer of Arizona Diamondbacks. “He was selfless.” Kennedy’s perpetual selflessness was seen across his career as he steadily served several community organizations. It is difficult to imagine how such a highly successful Phoenix attorney and dedicated family man could find time to make himself available to so many serviceable projects, but Kennedy did exactly that. He was especially passionate about youth sports and, as founding president of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation for nearly 25 years, he managed to have a monumental impact on the quality and quantity of athletic opportunities that children and teens have here in our state. Although Kennedy passed away this past February after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, his efforts and endeavors will endure, ensuring that Arizona’s youth reach their fullest potential thereby strengthening the state’s prosperous future.

FROM THE BASKETBALL COURT TO THE COURTROOM

Born in 1950, Kennedy grew up in Dayton, Ohio and was a standout athlete at Oakwood High School — where he played on both the basketball and golf teams. Although he did not play in any fall sports, Kennedy loved to attend the school’s football games and inspire his fellow athletes. Kennedy later attended Duke University, where he served as president of the Sigma Chi fraternity, before receiving his law degree in 1975 from the University of Virginia. In his professional career, he first focused on civil litigation at the Phoenix law firm of Snell and Wilmer. In 1978, he joined forces with Mike Gallagher to found a new law firm — Gallagher and Kennedy. In addition to Kennedy’s professional success, which saw his firm grow to become one of the largest and most respected in the state, Kennedy consistently made it a

point to give back to the community. Kennedy served as president of both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel and was also an inaugural member of the Maricopa County Bar Association Hall of Fame. Kennedy’s steadfast commitment to the community quickly became crystal clear. Over the years, he was a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and the School of Theology at Claremont’s board of trustees. He also helped lead the capital campaign for the Phoenix Zoo. Despite his successful career and community endeavors, Kennedy always found time to dedicate to his family — especially his three children, as a member of Brophy College Preparatory’s board of regents and Xavier College Preparatory’s board of trustees.

HERE’S THE PITCH

Likely spurring from his own experience as an athlete back in high school, Kennedy saw the tremendously advantageous role that professional sports play within a community and therefore devoted much of his time to leadership positions in that realm. Kennedy served as the chairman of the Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee, the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament and the Thunderbird International Junior Golf Tournament. He also served as the director of the National Minority Golf Foundation, the president of the Paradise Valley Country Club, the “Big Chief” of the Phoenix Thunderbirds Tournament and a member of the Super Bowl XLIX Executive Committee. In 1997, before the Arizona Diamondbacks ever played a Major League Baseball game, Kennedy became the founding president of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation — a role in which he would have some of his most prominent and profound impacts on the community. “Mike was a huge baseball fan,” Hall says. “He rarely missed a Diamondbacks home game from his seats, which were some of the best in the house. His children grew up at the ballpark and one of his sons played college baseball. This sport played a tremendous role in his life and his family’s entertainment.”

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Although Mike Kennedy passed away this past February after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, his efforts and endeavors will endure, ensuring that Arizona’s youth reach their fullest potential thereby strengthening the state’s prosperous future.

As founding president of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation for nearly 25 years, Mike Kennedy managed to have a monumental impact on the number and quality of athletic opportunities that children and teens have here in our state.

Striving primarily to support homelessness, indigent healthcare and youth programs, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation has, since its inception, also created strategic programs to address the needs of our community’s veterans, police, teachers, firefighters and first responders. In fact, the foundation this year eclipsed $75 million in charitable contributions raised and donated to the Arizona community, proving that, under Kennedy’s leadership, it has become an industry-leading sports foundation and community asset unlike any other in our state.

JERSEYS AND FIELDS

Knowing that the benefits of youth sports are indeed infinite, Kennedy served as a passionate force behind programs that made it possible for Arizona’s youth to have access to athletic opportunities. “He was a firm believer in keeping children active and balancing their lives,” Hall explains. “He was also very involved in his kids’ youth sports activities and saw the clear benefits of teamwork, development and adversity. He clearly brought that perspective to many of our foundation initiatives — such as our youth jersey program, that he felt was critical.”

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The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation launched the Diamondbacks Give Back Youth Jersey Program in spring 2014, providing youth baseball and softball leagues across Arizona with high-quality jerseys and caps at no cost. Since its inception, the program has significantly offset diminishing resources and allowed participating leagues to reallocate funds toward equipment, registration fees and facility improvements. Another one of the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation’s initiatives that was very near and dear to Kennedy’s heart is the Diamonds Back Field Building Program, through which the foundation has built or refurbished 43 baseball and softball fields representing a charitable investment of more than $10 million. With the aid of corporate sponsors, local businesses and monetary donations from individual players, the program allows children and teens across the state to play baseball and softball at quality facilities that feature new lights, fencing and backstops, irrigation, dirtwork, grass and electronic scoreboards. “These fields have been credited for improving communities as beautiful and safe points of pride, as well as becoming

“

Have you been delaying the inevitable?

Mike was all about service and

If yes, it’s Time to Replace!

made it a part of his daily life — serving his family, serving his church and serving his community. He was selfless. Derrick Hall

destinations and anchors for visitors from the outside,” Hall says. “We believe they bring tremendous economic and cultural value to the neighborhoods that they sit in.”

GRAND SLAM LEGACY

Kennedy’s contributions to the community were as copious as they were far-reaching. Moreover, Kennedy genuinely cared about the effects of his efforts, as he made it a point to never miss a field dedication and went to great lengths to help the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation raise the funds it needed to reach each and every community across Arizona. He was also a passionate advocate for grants and gifts to support the most vulnerable members of our community. The Arizona Diamondbacks this fall honored Kennedy’s legacy by officially naming its field-building initiative the Mike Kennedy Diamonds Back Field Building Program. It also renamed one of the fields for which the program

is responsible — D-votion Field in Goodyear — Mike Kennedy Field. They are small-yet-significant tributes in an attempt to memorialize and commemorate the very large contributions Kennedy made upon our community. Through the newly named program, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will continue to make Kennedy’s vision a reality — a community in which all children and teens have the opportunities, facilities and equipment they need to participate in youth sports. “He deserves a legacy within our foundation for all of his countless contributions since day one,” Hall says. “There is no more visible program than our field building, and they are located throughout the entire state of Arizona. His impact was not just locally here in Phoenix, as he positively improved lives of Arizonans everywhere.”

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Geek Desserts

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Everyone loves the holiday season but North Valley residents Rebecca Hauger and Mara Hodge may love it more than most. As co-owners and head decorators of Geek Desserts, a home-based bakery offering high-quality and delicious cakes, cookies and more, the duo find that Christmastime provides the perfect opportunity for the creativity to flow out from their mixing bowls. “We both love Christmas and all of the colors, festivities and love that surround it,” Hauger says. “All of that tends to come out in the fun holiday cakes and cookies that everyone orders from us. We love the opportunity near Christmas to do Santa, reindeer, snowmen... anything that comes along. It just lights us up.” Hodge agrees, noting that she and Hauger are simply just “crazy decorators” at heart. And that extends far beyond their baking. “We also love decorating our house for Christmas,” Hodge explains. “We love to get into the spirit of things and I think that really comes through with our cake decorating as well as our house decorating.”

LEGENDS IN THE BAKING

Hodge’s journey began at the small bakery that her mother owned in Blanding, Utah. “I basically took it over and turned it into a custom cake shop,” says Hodge who, half Navajo herself, also taught the native children and teenagers of the area about running a successful bakery. After specializing in chocolates for several years, she opened a bakery in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, she began applying to be cast on televised baking competitions.

“It was always a really big goal of mine to make it onto a Food Network show,” Hodge says. And that she did. Being cast on the “Minecraft” episode of “Cake Wars” on the network solidified her interest in baking incredibly creative cakes. “From that point forward, I just kind of started building my brand,” Hodge says. Meanwhile, Hauger — a software engineer by trade — had been dating a woman who wanted to get into baking custom cakes as a side gig. She bought her a bunch of bakeware but the two eventually broke up and Hauger ended up keeping all of it. “Several years later, I stumbled across them while I was cleaning out my garage,” says Hauger who, picking up a 3D haunted house mold, decided to make use of it and bake a cake for her co-workers at Halloween. “I had so much fun doing it that I started making custom cakes for every holiday at work.” One of Hauger’s bosses took notice and suggested that she start a baking business as a side job. Over the next decade, the self-described geek tested the limits of her creativity and engulfed herself in the baking community on social media so that she could learn all of the tricks of the trade and connect with like-minded food artists. “There is a huge cake community on Facebook,” Hauger explains. “There are some real heavy hitters on there. People from over the world come together and make cakes under a certain theme that they all release at the same time.” Upon updating her profile with a picture of herself wearing a Batman bikini that her daughter had taken while on vacation in Puerto Rico, Hauger received a

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In 2020, Rebecca Hauger and Mara Hodge were cast together on an episode of the network’s “Cakealikes,” on which they had to attempt to capture the style of rapper Flavor Flav in cake form.

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flirtatious direct message from Hodge. The two continued to get to know one another online for a few years before finally meeting in person. Shortly after they began dating, Hauger received the opportunity to appear as an assistant baker on the monster weddings episode of Food Network’s “Halloween Cake Off.” And in 2020, Hauger and Hodge were cast together on an episode of the network’s “Cakealikes,” on which they had to attempt to capture the style of rapper Flavor Flav in cake form.

REDUCED TO TIERS

Hodge says that when she and Hauger signed onto “Cakealikes,” neither of them had any idea what they were getting themselves into. “We just knew that it was a cake decorating competition show for a major network,” she explains. “We found out on set with the cameras rolling that we had 14 hours to make a life-sized sculpted cake of Flavor Flav — and that he himself was going to be there to judge it.” Hodge adds that the emotions exhibited by competitors on such shows is 100% genuine. “I have never experienced such a heightened level of anxiety,” she says. Hauger concurs. “It is exceptionally stressful,” she says. “The tears are real. The frustration is real. The anger is real. You are constantly worried that you are going to say something that [the producers] are going to use to embarrass you. You are constantly worried that [the judges] are going to hate what you do or that you are

not going to come out as good as the [other competitors]. You are always watching the clock. You never know what is going to go wrong. And you never know where your tools are — which is a real problem.” But, in the end, both bakers agree that the exposure and experience is well worth it. “It is a lot of fun,” Hauger says. “And not too many people can say that they were on TV.”

UNAFRAID TO TAKE WHISKS

Shortly before being cast on “Cakealikes,” Hauger and Hodge started Geek Desserts with the intention of it one day flourishing into a storefront. Rental prices, the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors have prevented them from achieving that goal so far but the pair has seen great success with their home-based bakery. “We offer crazy custom cakes,” Hodge says. “The bigger, the better. Anything from wedding cakes, birthday cakes... any occasion. We are also known for our decorated sugar cookies.” Hauger adds that hot cocoa bombs — spheres of tempered chocolate filled with hot chocolate mix, mini marshmallows, sprinkles and sometimes other sweet surprises — were quite literally “the bomb” for them last holiday season. After all, it was impossible to open TikTok without seeing a video of someone pouring hot milk over the little balls of chocolate decadence, which slowly melt into the perfect holiday beverage. “Last year, we were the go-to people in the Valley for hot cocoa bombs and

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“

We both love Christmas and all of the colors, festivities and love that surround it. All of that tends to come out in the fun holiday cakes and cookies that everyone orders from us. We love the opportunity near Christmas to do Santa, reindeer, snowmen... anything that comes along. It just lights us up. Rebecca Hauger

we are hoping to be that again this year,” Hauger says. “Those are very popular. And they make great stocking stuffers and party gifts.” However, there is absolutely no argument that the duo’s custom cakes are the stars of the show. “We call them centerpiece cakes,” Hauger says “They become the talk of the party. People are always amazed when they find out that it is a cake. Then they do not want to cut into it because it looks too real. But it is also going to taste delicious when they do.” Hodge says that she loves the “wow” factor that results when a customer cuts into one of their cakes. “I was once asked to create a giant cockroach for a 5-year-old,” Hodge notes. “That was really disgusting. My largest cake was a four-foot-tall mermaid that I made for a cake competition.” Hauger adds that some of the other cakes that she and Hodge have made include Michael Myers, Pennywise the clown and moneybags with $100 bills falling out of them as well as characters from the video games “Pokemon” and “Fortnite.” “When we are called to do so, we donate cakes through a nonprofit organization called Icing Smiles, which finds local bakers to provide custom cakes for children with terminal illnesses,” Hauger says. “That allows us to do some of our crazier cakes.”

ONE ANOTHER’S BUTTER HALF

Ultimately, Hauger and Hodge’s creations are much more than just cakes. They are true works of threedimensional sculpted art and innovative architectural design. It just so happens that their art is also edible. “Most of those cakes require quite a bit of architecture in order to keep them from falling apart,” Hauger says. “They have to be a certain density. The type of icing that you use can make or break things. You have to have the proper structure inside of them to keep them stable — especially if you are traveling any amount of distance. And the temperature outside or even inside of the house is going to be a factor as well. “Then you have got all of the art that goes into it, which is a whole new level of game. But between our artistic skills, Mara’s baking background and my engineering background, we are capable of doing pretty much anything.” Hodge agrees and adds that she and Hauger are fortunate to have found one another. “Rebecca and I are quite opposite but we definitely fill in each other's gaps,” says Hodge, describing herself as a closet geek who is slowly learning — through both her baking and Hauger — that it is OK to get weird. geekdesserts.com

Scan this QR code with your phone or visit anchor. fm/imagesaz to listen to Baking Spirits Bright, Images Arizona’s exclusive podcast featuring Rebecca Hauger and Mara Hodge’s holiday baking tips. December 2021

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i m aJ.g Airdo esarizona.com Writer Joseph 56

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There is a reason that “Home for the Holidays” is one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. Made famous by Perry Como, the song was first published in 1954 with music composed by Robert Allen and lyrics written by Al Stillman — who wrote that “no matter how far away you roam ... for the holidays, you can't beat home, sweet home.” That sentiment rang true more than six decades ago and it still does so today. Airports are bustling and freeways are packed this time of the year as people do absolutely whatever it takes to make it home to their families, for that is ultimately where Christmas joy is felt the strongest. Therefore, it is only natural that we adorn our homes with beautiful trees, wreaths, garlands and other festive furnishings to make the season as merry and bright as possible for our loved ones. If even just for our immediate family with whom we share the same roof year-round, our pets that bring us so much joy day in and day out or simply ourselves, we want our homes to feel warm and cozy at Christmastime. Of course, we live in Arizona so it is going to feel warm regardless. However, the mood-boosting ambience that holiday decorations achieve is indisputable. Whether sitting on the couch watching Hallmark movies, gathered around the tree opening presents or enjoying one of the best meals of the year at the dinner table, we want our homes to feel like Christmas.

O TANNENBAUM

Heather Lundervold had been running a successful flower shop for about 10 years when her clients began asking her to decorate their homes for the holidays. Today, she owns not one but two businesses devoted to helping people deck the halls for the various holidays throughout the year — with the biggest obviously being Christmas. For the past 21 years through Elves to the Rescue, Lundervold and her holiday helpers have transformed residential and commercial spaces as well as luxury resorts like The Wigwam into absolutely breathtaking winter wonderlands. Meanwhile, Lundervold’s

Christmas Design Institute provides DIYers and future designers with all of the instruction they need to become elves themselves. Although there are a lot of ways that we can decorate our homes for the holidays, the one that is by far the most traditional and acts as the centerpiece for all of our celebrations this time of the year is a brightly lit and beautifully embellished Christmas tree. Lundervold says that when selecting a tree, one must first consider the height and width of the area in which they wish to place it. “You want it to look proportionate to the space that you are putting it in,” says Lundervold, adding that most people choose to place their Christmas tree in the corner of the family room. “That way, you are not decorating the back. You just have to decorate the three front sides, which is nice because it saves a little bit of money on decor.” Starting with the lights, Lundervold recommends using LED as opposed to incandescent lights, which tend to have a very limited lifespan. From there, Lundervold suggests selecting a theme for the tree — be it traditional or eccentric — and choosing decorations that adhere to that theme. “I would start with some ribbon and get a large focal piece, whether that is a large ornament ball, a big snowflake or a flower like a poinsettia,” she says. “The keys to a really beautiful tree are depth and dimension.” Once you have done that, personalize your Christmas tree with heirloom ornaments that you still have from yuletides of yesteryear. “Having those heirloom ornaments and putting those on last will just give that final little touch that you need,” Lundervold explains. “But you definitely want to first bring in some other decorator elements that are going to offset the heirloom ornaments.” Speaking of the final touch, Lundervold says that the options for the tree topper are endless and do not necessarily have to be limited to the traditional star or angel. She suggests letting your creativity be your guide.

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HEATHER LUNDERVOLD

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MAUREEN CONNOLLY

“If you are wanting a really over-the-top, designerdecorated tree, I put a lot of florals at the top as well as ribbons and bows,” she explains. “You want to kind of fill that in and make it all a cohesive visual design.”

MISTLETOE AND HOLLY

Maureen Connolly moved to Arizona six years ago from Wisconsin, where she owned an interior plant design and maintenance business called Greenworks. One year into her stay here, she began missing the creative end of decorating. She connected with Lundervold and assisted her for a while before starting her own company in Anthem called Christmas Creations. Connolly says that one of the best ways to spruce up a home for the holidays is with festive greens like wreaths and garlands. “Very rarely do we work with live [wreaths and garlands] in Arizona,” she explains. “In Wisconsin, we used live for everything on the exterior because it stayed forever. I mean you could literally leave it up till April in Wisconsin. But, if you put live greens out here in Arizona, they would be completely dried out in a week and would not look very

nice. So, for the most part, we use all artificial in Arizona because of the heat.” Connolly adds that most artificial wreaths are fairly sparse so she suggests wrapping artificial garlands around your wreaths to give them a bigger, richer and fuller look. The same trick works for artificial garlands; simply double them up to discover their full potential. In the past, it was challenging to add lights to holiday wreaths as they tend to be placed in areas without power sources. However, battery-operated lights are now readily available at all retailers, so Connolly recommends starting there before moving onto other decorative elements. “Typically, we will use ornaments, ribbons and flowers,” says Connolly, noting that heirloom ornaments should be reserved for the Christmas tree as wreaths tend to be placed in high-traffic areas and you would not want to risk something so precious getting damaged. A more minimalist approach is ideal for holiday garlands — especially if doubled-up per Connolly’s recommendation.

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“Sometimes just that thick, rich garland with some gorgeous velvet ribbon makes a beautiful statement and you do not need anything else,” Connolly says. Back in Wisconsin, Connolly would hot-glue decorations onto her wreaths and garlands. However, here in Arizona, that adhesive gets soft in the sun so she also wires decorations to the greens in order to prevent them from falling off. When it comes to wreath placement, Connolly has found that over the fireplace mantel with the stockings hung with care is a very popular choice.

JOI PRATER

“It is usually the men who want that kind of look because they remember that from their childhood,” she explains. “They want that fireplace to be that focal point in the home. The homes that I do here have a lot of large archways so we will garland those. Front entry doors are also very typical for using wreaths and garlands as well as on the front porch and in front entry halls.”

DECK THE HALLS

Joi Prater of Joi Prater Interiors has more than 30 years of experience in the interior design industry. She especially enjoys helping people make their homes aesthetically pleasing at Christmastime as she knows it is an exceptionally special time for everyone — especially those who will be doing some holiday entertaining. In addition to trees, wreaths and garlands, Prater believes that a beautiful tablescape can really transform a room. “A tablescape is a decorative display on a dining table,” she explains.

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“Think of it as a creative vignette of collected items on a table or a landscape on your table. Tablescapes are used on dining tables for either a sit-down or buffet-style dinner. It is the centerpiece for the table. It elevates the dining experience for both you and your guests.” Simply start by laying a tablecloth over your table — or layer two tablecloths — then dress it as you would for any formal dinner with dishes, napkins, napkin rings, stemware and silverware. To enhance the look, use chargers — decorative plates — beneath the dishes, which could be white. Just remember to leave the middle of the table empty as that negative space will be the area in which you will create the tablescape. “You can create a theme by using holiday ornaments,” Prater says. “You can use florals, ribbons, fruits, nuts, candles, pine cones... whatever you have. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. Start with the taller items and place those in the center of the table. Then take the smaller, shorter items and gradually build those down. It is all about layering and creating dimension. And remember, you can never have enough candles.” Beyond tablescapes, Prater suggests identifying other areas of your home in which you and your guests are likely to congregate and adding some very simple decorative touches to them. For example, you can take empty boxes of varying heights and sizes, wrap them in holiday paper and ribbon and arrange them in groups and vignettes throughout your home and especially at your front entry.

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Whether sitting on the couch watching Hallmark movies, gathered around the tree opening presents or enjoying one of the best meals of the year at the dinner table, we want our homes to feel like Christmas.

“You can even add some baskets of ornaments and fresh greens that you get from your local nursery,” Prater says. “That kind of sets the stage for a party atmosphere. I always do that every year at my front entry on my patio. It is just a nice way to greet my guests.”

“Something that is really easy to do is to place some sliced apples and cinnamon in a pan of water and keep it simmering on your stove while you are home,” Prater says. “As the water goes down in the pan, fill it back up with water and keep it simmering. It just gives that warm and cozy feeling inside.”

Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the holiday experience for you, your family and any guests who may be visiting your home. After all, Christmas only comes once a year so we may as well make our homes feel as festive as possible.

Scan this QR code with your phone or visit anchor.fm/imagesaz to listen to the extended podcast version of this story, featuring even more holiday decorating tips.

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Having known each other for years, Jason Ebel (left) and Chris Nicosia’s (right) North Scottsdale establishment, The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen, recently celebrated its first year anniversary. Photo by Brittney Nestle

Writer Shannon Severson // Photography Courtesy of The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen

The headstone of Jason Ebel’s beloved grandfather reads simply, “A Craftsman.” These two words, and the man who inspired Ebel and chef-partner Chris Nicosia to open The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen in North Scottsdale, are the cornerstone of every aspect of this neighborhood gathering spot that recently celebrated its first year anniversary. “My grandfather was a farmer in Nebraska,” Ebel says. “He would cut down a tree and take it all the way to creating a piece of furniture in addition to his farming. I have a background in beer and coffee and developing spirits. Chris reflects that in the kitchen. He creates everything from scratch. It all ties together.” The pair have known each other for years. Both natives of Chicago, Ebel only recently made the move to Phoenix official but has enjoyed Nicosia’s culinary mastery from his days as the executive chef at Desert Mountain in 2003 through his years as the renowned, award-winning executive chef of Sassi. “We always threw it around, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat if…’ says Nicosia, an Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame inductee. “We always kept in touch. Not only is it us creating this concept, in this time of limited staffing, we can seek out other craftsmen who are doing great things around us and bring in their talents, as well.” After the closure of Sassi, Nicosia spent time on the food distribution side, building new relationships and exploring sourcing. His new landscape is replete with new ideas and possibilities. “I was able to plan the menu around what I know I can get, what is fresh,” Nicosia explains. “If there’s something special I want, I already know where to

go. You don’t have the same variety of products now, but you have to be able to adapt.” The environment that Ebel, Nicosia and operating partner and general manager Steve Morin have created is part modern, cozy lodge with a roaring fireplace by which to lounge on the inside, and part open-air, sit-on-the-porch-and-stay-a-while casual. “We aren’t here to turn you over,” Ebel says. “We want you to spend some time with us.” The food and drinks are anything but typical. Having an executive chef of Nicosia’s caliber has immediately put this hotspot on the map. Bourbon to vodka, gin to Amaro (a complex herbal Italian apéritif made with 23 different botanicals and aged in IPA barrels), Ebel has painstakingly created proprietary spirits and beer for The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen such that the only way to get the exact quality and flavor of his inventive bar menu is to visit the restaurant in person. It’s not that the drinks are fussy, but they’re extremely thoughtful and Nicosia works with mixologist Cody Jones to add his own touches from the kitchen — simple syrups infused with blackberry and basil, jalapeño or ginger, lavender honey or homemade bitters. Drink selections follow the rhythms of the seasons and happy hour noshes rotate monthly. “Over a career of 25 years, I have a backlog of menus and recipes,” Nicosia says. “When it comes time for a seasonal change, I can refer back. I come across things I haven’t seen in years.”

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The restaurant also pairs with exclusive providers for their tequilas and mezcal and has sought out winemakers and other distillers to partner with. One of the signature events at The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen is a series of bourbon and winemaker dinners where Nicosia creates exclusive tasting menus to be paired with these unparalleled beverages. “My specialty side is distilling and brewing,” Ebel says, “I knew we wanted to highlight the spirits to go along with the food. I’m always just trying to keep up with Chris. We can kind of push each other and that makes us both want to keep getting better.” Nicosia still has some of his legendary Italian favorites on the menu. Ebel insists that his meatballs are the hands-down best on the planet, but The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen has opened the possibilities for the many cuisines that have influenced him over the years. “I’d been in the Italian box for a long time and I love that box and it was comfortable,” Nicosia says with a smile. “It’s nice to be able to use good old smoked American bacon and not pancetta. It’s familiar but not predictable. “My menu is made of things that I have really enjoyed over the years. My first restaurant job in college was in Cape Cod. ‘Fresh and Chips’ is the type of light and crisp breading on the freshest seafood. I couldn’t find that style anywhere and now I have the chance to do it. We will always have an artisan pasta. None of it is going to confuse you.” Nicosia recalls traveling extensively throughout Europe and in the United States with his family, then they’d return home and experiment with the ingredients of whatever region in which they’d adventured. A family trip to New Orleans had his mother cooking up Cajun specialties upon return to their Illinois home kitchen.

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Over a career of 25 years, I have a backlog of menus and recipes. When it comes time for a seasonal change, I can refer back. I come across things I haven’t seen in years. Chris Nicosia

On the menu now is that New Orleansinspired muffuletta sandwich on buttery homemade focaccia with perfect crumb; volcano pork, a bone-in shank braised in hatch green chile jus and served with jalapeño slaw, lime queso and warm tortillas is a nod to the glories of Southwest flavors; and the flavors of good old American barbecue drip from the blacksmith barbecue chicken sandwich with coffee liqueur barbecue sauce, confit thighs, crispy onions and arugula on a fluffy brioche bun. “I used to put on summer clam bakes as a hobby,” Nicosia says. “We would hunt and fish around the world. I remember cooking a goose my dad and I shot at 12 years old. I’ve got my little daughter eating doves that I’ve shot with foie gras and dried cherry sauce. My wife asked my daughter at just 4 years old if she’d like her sausage cut up. She responded, ‘Sausage? I want one of those little birds!” She wasn’t afraid

of anything. She will order octopus if she sees it on the menu.” Expanding horizons, reintroducing old favorites and involving family and friends in this labor of legacy and love has been a rewarding venture for Ebel and Nicosia and they’re pleased to see where it’s taking them. Regulars are plentiful at The Craftsman Cocktails + Kitchen and the pair has big plans for the fall and beyond, including more small-batch products, a second bar for weekend tastings and the return of weekend brunch. “We are reacting to what our guests want,” Nicosia says. “It can be unexpected to see what is popular. We have had good success this year and we’re lucky to have the opportunity and I’m looking forward to the evolution to see where we end up.” thecraftsmanaz.com

December 2021

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thefancypantskitchen.com

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles

Sheet Pan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese This sheet pan pumpkin mac and cheese is easy to make, thoroughly delicious and the perfect holiday side dish. Combining pumpkin purée into the cheese sauce gives you a rich, autumnal flavor while adding pepitas — raw, shelled pumpkin seeds — on top provides an amazing crunchiness in each bite. Feel free to substitute the cavatappi with any other twisty pasta with lots of nooks and crannies into which the cheese can nestle. Serves: 6

Ingredients:

2-1/2 cups bread flour 2 teaspoons Kosher salt, plus more for pasta water 1 pound cavatappi 6 tablespoons butter, plus more for sheet pan 1/2 teaspoon white pepper 1 pound grated sharp cheddar, divided

Directions:

low, add noodles back into the pot and immediately toss to prevent butter from burning.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook for 4–5 minutes, till al dente — just soft enough so that if you taste one, there is no audible crunch. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain pot.

Drizzle in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water then add salt, pepper, 12 ounces of the cheddar, Pecorino Romano and milk to the pot. Stir until you have a homogenous, creamy sauce then mix in pumpkin purée. Add more reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

In the same pot over medium heat, brown 6 tablespoons of butter and stir continuously until it foams. The foam will recede and the butter will become golden-tan and begin to give off a deeply appealing, rich, nutty scent. Turn the heat down to

Transfer everything to prepared sheet pan and sprinkle with remaining 4 ounces of cheddar, panko and pepitas. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until panko is toasted and some of the cheesy noodles sticking out around the edges are tinged with amber spots.

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Butter an 11-by-17-inch sheet pan with rimmed edges.

4 ounces grated Pecorino Romano 1 cup whole milk 1-1/4 cups pumpkin purée 1-1/4 cups plain panko 1/2 cup raw pepitas

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December 2021

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