14 minute read
BEAT THE HEAT
Candlelight Concerts // Photo Courtesy of Fever
Writer Shannon Severson
Advertisement
TThere’s no doubt that Phoenix has a reputation for fantastic outdoor experiences... for most of the year. However, when our temperatures grow infernal, we tend to hunker down indoors or get out of town entirely. But there’s no need for seasonal hibernation or an allout escape if you’re looking for some one-of-a-kind entertainment this summer. The buzz word of the moment is “immersion,” with indoor experiences that offer a feast for the eyes, ears and mind — while simultaneously providing a super simple way to beat the heat.
IMMERSIVE ART
Descend from the street level in the heart of Scottsdale and enter the world of Viennese modernist painter Gustav Klimt, who is probably most well-known for his “Golden Phase” in which he used gold leaf in “The Kiss.”
At Immersive Klimt: Revolution, the iconic artist’s work is put into historical perspective as you are surrounded by projected images and accompanying music from both Klimt’s era and more recent years, that is a completely enveloping — and even meditative — experience.
Klimt was a leader of the Viennese secession that transformed European arts culture in the late 19th century. Despite the traumatic loss of his father and brother and the raging of the first world war, the artist continued to produce and evolve in his subject matter and use of color.
Richard Ouzounian, creative consultant for Lighthouse Immersive — which produces immersive experiences with Impact Museums for Klimt and Vincent Van Gogh in the same Lighthouse Artspace — says the motto for the show is, “Surreal. Seductive. Sublime.”
“Klimt’s often surreal work kept bending the boundaries of reality in a manner made for this kind of all-encompassing show,” Ouzounian says. “His seductive works like ‘The Kiss’ acquire even more power when blown up to 50 times their original size. And the way that images, sound and color all unite wind up giving the viewer a truly sublime experience.”
MOOD-LIT MUSIC
If you close your eyes, music can transport you to another time and place, stirring emotions and memories as the melody ebbs and flows. When you open your eyes at a Candlelight Concert, you’re also in a beautiful space.
Phoenix is one of 80 worldwide cities to host performances of this type in churches, libraries, mansions and museums. Classical music lovers, jazz fans and pop aficionados alike will probably find a performance that suits their taste.
More than 31,000 people have attended the experience in venues all over the Valley.
This May, The Children’s Museum of Phoenix will be the site of tributes to contemporary artists Taylor Swift and Queen by the Listeso String Quartet, as well as the music of pop sensation Ed Sheerhan. At The Phoenix Art Museum, patrons have their choice of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons or romantic jazz performances featuring Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and more. Several of these artists will be featured in June performances indoors and outdoors at Butterfly Wonderland.
Feverup communications specialist Farah Jad says that Candlelight Concerts provide classical music fans an opportunity to be reminded of why they fell in love with the genre and music fans of all genres an opportunity to hear some of their favorite songs in a new way.
“Watching a crowd wave a candle in the air as they sing along to ‘We are the Champions’ or seeing a little girl dance with her mom to ‘Under the Sea’ with background animal noises at the Phoenix Zoo are things you’ll only catch at a Candlelight Concert,” Jad adds.
Peace of mind for life.
Life insurance can help provide security and peace of mind. Call today to see how I can help secure your family’s nancial future.
Leslie Jensen
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company,* Western Agricultural Insurance Company,* Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/West Des Moines, IA. *Company providers of Farm Bureau Financial Services. PR-LI-A (6-21)
Artopia: The Immersive Art Experience // Photo Courtesy of Fever Immersive Klimt: Revolution Photo Courtesy of Immersive Klimt: Revolution
The “Friends” Experience // Photo by Superfly X
TECHNOLOGY AND WONDER
Phoenix is just the second city to launch Artopia: The Immersive Art Experience after the innovative and collaborative exhibition’s successful opening in Chicago last year.
Merging art and technology, visitors take a self-guided tour through a brightly-colored, creative world filled with large-scale light installations, massive sculptures and murals by street artists from Arizona and across the country. Projection mapping and sound reactive LEDs, including a healing Solfeggio frequency dome, draw visitors to participate in the art itself.
Meanwhile, Wonderspaces — a 16,000-square-foot art venue inside Scottsdale Fashion Square — has, over the last three years, featured 60 different artists from all over the world. The installations are visually impactful and often interactive, all meant to make the viewer think, discuss and feel a sense of wonder.
One of Wonderspaces’ newest installations is “The Immigrant” by Perceptual Art pioneer Michael Murphy — a 3D halftone sculpture created from 2,300 wooden balls that, when viewed from a distance, reveal the image of the artist’s partner. Another is “Radiance (Infinity Box No. 6)” by Matt Elson — a two-person experience where the view from the arranged windows changes with your position.
FRIENDS, GENIES AND MORE
Those four exciting experiences are merely the tip of the iceberg, though, when it comes to the infinite number of ways that you can have fun while simultaneously beating the heat this summer.
The “Friends” Experience will wrap up its run May 8 in Phoenix after having been a huge hit for both casual and superfans of the iconic 90s sitcom. Visitors walk through 12 rooms filled with set recreations, history and fun facts about the show. There are many photo opportunities and, just like the characters, everyone ultimately winds up at the Central Perk coffee shop with the legendary orange couch.
Meanwhile, a waitlist is forming for Genie’s Secret Bazaar: An Exploratory Magical Adventure — an experiential event set to debut in June at a secret venue. Visitors will explore a space modeled after the classic Arabian Nights tale of “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.”
Doors open to reveal secret rooms where magicians, games, fortune tellers and other performers will entertain. Guests will also be able to purchase exotic food and drinks from around the world.
Visit Images Arizona’s website — imagesarizona.com — to discover additional air-conditioned adventures all summer long.
Experience
Immersive Klimt: Revolution
Immersive Klimt: Revolution See website for dates and hours
Lighthouse Artspace
4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale $35+ | immersiveklimt.com
Candlelight Concerts
See website for dates, times and locations $30+ | candlelightexperience.com
Artopia: The Immersive Art Experience
See website for dates and hours
Artopia
313 W. Apache St., Phoenix $29+ | artopiaexperience.com
Wonderspaces
See website for dates and hours
Scottsdale Fashion Square
7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale $24; youth, student, senior, teacher, military and healthcare worker discounts available wonderspaces.com
The “Friends” Experience
Through May 8 See website for times
Paradise Village Gateway
10845 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix $30.50+ | friendstheexperience.com
STAGECOACHVillage
Pictured left to right: Tyler Dimas, Andy Incardona, Tina Incardona and Elisabeth Cunningham
PProudly celebrating 20 years of serving the community, Cave Creek Saddlery is a family-owned and operated business that has kept the area’s cowboys riding in style, safety and comfort since 2002. Tina Incardona, who was born and raised in Cave Creek, is extraordinarily proud of what she and her husband, Andy Incardona — a working ranch cowboy who is also a longtime Cave Creek resident — have built over the past two decades. “We have always been very active in the horse community,” Tina says. “We started out building custom gear out of necessity and that eventually turned into a storefront that has just gotten bigger and bigger. Today, we service the community through everything from completing small repairs to building custom saddles.” She, Andy and their two sons build and repair everything themselves, committed to quality and craftsmanship from start to finish. “Nothing is outsourced,” Tina adds. “We do all of our work right here ourselves. Everything is done by hand. We do not cut corners. And if you are ever not happy with our work, we will make it right.” But Cave Creek Saddlery’s customers are always happy with their work — so much so that many part-time residents from Canada and beyond even save their cowboy gear to be repaired exclusively by Tina, Andy and apprentice Tyler Dimas and Elisabeth Cunningham. “We are very happy to have had the privilege to serve and be a part of this community for the past 20 years,” Tina says.
Cave Creek Saddlery Stagecoach Village 7100 E. Cave Creek Road #135 Cave Creek, AZ 62 imagesarizona.com May 623-258-0207 2022
DINING GUIDEGiordano's Trattoria Romana
OOriginally from New York City, Adele Giordano arrived in Arizona more than 18 years ago and saw an opportunity to bring a piece of her hometown and cultural heritage to the town of Carefree. Authentically capturing the feel and ambience of a little Italian eatery in New York, Giordano’s Trattoria Romana has become a true cornerstone of the community.
Giordano strives for a casual-yet-classy atmosphere and achieves exactly that with a focus on providing each and every guest an exceptionally personalized experience that is comfortable, relaxed and memorable. Reservations are, therefore, highly recommended.
“We have so many repeat customers,” says Giordano, emphasizing her gratitude to the community for supporting her restaurant throughout the pandemic. “We have received so much support. We would have never survived without the help and support of all of the wonderful people who dine with us.” Giordano adds that she loves meeting her guests and getting to know each and every one of them. She also loves being able to share with them a tantalizing taste of the Italian flavors with which she grew up — such as osso buco milanese, featuring a succulent veal shank in red wine sauce with diced vegetables over fettuccine, and veal gorgonzola, prepared in a delectable cream sauce with mushrooms over capellini.
“We have been known as the best-kept secret in Carefree, but we are not such a secret anymore,” says Giordano, who is grateful that the community appreciates the congenial service and delicious food that she, her chef and her staff are so incredibly proud to provide.
Writer Joseph J. Airdo
Giordano’s Trattoria Romana 7275 E. Easy St., Carefree 480-595-0233 giordanostrattoriaromana.com
RECIPECrispy Chicken Thighs
Serves: 4
Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com
It is very difficult to make crispy chicken thighs without searing them on the cooktop and making a huge-splatter mess, right? Wrong! With this method — along with the freshest spring ingredients — you will not have to go to a restaurant for amazing crispy chicken anymore!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon granulated garlic 2 teaspoons sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/8 teaspoon cayenne Kosher salt 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 pounds skin-on, bone-in Freshly ground black pepper chicken thighs 3 large leeks (white and pale green 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil parts only, sliced 1/4-inch thick) 4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced) 2 bay leaves 5 2-inch long strips of lemon zest 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1 cup fresh peas (may substitute thawed frozen peas) 1/2 cup mint leaves (torn if large)
Directions:
In a medium bowl, combine garlic, paprika, cayenne and 1-1/2 teaspoon salt. Rub one tablespoon of the spice mixture under the skin of the chicken thighs, making sure to leave the skin attached.
In a large bowl, combine vegetable oil with the remaining spice mixture. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 40–45 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to one day, turning the chicken thighs occasionally.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place chicken thighs on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crackly and crisp, 40–45 minutes.
About 15 minutes prior to the end of roasting the chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add lemon zest and bay leaves and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
Deglaze the skillet with wine, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon. Cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and maintain a slow simmer for 10 minutes.
Add peas to the skillet. If using fresh peas, heat for 3 minutes. If using thawed frozen peas, cook until warmed through, about 1 minute. Toss in mint then season with more salt, if needed. Remove bay leaves.
MORE THAN $300 MILLION SOLD!!
Land and Luxury! We represent some of the best view lots available and can introduce you to a Luxury Builder that fits your home desires! Call us for more information!
$2,997,000 Fabulous SW Contemporary on the base of Prestigious Boulder Strewn Black Mountain! Approximately 6000 square feet! Four Bedroom, 5.5 baths and Guest House! Call Ryan, 480-204-2619 $2,150,000 Oversized 4 car garage with work shops, Integrablock, Solar, 5 power walls and over 90 solar panels. 5071 sq ft! Fabulous! Just under 7000 sq feet resting on the foothills of majestic Black Mountain! 360 Degree Views! Six fireplaces, 6 Bedrooms, 5.5 Baths Walkout Basement with kitchenette! $3,250,000!
The MOHR group has earned the Prestigious Pinnacle Award for top sales/earnings- only 9 Pinnacle Awards were given out in Realty Executives.
Kendal, Ryan, Janet and Don
SINCE 1985
GO TO MOHRHOMES.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION, DRONE SHOTS AND PHOTOS OR CALL US AT 602-980-7653 FOR A PRIVATE VIEWING.
North Scottsdale-Carefree Office
34305 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266 P. 480-488-2400
$4,250,000 Exquisite Contemporary in Mirabel Club. Social Membership available. 4 Bed, 4.5 bath w/attached Casita. Patrick Rice 970-846-5461
$4,125,000 Southwest Architecture by Lee Hutchinson in Desert Mountain on two lots. 5 BR/, 6/BA. Patrick Rice 970-846-5461
$3,549,000 The Mirabel Club! 5 BD, 5.5 B, 6,000 Sf, 4 car garage. $900K remodel. Membership available. Patrick Rice 970-846-5461
Need help in today’s complex market? You can “lean” on Saiedeh’s Expertise!
Saiedeh Karamooz, Associate Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI 480-695-5522
For 30 years, Saiedeh has combined her firsthand experience of orchestrating hundreds of transactions with continuing education. Currently, she is a licensed Associate Broker and has successfully completed the requisite training for Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI). Not just an alphabet soup of credentials, but peace of mind for her clients. PLANNING TO BUY OR SELL? Call Saiedeh for Prompt, Professional & Proven Service! Carefree Sunsets - 2 Room Casita - 4+ in Garages - 4 Ac Privacy Debbie Omundson, See the Photos: www.CarefreeProperty.com
10 Acres-Cottonwood Canyon - Isolation in the Pristine Mountains Debbie Omundson, See the Photos: www.CarefreeProperty.com
Gated, Cul de Sac Privacy - 4954 SF - Efficient Solar - Heated Pool Debbie Omundson, See the Photos: www.CarefreeProperty.com
Another spectacular Kendle Design Collaborative will be rising up from the desert floor. $5,877,000 Joanie Barreiro 480-235-2776
