Paradise Valley Gainey Ranch McCormick Ranch
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december 2018
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scottsdale road
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RYAN MONTBLEAU
With Jay Allan and Dominick Provenzano Tue., December 4 | 7 p.m. | $23.50–$38.50 “His style is perennial; he sounds as emblematic of the folk music scene ten or twenty years ago.” —Sound of Boston
Upcoming Concerts Mike Stern December 6
Esteban December 23
Over the Rhine December 8
Dom Flemons December 27
Hawktail Opening Act: Dead Horses December 9
The Hot Sardines January 1
The Steve Gadd Band December 13 & 14 Irish Christmas in America December 16 & 17
MusicaNova Orchestra: The Mystical Muse—Cycles of Inspiration and Hope January 6 And many more!
2018 Concert Series sponsored by
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MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
Paradise Valley area projects designed and built by Wine Cellar Experts
WINECELLAREXPERTS.COM december 2018 15979 N. 76th St., Suite A, Scottsdale 480-922-WINE
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NEW BEGINNINGS Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Western Spirit Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
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COMMUNITY EVENTS Writers Amanda Christmann and Joseph J. Airdo
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ROYAL PALMS RESORT Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Royal Palms Resort
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CAPTURE THE NIGHT SKY
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Scott Stulberg
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BUFFALO COLLECTION Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Loralei Lazurek
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EGGNOG BREAKFAST STRATA Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
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8912 E PINNACLE PEAK RD SUITE F-7, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255 LOCATED IN LA MIRADA SHOPPING CENTER
W W W. G O O C H I E G O O.C O M
december 2018
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PUBLISHER Shelly Spence
MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Christmann
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Meaghan Mitchell
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joseph Airdo Lynette Carrington Amanda Christmann Sue Kern-Fleischer Kyndra Kelly Shoshana Leon Shannon Severson Fadi Sitto
PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Baxter Bryan Black Kyndra Kelly Loralei Lazurek
ADVERTISING SALES Loren Sheck 480-309-6410 loren@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. Images Arizona is published by ImagesAZ Inc.
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Thumbing through the pages of this month’s edition of Images Arizona, I can’t help but notice the diverse and exciting stories our family of writers and photographers have contributed. From once-in-a-lifetime events to local lore, there really is something for everyone to take in this holiday season! Perhaps the most eye-catching contribution is the breathtaking photo essay, contributed by Sedona photographer Scott Stulberg. He and writer Amanda Christmann have managed to put pictures and words to some of the most magical moments in our Arizona skies, and what they have put together is truly remarkable. For me, not only does this photo essay depict the striking heavens that are so vivid in our wide open spaces, but they also serve as a reminder that, no matter where we come from, what we believe or who we are, we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. Our world is amazing, if we only take the time to recognize the treasures all around us. It never hurts, either, to wish upon those stars. We never know what awaits us if we only dare to dream and believe!
Copyright © 2018 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.
Local First A R I Z O NA
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Happy holidays from our family to yours! Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona magazine shelly@imagesaz.com 623-341-8221
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B o n n e r D a v i d Galleries Traditional x Contemporary
John Schieffer
“Guilded Chance� / oil on board / 48" x 48"
7040 E. Main Street x Scottsdale, AZ 85251 x www.bonnerdavid.com x art@bonnerdavid.com x
Call or email for more information on our shows
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480.941.8500
B o n n e r D a v i d Galleries Traditional x Contemporary
John Schieffer
“The Wavelengths of Jacks” / oil on board / 48" x 48"
“John Schieffer | New Work: Homage #WayneThiebaud” December 7 – December 20, 2018 Private Artist Reception: December 7 6:00-8:00 pm december 2018
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Nicolai Fechin, Still Life with Sunflowers, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe.
The exhibition at this Smithsonian affiliate features a fresh take on Western art, with works spanning nearly a century (1888-1983), and will remain through September 2019 before it proceeds to four additional institutes across the United States through 2021. It’s the first time a traveling exhibition has made its debut at Museum of the West. It features paintings of varied media, sculpture, photography and textiles by both male and female artists in the styles
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Writer Shannon Severson Photography Courtesy of Western Spirit Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
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The American West has always been a beacon for adventurers, entrepreneurs, trend-setters and, of course, artists. “New Beginnings: An American Story of Romantics and Modernists in the West,” is an exhibition of 100 works by 70 well-known artists from the celebrated Tia Collection that makes its debut at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
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For heaven’s sake tell people what we have found! Send some artists out here. There’s a lifetime’s work for 20 men. Bert Phillips letter to Ernest L. Blumenschein
of 19th century classicism and romanticism to early 20th-century modernism, including art nouveau, realism, cubism, art deco and abstract art.
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“The community of Scottsdale is tremendously proud to host in its museum the first opening of this unique traveling exhibition and featuring never-beforeshown artworks from this renowned collection,” says museum director and CEO Mike Fox. “We are thrilled that our young institution is seen as worthy to be one of a number of other major institutions throughout the country to be sharing the creative inspiration and energy behind the New Beginnings exhibition.” The Tia Collection, from which the exhibit emanates, is named for the collector’s 17-year-old daughter, and includes works from French impressionists to contemporary work from today’s artists. The collection is global in scope and is carefully curated and shared with museums here in the U.S. and around the world. The works here are as varied in style, media and era as the artists who created them. Drawn to the rich landscape, open skies and new and ancient traditions, these creatives visited, often lived in and were inspired by the environs of Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico during a time of great transition in the world.
#1 GERALD CASSIDY Mid Day Taos, c. 1920, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #2 WILLIAM BIRNEY Pueblo Still Life, 1888, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe.
december 2018
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#3 PETER HURD The Month of July, 1971, egg tempera; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #4 JOHN MARIN Taos Indian Girl, 1930, watercolor; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #5 BEULAH STEVENSON Camino del Monte Sol, 1947, oil on board; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #6 HENRIETTE WYETH The Fourth Saint, c. 1983, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe.
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Rapid industrialization, two world wars, a worldwide flu epidemic in 1918, the Great Depression, the upheaval of the 1960s and massive technological advancements prompted artists to seek new beginnings in a new landscape that was unlike anything they had experienced in their cities or countries of origin. The arid climate, pueblo architecture and, in Taos, the lack of electrical service and community water systems until 1935 made it a total departure from the lives these artists had always known.
the art of organization
Some, like Joseph Sharp, one of the founders of the famed Taos Society of Artists, made permanent moves to the area, becoming ambassadors of sorts to compel others to make the long, rugged trek to this new environment. And come, they did, permanently placing northern New Mexico on the map. Even today, the state remains home to more resident artists per capita than anywhere else in the country. “It’s not a new idea to take the artists in New Mexico and present it in some fashion,” says Tia Collection Santa Fe curator Laura Finlay Smith, who organized the exhibition. “I wanted to do it in such a way that there is less convention, something unexpected. “The whole idea behind this exhibition is to maintain this historic material and make it fresh and relevant to the 21st century, especially appealing to today’s younger audiences.” That fresh approach begins with how the works are arranged. Pieces are grouped thematically rather than by artist. Colorful panels delineate the themes of “Land & Sky,” “Cultures” and “Working from Life.”
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#7 DOROTHY BRETT Desert Indian, c. 1932/1937, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #8 ERNEST BLUMENSCHEIN Portrait of Taos Indian, c. 1929, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #9 ALICE SCHILLE September Stroll, c. 1920, watercolor on paper; Tia Collection, Santa Fe. #10 JAN MATULKA Rodeo Rider, c. 1917-20, oil on canvas; Tia Collection, Santa Fe.
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The exhibition highlights the ways in which the artists, whether visiting for a time or settling permanently, saw the people and their surroundings and celebrated the every day. They made a new beginning in this place and assigned great value to the environment, the traditions and the people of the area. New Beginnings is a sort of time capsule that allows us to see what came before our hurried, digital world. “Land & Sky,” depicts the changing seasons and their affect on the vast landscape and broad vistas that first attracted Sharp, a native of Ohio, and artists from New York, the Midwest and even further, from Europe and Russia, as was the case of Leon Gaspard. Here was a completely foreign environment. “There are depictions of Christmas mass in Santa Clara Church and then a Hopi tribal dance,” says Finlay Smith. “Displaying this content side-by-side brings together a powerful contrast narrative to share a broader view and fresh perspective of the artists of this important region and time.” The ways that artists and people from the distinctive cultures of Native American, Hispano and cowboy populations interacted in the everyday are shown in the way they dressed, the way they worshiped and celebrated, and the objects they surrounded themselves with. Modernist and Bisbee, Arizona native Patriciño Barela’s 1950 sculptures,
“Crucifixion” and “Peace,” carved from native pine branch and juniper root respectively, are representative of not only religious objects, but also the art of a young day laborer whose work was ultimately “discovered” by WPA officials. “Working From Life” features domestic-scale objects from the studios and homes of the artists and members of the community. Still lifes, stunning portraits, like Robert Henri’s 1917, “Lucinda,” and Leon Gaspard’s handpainted kitchen table and four side chairs, circa 1940, alive with scenes of Russia, China, Mongolia and North Africa are found here. The collector painstakingly reunited the chairs after being stored, separated and even burned in a fire over the years. The story of New Beginnings will strike the viewer as a rich history of not just a region of the American West, but of America itself. “I’m a huge proponent that Western art is ultimately American art,” says Finlay Smith. “Mainstream American museums tend to group American and Western art as separate, but it should be viewed as part of a broader tradition.” scottsdalemuseumwest.org
december 2018
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T H I S
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G I V E
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G I F T
december 2018
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COMMUNITY
2018 DECEMBER
Writers Amanda Christmann and Joseph J. Airdo
Dec. 7
SCHIEFFER ARTIST’S RECEPTION Noted American artist Wayne Thiebaud provides the inspiration for gallery favorite artist John Schieffer’s latest collection of hyper-realistic paintings. He brings to life childhood jacks, marbles, and other toys while also rendering adult beverages that will quench your thirst. Meet the artist and feast your eyes on these remarkable new works. Free. Bonner David Galleries, 7040 E. Main St., Scottsdale. 480-941-8500; bonnerdavid.com
NOV. 14–DEC. 30
ELF: THE MUSICAL Phoenix Theatre brings to its stage a musical based on the 2003 classic
Fairy. $25+. See website for performance
film about a man whose guardian angel
schedule. 480-558-2080; balletetudes.net
descends on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to show him what the
NOV. 23–DEC. 29
been born. $27. 8670 E. Shea Blvd.,
holiday film about a man who, raised by
MIRACLE ON 34TH ST
elves in the North Pole, ventures to New
Arizona Broadway Theatre brings to
2 p.m. Sundays. 480-314-0841;
York City to find his father. $36+. 1825
its stage a musical based on the 1947
donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
N. Central Ave., Phoenix. See website
classic holiday film about a last-minute
for performance schedule. 602-254-
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
2151; phoenixtheatre.com
Santa-replacement who may or may
NOV. 23–DEC. 16
BALLET ETUDES’ THE NUTCRACKER Ballet Etudes brings to Chandler Center for the Arts and Mesa Arts Center its 32nd
NOV. 30–DEC. 2
prices and performance schedule. 623776-8400; azbroadway.org
Experience a festive concert of seasonal
Paradise Lane, Peoria. See website for
NOV. 29–DEC. 29
annual production of The Nutcracker, filled
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
with life-size mice, swirling snowflakes,
Don Bluth Front Row Theatre adapts
dancing confections and the Sugar Plum
for its stage the 1946 classic holiday
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Scottsdale. 7 p.m. Thursdays–Saturdays;
PHOENIX SYMPHONY’S HOLIDAY POPS
not be the real Santa Claus. 7701 W.
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world would have been like had he never
favorites performed by the Phoenix Symphony and the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. $25+. 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix. See website for performance schedule. 602495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org
NOV. 30–DEC. 16 BLACK NATIVITY
The Black Theatre Troupe brings back to its stage Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes’ musical that boasts a powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation. $38. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix. See website for performance schedule. 602258-8129; blacktheatretroupe.org
NOV. 30–DEC. 23 A CHRISTMAS STORY
Desert Stages Theatre adapts for its stage the 1983 classic holiday film about a 9-year-old boy’s quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under his Christmas tree. $28/adults; $22/students and seniors. 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 480-483-1664; desertstages.org
Dec. 1
SCOTTSDALE ARTS GALA Celebrate the arts in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale! Featuring Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Matthew Morrison, star of “Glee” and Broadway’s “Hairspray.” $150–500. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 5 p.m. 480-499-8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org
DEC. 1–16
SNOW QUEEN Center Dance Ensemble brings to life Hans Christian Andersen’s magical wintry fairy tale set to composer Sergei Prokofiev’s score. $28/adults; $23/seniors; $14/students. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. See website for performance schedule. centerdance.com
december 2018
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OVERTURE KIERLAND OPENING FOR 55+ Greystar is pleased to announce the opening of Overture Kierland, a new 55+ active community. Rent is typically 50 percent below other independent living communities. Overture Kierland offers thoughtfully designed, fully appointed one- and two-bedroom residences with designer finishes and fixtures, and loads of on-site amenities. The community is located within walking distance to Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons, and is minutes away from nearby recreation and outstanding golf courses. overturekierland.com
DEC. 5
AN IRISH CHRISTMAS Take a journey through Christmas
Free. 5–8 p.m. 8777 N. Scottsdale Rd.,
music of the season in Fountain
Scottsdale. theshopsatgaineyvillage.com
Hills Theater’s presentation of a new musical by Peter J. Hill. $12+. 11445
DEC. 6–23
in Ireland with dancing, singing and
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
traditional Irish music celebrating the
Scottsdale Musical Theater Company
international spirit of the holiday season.
brings to its stage the Broadway
Features an award-winning cast of Irish
musical adaptation of Charles
dancers, including Riverdance principal
Dickens’ classic holiday novel.
dancer Caterina Coyne. $23+. Orpheum
“The Nanny” and “Days of Our
Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. 7
Lives” actor Charles Shaughnessy
p.m. phoenix.ticketforce.com
portrays Ebenezer Scrooge. $42+/ adults; $25/children. Tempe Center
Dec. 6
WINE AND DINE Kick off the holiday season with the
for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. See website for performance schedule. 602-909-4215; scottsdalemusicaltheater.com
SHOPS Gainey Village during their third annual Holiday Wine and Dine Christmas event. Enjoy acoustic music,
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DEC. 7–23
horse and carriage rides, cookies, baked
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
goods, coffee and hot chocolate, cookie
Experience 12 holiday tales woven
decorating, raffles and wine tasting.
together with traditional and unique
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N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays–Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. 480-837-9661; fhtaz.org
DEC. 7–9
CIRQUE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR Hear the Phoenix Symphony perform festive favorites and beloved movements from holiday masterpieces while hula hoops, strong men, contortionists, aerialists and jugglers from Troupe Vertigo perform on stage—and 40 feet above it. $25+. Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St., Phoenix. See website for performance schedule. 602-4951999; phoenixsymphony.org
DEC. 7–9
IT’S CHRISTMAS
at First United Methodist Church in Mesa and La Casa de Cristo Lutheran
Dec. 9
Hear “The 12 Days of Christmas”
students and seniors. See website for
PINNACLE CONCERT SERIES
like you’ve never heard it before as
performance schedule. 480-835-7059;
It’s one of the most anticipated
ProMusica Arizona takes you on a
sonorandesertchorale.org
concerts of the season! Join the
Church in Scottsdale. $18/adults; $15/
musicological journey through the holiday favorite as well as many other traditional, classical, contemporary
DEC. 8–16
Pinnacle Chancel Choir, Pinnacle Pealers and special instrumental guests as they combine forces to create a
performances at American Lutheran
THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
Church and Cross of Christ Lutheran
Experience the joy of the season as the
Rd., Scottsdale. 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. 480-
Church in Anthem. $22/adults; $20/
Christian Dance Company celebrates
303-2474; pinnacleconcerts.com
seniors; $12/students. See website for
the 31st anniversary of its holiday show
schedule. 623-326-5172; pmaz.org
featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers,
and even whimsical pieces. Includes
singers and guest performers including
Dec. 7–24
MASTER JEWELER
magical experience. Free. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima
DEC. 9–16
Duncan, emcee Mark Hart and even a
HOLIDAYS WITH ORPHEUS
World Champion hoop dancer Tony horse-drawn carriage. $30/adults; $28/
Join the Orpheus Male Chorus of
Master jeweler Michael Grant, known
children and seniors. Chandler Center for
Phoenix as it presents traditional and
for his unmatched devotion to turquoise,
the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler.
contemporary holiday songs. Includes
will unveil his latest necklaces, cuffs,
See website for performance schedule.
performances at churches throughout
earrings and more, of a variety of the
480-820-0795; chandlercenter.org
the Valley. $20/adults; $15/seniors and
finest all-natural, hand-cut turquoise. Opening reception 5–8 p.m. Dec. 7. Lanning, a Bryant Nagel Gallery, 431 SR 179, A1-2, at Hozho, Sedona. 928-2826865; lanninggallery.com
DEC. 9
SALT RIVER BRASS’ HOLIDAY POPS Join the Salt River Brass as it celebrates
Dec. 7
OBADIAH PARKER Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort &
in the Valley nearly every night. Join
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main St., Mesa.
Phoenix Symphony Chorus and world-
3 p.m. 602-334-4556; saltriverbrass.org
class soloists in Handel’s masterpiece in churches and venues throughout
DEC. 9
and unique, soulful style. Free. 7500
Experience a special holiday program
E. Doubletree Ranch Rd., Scottsdale.
as Ajay Patel and Alex Zhang conduct
6–9:30 p.m. hyattregency.com
the Scottsdale Philharmonic in
DEC. 8, 9
SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS Let the Sonoran Desert Chorale lift your spirits with thrilling brass and organ accompaniment in the familiar melodies of traditional carols and other festive favorites. Includes performances
DEC. 12–16
Join the Phoenix Symphony, the
strong vocals, impressive songwriting
who has built a strong following with
698-7890; orpheus.org
$18+/adults; $16+/students and seniors.
THE SCOTTSDALE PHILHARMONIC’S HOLIDAY CONCERT
acoustic soul performer Obadiah Parker,
website for performance schedule. 602-
its 31st annual concert of holiday classics.
Spa at Gainey Ranch’s Center Stage Bar features some of the best live music
students; free for children under 12. See
performances of several traditional classics of the season. $5+. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 4 p.m. 480-9516077, scottsdalephilharmonic.com
the Valley. The acclaimed “Hallelujah” chorus highlights these performances featuring some of the most glorious sacred music ever written. $29+. See website for performance schedule. 602495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org
DEC. 14–18
A CHORALE CHRISTMAS Join internationally renowned conductor Dr. Anton Armstrong as he leads the Phoenix Chorale in bringing the spirit of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival to churches throughout the Valley. $38/adults; $33/seniors and military; $18/students. See website for performance schedule. 602-253-2224; phoenixchorale.org december 2018
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DEC. 14–23
PHOENIX BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER Join Phoenix Ballet and internationally recognized dance stars Madison Penney, Tia Wenkman, Bel Pickering, Tegan Chou, Misha Broderick and Basia Rhoden along with top students from the acclaimed Master Ballet Academy. $25+. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. See website for performance schedule. 602-534-5600; phoenixballet.org
Dec. 14
MARK CORTALE PRESENTS BROADWAY
DEC. 15
A MERRY-ACHI CHRISTMAS
instrumental tunes and thrilling Irish dancing. $35+. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd.,
Two-time Tony Award winner Sutton
Maestro José Hernández and his
Phoenix. See website for performance
Foster and multi-talented pianist
platinum-selling Sol de México—
schedule. 480-478-6000; mim.org
Seth Rudetsky present a cabaret-style
the first mariachi ensemble to be
concert not to be missed. $59–89.
nominated for a Grammy Award—
Center for the Performing Arts, 7380
perform treasured holiday favorites.
E. 2nd St., Scottsdale. 8 p.m. 480-499-
$29+. Scottsdale Center for the
8587; scottsdaleperformingarts.org
Performing Arts, 7380 E. 2nd St.,
DEC. 15
WINTER WONDERLAND
DEC. 21
Scottsdale. 7 p.m. 480-499-8587;
DRUMLINE LIVE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
scottsdaleperformingarts.org
Witness the energetic choreography, dazzling vocalists and talented musicians
DEC. 16, 17
of marching bands from Historically Black College and University performing
inspired by the season as North
IRISH CHRISTMAS IN AMERICA
Valley Symphony Orchestra performs
Take a memorable glimpse into the
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N.
holiday favorites. $5. North Canyon
enchanting spirit of Christmas as
Arizona Ave., Chandler. 7:30 p.m. 480-
High School, 1700 E. Union Hills
the finest traditional artists from
782-2680; chandlercenter.org
Dr., Phoenix. 7 p.m. 623-980-4628;
Ireland bring you on a fun-filled
northvalleysymphony.org
journey through the holiday season.
Bundle up for an evening of music
This family-friendly performance
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features stirring Irish ballads, lively
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holiday classics with the energy of hip-hop, jazz, soul and Motown. $38+.
DEC. 27
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS
DANCE WITH ME GALA
the 38th Annual Governor’s Arts
Tickets are on sale for this year’s 11th
Awards program. Submission deadline
Annual Ballet Arizona Dance with
is Dec. 20. See website for details.
Me Gala to be held January 25 at
azcitizensforthearts.org
Phoenix Art Museum. Tickets for this
Experience the magic as the spirit
black tie event start at $600 and table
of the season comes alive with
sponsorships start at $6,000. 602-
the signature sound of Mannheim
343-6522; balletaz.org
Steamroller. The program celebrates
SCOTTSDALE LEAGUE FOR THE ARTS ANNOUNCES GRANTS Scottsdale League for the Arts, the
and 40 years since the first Fresh Aire
LYBERGER TAPPED TO LEAD DESERT MOUNTAIN GOLF
album. $40+. ASU Gammage, 1200
John Lyberger, PGA, one of the most
April to raise funds for Arizona
S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 7:30 p.m. 480-
highly regarded golf professionals in the
arts programs and development,
965-3434; asugammage.com
country, has been named PGA director
announces its 2018 grantees: Ballet
of golf at Desert Mountain Club, the
Arizona, Center Dance Ensemble,
only private community in the world
Childsplay, Del E. Webb Center
BLOCKBUSTER SCORES: MUSIC FROM TV AND FILM
with six Jack Nicklaus signature golf
for the Performing Arts, Desert
courses. Lyberger will oversee a golf
Foothills Community Theater,
staff of 75 employees serving 1,900
Detour Company Theater, Inc., East
members across golf courses and pro
Valley Children’s Theater, Fountain
Join the Phoenix Symphony for a
shops. In early 2019, Desert Mountain
Hills Theater, Frank Lloyd Wright
visual and auditory treat as they play
Club will open a new, par 54 course,
Foundation, Free Arts for Abused
the scores of some of your favorite
No. 7 at Desert Mountain, and celebrate
Children, Grand Canyon Chamber
classic films and television. $25+.
the reopening of its original course,
Music Festival, Heard Museum,
Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd
Renegade, following an extensive
Phoenix Children’s Chorus, Phoenix
St., Phoenix. See website for schedule.
renovation. desertmountain.com
Film Foundation, Phoenix Performing
the group’s recent anniversary of 30 years since the first Christmas album
Dec. 28–30
non-profit group that presents the Scottsdale Culinary Festival each
Arts Center, Phoenix Theater,
602-495-1999; phoenixsymphony.org
TICKETS ON SALE FOR SEDONA FILM FEST
ProMusica Arizona Chorale and
PHOENIX SYMPHONY NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA
Advance-sale passes are now on sale
Academy for Children, Scottsdale
for the 25th Sedona International Film
Arts, Scottsdale Philharmonic,
Festival Feb. 23–March 3. This year,
Southwest Shakespeare Company,
160 films have been selected out of
Valley Youth Theatre, WHAM Art
Enjoy a cocktail reception, a
more than 1,400 entries, and the silver
Center and Young Arts Arizona Ltd.
sumptuous dinner and dance to the
celebration includes a full lineup of
The league has donated more than
full Phoenix Symphony orchestra.
events. Non-member advanced sale price
$4.5 million to the arts since 2000.
A champagne toast and many other
is $920; $875 for members before Dec.
scottsdalefest.org
surprises will make ringing in the
31. Beginning Jan. 1, the cost is $1,150.
New Year special. Proceeds benefit
See website for additional pricing. 928-
Phoenix Symphony’s outreach and
282-1177; sedonafilmfestival.org
Dec. 31
Orchestra, Rosie’s House: Music
education programs, helping bring joy to music to over 125,000 children and adults in hospitals, homeless shelters, schools and more. $500; sponsorships available. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. 8 p.m.–1 a.m. phoenixsymphony.org
CALL FOR COLLEGE ART SUBMISSIONS Arizona Citizens for the Arts is looking for artwork created by college students in the last two years to be considered for use as the official artwork for
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T
There really is nothing like an Arizona Christmas. Granted, to experience a white Christmas, you’ll need to drive north to Flagstaff. But the Valley more than makes up for its lack of snowfall with the exceptionally festive live performing arts programs presented in Phoenix and its surrounding communities this time of the year. From national acts making guest appearances in our state to local groups pulling out all of the stops to make our December days merry and bright, Santa Claus himself couldn’t throw a lump of coal without hitting at least one stage that is lit up like a Christmas tree and populated with some of the most talented individuals this side of the North Pole. For starters, Mannheim Steamroller—a musical group whose signature sound has become synonymous with Christmas—is set for a 7:30 p.m. Dec. 27 performance at ASU Gammage in Tempe. Meanwhile, Drumline Live will bring its holiday show to Chandler Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21. They are just two examples of a long list of holiday headliners that are certain to be the Valley’s biggest Yuletide draws.
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo The Nutcracker (Courtesy of Kellan Meko - Ballet Etudes) december 2018
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Of course, our state’s stages also do a spectacular job of booking acts that explore holiday traditions through a culturally diverse lens. Maestro José Hernández’s platinum-selling Sol de México—the first mariachi ensemble to be nominated for a Grammy Award—will perform its popular Merry-Achi Christmas show 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Moreover, two different Irish Christmas performances will take place—one featuring Riverdance principal dancer Caterina Coyne at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, and another produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of the award-winning Irish group Téada Dec. 16 and 17 at Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the holiday happenings in the Valley. The richness of performing arts organizations in our communities create a Christmasy atmosphere that is guaranteed to deck your halls all December long.
Candy Canes And Silver Lanes Aglow
The Broadway plays and musicals sampled during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last month likely whet your whistle for live theater. Fortunately, the Valley’s various theater troupes are presenting a wide array of holiday shows at venues far closer than New York City. One such show—which boasts a score by Broadway giants Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens—is Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s presentation of “A Christmas Carol.” “The Nanny” and “Days of Our Lives” actor Charles Shaughnessy portrays Ebenezer Scrooge in the musical stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless holiday classic Dec. 6–23 at Tempe Center for the Arts. “The holidays can be a stressful time for many reasons,” said David Hock, executive producer of Scottsdale Musical Theater Company. “Getting to work on such a joyous holiday musical is a nice way to escape the madness of shopping malls, airports and traffic. You can't help but get wrapped up in the spirit of the show.”
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At the other end of the spectrum of holiday classics is “A Christmas Story,” which Desert Stages Theatre in Scottsdale is presenting through Dec. 23. The play’s script was taken almost directly from the 1983 film of the same title. Desert Stages Theatre marketing and social media coordinator Virginia Olivieri especially enjoys this particular Yuletide tale because of its meaningful message.
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“‘A Christmas Story’ emphasizes for me the importance of my family, my children and the special moments— whether good, bad or crazy—we get to spend together,” Olivieri said. “Holiday shows remind us of where we come from and that no matter what there's no place like home.” Meanwhile, Black Theatre Troupe is presenting its annual production of “Black Nativity” through Dec. 16 at Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center in Phoenix. Black Theatre Troupe executive director David Hemphill said the performance is a significant part of the holidays for African Americans in the same way that “A Christmas Carol” and “The Nutcracker” are traditions for other audiences. “It is a joyous celebration of music and dance that touches a special chord within everyone this time of the year,” explained Hemphill, noting that he has worked on “Black Nativity” every season for the past 40 years. Other holiday shows include “12 Days of Christmas” through Dec. 23 at Fountain Hills Theater, “Miracle on 34th Street” through Dec. 29 at Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria, “It’s a Wonderful Life” through Dec. 29 at Don Bluth Front Row Theatre in Scottsdale and “Elf: The Musical” through Dec. 30 at Phoenix Theatre.
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Salt River Brass (Courtesy of Salt River Brass)
Phoenix Symphony (Courtesy of the Phoenix Symphony)
Phoenix Chorale (Courtesy of Chris Loomis - Phoenix Chorale)
It's the Right Time to Rock the Night Away
The Valley’s various instrumental bands are also providing audiences with plenty of opportunities to partake in the sounds of the season. The Scottsdale Philharmonic will present its holiday program 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. It will include composer Leroy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival,” an arrangement of festive favorites such as “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “March of the Toys” and “Joy to the World.” “The holiday program is all about music that creates a feel-good moment, a special childhood memory with family or the excitement of what’s to come during the season,” said Joy Partridge, the Scottsdale Philharmonic’s president and violist. “Sharing the spirit of the season through music creates a fond memory for all of us at the Scottsdale Philharmonic.”
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Granted, to experience a white Christmas, you’ll need to drive north to Flagstaff. But the Valley more than makes up for its lack of snowfall with the exceptionally festive live performing arts programs presented in Phoenix and its surrounding communities this time of the year.
Meanwhile, North Valley Symphony Orchestra will present its holiday program—Winter Wonderland—7 p.m. Dec. 15 at North Canyon High School in Phoenix. Liberty Elementary School’s chorus will join the musicians during the program for a performance of composer Sergey Prokofiev’s “Winter Bonfire.” “Whenever we involve other organizations in our concerts, it helps us build community—an important aspect of the art,” said Kevin Kozacek, music director for North Valley Symphony Orchestra. “[Working] on holiday music for a concert
helps me enjoy the spirit of the season. This concert is all about the cold, wintry aspect of the holidays—which, living in Phoenix, sometimes we miss.” The Salt River Brass will also do its part to get the Valley in the Christmas spirit with its Holiday Pops concert 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at Mesa Arts Center. The performance will showcase a mix of traditional and jazz arrangements of festive favorites such as “The Nutcracker Suite,” “White Christmas” and even a Motown-style version of “Jingle Bells.” “The Salt River Brass' annual holiday concert always gets me in the cheerful spirit,” said Ross Kerley, the band’s secretary and tuba player. “I feel that it's not really the holiday season until I perform with Salt River Brass. Everyone in the Salt River Brass loves our fantastically enthusiastic audience that comes from near and far, and this concert feels like we're giving back to them.” The Phoenix Symphony has its fair share of holiday programs as well, including a Nov. 30–Dec. 2 Holiday Pops concert and a Dec. 7–9 Cirque Holiday Spectacular collaboration with Troupe Vertigo that pairs classic Christmas music with circus-type acts on the stage—and 40 feet above it. The Phoenix Symphony will also bring performances of George Frideric
Handel’s “Messiah” to five different venues across the Valley Dec. 12–16.
Hark Now, Hear the Angels Sing
The Valley’s choral organizations also have Christmas covered. ProMusica Arizona will present its annual holiday show—a collaboration of both its chorale and its orchestra—Dec. 7–9 at American Lutheran Church and Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Anthem. Jan Sandoz, a member of the chorale and a board chair, said her favorite part of this year’s performance is a new satirical arrangement of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” “As a singer, I love performing all the familiar sacred and secular tunes of Christmas,” Sandoz said. “But they can become rather stale without changing them up a bit. With these new arrangements, I find that it simply adds a little sparkle to my traditional favorites.” Audiences have several other choral concerts from which to choose throughout December, including a number of performances by the Sonoran Desert Chorale, the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix and the Phoenix Chorale at various locations throughout the Valley.
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The Nutcracker (Courtesy of Kellan Meko - Ballet Etudes)
Visions of Sugar-Plums Danced in Their Heads
Of course, no Christmas would be complete without a performance of “The Nutcracker.” A big-screen adaptation of the holiday classic set to composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s enduring score is playing in movie theaters thanks to Walt Disney Pictures, but the story comes to life on stage courtesy of Ballet Etudes through Dec. 16 at Chandler Center for the Arts and Mesa Arts Center. Ballet Etudes is tied with Ballet Arizona for the longest-running production of “The Nutcracker” in the Valley. Resident choreographer and marketing manager Kellan Meko, whose parents founded Ballet Etudes in 1986, said the production—which traditionally has its first performance on the day after Thanksgiving of each year—holds a particularly special meaning to her. “On Thanksgiving, the smell of the cooking turkey swirled in the air with the smell of the hot glue gun as last-minute alternations were made to props and headpieces,” Meko explained. “As the creative and logistical forces behind ‘The Nutcracker,’ my parents were at every performance, whether working backstage or performing onstage in character roles, so this production is my holiday season and has wonderful memories tied to it.” Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Ballet are also presenting their own productions of “The Nutcracker” throughout December. Meanwhile, Center Dance Ensemble is performing Frances Ford Cohen’s “Snow Queen” at Herberger Theater Center through Dec. 16 and the Christian Dance Company will present the 31st anniversary of its holiday show “The Spirit of Christmas” Dec. 8–16 at Chandler Center for the Arts.
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Royal Palms Resort
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The year was 1926. World War I had ended eight years prior, and the Roaring 20s were in full swing. While Phoenix’s once-booming cotton industry had all but dried up following the war, a new era of growth had begun in the Valley of the Sun—one writer Scott Fitzgerald referred to as the “greatest, gaudiest spree in history.” It was a booming time to be in Phoenix, and everyone who was anyone wanted a piece of the dream. Among them was a 62-year-old New York industrialist and financier named Delos Willard Cooke. A nephew of finance mogul JP Morgan, he’d made his fortunes in the railroad and steamship industries, and had decided it was time to enjoy life for a change. Cooke’s motivation was his love for his wife, Florence, who was in ill health at the time. New York winters had been particularly cold in recent years, and common thought was that the warm, desert air would be therapeutic for her. Cooke resigned from his job, writing that he was ready to “devote most of my time to the welfare and happiness of my wife from now on. She has first claim on me.”
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Cooke likely heard about Phoenix, in part,
completed in 1929. In a sad twist of irony,
because the Southern Pacific Railroad was
it was not Florence Cooke who succumbed
making big news as it expanded through
to her illness, but Delos who died suddenly
the city. Prior to its 1926 groundbreaking
two years later at the age of 66.
at Union Station downtown, Phoenix was relatively isolated from the rest of the country.
For six years, Florence worked to maintain
With the railroad came industry and culture—
the estate, then made the heartbreaking
and an unprecedented boom in population.
decision to sell it to WE Travis, who was then the president of Greyhound Bus Lines.
A few miles outside of the city hustle, the highest peak in the area called to Cooke. The
The Travis family owned and loved the home
rugged sandstone and granite escarpments
for the next five years. They added a second
of Camelback Mountain, and the teeming
story to the mansion’s west wing that included
desert wildlife, appealed to a part of him that
a chapel and office space for a priest, who
he hadn’t satisfied back east. With a stroke
lived on-site and pastored nearby residents.
of a pen, he purchased 65 acres and began to build El Vernadero, their 3,500-square-
It was another tragedy—the death of Travis’s
foot Spanish revival winter haven.
wife—that led to a third and fourth changing of hands, first to Aviola Radio Company
The home was designed to echo the ambiance
president John Ross, then to Biggest Little Big
of some of the couple’s favorite moments
Band in America leader Al Stovall.
in Europe. Seven decades later, many of its Granada-tiled roofs, arched windows
Stovall saw a different future for the home.
and Juliet doors remain as comforting and
It was the mid-1940s. World War II had
stylistic as the day the Cookes imagined
ended, and the American Dream had taken
them. White stucco walls gleamed cleanly
on a new aspect: travel. He built 15 casitas
in the Arizona sun, and sound construction
west of the original home and converted
and elevated ceilings kept the house relatively
rooms in the main house to suit guests.
cool on the hottest of days.
FUN FACTS
ABOUT ROYAL PALMS The first hotel guests paid $35/night. There are 193 palm trees and 14 varieties on the property.
In 1948, the first visitors checked in to the hacienda
newly dubbed Royal Palms Inn. Through
styles also influenced the home’s design.
the years, it would become a resting point
Hand-selected tiles, imported from Spain,
for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Groucho
were chosen to personalize the portico
Marx and other big stars.
Mediterranean
and
Mexican
surrounding a large outdoor courtyard. This was where the Cookes would entertain
Today, 70 years after the first bricks were laid,
their neighbors and guests—the Biltmores,
the grounds of the Royal Palms have undergone
the Wrigleys, the Wrights and more names
significant transformation, but they still reflect
on the list comprised of the “who’s who” of
the comfortable grandeur of the 1920s. One of
the Phoenix and American elite at the time.
the most highly regarded resorts in the Phoenix area, it has served as a temporary stay for
Towering palm trees, all the rage in the
the Hollywood elite and for Presidents of the
Valley, were planted along the home’s
United States and their families.
grand driveway to welcome them. Those
Two palm trees grow inside T. Cook’s dining room.
palms
would
eventually
become
the
property’s namesake.
The on-site restaurant, T. Cook’s, is still a low-key hot spot for recognizable names, partly for the great food and drink menu,
There was no shortage of love put into
and partly because it offers a sense of
the home, but the Cookes' enjoyment of
anonymity not found in other places.
it would be short-lived. El Vernadero was
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Peaceful rooms decorated in aqua blue and umber wind through a maze of walkways. Many have private patios, and offer a cozy respite for those who choose to simply enjoy the beauty. A rich-looking library with a tiger oak fireplace that once decorated the Chicago office of famed area developer Fred Unger invites visitors to relax for a while, and large, versatile conference rooms have formed the backdrop for everything from lively wedding receptions to corporate meetings. Outside, daybeds and cabanas filled with lounging visitors surround a pool that conjures images from “The Great Gatsby.” The Alegria Garden, set for one of two weddings to take place on the day we visited, is a short distance away. Its striking arrays of aromatic flowers are stunning. The Vernadero Lawn, where a 1920s-themed 70th anniversary party was held earlier this year, shows the resort’s relatively new focus on attracting visitors of all ages. Cornhole, Jenga, and an outdoor fireplace where s’mores are served regularly are all part of its permanent fixtures, although guests have hosted many types of events in the largely private space. The Alvadora Spa and 24-hour fitness center offer enough services and amenities that guests never need leave the property. What began as one couple’s dream has transformed into a much-loved piece of Phoenix history. For 70 years, the Royal Palms Resort has been transformed by dreamers and doers into a place where time stands still, and where the breathtaking beauty of Camelback Mountain can be enjoyed to its fullest.
royalpalmshotel.com
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FUN FACTS
ABOUT ROYAL PALMS “Sunstroke,” a 1991 film, was shot at Royal Palms. The imported Spanish tile mural “Lady of Spain,” located in front of T. Cook’s, is one of only two in the world. There are 73 fireplaces and 24 fountains on the property. The original mahogany front doors still greet guests. There are 24 tiles located in the archways around the courtyard, each representing a province in Spain where the Cookes vacationed. The spelling of T. Cook’s was originally likely a mistake; it was later explained as part of Delos Cooke’s admiration for explorer Captain James Cook.
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography by Scott Stulberg
O
Our beautiful land is known for its desert landscapes and radiant sunsets, but those of us who call Arizona home know that, when the sun settles in for its evening rest, the darkness holds some of the most truly magical moments.
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After dark, shadows of mountains majesty frame beautiful spacious skies illuminated by dazzling distant stars and galaxies. In Sedona and much of northern Arizona, russet cliffs stand proudly beneath bespangled heavens. The stars spin a dizzying maze through the treetops of our ponderosa pine forests. Here in the Valley of the Sun, the moon often seems to expand into infinity. i m a gtakes e s a r i zcenter o n a . c ostage m d ein c eamsky b e rthat 2 018
Sedona photographer Scott Stulberg has brilliantly turned stargazing into an art. He has managed to capture some of the most enchanting secrets of the night. We hope you enjoy his work as much as we do! asa100.com asa100.com/workshops Find Scott’s breathtaking book, "Passage to Burma," on his website.
A MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT “Years ago, I took a trip up to the Grand Canyon around sunset with my wife and one of my students. After the sun went down, they both wanted to leave and come back to Sedona but it was during August, and I was just hoping and praying that we might see some lighting bolts. “I decided to wait in the dark and keep my fingers crossed and my prayers were answered within about an hour. The first bolt hit right in front of my eyes directly over the Grand Canyon, and I yelled to them, ‘Let's go! Get our cameras and tripods! This is it!’ “I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. For the next two hours, all I could do was scream while I was shooting some of the most spectacular lightning of my life. It was absolutely one of the most remarkable times I've ever had as a photographer. “My favorite image from that night ended up in the front pages of National Geographic, in the Visions of Earth section, as a double-page spread. Turned out to be one of those times where your intuition as a photographer really paid off.” ~Scott Stulberg
Sedona After Dark
Milky Way over Courthouse Rock Sedona
It's a big beautiful world out there with so much to photograph. Everyone should grab a map and somehow, some way, get to some of those amazing places that you've always dreamed about—but don't forget your camera! Scott Stulberg
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Grand Canyon
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Red Rocks Sedona Moonlight
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER Scott Stulberg was born and raised in Los Angeles beneath the lights of Hollywood. His father, Gordon Stulberg, who was president of 20th Century Fox during Scott’s high school years, gave him his first camera—a plastic one that took roll film—when he was 10 years old. “That was the beginning of an amazing odyssey and I completely fell in love with capturing everything I could,” says Scott. “When I turned 13 years old, my parents built an amazing darkroom for me in the basement, and that was absolutely life-changing for me. I spent night after night under the safe lights and really understanding what photography was about. I really feel it was that darkroom that completely made me fall in love with photography.” Today, he not only captures incredible moments and sights; he teaches workshops worldwide to help others find and express the beauty in the light, and in the dark.
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Photographic possibilities become endless when imagination and knowledge collide after dark. Movement, color and light combine to give results that are often unseen with the naked eye. That is what is so incredibly addicting about shooting after dark. The results from long exposures capture things that can just blow you away. It's really a whole other world out there shooting after the sun goes down! Scott Stulberg
Milky Way over Cathedral Rock
ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHING THE NIGHT SKY Scott Stulberg has become an expert at catching the stars, the moon, lightning and other wonders in digital images, and it’s not a simple feat. Anyone who has attempted to capture night sky beauty knows that it is incredibly difficult to translate the remarkable sights into a two-dimensional photo. Those who are able to do it well are rewarded. “There is something definitely unique and eye-catching about a good image that was shot after dark. Whether it includes the Milky Way, star trails or car trails, incredible architecture from a beautiful European city or so many other things, somehow the viewer gets drawn into your images and realizes this is totally different from daytime photography,” Stulberg explains. Adds Scott, “I guess the most difficult part of photographing after dark is that you're dealing with no light, and you have to understand your camera gear inside out. You do have a headlamp on for some of the time, but you can't have that on too much because you'll ruin your shots and everyone else’s shots around you. “You also have to be pretty well-versed in what settings you need to capture longer exposures, or even if you want to do multiple exposures to do things like stacking images, exposure blending or shooting for even an hour or so to capture star trails. Even though all of this can be difficult at the beginning, after a while it becomes just second nature. Sometimes— actually a lot of the time—it's a lot more fun and even a lot more rewarding.”
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After dark images have so much ‘stopping power’— images that make you stop and engage with the photo, wondering what is going on and why this particular image makes you feel the way you do. Scott Stulberg
Twilight Zone Milky Way
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STULBERG ON PHOTOGRAPHY “Do your best to never stop learning. Reading everything you can, taking classes, searching on Google, and just being tenacious about studying photographs and techniques from other photographers.
Star Trails over the Chapel Sedona
Milky Way above Sedona
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“Try to decipher not only how somebody shot something, but what was in their mind at the time. … So many photographers shoot the same exact way, every time they shoot. They don't think about different perspectives, trying to capture the scene a different way and hardly ever think outside the box. “What gets you noticed is what made Steve Jobs an absolute genius. His motto was ‘Think Different.’ I have always had that in my mind when I pushed myself more with photography throughout the years. You have to push yourself all the time or you will never get where you want to be.”
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F
For some, filling a house with the things that make it a home is all about thrift and function. Pretty things and baubles plucked from the shelves of the nearest discount store are hung, laid and placed without regard for where it came from or whose hands have worked to create it. For others, creating a home is about creating a story. Every piece of furniture and each work of art is mindfully chosen to reflect who they are, where they have been, and what they strive to become. From family heirlooms to travel remembrances, these people recognize that “home” is not so much a place, but an expression of the heart and soul. From behind the doors of their Old Town Scottsdale Buffalo Collection storefront, Laura and Michael Levenberg are not only pairing people with beautiful, one-of-a-kind furniture and décor finds; they’re helping to restore an important piece of American tradition crucial to our land and our history. It all began with a herd of buffalo.
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photographer Loralei Lazurek december 2018
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“
The details are what make the greatest difference, especially when they are created by someone we know personally, and they’re a master craftsman. Laura Levenberg
About a day’s drive from the Valley of the Sun in the shadow of Mt. Lamborn in western Colorado is a little cranny of the planet where artisans and fiercely independent folks have been drawn for years. Among them was a botanist named Julie Littlefield, who purchased a 9,000-acre parcel called Scenic Mesa Ranch and set out to restore the land’s plants and native animals. After doing some research, she learned that the best way to do that was to introduce something long gone from Western ranges: buffalo. Cattle, it turns out, are hard on the land. They tend to graze in one place for as long as possible, pulling grasses by their roots stripping the land acre by acre.
Buffalo operate entirely differently. They move as they graze, leaving root systems intact and fertilizing the land as they travel. Reintroduction of buffalo to the land was the perfect natural solution. Before long, there were too many bison to be sustained by the land, so the creation of a buffalo meat business became necessary to humanely thin the herd. With that came an excess of gorgeous buffalo hides. Not only were the hides beautiful, they were also twice as thick, 40 percent stronger, and higher in collagen than cattle hides, which made them softer and more supple. As fate would have it, a fourth-generation Colorado furniture maker was visiting the ranch on a hunting trip. It was the perfect opportunity to design the first heirloom quality furniture pieces using buffalo hides for the ranch houses. As people visited the ranch, they took notice of the exquisite sofas and chairs and wanted similar pieces for their own homes. Thus, the furniture business began. Every facet was a tenable circle of life. Buffalo were thriving, the land was renewed, and every part of the buffalo was being put to good use at the end of their life cycle. In keeping with commitment to the environment, a “wet-white,” non-chromium, earthfriendly tanning process was used.
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It may have been furniture that was being sold, but what was really happening was the telling of the story of the American West—one of glory and tragedy, and one with an opportunity to right a small part of what went so terribly wrong. Michael and Laura shared a love for the history of the West and the freedom it represented. They met Littlefield while they ran an art gallery in Aspen, and they became enchanted with the ranch and its mission to renew passion for bison. They loved and believed in the mission so much that they decided to get involved. With a herd management plan and meat and furniture businesses in place, the entire herd of buffalo would benefit, as would thousands of people who, in big ways and small, would make the buffalo part of their lives. The first Buffalo Collection showroom opened in Colorado in 2009. By 2011, Michael and Laura were ready to open Buffalo Collection in Old Town Scottsdale. Since then, they have expanded their showroom twice.
Buffalo Collection Michael and Laura have taken the original plan to the next level with Buffalo Collection. Their showroom, situated among the art galleries and trending restaurants of Old Town Scottsdale’s East Fifth Avenue, is full of wonderfully unexpected pieces created by their “collection” of nearly 50 artists, many of whom are celebrated at artists’ receptions throughout the year.
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It’s a nod to their roots in fine art, and a tip of the hat to the many styles, from rustic to mid-century modern, that excite their customers. Every piece of buffalo leather furniture is handcrafted to the customer’s specifications, making each creation a one-of-a-kind, personalized find. Original glasswork, live edge wood tables, Western photography, paintings, leather handbags and pillows, one-of-a-kind lighting and more offer a full array to choose from. It’s entirely possible to fill a home with handcrafted, finds—the stuff that family heirlooms are made of—without leaving the store. “Everything we do is handcrafted in America,” Michael said. “We have lots of talented folks here, and we love that we can give them opportunities and put them to work.”
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Buffalo Collection 7044 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale 480-946-3903 buffalocollection.com
Buffalo Collection is also the kind of experience many tourists and winter visitors love; it’s the perfect place to find a distinctive, heirloom quality keepsake to remind them of their time here. White glove delivery service enables people around the globe to have items shipped home, no matter where they live. The star of the showroom floor is, of course, gorgeous buffalo leather sofas, armchairs, barstools, benches and more. Buffalo Collection shows off a variety of designs that you can sit in and feel for yourself how each piece is smooth as butter, soft and sophisticated. They offer 40-50 colors of rich buffalo leather, from deep, rustic leathers to pastels, and custom leatherwork, metalwork and finishes make every creation a reflection of its owner.
Buffalo Collection doesn’t have to be all about new pieces, either. Their craftsmen are experts at redesigning antiques. “The details are what make the greatest difference,” said Laura, “especially when they are created by someone we know personally, and they’re a master craftsman.” “Everything boils down to the fact that it’s heirloom quality,” Michael added. “People leave here knowing they only have to buy something once; it lasts a lifetime.” “It’s come full-circle,” Michael said with a proud smile. “What started with preserving the land and preserving the buffalo is now a system of sustainability in which each piece supports the next.” It’s something else too. It’s a remarkable combination of tradition and ingenuity, and it’s a new twist to an age-old story that we can all be proud to tell. buffalocollection.com
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When it comes to designer jewelry, Marino Pesavento and Chiana Carli have the market on combining technology with sophistication. From a hidden room in their Vicenza, Italy workshop, the two have not only created beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, but they’ve developed an innovative— and highly secret—formula that makes their sterling silver and gold jewelry easy to identify as Pesavento originals. Thin, silky lines define the Pesavento style. Sleek rows of diamonds and understated yet elegant stone mounts bring a sense of panache with none of the gaudy brazenness some designers choose to emphasize. While some designers focus on creating diamond rings, for example, a Pesavento ring is a thing of beauty in itself, and diamonds may provide a subtle and exquisite element. Since 1992, Pesavento Jewelry has redrawn the boundaries of what jewelry should look like. It’s a beautiful marriage of contemporary design and forward-thinking scientific experimentation. From his office in Italy, Marino Pesavento shared his vision. In eloquent, accented English, he summed up his work. “One thing is that I work a lot in order to find a uniqueness in our jewels, not only the shape but also the finish,” he said. “Our style is unique, and because the quality is the top, our silver jewels are as if they are done in gold. They are unique and beautiful, and completely different from others. “If you want to distinguish yourself and to be your own person, you will love our jewels.” Pesavento features two kinds of finishes: one they call “Polvere di Sogni,” and the other, evident in their Spring collection, is defined by thin bands of metal intertwined.
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Writer Amanda Christmann Photography Courtesy of Pesavento Jewelry and Loralei Lazurek december 2018
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“They are sparkling, very beautiful and very feminine,” Marino says. The Polvere di Sogni finish is created using nano technology—something completely original in the jewelry market. Micro particles are cut into hexagonal shapes to give these pieces an unreplicated shimmering sparkle. “Polvere di Sogni—that one is very special finishing. No one copies it. I decided to protect and put this work in special area I call the Coca Cola room. Nobody can enter this room; it is very unique, and we must do this to protect it.” To describe this finish is difficult, simply because it is unrivaled. It is a combination of eye-catching shine and rich texture—the kind of piece that makes others take a second look and ask, “Where did you find that?” “It’s something very new, and we are very confident it is working very well,” Marino says. “It is contemporary, modern and clean. We like a lot of architectural style—we like a clean style.” By all accounts it is resonating with women across the globe. Pesavento is currently positioned in mediumto top-end jewelry markets in approximately 50 countries and growing. Its availability in the U.S. is limited, but Grace Renee Gallery, which opened in Carefree’s historic Spanish Village shopping center in late October, has chosen to feature it among their fine jewelry collection. “Everybody thinks that the American market is different, and everyone thinks that the German market is different,” says Marino when asked
Celebrate the Holidays the Carefree Way! Carefree Desert Garden “Glitters”
Nov. - Jan.: 5 – 10 p.m. Stroll and enjoy the beauty of the Gardens this holiday season! Marvel at our 26’ Christmas tree housed beneath the largest Sundial in the western hemisphere.
Chanukah Celebration
Begins Sunday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m. Local families are invited to light the menorah each evening, with a special ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 9th.
Christmas in Carefree - Dec. 7 - 9
Weekend activities include: Breakfast with Santa, the Carefree Community Holiday Parade, live music, Saturday evening fireworks and special holiday-themed activities all weekend! Admission to the Gardens is FREE!*
Friday, Dec. 7: Noon - 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. * Fee for some holiday events. Visit the website or call 480-488-3686.
ChristmasInCarefree.com Carefree Desert Gardens | Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion | 101 Easy Street, Carefree, AZ 85377 december 2018
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I wanted to bring something to the area that no one else was making available, and Pesavento does that,” she explained.
Something beautiful is beautiful everywhere. A beautiful woman is beautiful everywhere. It doesn’t matter if she comes from Italy, America or Germany. about breaking into American market.
the
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“Something beautiful is beautiful everywhere. A beautiful woman is beautiful everywhere. It doesn’t matter if she comes from Italy, America or Germany. It doesn’t matter where you are from. We have focsed our attention in order to create jewelry for international taste. “The people with an open mind who are in contact with other cultures understand what we are doing. It is different. We call our style an international style.” “Pesavento Jewelry is art,” said Grace Renee Gallery owner Shelly Spence. “When I opened Grace Renee Gallery,
“The jewelry we choose is an expression of ourselves. For me, Pesavento represents a part of myself that’s refined and sophisticated. I believe there are a lot of women who will feel the same way, and who will relate to it on a deeper level, the same way it resonates with me.” Spence’s reaction to Pesavento was exactly what Marino strives to create. It’s not about versatility so much as it is about individuality. “We like when the woman selects jewelry for the kind of clothes she is wearing, and for the correct mood she is feeling,” he says. “It is a way to help the person wearing it to express themselves through their jewelry. It is a way to deliver good energy and to make them feel good.” Marino and his partner Carli, who are often described as twin souls, strive to make “poetry” of their designs. “We have always been attracted to jewels because of the shape and opportunity to express our vision of beauty. Before we began Pesavento, what we saw in the windows of the jewelry stores—we were not impressed. We want to create a new brand, identity and vision for jewelry.” Through timeless yet state-of-the-art design, Pesavento is doing just that. gracereneegallery.com
EXPERIENCE Pesavento Friday, December 14–Saturday, December 15 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery | 7212 E. Ho Hum Rd., #7, Carefree | 480-575-8080 gracereneegallery.com
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Writer Joseph J. Airdo Photography Courtesy of McDowell Mountain Music Festival
Preparations are currently underway for a festival that will bring an eclectic mix of live music performances to the Valley while promoting arts and culture—and doing a great deal of good for a few deserving nonprofit organizations. Set for March 1–3, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival—or M3F for those hip enough to know the lingo—will once again take over Hance Park, 67 W. Culver St. in Phoenix. The festival is a unique blend of live art, food, crafts and of course music concerts. Festival director Heather Rogers believes the event’s overarching draw for attendees is the well-rounded arts-based experience that it offers. “It’s the on-site ability to walk through the gates and get lost for a little bit,” said Rogers, noting the McDowell Mountain Music Festival offers people an opportunity to get out of their homes and out of their normal routines to do something social and fun. “It's not only the music; it's the food, it’s the people, it’s the art, it’s the crafts and it’s the interaction.”
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The festival has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2004 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This year’s event will feature three stages on which about 35 bands will perform, including headliners ODESZA and Empire of the Sun. Previous headliners include Flume, Beck, Kid Cudi, Chromeo, Father John Misty, Grouplove, The Avett Brothers, The Revivalists, DJ Mustard, The Roots, The Shins and Slightly Stoopid. Organizers try to present an eclectic mix of music each year to excite attendees. “We have a wish list that we add to constantly,” Rogers explained. “Everyone is always sending in suggestions and ideas. We try to bring a little bit of everything that people may not hear on a daily basis or really even get a chance to hear here in Phoenix.” ODESZA is a prime example of something outside of the Valley’s ordinary list of performances. Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight’s electronic music has been thrilling audiences since the duo’s debut in 2012. After a seat atop Billboard's dance/electronic charts, a gold single and a Grammy nomination, the indie band now sells out large arenas without the benefit of mainstream press or radio airplay. ODESZA has instead found success through word-of-mouth and social media raves about its explosively entertaining performances that feature an 11-piece ensemble, including a horn section and a marching band drumline. Rogers believes that it is that quality that makes the act perfect for the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. “If you do any checking on YouTube or have seen ODESZA at another festival, you know that their whole production and everything will bring a lot to the festival,” Rogers said. “It will really give people that ticket value of the show.” Similarly, Empire of the Sun is another electronic music duo that is sure to satisfy attendees—especially since the band does not make it to the Valley very often due to their busy touring schedule. The act has performed in more than 100 cities in just the last two years alone. Empire of the Sun collaborators Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore have seen plenty of success, with their albums selling more than 3 million copies and their singles scoring multi-platinum selling status. Their single “Walking on a Dream” was recently the most Shazamed song in the U.S. Moreover, Empire of the Sun has racked up more than 650 million Spotify streams and more than 300 million YouTube plays.
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In addition to the headliners, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival will feature a long list of other performances from national, regional and local acts. Rogers is especially fond of the local acts that help round out the festival’s diverse lineup. Valley local acts benefit from the event’s exposure through poster and T-shirt sales, helping them expand their audience base and to possibly even reach new heights with their careers. That support of the arts is one of the event’s primary goals. The McDowell Mountain Music Festival also aspires to provide financial support and education to family-based charities. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the festival benefit local non-profit organizations. Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s music therapy program is a highlighted recipient this year. “It’s a community give-back,” said Rogers, noting the 2018 event raised $65,000—a total that she hopes to at least meet if not exceed in 2019. Smiles for Special Needs and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona will also benefit this year. The McDowell Mountain Music Festival has raised more than $1 million since its first event, and the tally continues to grow as it evolves. Food trucks and other vendors will be on site, as will a drum circle conducted by AZ Rhythm Connection. Children can enjoy a few arts and crafts in an area designed to promote music, art and culture at a young age. Finally, live art demonstrations will take place at various locations around the park. “I like how [the McDowell Mountain Music Festival] has developed,” Rogers said. “In the beginning, we had maybe one person that came and did a little live art while the musicians were playing. Now it’s a lot more. The music inspires you and enhances the art. And while watching the artists’ [demonstrations], you listen to the music in a different way.” m3ffest.com
EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC McDowell Mountain Music Festival i mMarch a g e s a r i z1–Sunday, o n a . c o m dMarch e c e m b e3r| 2 018 Park | 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix | $125/3-Day General Admission | 602-343-0453 | m3ffest.com Hance 62Friday,
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mariposasedona.com 928-862-4444 dahl restaurant group - Sedona, Arizona - dahlrestaurantgroup.com december 2018
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Eggnog Breakfast Strata A perfect family breakfast for Christmas morning, or any morning! Make ahead of time, and then pop in the oven on the morning of the big day. Feel free to substitute any kind of leftover bread that you have. I just love the way the croissants look and taste! Serves 10-12
Ingredients: 8 croissants (can be stale) 8 eggs 3 cups eggnog Zest of one orange (save 1 teaspoon for ricotta topping) 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Topping: 1 container ricotta cheese 1 teaspoon orange zest 1 tablespoon honey Cranberry relish (homemade or store-bought)
Directions: Cut croissants into chunks and place in greased 9x13 baking pan. Beat eggs with wire whisk or with hand mixer. Add eggnog and orange zest. Pour over croissants in pan. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. One hour before ready to bake, remove croissants from refrigerator and uncover. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle croissants with cinnamon sugar mixture, then replace the foil. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
Combine the ricotta, orange zest and honey and whip with electric mixer until light and fluffy, about two minutes.
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To serve, cut into squares and top each with a dollop of ricotta and a spoonful of cranberry relish.
Live Auctions Every Saturday at 10:00am
We specialize in art, antiques, jewelry and collections. CALL TODAY TO CONSIGN!
A RIZONA’S CHOICE FOR SELECT FINE ARTS, ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES
5880 West Bell Road Glendale 623.335.1220 EJSAUCTIONS.COM december 2018
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Mexican Hot Chocolate Spiced Cookies This small batch recipe is the perfect holiday cookie. Full of spices but not too sweet, they are sure to be a hit! Mix up a batch of royal icing and make them look like snowflakes! Makes 20–24 cookies, depending on cookie cutter size.
Ingredients: 1 stick softened butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Royal Icing: 2 cups powdered sugar 1 tablespoon meringue powder 3–4 tablespoons water
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In mixing bowl, cream butter until smooth. Add vanilla and mix well. In another bowl combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and chili powder. Add to butter mixture and combine just until dough comes together. Turn out onto a floured counter and roll out about 1/4" thick. Cut with desired cutters, re-rolling dough as necessary. Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kelly
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Transfer to parchment lined cookie sheet and bake 1520 minutes. Do not over bake. Cool completely on wire racks and frost.
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