Images Arizona January 2022 by Images Arizona Magazine Carefee/Cave Creek Edition

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Arizona Musicfest

THE STARS RETURN TO MUSICFEST ON STAGE IN NORTH SCOTTSDALE

TONY BENNETT TRIBUTE 1/ 7

JOHN LLOYD YOUNG 1/ 10

SERGIO MENDES

STEVE TYRELL

A STAR IS BORN

MUSIC CITY HIT-MAKERS 2/14

FESTIVAL SINFONIA 2/20

SARAH CHANG 2/22

THE CONCERT 2/7

SIBLING RIVALRY IRON BARNATAN 2/24 THE CALLAWAY THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA SISTERS 3/7

THE McCARTNEY YEARS 4/4

EMANUEL AX 4/21 IN RECITAL

1/ 31

2/ 4

THE FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

PAUL ANKA 3/14 & 16 50 YEARS OF ANKA SINGS SINATRA ROCK & ROLL 3/28

BERNADETTE PETERS 4/23

THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE 4/29

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What's Inside?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAURA ALLEN LAYERS OF TIME

THERE'S SNOW PLACE LIKE ARIZONA

THE WANDERING DONKEY SETTLES IN

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COMMUNITY

SUE KRZYSTON ART AND ARTIFACTS

RECIPE

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From the Publisher Publisher Shelly Spence

Managing Editor Joseph J. Airdo

Graphic Designer

Meaghan Mitchell

Contributing Writers

Joseph J. Airdo Amanda Christmann Francine Coles 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.

Welcome to winter in Arizona! This month’s issue is designed to remind you of all the wonderfully wintery things that our spectacular state has to offer. Starting with a stunning photo essay featuring snowy scenes taken by various members of the 90-year-old Phoenix Camera Club and extending through the numerous events, activities and adventures that are available for you to enjoy with your friends and family, these pages are jam-packed with seasonal fun and flair! If you are like me, you are likely at least a little bit sad that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over. However, as I look through the many amazing things happening in our community this month, as reflected throughout the stories in this month’s issue, a sense of joy and pride for this incredible place we call home washes over me. Our community is constantly celebrating year-round and we are so fortunate to reap the benefits of that. Of course, we are also starting a brand new year, which means that we can look ahead with hope and optimism. The opportunities are quite literally endless and I am confident that 2022 will be filled with fantastic things for each and every one of us. There are certain to be bumps in the road — there always are — but what matters most is how we navigate them. And, especially over the last two years, we have all demonstrated the resilience and persistence needed to succeed. So, it is with much enthusiasm that I say... Happy New Year! May 2022 bring you remarkable relationships, more joyful moments than you can possibly count and astonishing prosperity in all areas of your life. For now, get out and enjoy the chilly weather and all of the love and laughter that comes with it. Cheers!

Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc. Copyright © 2022 by ImagesAZ, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission is prohibited. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material.

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

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“Twin Hearts” by Amy Lay, mixed media on canvas, 48” x 36”

SU E

KRZYSTON

A MY

LAY

B RY CE T R EVOR

SWANSON

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SO U TH WE S T

CONT EMP O R A R Y

PETTIT

MYRON

“Touched by Dusk” by Trevor Swanson, 48” x 24”

W ILD LI FE

WI LD LI FE B R O N Z E

L AN D S C A P E

WHITAKE R

R E A LI S M

A N D

C E R A MI C

A R TI S T A R TI S T

S C U LP TO R

WI LD LI FE S C U LP TO R

A RT IS T

C AREFREE’S THIR D TH U R S D AY A R T N I GH T GU E S T A R TIS T S U E K R ZY S TO N

T H U R S D A Y, J A N U A R Y 2 0 F R O M 4 T O 7 P M

Sip, Shop and Celebrate with Live Music by NuWrld Jazz Quartet

Majestic blue Raku vessel by Myron Whitaker, 27” tall “Distant Drums” by Sue Krzyston, oil on canvas, 30” x 24” “Quail Lamp” by Bryce Pettit, Bronze 32” tall

SUE BICKERDYKE 26 years in Carefree

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Writer Amanda Christmann // Photography Courtesy of Maura Allen

For artist Maura Allen, time is a muse. Looking at her bold silhouettes, its role may not be obvious, but look a little deeper and time forms the backdrop of amaranthine scenes of the iconic American West.

It has been said that time is an illusion created by our minds. Minutes, hours and days drop one by one like sands in an hourglass, piling one on top of another in our collective consciousness, forming memories, defining lifetimes and shaping versions of history real or imagined. Time passes in layers, providing context for how we see the world. Each moment builds upon the last to categorize and organize what was, what is and what will be. We pick and choose the junctures that will define ourselves and our lives, as well as those that will not. For artist Maura Allen, time is also a muse. Looking at her bold silhouettes, its role may not be obvious, but look a little deeper and time forms the backdrop of amaranthine scenes of the iconic American West. From layers of acrylic on wood panels to glass and metal, she has become adventurous with her materials. No matter the medium, Allen tells time-filled, yet timeless stories that dance between categories of pop art, neoDadaist or postmodernist art. Working forward from the back, she subtly but beautifully portrays the continuing arc of time by incorporating textures and elements of the past into striking perennial silhouettes of the people, livestock, horses and landscapes of working ranches, wide-open spaces and one-stoplight towns. Century-old postcards, old wallpaper patterns and historic records make cameo appearances in Allen’s storylines, fading into patinas as time marches forward. Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises. At times, these elements are obscured by newer layers. Still they remain. Just as a whiff of a childhood scent can bring our minds back to a feeling or a memory, their presence can be sensed. “I do different things to bring back time,” she explains. “I might bring in the original patent for the cowboy hat or make my own wallpaper pattern to remind you of when you went to your grandmother's house. It’s like peeling off wallpaper or painting over layers in an old house. There’s living history there, and they shift the story.

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“

I do different things to bring back time. It’s like peeling off wallpaper or painting over layers in an old house. There’s living history there, and they shift the story. Maura Allen

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From laxyers of acrylic on wood panels to glass and metal, Maura Allen has become adventurous with her materials. No matter the medium, she tells time-filled, yet timeless stories that refuse to be pigeon-holed into pop art, neo-Dadaist or postmodernist art.

“I want each piece to have staying power. I want it to endure. Every time you pass it in your home, I want you to see something different. I like to put little treasures in there to show people that you can bring history forward.” Allen beautifully engages in poetic license to document the American West, drawing upon the continuum of its past and present. Her work has been featured internationally in collections and galleries. Carefree art curator Shelly Spence, owner of Grace Renee Gallery, discovered her work at Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s “Cowgirl Up” exhibition and recognized its appeal. “Lots of the artists were traditional cowboy or Old West artists,” Allen says. “I see the West in a different way, and my work reflects that. It has a different conversation. “The images I paint are from both the past and the present. This is the West. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors and working sun up until sundown. It’s about being a steward of animals and doing the right thing, even if it’s the hard thing. “This is what the West is now, and what it has always been.”

ART IMITATES LIFE Allen’s own journey to discover that conversation has its own interesting layers, and like her work, some are obscured but still part of her fabric. She grew up in northern California and had fallen in love with capturing life from behind the lens of a camera by the time she was 15. A trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the early 90s left an indelible mark — a desire to know more about the culture, history and people of the American West.

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Maura Allen beautifully incorporates poetic license to document the American West, drawing upon the continuum of its past and present. Her work has been featured in collections and galleries nationwide.

She studied Latin classics at Stanford which, at first glance, would seem to be a wild tangent from the dusty path of cowboys and cattle drives. However, her education gave her perspective; she recognized that romanticized stories, songs, politics, religion, literature and our ever-evolving media are symbiotic and perpetual layers that define — and are defined by — Western culture. She realized that, while society sometimes insists upon categorizing the West into “Old West” and “present-day American West,” they are one and the same, bound by the arc of time. And so came a desire to portray that message through art. It seemed only natural to focus on creating intertwined layers.

Experience 20

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“I developed my technique over time,” she explains. “I’ve done a lot of reading about what other artists have done. I adapt parts I like and discard others. “I start on location at ranches, rodeos and small towns of the West and always begin by looking directly into the sun. I’m really looking for a strong silhouette. I want energy. I want that iconic feeling, whether it’s the hat or a rope or some other element that anchors us to that place and says, ‘Yes, we’re in the West.’” Snapping hundreds of photos on her camera, Allen aims to capture images that tell stories. Sometimes she’s got a song in her head or a line from a poem to inspire a narrative, but other times the subject has its own tale

to tell. With ideas galloping through her mind, she makes the trek back to her home studio and gets to work.

silos in art disciplines. Glass informs photography and photography informs glass.”

“When I’m home in Prescott, I take those images and decide what stories I want to tell,” she explains. “Once I find what I want, I reduce the photo to black and white, it’s most elemental form — positive and negative space.”

Though it still reflects her signature style, glass brings an additional element of light into Allen’s work that dances through the compressed images. Her glass pieces, reminiscent of Edward Curtis’ famed glass plate negatives, evoke the feeling of watching the shadow of a cloud pass through a vibrantly sunny field on a summer day.

Her next step is deciding how large she wants her story to become. She’s currently working on a piece that measures 96 inches wide, but much of her work is more compact. Once the foundation is established, the fun begins. Allen’s work isn’t bound by the color palette of life; sometimes she delves into pop art-inspired oranges, pinks and turquoises. Other stories may be told in warmer shades. In either case, it’s often the unexpected complexity that leaves the most vivid impression. Inspired by Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, Allen uses screens instead of paintbrushes. “I work from the back forward, from history to the present,” she says. “As I go, I reveal as much as I want and make some things disappear.

ELEMENTAL DIFFERENCES Just as Allen’s work is not confined by time, she also enjoys exploring new ways to tell her stories. “Though I’m a photographer, a printmaker and a painter, I also work in glass,” she says. “I don’t see

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“Working with glass is a similar process,” Allen says. “I take images and layer them on different pieces of glass, then fuse them together and watch the surprise happen. Sometimes there is a chemical reaction, or maybe the distance between layers in the glass creates an illusion of space. I never know what it’s going to decide to do. That’s part of the fun.” From wall-mounted stories to 1-inch dioramas, Allen loves the challenge of working with glass. “My interest is, ‘Can I portray how I see the world in a different medium?’” she says. No matter the medium, through Allen’s layers of time, the stories of the enduring spirit of the West will continue to be told and cherished. It is these stories that form a thread between who we were, who we are and who we want to be and that connect us to history in the most beautiful of ways.

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G R A C E

R E N E E

G A L L E R Y

JANUARY

ARTIST

Maura Allen

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ARTIST

Real and romanticized, the West is the center of Maura Allen’s work. Maura’s work is in museum, corporate and private collections in the West—and beyond.

[

ARTIST RECEPTION Thursday, January 20 Wine & appetizers 4–7 p.m.

]

Grace Renee Gallery Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080 22

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CONTEMPORARY

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All Abloom I, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 14” by 14” All Abloom II, Acrylic on Wood Panel, 14” by 14”

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Historic Spanish Village | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd. # 7 | Carefree, AZ 85377 Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Through Jan. 20

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS EXHIBITION Desert Foothills Library hosts an exhibition of works by the 53 artists who participated in this year’s Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour. Free. Desert Foothills Library Gallery, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Jan. 3

LITERATE FOODIE CLUB Desert Foothills Library will host a discussion of Ann Hood’s “Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love and Food.” The club’s volunteer cooks will serve a sampling of foods from the book. $10. 12:30 p.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Jan. 4–25

LEARN TO PAINT DESERT LANDSCAPES The Holland Center will welcome Larry Charles for a four-week workshop during which participants will learn techniques for painting desert landscapes. $250. 9 a.m. RSVP. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B, Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Jan. 5–30

THE HELLO GIRLS

Jan. 7–9

ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will present Detour Company Theatre’s production of “Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka,” based on the classic 1971 film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” Detour Company Theatre provides theater training and performance experiences for adults with developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities, providing them authentic opportunities to develop artistry, demonstrate courage and collaboration, experience joy and participate in the sharing of musical theater with the entire community. Free. See website for times. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

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The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “The Hello Girls,” a jazzy new musical about the unsung heroines of World War I — bilingual telephone operators who, after volunteering for the front lines to help turn the tide, returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-2542151; phoenixtheatre.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 music of Tony Bennett with songs from the Great American Songbook, Broadway and the biggest pop hits of Bennett’s most famous collaborators. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 7–16

DISNEY’S FROZEN, JR. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre will present its youth production of “Disney’s Frozen,” a stage adaptation of the popular animated feature film. 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

Jan. 8

COLDWATER CAVE ADVENTURE The Holland Center will welcome Ron and Nicolette Bonnstetter for a virtual presentation of their exploration of Iowa’s longest and most spectacular cave. $10. 1 p.m. RSVP. hollandcenter.org

Jan. 8

LUSH AND LOW-WATER LANDSCAPES Carefree Desert Gardens will welcome long-time southwest gardener Dr. Jacqueline Soule for a seminar during which she will highlight more than 30 pollinator-friendly, homeowners association-approved plants that can be grown in our landscapes. $5+. 9:30 a.m. Carefree Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy St., Carefree. 480-488-3686.

Jan. 8

RUN THE DISTRICT 5K Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation will host a run/ walk featuring live music, food, drinks, vendors and lots of fun. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization, which supports the mission of the Cave Creek Unified School District. $20. 8 a.m. Cactus Shadows Football Stadium, 5802 E. Dove Valley Road, Cave Creek. ccuef.org/run-the-district-5k

Jan. 8 and 9

CELEBRATE HIP HOP Musical Instrument Museum will break into the new year with a weekend-long event featuring dance workshops and musical performances. $20; youth discounts available. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix. 480-478-6000; mim.org

Jan. 10

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 60s rock ‘n’ roll, doowop and rhythm and blues. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Jan. 10–Feb. 28

ANTHROBITES SERIES The Holland Center will welcome cultural anthropologist and artist Jan Downey for a virtual series that will examine the cultural lifeways of humans with whom we share the world. $175. 10 a.m. Mondays. hollandcenter.org

Jan. 11

AMERICAN PRIDE The Holland Center will welcome Jim Sherbert for a lecture that will examine some of the United States’ most prideful features and discuss what drives the American ethos. $10. 4 p.m. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B, Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Jan. 11

GET LIT BOOK CLUB Desert Foothills Library will host a happy hour book club featuring Stephen Davis’ “Gold Dust Woman: A Biography of Stevie Nicks.” Free. 5 p.m. RSVP. The Creek Patio Grill, 28244 N. Tatum Blvd., Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Jan. 13 and 25

LIBRARY BOOK CLUB Desert Foothills Library will host a virtual book club featuring Carol Orange’s “The Discerning Eye.” Free. 10 a.m. RSVP. dfla.org

Jan. 14–16 Jan. 12

LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR REDUCED MAINTENANCE Carefree Desert Gardens will welcome horticulturist Noelle Johnson for a seminar during which she will highlight how to avoid and fix those areas in a garden that take a lot of work thereby resulting in a beautiful outdoor space with less maintenance. $5+. 9:30 a.m. Carefree Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy St., Carefree. 480-488-3686.

WINTER CAREFREE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL Thunderbird Artists will host its 29th annual event that will bring together more than 150 juried fine artists, musicians, wineries, distilleries and more. Ceramicist Sumati Colpitts has been selected as the featured artist for the event while musicians will include violinist Teresa Joy, Chapman Stick player Bob Culbertson, guitarist Chuck Hall and flutists Henry Molder and Vibhas Kendzia. $3. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Downtown Carefree, 101 Easy Street, Carefree. thunderbirdartists.com

Jan. 15

DOUBLE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY Desert Foothills Library will welcome UC Berkley economics professor Harold Wong for a presentation on how to double the income from banks, bonds and stock dividends and reduce taxes on either current wages or

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retirement income. Free. 10:30 a.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480488-2286; dfla.org

Jan. 15–April 9

RADICAL HAPPINESS The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts will host an exhibition from Tucson-based artist Lex Gjurasic, featuring a collection of mixed media works that incorporate a wide breadth of unconventional materials — such as sample house paint, mortar and Styrofoam. The artist developed the series while quarantining at home during the pandemic to relieve the anxieties and uncertainties of living in a country ravaged by COVID-19. Free. The Gallery at Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. visiongallery.org

Jan. 20

CAREFREE ART NIGHT Explore fine art in the breathtaking shadows of Black Mountain. Courtesy shuttles will be available to transport guests to participating art galleries around Carefree during an event that includes live music, refreshments and, of course, lots of fine art — including your next masterpiece. Free. 4–7 p.m. See website for participating galleries. visitcarefree.com

Jan. 21

THE BEATLES: THE SOLO YEARS Desert Foothills Library will welcome 60s rock historian, Beatles scholar and storyteller Vinnie Bruno for a lecture about the highlights of the solo post-Beatles careers of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Free. 10 a.m. RSVP. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; dfla.org

Jan. 21–Feb. 20 GYPSY

Arizona Broadway Theatre will present its production of “Gypsy,” a musical that tells the story of the dreams and efforts of one hungry, powerhouse of a woman to get her two daughters into show business. See website for price and times. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. 623-776-8400; azbroadway.org

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Jan. 27

INTRODUCTION TO PASTEL The Holland Center will welcome Beverly CarlsonBradshaw for a class during which attendees will learn about pastels, mark-making, values, atmosphere and the differences in general painting. $50. 10 a.m. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B, Scottsdale. 480488-1090; hollandcenter.org

Jan. 27–29

ME, MYSELF AND SHIRLEY Laverne and Shirley star Cindy Williams will share memories of her career and hilarious backstage tales from her lifetime in entertainment during a one-woman show that chronicles the stories, the secrets, the embarrassing moments and the highs and lows of her life in Hollywood. $30+. See website for times. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. memyselfandshirley.com

Jan. 28

BERNADETTE PETERS CONCERT Celebrated star of stage and screen Bernadette Peters will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to perform an evening of songs from the Broadway shows for which she has received accolades as well as from her Grammy Award-winning and nominated albums. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Jan. 28–30

ARIZONA BALLOON CLASSIC

Jan. 20

MAURA ALLEN Meet artist Maura Allen and discover her remarkably beautiful documentations of the American West that draw upon the continuum of its past and present. Like opening a forgotten trunk full of memories in an old attic, each of Allen’s works is full of intimate surprises. Extra inventory will be on-hand, including special oneof-a-kind pieces. Free. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, #7, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

Arizona Events Group will host its 11th annual Arizona Balloon Classic. $18+; youth, active-duty military, first responder, veteran and senior discounts available. Friday 4–8 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday 7–10 a.m. Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. abcfest.com

Jan. 28–Feb. 13 GREASE

Fountain Hills Theater will present its production of “Grease,” based on the classic film about two lovers who, after a whirlwind summer romance, are unexpectedly reunited. See website for price and times. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org

Jan. 31

SERGIO MENDES CONCERT Legendary Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest. $49+. 7:30

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p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 1–April 15

VITA TAX PROGRAM IRS-certified volunteers will provide basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Free. Tuesdays and Thursdays. By appointment only. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2286; mastersofcoin.org

Feb. 2–April 3

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN The Phoenix Theatre Company will present its production of “Singin’ in the Rain,” a stage adaptation of one of the most popular movie musicals of all time. See website for price and times. The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151; phoenixtheatre.com

Feb. 4

STEVE TYRELL CONCERT Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest for a concert of reinvented and repopularized classic standards for a modern audience. $49+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 4–13

BONNIE AND CLYDE Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre will present its teen production of “Bonnie and Clyde,” which tells the story of the iconic criminal couple. See website for price and times. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586, Scottsdale. 480-4831664; desertstages.org

Feb. 4–20

A SOLDIER’S PLAY Black Theatre Troupe will present its production of “A Soldier’s Play,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama that examines and evaluates the causes of oppression of African Americans and the obstacles to their advancement by realistically describing the complex social issues and systemic racism in the U.S. Army during World War II. See website for price and times. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. blacktheatretroupe.org

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COMMUNITY January 2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Feb. 5

LUCY LOVES DESI Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts will welcome L.A. Theatre Works for its unique radio-style production of “Lucy Loves Desi: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sitcom,” which tells the tale of how the pioneering TV sitcom came to be with as much heart and humor as an episode of “I Love Lucy” itself. See website for price. 8 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Feb. 7

A STAR IS BORN: THE CONCERT A trio of the best voices from Broadway and cabaret will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to celebrate the music from all three film versions of “A Star is Born” while also paying tribute to other classic films about emerging stars. $35+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

Feb. 11–13 FAIR GAME

Desert Foothills Theater will present its production of “Fair Game,” an original musical about fake news written by local playwright Andrea Markowitz. $25; youth discounts available. See website for times. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1981; dftheater.org

Feb. 12 and 13 Jan. 20

SUE KRZYSTON

Meet artist Sue Krzyston and discover her aweinspiring, ultra-realistic oil paintings of Southwestern and Native American artifacts that she has collected over the years. Free. 4–7 p.m. Sue Bickerdyke Interiors, 36889 N. Tom Darlington Drive, Carefree. 480-5950171; suebickerdyke.com

LOVE FROM SEA TO SEA Arizona Masterworks Chorale will perform a concert filled with romantic and dreamy selections to experience with your loved ones. $15+. Saturday 7:30 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Sunday 3 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley. arizonamasterworks.com

Feb. 13

SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC CONCERT Scottsdale Philharmonic will perform a concert of classical music. $15. 4 p.m. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 480-499-8587, scottsdalephilharmonic.com

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Feb. 14

MUSIC CITY HIT-MAKERS CONCERT Several Grammy and American Country Music awardwinning songwriters who have composed hit tunes for Nashville’s biggest stars will take the stage as part of Arizona Musicfest to perform a concert of classic and contemporary country favorites while telling entertaining, personal stories of the music-making and personalities of Nashville’s famed Music Row. $35+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. azmusicfest.org

ART MUSEUM ANNOUNCES AWARDS Phoenix Art Museum recently named Sama Alshaibi as the recipient of the 2021 Arlene and Morton Scult Artist Award. The museum also named Gloria MartinezGranados, Chris Vena, Sam Frésquez and Merryn Omotayo Alaka as the recipients of the inaugural Sally and Richard Lehmann Emerging Artist Awards. Each artist will receive funding to support the creation of new work, which will premiere in solo and group exhibitions at Phoenix Art Museum this fall. phxart.org

MUSEUM ACQUIRES RASHID JOHNSON DRAWING Phoenix Art Museum has acquired “Untitled Anxious Bruise Drawing” by critically acclaimed New York-based artist Rashid Johnson. The work is the latest purchased by the museum with funds from the Dawn and David Lenhardt Contemporary Art Initiative and furthers its mission to diversify its contemporary art holdings. Johnson is internationally renowned for his abstract and evocative installations, two- and three-dimensional objects, videos and performances that explore themes of social history, art history, philosophy and his own autobiography. $23; youth, student and senior discounts available. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phxart.org

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January

2022

Steve Tyrell Musical Renaissance Man Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell’s Feb. 4 for a concert at Highlands Church is among 30 performances that are part of Arizona Musicfest’s 31st season, which runs through April.

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

If one were to make a movie about Grammy Awardwinning vocalist Steve Tyrell’s upbringing, it would be set to a soundtrack of rhythm and blues standards and selections from the Great American Songbook. “My family had a grocery store in Houston, Texas, with a house in the back in the Black neighborhood of the Fifth Ward,” says Tyrell, who will be taking the stage Feb. 4 for a concert at Highlands Church. “We loved the music of Frank Sinatra but we also loved the music of Nat King Cole and Louis Jordan. All of that stuff was in my consciousness from the day I could hear.” Tyrell even named his first dog Ba-Ba-Re-Bop after Jordan’s hit tune.

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“I was three years old and that was the name I chose for my dog,” he says. “That should show you right there. I love that music and I have tremendous respect for it.” Tyrell’s concert is among 30 performances that are part of Arizona Musicfest’s 31st season, which runs through April. Ticket sales from the concerts that the nonprofit organization produces benefit a variety of music education programs throughout the Valley. These programs, which are provided at no charge to area schools, include Musicfest Strings, Musicfest Mariachi, Musicfest Winds, Musicfest Strummers, Music and Sound/ Found and Around, Musicfest Jazz and The Music of Arizona — the organization’s signature multicultural program.

Meanwhile, Musicfest’s Young Musicians Competitions, Young Musicians Performance Series and the Musicfest College Scholarship Program serve the finest young musicians in the Valley, while Music Alive! — a unique lifelong learning and creative aging series — features dynamic programs for the community’s older adults.

CLASSIC AND CONTEMPORARY Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director Allan Naplan — who has been a fan of Tyrell since his breakthrough performances in the 1991 major motion picture “Father of the Bride” and its 1995 sequel, including “The Way You Look Tonight” — is thrilled to be able to bring the musician to the Valley. “He just has this immediately recognizable voice,” Naplan says. “There is a really easily identifiable sound to his voice and his phrasing. And he has brought so much life to many Great American Songbook tunes, which are so beloved.” As an artist, all nine of Tyrell’s American standards albums have achieved top-five status on Billboard’s jazz charts. Meanwhile, his work in the studio as a record producer has included collaborations with such diverse and legendary artists as Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Linda Ronstadt, Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt, Blood Sweat and Tears, Mary J. Blige, Chris Botti, Dave Koz, Dolly Parton, Smokey Robinson, Burt Bacharach, Bette Midler and Stevie Wonder — among many others. “He has been a champion of the classic Great American Songbook as well as more contemporary songs that have now emerged as sort of legendary pieces of the American song canon. Steve not only celebrates music but is deeply connected with so many of these great American artists. He is frequently referred to as a renaissance man and I think that is absolutely appropriate because, throughout his career, he has been on both sides of the microphone with some of the greatest artists of our time.”

MELODY AND MUSICALITY Much of Tyrell’s concert will consist of music from the Great American Songbook. Naplan says that the catalog of tunes is something that Arizona Musicfest tries to celebrate each year. “There is not a season that goes by where at least one — if not more — of our concerts feature some of these great tunes, whether they are from George Gershwin,

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My career has always been in appreciation of the Great American Songbook and the music that has come before me and has influenced me. It is up to us to keep that music alive. Steve Tyrell

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As an artist, all nine of Steve Tyrell’s American standards albums have achieved top-five status on Billboard’s jazz charts. Meanwhile, his work in the studio as a record producer has included collaborations with a variety of diverse and legendary artists.

Cole Porter or musical theater. These are wonderfully iconic songs.” Tyrell, of course, agrees. “I am very much in love with the history of American music,” he explains. “I have made 13 albums to that regard. My career has always been in appreciation of the Great American Songbook and the music that has come before me and has influenced me. It is up to us to keep that music alive. So I have tried to do just that.” Tyrell will also perform some songs by Ray Charles — a more contemporary artist whose music he is championing as being among the next set of Great American Songbook repertoire. “When I started singing in high school, I was the most influenced by Ray Charles' music,” Tyrell says. “Ray Charles put his own spin on everything he did and made it soulful. I had always wanted to do an album that was a tribute to Ray. So I did and I am very proud of it.” Other more contemporary artists that Tyrell believes are among the next set of Great American Songbook repertoire include The Eagles and Bruno Mars. “Most of the artists who really made the biggest impression on me were people who had a little bit of blues in their presentations,” Tyrell says. “I love Bruno Mars. I think that guy is fantastic. As a modern artist, he is as good as you want to be. And he is unique. I wish there was more melody and musicality in modern music.”

TIMELY AND TIMELESS Arizona Musicfest’s 31st season will see a number of other amazing musicians hit the stage for concerts throughout this winter and spring,

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Legendary Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendez Jan. 31 will transform the stage at Highlands Church into a Carnaval of some of his greatest hits.

Top-selling recording artist, singer, songwriter and actor Chris Mann will celebrate the Tony Bennett songbook Jan. 7 at Highlands Church.

Broadway star Bernadette Peters will perform April 23 at Highlands Church.

Saxophonist Kenny G will perform Feb. 19 at Highlands Church. Legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka will perform Feb. 14 and 16 at Highlands Church.

beginning with an exceptionally timely one on Jan. 7 as top-selling recording artist, singer, songwriter and actor Chris Mann celebrates the Tony Bennett songbook. Last fall, Bennett announced that, after eight decades on stage and in clubs, he would be formally retiring from performing at the age of 95. Therefore, a performance filled with some of his greatest hits is something that Naplan believes is especially poignant right now.

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“Unfortunately, these days we now can no longer hear Tony Bennett live,” Naplan says. “So I think that it is a pretty great substitute to hear Chris Mann, who is a wonderful artist, interpret the music of Tony Bennett and we are very excited to open our winter season with that concert.” Mann — who has received popular acclaim from his portrayal as the title character in “The Phantom of the Opera,” his popular PBS specials, appearances on NBC’s

Steve Tyrell Friday, Feb. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Highlands Church | 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale | $49+

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“The Voice” and his entertaining musical parody videos — will be joined by the 17-piece Arizona Musicfest Big Band for the performance, which, like Tyrell’s concert, will take place at Highlands Church. “Then, on Jan. 31, we are thrilled to present legendary Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendez,” Naplan adds. “He was responsible for bringing Brazilian music into mainstream American pop culture. [That genre] is still going strong and that is truly all because of this one man and what he created with his group, Brasil ‘66.” With a timeless career spanning five decades, the producer, composer, keyboardist and vocalist will transform the stage at Highlands Church into a Carnaval of some of his greatest hits, which have made him one of the most internationally successful Brazilian artists of all time. Naplan is also proud to be able to present a number of major celebrities this season — such as superstar saxophonist Kenny G on Feb. 19, legendary singer-songwriter Paul Anka on Feb. 14 and 16 and Broadway star Bernadette Peters on April 23. “On the classical side, we are always thrilled to welcome back our Festival Orchestra, which features some of the greatest orchestral musicians in the nation,” Naplan says. “They are coming to us from the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony. And, for one week [Feb. 20–27], our audiences get to hear the best of the best performing as a unique ensemble that can only be heard in North Scottsdale.” arizonamusicfest.org Facebook: @arizona.musicfest imagesar izona.c om

January

2022

Phoenix Camera Club Freezing Time for 90 Years

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Mark Laverman

It may be difficult to imagine it now, but there was a time when the ability to take a fantastic photograph was reserved for only the most elite members of society. And before that, the concept of being able to capture a visual memory that one could share with others and cherish through generations was merely the subject of science fiction. In 1827, French inventor Nicéphore Niépce used a sheet of metal with a film of chemicals spread on it to create “View from the Window at Le Gras” — a heliographic image that is believed to be the oldest surviving photograph in the world. It took Niépce eight hours to record the image, which depicts parts of the buildings and surrounding countryside of the inventor’s SaintLoup-de-Varennes estate, as seen from a high window.

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Over the next century, photography developed — pun intended — to the point at which cameras were widely available in a variety of forms... for those who could afford them. In 1932, Floyd Getsinger founded Phoenix Pictorialists, a group of 30 people who shared an appreciation for the beauty of Arizona and the art form of photography. Fifteen years later, the club was officially renamed Phoenix Camera Club. Despite major advancements in technology over the years, one thing has not changed for the club, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

“It is still a group of like-minded people who appreciate the beauty of Arizona and other places around the world, want to explore them and enjoy sharing their photography with others,” says Mark Laverman, current president of Phoenix Camera Club.

35 MILLIMETERS, INFINITE MEMORIES Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Laverman spent much of his childhood in suburban Chicago, Illinois. He discovered a passion for photography during second grade, at which time he began attending camera club meetings with his father. “He was a dad who did not worry about me using his camera equipment,” Laverman says. “So even when I was a little kid, he let me use his 35-millimeter camera — which was quite exotic back in the 70s.” Surrounded by forest preserves, Laverman began exploring and photographing nature. He quickly fell in love with the hobby and art form. He even joined his high school’s yearbook club and eventually got to travel, camera in-hand, while in college. Laverman’s parents moved to Arizona in 1985, which introduced him to the state’s photogenic beauty. “I was like a kid in a candy shop,” he says. “I fell in love with Arizona. Being someone who loves nature and the outdoors, I could not believe all of the diversity in this state and how much there was to see and do.” Laverman moved to Arizona full-time in 1988. One decade later, he attended an informal meeting of photographers and met a gentleman who suggested he look into joining Phoenix Camera Club. He did and, eventually, became its president. In fact, Laverman even raised his two sons through the club — just as his father did before him. “I gave them cameras when they were 9 and 11,” Laverman says. “They joined the club and started competing and printing. My oldest son ended up finding a love for film more than still photography and ended up getting into University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.”

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Phoenix Camera Club members gather for a September 1959 field trip. Phoenix Camera Club members visit the Grand Canyon as part of a winter 1966 field trip.

Phoenix Camera Club members enjoy a Memorial Day outing in San Diego in May 1966.

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There is so much diversity in this state. This is just a way to get out, explore and celebrate that. Mark Laverman

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ADJUSTING FOCUS Laverman cannot imagine what it must has been like for Phoenix Camera Club’s founding members nine decades ago when cameras were considered to be an exotic technology and Arizona’s population was just 426,000 — a far cry from the more than 7 million people who call the state home today. The Phoenix Camera Club president says that much has changed with respect to the medium of photography over even the last 20 years. “Once you clicked the shutter, that was it,” Laverman says. “You could not do any Photoshop work. You could not change the color. You could not brighten the image. You had to make sure that you chose the right exposure, film and filters to get the effect that you wanted. Now, about 50% of the work is done after you click the shutter. All of your postprocessing work is where you start to get more creative.” Of course, printers were also far less common than they are today so the majority of photographers — at least those without their own darkrooms — would have to pay a lab in order to produce their prints. Now, prints are available at the push of a button, much to the delight of photography enthusiasts like those in Phoenix Camera Club. “Experience level varies,” says Laverman, noting that the organization welcomes beginning to advanced photographers, individuals of all ages and people from countless geographical locations. “One of the biggest benefits of our club is just getting to interact with and learn from other photographers.”

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Monthly meetings consist of a program and competition. Programs cover a variety of photographyrelated subjects — everything from architectural photography, underwater photography and bird photography to the psychology of photography, printing techniques and even travelogues. Competition is held with both print and projected images, with several categories for each. A different theme is selected each month and there are separate competition classes for beginners and advanced photographers. Phoenix Camera Club members also embark on monthly field trips to a variety of locations around Arizona — everywhere from Tempe Town Lake to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and, of course, Sedona. The organization also occasionally hosts out-of-state field trips to places like Montana’s Glacier National Park and the Palouse area of eastern Washington.

PHOTO FINISH Laverman believes that the glue that has held Phoenix Camera Club together for the past 90 years is the members’ common love for the beauty of Arizona. “There is so much diversity in this state,” he explains. “This is just a way to get out, explore and celebrate that. I especially enjoy the camaraderie and the richness of the discussions. I also enjoy the competition. I learn so much from them.” Laverman adds that having one’s work judged by others helps a photographer hone his or her skills and increase their ability to produce an impactful image with great

composition, color and lighting, especially in an age when we are all inundated with an infinite number of images each day on the internet and social media — things that were relatively new just 20 years ago and unfathomable nine decades ago.

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Therefore, it will be interesting to see what the next 90 years have in store for the medium. “I think that the most obvious thing that is going to happen is that smartphone photography will overtake camera photography,” Laverman theorizes. “They always say that the best camera is the one that you have with you. Smartphones are getting so incredibly good and have all of these algorithms built into them to instantaneously make images look fantastic.” The Phoenix Camera Club president believes that is ultimately a wonderful thing as the sheer number of photographers will increase. Moreover, it will force photographers to become more creative to remain competitive. “The biggest change has been the accessibility of equipment so that anybody can take a great picture,” he explains. “So it is less the equipment and more the creativity of the photographer that differentiates people. If the technology is more of a level playing field, then it comes down to who went to the right place at the right time, got the right angle and did something really clever with the image in general versus who had a $10,000 camera setup.”

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2022

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Scottsdale Philharmonic

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Ten years ago, Joy Patridge and Carl R. Reiter decided to jointly branch out from the small community orchestra with which they had been performing and create something significant for the city of Scottsdale and its surrounding communities — a professional symphony orchestra that would be committed to providing free concerts to anyone and everyone who wanted to attend. Partridge, a certified public accountant, handled the administrative and business side of things while Reiter, a professional musician and teacher, took care of the creative side — especially the music. “So, in 2012, we formed the nonprofit and founded Scottsdale Philharmonic,” Partridge says. “We performed our first concert in October of 2012 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and played for an audience of more than 550 people. It was thrilling.” The incredible interest from the community astounded Partridge, Scottsdale Philharmonic’s board president and CEO, as she had been repeatedly told that people were “just not into classical music.” As if the attendance for the group’s first concert did not already prove naysayers wrong, its second concert blew their hypothesis right out of the water — and then some. “We had to turn away 300 people,” says Partridge, noting Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts seats 853 audience members. “I felt so bad out there turning people away but it was a packed house. That is when Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts told us that they could not handle that kind of activity. We were told that we had almost created a fire hazard.” Remaining steadfast in its commitment to provide concerts free of charge, Scottsdale Philharmonic turned to churches that could safely accommodate its audience, which usually consisted of 1,200–1,800 people. “My greatest pride was when we had 2,400 people show up to our [concert featuring] Beethoven's Ninth Symphony,” says Partridge, noting the performance included 100 choral singers, four soloists and a full orchestra. “It was a packed house. We just knew that this was our calling.”

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Scottsdale Philharmonic resident conductor John Massaro

Scottsdale Philharmonic guest conductor Dmitry Polyakov

Scottsdale Philharmonic board president, CEO and co-founder Joy Patridge has been playing the violin since she was 13 years old.

Despite a few bumps in the road — namely the COVID-19 pandemic — Scottsdale Philharmonic has become one of the city’s greatest sources of pride over the past decade. Celebrating its 10th anniversary season, the nonprofit organization has now officially partnered with Scottsdale Arts, ensuring its sustainability and success for years

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to come. Part of that partnership sees the symphony orchestra’s concerts return to Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts — with one caveat. “We are now requiring a $15 donation — which is the absolute bare minimum we could charge — because everyone needs to have an assigned seat,” says Patridge, noting that the new ticketing model prevents the group

Scottsdale Philharmonic cellist Charlie Bullen, center, visits with young audience members after a concert.

from running into overflow issues again while further ensuring its longevity. However, Scottsdale Philharmonic has still not given up on its initial mission to provide free concerts to all members of the community. After all, its vision is “to enhance the cultural environment of the city of Scottsdale with an orchestra of professional musicians where everyone can attend classical symphony concerts.” A complimentary livestream of each concert is available on the group’s website and Facebook page the evening of each performance. So although in-person attendance is limited, virtual attendance is potentially infinite as the symphony orchestra’s concerts can now be experienced by audiences around the world — far beyond just Scottsdale and its surrounding communities. That is a dream come true for Patridge, who has been playing the violin since she was 13 years old.

Likewise, Partridge’s Scottsdale Philharmonic co-founder Reiter — the group’s music director and trustee — enjoyed his first professional engagement as a violinist and violist at the age of 11. “All of the musicians play for us for free because they love the performance of these great masterpieces,” Partridge says. “And they are all magnificent.” Partridge adds that Scottsdale Philharmonic is often looking for new musicians and says that those who believe that they are at a professional performance level can contact Reiter to inquire about joining the symphony orchestra via the group’s website. She also encourages community members who are interested in becoming benefactors or active members of the nonprofit organization’s working board to reach out to her.

have believed in us,” Patridge says. “And we have always been very active, very consistent and very professional.” Scottsdale Philharmonic’s relationship with Scottsdale Arts will only cement that activity, consistency and professionalism. “It is a very expensive proposition to put together something like this,” says Partridge, noting that she has witnessed many other performing arts organizations struggle. “But we think that we have found the formula. “I just feel that Scottsdale deserves a symphony. Scottsdale is a sophisticated city and I think that it should always have a symphony. I believe that we are a fantastic art form for this city.” scottsdalephilharmonic.com Facebook: @scottsdalephilharmonic

“We have done fairly well over the past 10 years because a lot of people

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography Courtesy of Phoenix Camera Club

For this month’s photo essay, Images Arizona invited members of Phoenix Camera Club — a collective of photography enthusiasts that has been in existence since 1932 — to share some of their favorite photographs that unequivocally illustrate that there is no place like Arizona in winter. Charles Ophardt, one of Phoenix Camera Club’s members, says that the fluffy flurries that fall from the sky and blanket portions of our Arizona landscape in white each winter pose a very unique challenge for photographers. “Snow is a hard subject to master,” Ophardt says. “The camera wants to turn it gray unless you use a little bit of positive exposure compensation.” Nonetheless, with the proper adjustments, one reaps the rewards of a winter wonderland that is unlike any other in the world. Phoenix Camera Club president Mark Laverman says that there really is nothing quite as dramatic as a fresh blanket of snow on the red rock layers of the Grand Canyon. “Arizona snows only seem to last for a fleeting moment,” Laverman adds. “The best time to photograph a snowy landscape is the morning after it snows so you really have to be driving up in the snowstorm to get the best shots.” For those like Phoenix Camera Club member Tom Foley, who has always lived in warmer climates where snow is scarce, its miraculousness is quite obvious. “Snow has always been special and fun for me — whether it involves a snowball fight, downhill skiing or photography,” Foley says. “The purity of fresh snow contrasts with the red rocks of Arizona in a beautiful and magical manner, thus my favorite locations for capturing snow are Monument Valley, Grand Canyon and Sedona.”

Tom Foley

Without a doubt, Arizonans appreciate snow more than those who live in regions where it is more common. For example, Phoenix Camera Club member David Williams grew up in Utah and always saw snow as “just a part of life.” But, as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder — and even they change their opinion about snow upon seeing it against our gorgeous landscape. “When I moved to Arizona six years ago, I missed the snow and instantly began frequenting the high mountain deserts,” Williams says. “It was only then that I began to understand the true beauty of the desert. Whether it is a light dusting of snow or a heavy storm, the place to be when a snowstorm breaks is in the Arizona desert.” imagesar izona.c om

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Capturing lots of snow in Prescott — especially at Watson Lake and the Prescott courthouse — is sometimes a rare opportunity. But when it happens, it is magical! Kay Cross

Cliff Cross

Charles Ophardt

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Tom Foley

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Lou Romain

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While iconic Arizona landmarks are beautiful year-round, the winter snow brings the landscape to another level. There is nothing quite like a blanket of fresh, pristine snow on red rocks to make for stunning views. Jim Warthman

Charles Ophardt

David Williams

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A cold, snowy day at the beautiful Grand Canyon is quite an inspiration to capture all of the different views. I really enjoyed spending time trying to photograph the memories I was feeling. Cliff Cross Jim Warthman

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Kay Cross

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About the Photographers Rusty 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. Cliff Cross enjoys photographing nature and landscapes to share his passion with his family and friends. Participating in camera clubs provide him with another venue to learn and share his work. His wife Kay Cross enjoys the art of capturing fleeting moments of any and all subjects to create fond memories. Tom Foley is a retired math and computer science professor whose research involved computer-aided 3D geometric modeling, which has a major impact on his photography. He views landscapes, cityscapes and astrophotography as 3D geometry problems that seek a balance of shapes, locations and light. Mark Laverman photographs widely in the Southwest as well as in many international locations. He specializes in nature, travel and adventure photography and is the president of Phoenix Camera Club. Charles Ophardt is a lifelong photographer with varied interests in subject matter and attempts to master developing techniques for realistic rendering. His philosophy is to take memorable photos mostly for his own enjoyment to remember the sights and his feelings of places visited as he reviews them at later dates. Lou Romain simply enjoys capturing the many beautiful sights of the world in which we live through travel — especially of Northern Arizona. Sharing his images with others allows him to reap a double inner pleasure. Jim Warthman enjoys photographing Arizona’s diversity. Sharing his images, he aspires to enlighten others to the great variety that the state has to offer. David Williams believes that life is a beautiful friction; we are surrounded with natural beauty surpassing the imagination, yet juxtaposed against our hectic and busy lives. Through his imagery, he hopes to inspire others to see the beauty that was meant to inspire, motivate and heal us. phoenixcameraclub.org Facebook: @phoenixcameraclub Instagram: @phoenixcameraclub imagesar izona.c om

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Artist Sue Krzyston believes that the Southwestern and Native American artifacts featured in her ultra-realistic oil paintings represent the soul of the people who created them. “I strive to capture that feeling on canvas by using the nuance and essence of an object and utilize the effects of light and shadow to depict the beautiful and varied textures of each item that I select for my compositions,” Krzyston explains. “Light is so important in making the artifacts relate to each other. I try to make the inanimate objects come alive in the glowing warmth of the light.” Krzyston’s journey as an artist began in 1981, shortly after she quit her career selling furniture. “I decided, as a hobby, to start to oil paint,” Krzyston says. “I took a painting class at an adult center and learned how to mix oil paints. I did that for just a few lessons.” She then began to develop her own painting techniques by way of reading books, visiting museums and browsing art galleries — honing her talent every step of the way. “When I first started painting, I was doing landscapes and some portraits,” Krzyston says. “Then my husband and I purchased a new home with many empty walls. My husband said that we needed paintings for those walls. Since I had started collecting Native American pottery and other Southwestern artifacts, he suggested that I try to do a painting of one of those pots.” With that, the artist had discovered her niche. A single painting of a pot grew into many others featuring the various Southwestern and Native American artifacts that Krzyston had collected over the years. “I am always inspired by the artisans whose work I collect and feel that my paintings are an art form within an art form,” she says. “I am paying homage to the beautiful craftsmanship of these artifacts by arranging them together and adding light and shadow to make them come alive and relate to one another.”

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Writer Joseph J. Airdoom // Photography by Carl Schultz imagesar izona.c January 2022

Artist Sue Krzyston believes that the Southwestern and Native American artifacts featured in her ultra-realistic oil paintings represent the soul of the people who created them.

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Krzyston starts by physically placing a few artifacts together in different configurations and compositions. “I have to be able to see them together so I know where shadows are going to happen,” she explains. “I spend a long time doing that because, for me, the composition is very important. The eye flows through the composition. So I will spend a long time with the various items and keep changing the compositions, angles and lighting and tweaking the arrangements.” Sometimes, Krzyston adds a few peppers or berries to the scene in order to introduce a pop of color or add a bit of life to the composition. “And I will keep photographing all the while,” she adds. “That way, I can look back at the photographs on my computer to see which angle best suits the composition and best makes the items relate to one another.” From there, Krzyston begins painting, using many thin glazes of paint to achieve the rich glow of an object. The artist builds paint in many layers in the highly realistic beads that she paints on the moccasins so that they actually appear to be real beads. “When people look at my paintings, they generally remark about the light that I capture,” she says. “That helps to give a very three-dimensional appearance to my paintings so that you can almost feel all of the different textures.” In fact, one might even say that, because of the artist’s uniquely

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From Hand and Heart

self-taught technique, Krzyston’s paintings look more realistic than a high-resolution photograph or even the physical artifacts themselves. Light and shadow truthfully reveal the individual fibers of a fuzzy blanket, reflect the delicate details of every glistening piece of pottery and bounce off each intricately painted moccasin bead. “I admire the paintings of Dutch masters like Johannes Vermeer,” Krzyston says. “They have very deep, dark-toned backgrounds. Then, out of the shadows, are these wonderful,

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light-filled foregrounds. I try to incorporate that look with my art to give the Southwestern and Native American artifacts that same type of feel.” Always on the lookout for new artifacts that speak to her artist sensibilities, Krzyston does not dwell on meanings or patterns and instead just appreciates each item for its intrinsic beauty, craftsmanship and workmanship. And she hopes that her paintings reflect that while truly touching those who view them.

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Sue Krzyston uses many thin glazes of paint to achieve the rich glow of an object. The artist builds paint in many layers in the highly realistic beads that she paints on the moccasins so that they actually appear to be real beads.

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Light and shadow truthfully reveal the individual fibers of a fuzzy blanket, reflect the delicate details of every glistening piece of pottery and bounce off each intricately painted moccasin bead.

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Always on the lookout for new artifacts that speak to her artist sensibilities, Sue Krzyston does not dwell on meanings or patterns and instead just appreciates each item for its intrinsic beauty, craftsmanship and workmanship.

“The greatest thrill for me as an artist is to have someone look at something that I painted and be able to relate to what I thought about in my head and felt as I tried to capture that on canvas,” she says. “It is incredible when someone can understand what I am trying to say and feel what I am trying to convey with what I put on canvas.” Krzyston will be a featured guest artist at Sue Bickerdyke Interiors — where her awe-inspiring work is on display and available for purchase — during Carefree’s January art night. Owner Sue Bickerdyke says that it is a pleasure to represent Krzyston’s amazing fine art at her home furnishings and art gallery. “The realism of the beads on the moccasins and pouches is my favorite of her work,” Bickerdyke says. “You can visually see and feel the various textures from the bright beads and the rough leather to the cool pottery and the warmth of the Navajo rugs. Shadows come to life under different light sources giving you a chance to enjoy a different level of the details. This art invokes all of your senses.” suebikerdyke.com

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Southwestern Winter Wonderland ARIZONA SNOWBOWL

Having lived in Arizona my entire life, some of my fondest memories are of the few times I have been fortunate enough to witness winter snow. There are the vague recollections of my childhood swingset covered in a blanket of white; the year I was celebrating New Year’s Eve at a Phoenix nightclub with friends and looked outside to see flurries at the exact moment the clock stuck Midnight; and the time when just enough snow fell overnight for me to build a small snowman friend for my pet duck — whose name, coincidentally, is Frozen. I have traveled to the more snowy northern areas of our state many times over the years, first with family to sled down small hills and later with friends to snowboard

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Writer Joseph J. Airdo

down much larger ones. I will never forget my first time learning to snowboard at Arizona Snowbowl and how happy I was despite falling down an embarrassingly high number of times. Since then, I have tried to return each year with friends and am proud to say that I have even braved a few black-diamond runs. Make no mistake, I still fall down — a lot. But playing in the snow is so much fun that I do not mind a few temporary aches and bruises. Nor did I mind when a blizzard knocked out power at Arizona Snowbowl and the majority of Flagstaff, for I was grateful to be experiencing the Southwestern winter wonderland that is Arizona covered in snow.

If you are simply looking for some snowy sightseeing opportunities, Kendrick Watchable Wildlife Trail, Peak View Winter Recreation Area and Walker Lake — all in Flagstaff — offer stunning views. If you are looking to have a snowball fight, build a snowman or go sledding, then the Oak Hill and Benham snow play areas in Williams will be the day-trip of your winter dreams. There is certainly no shortage of snow-covered areas around Arizona at which you can get away from it all, take in absolutely breathtaking views and experience all of the amazing magic that this season has to offer.

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL It is impossible to talk about winter destinations in Arizona without first mentioning Arizona Snowbowl — one of the oldest continually operating ski areas in the entire country. Founded in 1938, Arizona Snowbowl is located 14 miles north of Flagstaff on the San Francisco Peaks and on the highest mountain in Arizona — Humphreys Peak at 12,367 feet. It offers 55 trails, 2,300 lift-served vertical feet and more than 3,000 hike-to vertical feet on 777 acres with eight lifts, four terrain parks, three mountain lodges and 260 inches of average annual snowfall. Although Arizona Snowbowl may be best-known for offering the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest, it is also home to plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain, making it a favorite winter recreation spot for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and experience levels. Arizona Snowbowl 9300 N. Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff snowbowl.ski

SUNRISE PARK RESORT The other destination that often comes to mind when one thinks about winter recreation in Arizona is Sunrise Park Resort, which is located in Greer. Consisting of three mountains — Sunrise Peak, Cyclone Circle and Apache Peak — Sunrise Park Resort’s slopes spread across 1,200 acres, making it the state’s largest ski resort. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, it offers opportunities for two other winter activities that make the four-hour drive from Phoenix well worth it.

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Sunrise Park Resort offers a dedicated area for cross-country skiers to trek through the forest and across the hills. It is also home to a groomed tubing hill, which is accessed via a surface cable. The wide variety of ways that you can enjoy the snow in the area make it an obvious favorite of families this time of the year. Sunrise Park Resort 200 Highway 273, Greer sunrise.ski

FLAGSTAFF SNOW PARK Back up north again, Flagstaff Snow Park offers a similarly familyfriendly experience, featuring groomed tubing runs, a hill designated exclusively for children and even plenty of opportunities for passive snow play — like building a snowman, lying down and making a snow angel or simply sitting back and sipping hot chocolate. Speaking of hot chocolate, Flagstaff Snow Park offers a variety of food and beverage offerings in an atmosphere that is everything you had ever dreamed that winter could be. You can even roast a marshmallow or two while cozying up with your friends and family around one of its fabulous outdoor fireplaces. Located in the historic Fort Tuthill County Park at roughly 7,000 feet above sea level, the area sees an average of 100 feet of snow each season. Leave your sled at home because admission includes unlimited commercial snow tube use. Flagstaff Snow Park 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff flagstaffsnowpark.com

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ARIZONA NORDIC VILLAGE If you are a hiker at heart, then Arizona Nordic Village will most definitely be more up your alley. Billed as Northern Arizona's premier destination for outdoor recreation, rustic lodging and outdoor events, the area may very well be the best place in the state for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Located 15 miles northwest of Flagstaff in Coconino National Forest, Arizona Nordic Village offers a new challenge for Arizonans who have already mastered Camelback Mountain. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and hike through the area’s many snowy trails that promise a view of Arizona unlike any you have ever seen before. Arizona Nordic Village also offers traditional cross-country skiing — an activity that is similar to that of walking or running, but with skis on — as well as skate-skiing — a more athletic style that may come more naturally to those who love to iceskate. Lessons for both activities are available for inexperienced visitors.

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Arizona Nordic Village 16848 U.S. 180, Flagstaff arizonanordicvillage.com

HANNAGAN MEADOW RECREATION AREA Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area may be one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets, offering a winter escape away from the usual crowds of people who pack many of the other locations on this list — especially on weekends. Although all skiers will find a few groomed trails suitable to their experience level, those who are more

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Photo by Mark Laverman

There is certainly no shortage of snow-covered areas around Arizona at which you can get away from it all, take in absolutely breathtaking views and experience all of the amazing magic that this season has to offer.

experienced will greatly benefit by hiking the area’s back-country trails, which lead into upper elevations of Blue Range Primitive Area and provide some of the best remote skiing in the Southwest. You can even snow camp there. The solitude that Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area offers is unparalleled. More than 9,000 feet above sea level, Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area is also home to the historic Hannagan Meadow Lodge, where you can enjoy a guided snowmobile or snowcat tour, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, sledding and tubing before retiring to a lodge room or authentic log cabin and cast all of your cares away. Hannagan Meadow Lodge 23150 U.S. 191, Alpine hannaganmeadow.com

SKI VALLEY Did you know that you do not necessarily need to travel up north in order to experience a winter wonderland?

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A few weeks each year, Ski Valley in Mount Lemmon near Tucson opens to become the southernmost ski destination in the continental United States. Located more than 9,000 feet above sea level, Ski Valley boasts 21 runs across 200 skiable acres, affording visitors a snowy and scenic experience that is very much different than the rest of Arizona’s winter destinations. As with all locations on this list, be sure to call ahead to check conditions and verify accessibility. Too much or too little snow can spoil your fun. Most importantly, please drive carefully and remember that driving in snow and on icy roads is drastically different from driving in more conventionally Arizona weather conditions. Ski Valley 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon skithelemmon.com

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Writer Shannon Severson Photography by Carl Shultz Food Photography Provided by Wandering Donkey

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The birth of the Wandering Donkey food truck seems not so long ago for Lance and Beth Smith. Although Lance’s roots began successfully in the corporate world more than three decades ago, his passion for food began as a very young man. Preparing meals — sometimes extravagant ones — for large groups of family and friends brought him great joy and satisfaction. At the age of 20, his culinary skills were elevated significantly while traveling through Mexico and working under the tutelage of renowned French chef Jacques Fontaine, a graduate of the world-famous Cordon Bleu in Paris in 1948. An avid Food Network enthusiast, a certain show caught Lance’s eye, prompting him to leave the corporate world. It changed the life trajectory for him and his wife, Beth. Over the last 10 years, they’ve navigated turning one successful food truck into four. From there, Epic Catering Concepts was launched in 2017. This past July, they established a McDowell Mountain and DC Ranch brick-and-mortar restaurant — Wandering Donkey Taqueria and Tequila Bar. The establishment — which boasts a 2,000 square foot outdoor patio, is dog-friendly and has a fire pit ready for the cooler months — is quickly becoming a popular neighborhood gathering place for people and pups.

FOOD TRUCKIN’ “I was watching ‘The Great Food Truck Race,’” Lance recalls. “I said to Beth, ‘We should get one of these!’ Six months later, our first truck, Grilled Addiction, hit the streets of Phoenix.” That was in 2012, a time when the food truck craze was in its infancy and mostly centered around Los Angeles. Lance says that daily Google searches for the term “food truck” numbered an average of 26,000 that year. Within a year, that number grew to 26 million. Today, there are more than 400 million inquiries. In Phoenician terms, the Smiths are among the original food truck pioneers here in the Valley. In 2012, the Smiths launched the Wandering Donkey food truck and, along with their catering company, they gained an excellent reputation that had them tempting thousands of tastebuds at events and corporate functions all over the Valley. “The Wandering Donkey food truck is one of the longestrunning trucks at the Arizona Cardinals games,” Lance says.

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Over the last 10 years, Lance and Beth Smith navigated turning one successful food truck into four. From there, Epic Catering Concepts was launched in 2017. This past July, they established a McDowell Mountain and DC Ranch brick-and-mortar restaurant — Wandering Donkey Taqueria and Tequila Bar.

“They actually sought us out at a First Friday event. We’ve served everyone from former coach Arians to Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer and Kurt Warner — just to name a few. Many professional athletes have eaten at our trucks and contracted us to do events at their homes. We’ve found the restaurant is also attracting superstar former athletes.”

WANDER IN With all of the great feedback from customers, the Smiths decided it was time to set down some roots. Since they have personal connections to the North Scottsdale/Cave Creek area, a location on the corner of Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway seemed like the perfect spot. Plans began for Wandering Donkey Taqueria and Tequila Bar’s first permanent home. “We recognized early on that people are looking for more than just good food,” Lance says. “They’re looking for an experience. One of the things that sets us apart is the ambiance and vibe of the place. It’s quickly becoming the neighborhood’s bar and restaurant of choice. People want a good neighborhood watering hole, as well as a place to bring family.” The interior is alive with color: a food truck replica serving up “Build It Your Way” burritos, bowls and tacos is a fun twist. Patrons enjoy the work of local artist, Leila Parnian, who created murals and a custom bar that’s a real showstopper. “People come in just for that bar top,” Lance says. “It’s beautiful. Leila does graffiti art and created three different, big murals on the walls with spray paint — though you’d never know that’s what it is. She’s done projects across the country. Our customers love to take pictures with her art.”

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In 2012, Lance and Beth Smith launched the Wandering Donkey food truck and, along with their catering company, they gained an excellent reputation that had them tempting thousands of tastebuds at events and corporate functions all over the Valley.

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Wandering Donkey Taqueria and Tequila Bar officially opened July 29 of this year. After some construction stops and starts due to supply chain and staffing challenges, the summer opening was actually a blessing. The off-season gave the pair a chance to fine-tune the menu, equipment and staffing, and to be ready for the fall influx of snowbirds and tourists that blow in beginning in the fall.

TEMPTING TASTEBUDS Beth says that she and Lance believe in quality. “We started that with our food trucks,” she explains. “Our sources are held to the highest standards and customers know they’re getting food and drinks that taste good and are made with the best ingredients.” For those who might have discovered the restaurant by first visiting the truck — or wish they had — there is the food truck menu option. The creative, sit-down menu represents the regional fare of all the states of Mexico along with craft cocktails, many of which feature tequila, of course. Lance says the menu revolves around nine different specialty taco plates. “Our Mother of All Quesadillas is made using a 200-year-old recipe from Sinaloa,” he notes. “It’s stuffed with stewed pork and Oaxaca cheese. It’s big enough to share or there’s enough to take home leftovers and fry them up with an egg for breakfast the next morning.” The menu also features twists on stateside favorites like a Sonoran dog on Indian fry bread and Grandes Nachos Burros Errantes — which seem like the perfect indulgences while watching the Arizona Cardinals on the big screens.

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Having opened July 29 of this year, Lance and Beth Smith’s Wandering Donkey Taqueria and Tequila Bar — which boasts a 2,000 square foot outdoor patio, is dog-friendly and has a fire pit ready for the cooler months — is quickly becoming a popular neighborhood gathering place for people and pups.

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The Smiths have designated their spot as a Cardinals bar and take pride in the fact that the sound is always set to “on” for the games. There are also lobster tacos, fish tacos made with beer-battered sea bass, ribeye and tritip tacos — among others. Lance notes that the Birria tacos are an absolute hit with diners. “Birria is a big craze in Mexian cuisine right now,” he explains. “They’re traditionally done with goat. We do it with lamb, but most in the U.S. make it with beef. Ours are unique and people love them.” The Smiths also take great pride in their out-of-the-box bar menu. Their mixologist, known as “Ice Man,” created a drink selection of thirstquenching selections, many of which feature House Cazadores, their elevated well tequila. The traditional El Dorado Cadillac Margarita shares the spotlight with the Honeybee — a blend of Patron Reposado tequila, triple sec, fresh lemon juice, honey and a buzz button, a flower that releases a mouthtingling compound for a cooling effect. Meanwhile, Beth’s favorite is Drink of the Dead, made with Vida de Muertos mezcal, fresh lime juice, sage honey and egg white. As the popularity of Wandering Donkey Tacqueria and Tequila Bar grows, the Smiths have added $3 taco Tuesdays and live music on Thursday through Saturday nights, based on musician availability. Every day, tequila flights please the connoisseur or the beginner. Both rocks and frozen margaritas have plenty of variations, so customers often come back to try a new flavor the next time.

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An avid Food Network enthusiast, “The Great Food Truck Race” caught Lance Smith’s eye, changing the life trajectory for him and his wife, Beth.

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We recognized early on that people are looking for more than just good food. They’re looking for an experience. Lance Smith

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GREATEST GRUB ON GRASS With the burgeoning success of their crown jewel, you might think that the Smiths are ready to settle in for a while. Not so fast, though, as new adventures are on the horizon for the catering arm of their business. The Smiths’ Epic Catering Company has been given the contract to provide food and drinks for the 2022 Bird’s Nest at the PGA Waste Management Phoenix Open, as well as serving more than 15,000 VIP guests and the production teams. It doesn’t stop there. Epic Catering will also bring ten Valley food trucks to the event — a high-profile opportunity if there ever was one. It’s all part of the Smiths’ intention to be involved with the Thunderbirds Charity in this prestigious community event that gives back so much to the less fortunate in our community. “We love supporting the community in any way we can,” Lance says. “We are all about playing a positive role in our neighborhood and across the Valley.” The enthusiasm that Lance and Beth bring to their business is clear. Their passion for food and drink and dedication to hospitality comes through in their voices as they talk. Wandering Donkey Tacqueria and Tequila Bar is an extension of their home and the two love seeing the reactions of their happy customers. Beth says she and Lance like to welcome everyone into their restaurant as family. “We’ve made a lot of great friends in a short period of time,” she explains. “We just enjoy people’s company and we enjoy being at the restaurant and making sure people are happy and enjoying themselves. We just enjoy being there. Lance and I are good at different things and we recognize that in each other. That reflects in our business.” Lance agrees and, looking back, he sees how getting out of the corporate world and catapulting into restaurants and catering is really the fulfillment of what he and Beth were meant to do. “It’s really true that when you do what you love, you’ll never work another day in your life,” he says. wanderingdonkey.com epiccateringconcepts.com

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A Mystery No More Musical director Kent Campbell concurs that "Fair Game" playwright Andrea Markowitz’s show is something special. Photo by Pat O'Brien

Writer Shannon Severson

Growing up in the Bay Area, my local movie theater sat on the same property as the home of Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester — which stands in Victorian splendor as a historic landmark in San Jose, California. The 24,000-square-foot, 160-room architectural wonder is better known as The Winchester Mystery House. The “mystery,” however, is the result of a damaging lie about Winchester, concocted for profit, that has persisted for more than 100 years. It’s a lie that I and all of my friends and family believed as truth — until I met award-winning Desert Foothills Theater playwright in residence Andrea Markowitz. Backed by extensive research, Markowitz’s “Fair Game: Or The Importance of Being Honest” is a musical

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production that sets the record straight in an informative, entertaining and contemporaneously relevant manner. The show makes its long-anticipated stage debut Feb. 11–13 at Desert Foothills Theater. “One of our missions has always been to invigorate and seek out local talent — on stage and behind the scenes with directors and, in this case, playwrights,” says Terry Temple, Desert Foothills Theater’s managing director. “Andrea has such talent, experience and creativity, and she brings immense passion and openness to the project. She cares about the project much more than her own ego and that’s rare. She is a benefit to the community and her work lends credibility to Desert Foothills Theater.”

With multiple delays due to the pandemic, Temple says that he’s thrilled to finally bring “Fair Game” to life and to correct the wrongs done to Sarah Winchester with satirical humor, witty dialogue and a clever musical score. “I think it’s short-sighted to only produce shows that have been on Broadway,” Temple says. “‘Fair Game’ is a beautiful, compassionate work that’s wrapped into this quirky, fun, relevant-to-today story.”

A BIT OF BACKSTORY Many in the audience may take their seats believing the old legends that I once did. As the false story goes — and there are many iterations — Winchester’s home, which originally had nearly 250 rooms before a partial collapse in the 1906 earthquake, was built to fool evil spirits with stairs to nowhere, doors that opened to sheer drops and rooms of unusual configuration. The reclusive Sarah Winchester was the widowed heiress to the fortune of her husband, William Wirt Winchester, whose father founded the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. With approximately $530 million in today’s money, she was one of the richest women in the world. After the heartbreaking loss of several family members, including an infant child and her husband, she left New Haven, Connecticut in 1886, moved out west and purchased the original farmhouse. It is said that she consulted a medium, who told her that the disembodied spirits of all those killed by Winchester rifles were responsible for the death of her child and the only way to keep from dying herself was to continuously add on to the property. Markowitz explains that Victorian ladies were not supposed to “bother their silly little heads with complicated subjects,” such as homebuilding and finance. “Sarah was a genius at both, and her contemporaries resorted to explaining her unladylike behavior by insinuating she was crazy and haunted by spirits,” Markowitz says. “In the era that spawned ‘yellow journalism’ — intentionally sensationalized stories designed to increase readership — Sarah’s true story was too good not to be faked.” Sarah had grown up in her father’s workshop; he was a sought-after carpenter for the ornate Victorian homes of

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THE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE

the time and she certainly must have caught the building bug during those early years. In her adult years, she was a generous benefactor to numerous charities, paid her constructions crews handsomely and many elements of the home were ahead of their time. She even invented the “annunciator,” a master board in the servant’s quarters that announced where Sarah was in the house with the push of a button. A card would drop onto the master board, informing the staff of her location so that they could answer her call.

WHERE DID THE LIES BEGIN? Rumors swirled in the press beginning in the late 1800s and Sarah refused to dignify them with a response. Suffering from crippling arthritis, she kept to herself, continued her independent life and work on her beloved “hobby house” until her passing in 1922. That’s where “Fair Game” picks up the story of John Hamilton and Mayme Brown, a married couple with a background in amusement park rides. The Browns took over the mansion, still damaged from that fateful day in 1906, and decided to open it as a haunted house tourist attraction in 1923. As the original tour guide, Mayme used rumors and her

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own imagination to weave scary tales, many of which were already accepted as truth and have now been cemented in time, repeatedly regaled to the 41 million visitors to the home over the course of nearly 100 years. “There are more than 160,000 websites that will tell you about Sarah Winchester and 99% of them are lies,” says Markowitz, who spent years researching the true story and even contacted one of Sarah’s descendants, who confirmed that the ghostly narrative was a complete fabrication. Accessories to the Browns’ falsehoods also appear in “Fair Game” — three reporters who added to the libel, along with the “conscience” of the show, embodied by famed Austrian psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. Freud’s appearance is a nod to Sarah’s era when the psychoanalyst was very popular and the average person figured they could play armchair psychologist upon a whim — as was done with Sarah. While this may all sound like heavy stuff, Markowitz’s musical takes a serious subject and makes it lighthearted with some unexpected twists.

“At first, this wasn’t a musical,” Markowitz says. “I was struggling with the fact that some of the people in the audience would already have heard of Sarah and others wouldn’t. How could I do the balancing act of introducing her to some and keeping interest in Winchester’s alleged backstory to those already familiar with the subject? I thought, ‘This could be a musical!’ “The beginning is the Browns’ backstory and then it is Sarah’s story. I try not to be too linear in my writing. I like to build something up and then have a surprise.”

ENJOYING THE PROCESS Stage director Sallyann A. Martinez says that she was fascinated by the story and could immediately share Markowitz’s vision. “I love the idea that these were all real people and Andrea has done so much backstory on them,” she says. “I find it very fascinating. A new production without any preconceived notions seems to be just as exciting to our cast and I look forward to the character development and energy towards this show.” Martinez and Markowitz have worked closely with musical director Kent Campbell, who Martinez says was able to pick up the score from the first readthrough, play every song and sing every part as though he had practiced it numerous times. “I feel blessed to have him as the musical director for the show with its complicated and different styles that will highlight the actors’ talent and the message that Andrea has created,” Martinez adds. Campbell concurs that Markowitz’s show is something special. While he has worked with Temple and Desert Foothills Theater for several years, this is his first time working with Martinez and with an original playwright like Markowitz. Moreover, he says that he’s enjoying the process. “Andrea has done a nice job of articulating the eccentricities of her characters in the story,” Campbell says. “Several of the songs remind me of Gilbert and Sullivan, in the way the songs tell the story of Sarah Winchester and the other characters. “It’s such a fun project. It’s my hope that the audience

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“Fair Game” playwright Andrea Markowitz was intrepid in her research and work writing the show. Having everything come together is a dream years in the making. Photo by Loralei Lazurek

Desert Foothills Theater’s managing director Terry Temple says that he’s thrilled to bring “Fair Game” to life and to correct the wrongs done to Sarah Winchester with satirical humor, witty dialogue and a clever musical score. Photo by Ginny Temple

Stage director Sallyann A. Martinez says that she was fascinated by the story of “Fair Game.” Photo by Michele Celentano

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Backed by extensive research, Andrea Markowitz’s “Fair Game: Or The Importance of Being Honest” is a musical production that sets the record straight in an informative, entertaining and contemporaneously relevant manner.

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OBRZUT KIM SEYESNEM OBRZUT FINE NATIVE AMERICAN SCULPTURE IN BRONZE

will enjoy delving into [these] quirky characters and listening to them tell their stories in song. The tunes are catchy — I can’t get some of them out of my head!” Markowitz says the songs are a combination of backstory and social commentary and include titles like “Liars Polka,” “Innuendo Mambo” and “Paranoia Waltz.” “Even though it’s a serious subject, I made light of certain areas and the audience can walk away having had fun, but also with something to chew on,” Markowitz explains.

Look for upcoming shows on our website!

“Polimana”

(Little Butterfly Girl) 25”H x9.5”w x 8.5”D

A DREAM YEARS IN THE MAKING Markowitz was intrepid in her research and work writing the show and also had to be determinedly optimistic after two years of delays. Having everything come together is a dream years in the making. “I’d like to say how generous it is for Terry Temple and Desert Foothills Theater to offer a play by a local playwright,” Markowitz says. “I love working with Sallyann and Kent. They understand the premise and the characters. Whatever they bring to ‘Fair Game’ with their own perspectives, I trust their judgment completely. “Competition for theater space these days is fierce. It’s not uncommon for more than 1,000 playwrights to compete in script submission opportunities at just a few theaters. Desert Foothills Theater is special because it’s a community theater that gives local directors and actors a venue where they can showcase their talents and enjoy their passion to be on stage. I’m going to be so excited on ‘Fair Game’s’ opening night.” dftheater.org

K I M O B R Z U T. CO M

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Writer Shannon Severson

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“L’Entrata” means “the entrance” in Italian and Anthem’s new wine bar of the same name has definitely made an impressive entrance into the community with wines from around the world as well as top tapas, panini and charcuterie boards by chef Josh Bracher. Owners Jay and Maria Toupin welcome guests into L’Entrata Tasting Room’s inviting indoor/outdoor space that is a personal representation of their own hospitality style. The Toupins originally hale from Washington state and those origins can be seen in the extensive offerings from the Pacific Northwest amidst the hundreds of bottles that fill the wine display along a wall of the charming shop and restaurant. Moreover, L’Entrata Tasting Room is a family affair. The Toupins’ grown children are often waiting tables, recommending vintages, polishing glasses or hauling in cases of wine through the back door. Maria’s nephew, Taylor, developed the logo and branding. Jay’s parents, Bill and Mary, also help out and Mary uses her background in the floral industry to create beautiful gift baskets for patrons to purchase as tasteful gifts. “We’ve had lots of family members who have followed us to Arizona since we were married in 2010,” Jay says. “In fact, we spend our anniversary putting on our grand opening in October of 2021.” The wine list — by the glass, bottle or even case to take home — features wines from around the world, including less common varietals from Greece, Portugal and Spain and from small, boutique wineries with which the Toupins have fostered relationships. Soon, L’Entrata Tasting Room will introduce Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc under its own label from Washington winemaker Aaron Morrell. L’Entrata’s servers are happy to make recommendations — whether you are in the mood for a glass of wine, a mug of suds or even a beverage of the non-alcoholic variety. “I try to bring people outside their comfort zone,” Jay says. “I encourage them to try something a little to the left or right of what they usually drink. I encourage branching out.”

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ProSkill Now Offers Jay and Maria, who are quite the entrepreneurial pair, took what was a relatively small, dark space in a Daisy Mountain Drive strip mall and transformed it into an open, bright environment that transports guests to another place — except for those gorgeous Arizona sunset views, of course, which are key to the L’Entrada experience. Maria says that she and Jay aspired to leverage our state’s absolutely beautiful weather. “If you’re sitting on the patio or outside bar, that sunset is to die for,” she explains. Fresh air and sunlight — or starlight — steam into the high-ceilinged space through a retractable glass wall that divides the convivial, double-sided bar and a long patio where outdoor seating ranges from tables and chairs to couches and coffee tables, all tastefully appointed with fresh flowers and greenery from local florist Natalie Gilliland’s shop, Poppies. “We wanted the environment to be elevated but not stuffy,” Maria says. “We are really happy to bring a business like this to the community. We’ve lived in Anthem and felt like it really needed a local place where people could gather and enjoy great wine and delicious food.” The original plan for the L’Entrata menu centered upon charcuterie boards — a rotating selection of meats, cheeses, olives, nuts and interesting condiments served on handcrafted tasting boards by Mark Larson of MDesignAZ. Those are still on the menu, but now there is also so much more.

“Through our culinary consultant, Brian Driscoll of Driscoll’s Cuisine and Cocktails, we met chef Josh Bracher and jumped at the chance to bring him in as our executive chef,” Maria says. “We told Josh to take it in whatever direction he wanted to. He works out of our micro-kitchen and produces incredible food. He knows our brand and was proud to be a part of L’Entrata. We are thrilled to have him.” Bracher creates delectable small plates for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sundays. Along with weekly specials that utilize the freshest ingredients, the menu features creamy burrata with heirloom tomatoes and wild mushroom flatbread with white truffle oil drizzle. Brunch favorites include eggs benedict, croque madame and an enticing croissant board. Everything is made from scratch and nothing is wasted, which means Bracher can take supply chain challenges and turn them into culinary triumphs. “Josh is so creative,” Maria says. “There is always something new on the menu.” The Toupins are blown away by the positive response to L’Entrata Tasting Room from customers and the support from the community as a whole. The couple says that Tennessee Grill owner Chris Bosn sent a congratulatory bouquet to them and even loaned them the services of his manager on L’Entrata’s opening night.

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“The community has been so amazing,” Maria says. “I can’t tell you how many times each day that Air Conditioning • Plumbing • Water Treatment

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Jay and Maria Toupin welcome guests into L’Entrata Tasting Room’s inviting indoor/outdoor space that is a personal representation of their own hospitality style.

“

I try to bring people outside their comfort zone. I encourage them to try something a little to the left or right of what they usually drink. I encourage branching out. Jay Toupin

people say, ‘We needed this so badly. We are so glad you’re here.’ It’s been so positive.” Jay also credits friends Bryan and Nancy Franks, who own Brix Wines in Carefree, for helping him with research and advice. “They filled a niche that Cave Creek and Carefree needed and we knew it was something we wanted to do,” Jay explains. “Bryan and Nancy stay in touch and they check in on us. I give them a lot of credit for our success because it wouldn’t have morphed into what it is without them.” Locals have been enthusiastic about the biweekly free wine tastings at L’Entrata and live music on Thursday and Saturday evenings and on Sunday afternoons. Private events like birthday parties, graduations and

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even a wedding reception have also been popular. Always innovating, the Toupins are planning to host wine dinners with featured winemakers and, when Valentine’s Day approaches, floral arrangement lessons with Poppies Flower Shop. They’re truly aiming to make L’Entrata a spot where there’s always a reason to gather. “I think my favorite customer response is from folks who have just moved into the area,” Jay notes. “They say, ‘We didn’t realize Anthem had something like this.’ I give credit to word-of-mouth advertising and our ‘repeat offenders,’ as I call them. That’s what will sustain us — being part of the community and people telling their friends.” lentratawine.com Instagram: @lentratawine

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Orchestrating Opportunities

A Decade of North Valley Symphony Orchestra

Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography by Mike Benedetto

Kevin Kozacek firmly believes that the arts are an essential part of both every community and every child’s education.

perform exceptional orchestral music while fostering music appreciation and engagement among members of the North Valley community.

“If you go clear back to the Greeks, they believed that the arts were foundational,” he explains. “They were part of the core of education. Our society has moved away from that and the arts are now elective.”

“We [at North Valley Symphony Orchestra] strongly believe that the arts should be core to what we learn,” Kozacek says. “After all, you learn so much through the arts as far as extended education of history, social interaction, math and science. There is an awful lot that is encompassed in the arts.”

Therefore when, in 2012, Kozacek was invited to serve as the founding music director for North Valley Symphony Orchestra, he jumped at the opportunity. The nonprofit performing arts organization was created with the intention to provide skilled and aspiring musicians of all ages the opportunity to learn, rehearse and

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Celebrating its 10th anniversary season this year, North Valley Symphony Orchestra’s mission was essentially two-fold.

“North Valley Symphony Orchestra had a vision of being very community-based — having very low ticket prices and building community through concerts that were very attractive to a broader audience base,” Kozacek says. Determined to not let ticket prices be a barrier for those who wanted to attend its concerts, the nonprofit performing arts organization set them at a mere $5 — a tradition that continues to this day. “That was very foundational to us,” Kozacek says. “What that requires is a different philosophy of how we raise money. Therefore our donor and sponsor base is extremely important to us — as are grants — because that is where we get the money for us to be able to succeed.” And succeed it has over the past decade, especially in the way of the other half of its mission. “We wanted to offer a youth orchestra as a subordinate member of North Valley Symphony Orchestra,” Kozacek explains. “And over the past 10 years, that vision of having just one youth orchestra has grown into three youth orchestras.” North Valley Symphony Orchestra has beginner, intermediate and advanced youth ensembles called North Valley Youth Orchestra, North Valley Youth Strings and North Valley Symphonettes, respectively. “It is very exciting to be able to offer not only concerts with the adults performing for the community but also opportunities for the youth to have three very quality orchestras

here in the North Valley,” Kozacek says. Those youth components help with concert attendance as students and their families are always eager to enjoy performances. They also make the North Valley Symphony Orchestra very attractive to granting agencies, as do the nonprofit performing arts organization’s low ticket prices. “Whether they are corporate, city or state agencies, I think that they feel that their money is going toward a really great cause and broad vision of bringing music to everyone and increasing the accessibility of the arts in our community,” Kozacek explains. North Valley Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a full season of spectacular concerts, including one in March that features music composed by women and one in May for which Arizona State University’s professor emeritus of composition James DeMars wrote a special piece titled “River Run.” The nonprofit performing arts organization will also hold its annual black and white ball Feb. 12 at Sheraton Crescent in Phoenix, during which it will officially commemorate its first 10 years entertaining Arizona audiences. The fundraising gala will include cocktails, dinner, dancing and a silent auction. “The event is typically for donors and sponsors but this year we are really trying to get more of our own musicians our audience members to attend, as well,” says Kozacek, noting that one of the items featured in the silent auction is a hand-crafted

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North Valley Symphony Orchestra had a vision of being very community-based — having very low ticket prices and building community through concerts that were very attractive to a broader audience base. Kevin Kozacek

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violin made by local luthier Jody Summerford. “A number of our students have been awarded one of his violins through competitions and they absolutely love them. Professionals love them, as well.” Looking ahead, North Valley Symphony Orchestra hopes to expand North Valley Symphonettes — which is currently completely comprised of strings — into a full orchestra with winds, brass and percussion. “Another goal is to continue with our wonderful outreach program,” Kozacek adds. “We usually have quartets and quintets that perform in the community. Now that [the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided], we are able to go back out into retirement homes and businesses celebrating grand openings and anniversaries and provide music for them.” Overall, Kozacek is exceptionally proud of what North Valley Symphony Orchestra has accomplished over the past decade. “I think that our growth into a fully symphonic orchestra is commendable for a community group,” the music director explains. “As is the fact that we attract adults of all ages — up to 80 years old — and even have some students who are good enough to play with us. That is a wonderful thing to see such a variety of ages in our adult orchestra. “Growing from one youth ensemble when we first started to now being able to offer students throughout the North Valley three levels of youth orchestras is also very commendable, especially in only 10 years.” northvalleysymphony.org Facebook: @northvalleysymphonyorchestra Instagram: @northvalleysymphony

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RECIPE Spicy Pomegranate Ginger Paloma Serves: 6

Ingredients: Spicy Ginger Syrup: 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 8 leaves mint Spicy Sweet Sugar: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar 1 tablespoon granulated sugar Cayenne, to taste Lime wedge, to run around rim of cup

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Start the new year right with this perfect cocktail. By combining grapefruit, pomegranate and lime juices with a spicy ginger simple syrup and tequila, you get this decadent absolutely delicious drink. Let’s toast to a terrific 2022!

Paloma: 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1/2 cup grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed Juice from a lime 4 tablespoon spicy ginger syrup 4 ounces tequila Ginger beer, for topping

Directions: To make the spicy ginger syrup, mix 1/2 cup water with the honey, ginger and cayenne in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to simmer for 1–2 minutes then remove from heat. Add the mint, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Strain out ginger and mint. Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. To make the spicy sweet sugar, mix the coarse sugar, granulated sugar and a pinch of cayenne on a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the rim of two glasses and dip into the sugar mix. To make the paloma, combine the pomegranate juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, spicy ginger syrup and tequila in a small pitcher. Fill the two sugar-rimmed glasses with ice. Pour paloma over ice, top with ginger beer and enjoy.

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MAURA ALLEN LAYERS OF TIME