The Entertainer! Magazine - May by Times Media Group

PHX METRO Â» MAY 2019

Let's Dance Derek Hough goes solo on new tour

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

CONTENTS Dance Fever

Derek Hough ditches the sister for this tour

ON THE COVER

A TRUE VIKING QUEST

A trip to Iceland shimmers with glaciers, icicles and lagoons

18 POP CULTURE CELEBRATION

George Takei among those appearing at Phoenix Fan Fusion on the cover: Derek Hough Cover photo courtesy PKM.BNC

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Times Media Group 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone 480.348.0343 Fax 480.348.2109 entertainermag.com

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

Managing Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@timespublications.com

Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura

cdziawura@timespublications.com

NO ORDINARY MEATBALL

designer

Shannon Mead

Meat the Ball takes the traditional dish to new levels

CONTENTS UPFRONT

Top 25 • Derek Hough • NCT 127 • Hottest Pool Parties • decker. •

CITY

Phoenix Fusion • Extraordinary Rides • Allman & Betts • Eels • Blessthefall

TRAVEL

production manager Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

contributing writers

HOMETOWN HERO

Zachary Alvira, Alison Bailin Batz, Miranda Cyr, Samantha Fuoco, C.A. Haire, Laura Latzko, Randy Montgomery, Olivia Munson, Eric Newman, Taylor O’Connor, Bridgette Redman, Katie Sawyer, Octavio Serrano

Merrill Kelly retraces his Valley roots

Staff Photographers

A True Viking Quest

ARTS

Kimberly Carrillo, Pablo Robles

Contributing Photographers

Arts Calendar • ‘Rent’ • Sebastian Maniscalco • Chandler Center ‘s 30th Anniversary

DINING

Dining Calendar • Happy Hour Guide • Meat The Ball • Sweet Thangs • Matty G’s • NY Badels and Bialys

BEER AND WINE

FEELING ALIVE

Blackbear finds his routine and music help with depression

Best Beer and Wine Events in May • Moms and Mimosas • Beer Gear • Beerfinder • Wines for Mom • Beer Tenders

CASINOS

Best Sports Events in May • Oliver EkmanLarsson • Joey Daccord • Merrill Kelley

FAMILY

Best Family Events in May • School House Rock

MUSIC Live Music Calendar • Japanese House •

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

IN CLOSING

Blackbear • X • The Strumbellas • Ryan Hamilton • Brett Dennen

You’re Not Gonna Believe This

NIGHTLIFE

ONE COPY PER READER

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2018 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe.

Casino Entertainment Calendar • Bad Company • Steve Rodgers

SPORTS

Koury Angelo, Gus Black, Brian Bowen Smith/Faculty, Christie Goodwin, Kelsey Grant/Arizona Diamondbacks, Kevin Mazur, Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks, SM Entertainment, Nick Walker

For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the NOVEMBER prior to publication. Submissions are included based on available space and are used at the discretion of the editor. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations will not be returned unless it is specifically requested and submission is accompanied by a properly addressed envelope and sufficient postage. The Entertainer! makes every effort to authenticate claims and accurate times and event locations. We encourage readers to verify information prior to attending events or purchasing tickets. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

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TOP25

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Taylor O'Connor » The Entertainer!

be careful, we don’t need to see this event in the evening news. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, phoenixzoo.org, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., $10, 21 and older.

UCLA Bruins at Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball “Thoroughly Modern Millie”

TO MAY 5 The Scottsdale Musical Theater Company brings to the stage TV star Dawnn Lewis and Broadway’s Kelly Methven for a high-spirited, tap-dancing musical romp that pays homage to the music, dance and nostalgia of a forgotten era. Set in the 1920s, the story follows a feisty young flapper as she plans to find a job and marry a wealthy suitor. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, tempecenterforthearts. com, 7:30 p.m., $42-$58.

MAY 4 Even though school is out, ASU baseball isn’t done just yet. All of their friends are going home so come support the Sun Devils against the UCLA Bruins at the Phoenix Muni. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 5999 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thesundevils. com, 6:30 p.m., $18-$23.

MAY 2 This happy hour as a wild side to it. Join a few zebras and lions at the Phoenix Zoo in the interactive and exciting happy hour, Roars and Pours. Guests can enjoy a cocktail hour and have up-close encounters with the animals. Please

MAY 4 The night will probably consist of bad Darth Vader impressions and Chewbacca growls, but just bring a few earplugs while the kids deplete their energy at Arizona Sun Rays through gymnastics and dance. Arizona Sun Rays, 15801 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, arizonasunrays. com, 6 to 10 p.m., $5.

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival 2019

MAY 5 The largest Cinco de Mayo party

N W U! O O T Y N R O W F O G N D AITI IS W

in Arizona returns for its 26th year. This event is less about the tequila and more about the overarching history of the holiday. There will be live performances by War, Tierra, mariachi bands and more unannounced artists. Downtown Phoenix, 200 W. Washington Street, eventbrite.com, noon to 10 p.m., various pricing.

Cinco on Central Block Party with Lil Jon

MAY 5 Get ready to snap yo’ fingers and do your step all by yourself (in a crowd of hundreds of people) with rapper and DJ Lil Jon at the Cinco on Central Block Party. Everyone will be getting low and dancing to the windows and walls, thanks to Chico Malo and Copper Blues. A giant beer bong, tequila shots, live DJs, a hot chili pepper-eating contest and guest appearances will be a part of this fiesta. CityScape, 11 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats. com, 4 to 10 p.m., prices start at $25, 21 and older.

Carrie Underwood

May the 4th Be with You

Roars & Pours

UPFRONT

MAY 9 People can say they don’t like country, but put on Carrie Underwood and they will scream “Before He Cheats” at the top of their lungs. Guaranteed. Underwood is bringing her songs to Talking Stick Resort Arena. Leave the Louisville sluggers at home but bring high energy and cowboy boots. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $61.

Slushii

MAY 10 No, this isn’t a night where you can get a gas station treat. It’s probably better than the melted strawberry sugar ice drink anyway. Join EDM artist Slushii at the Van

Buren to dance and jump around all the way to the next day. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $27, 18 and older.

Phoenix Rising vs. Rio Grande Valley FC Toros

MAY 10 Solomon Asante and Co. take the field to take on the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros in a match that fans can get excited about. After all, it’s $1 beer night at Copper State Fridays. Casino Arizona Field, 751 N. McClintock Drive, Scottsdale, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $22.50.

The Bash Music and Craft Beer Festival

MAY 11 The Bash Music and Craft Beer Festival will be celebrating allthings beer and punk rock with 100 breweries and bands like Rancid, Pennywise and Suicidal Tendencies. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix, thebashfestival.com, 1 p.m., tickets from $39.50.

Moms and Mimosas

MAY 11 Celebrate moms in all their glory, but in style. Stuff your face with crepes, donuts, pancakes, waffles, and anything brunch at the first Moms and Mimosas festival. Of course, there will be mimosas. (How else would you get through the weekend without at least one mimosa?) There will also be mini nail salon, massage, floral-arranging and card-making

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Thu. & Fri., May 16 & 17 | 7:30 p.m. $33.50–$43.50

“The breezy songs of California native Brett Dennen combine the earnest sentiments of activist folk with briskly sweet-natured pop.” —NPR

Upcoming Concerts Russell Schmidt Trio and the East Valley Jazz Cooperative With Lucas Pino May 7 Rahim AlHaj and Sahba Motallebi May 9 Joanne Shaw Taylor May 11 Patricia Barber May 15 Terry McBride May 25 Davina and the Vagabonds May 30 Dessa June 3 Joey DeFrancesco June 5 And many more!

2019 Concert Series sponsored by

MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ

stations. It’s the perfect event for those forgetful people to get gifts and treat mom like the queen she is. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, momsandmimosas. com, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $7.

Glow Nation

MAY 11 This is one of the States’ newest EDM festivals and it’s coming to Phoenix. Wear your neon fishnets and bright clothes to standout in this glow-in-the-dark festival that features waterslides, food and retail vendors, ziplining, bungee jumping and other thrills. What could go wrong? Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix, eventbrite. com, 3 to 11 p.m., $20-$45.

Burgers & Beers

MAY 11 Join the D-backs for the Burgers & Beers cook-off challenge at the Budweiser + Beer Patio at Game Seven Grill and Chase Field. A panel of celebrity judges will crown the best burger. VIP tickets include baseline reserve ticket to the D-Backs vs. Braves game at 5:10 p.m., VIP access into the Burgers & Beers event at 2 p.m., three complimentary Budweiser beers and four burger samples, one from each featured vendor. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 2 p.m., $55.

talkingstickresortarena.com, 7:30 p.m., sold out, but resale tickets available on ticketmaster.com.

The Japanese House

MAY 15 Get in all of the feels — maybe shed a tear at this show. It’s OK, we’ve all been there — with The Japanese House. Her debut album, “Good at Falling,” was released March 1 and features songs like “You Seemed So Happy” and “Maybe You’re the Reason.” The Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m., $18-$20.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants

MAY 17 TO MAY 19 “Giant” White Walkers are coming to kick off a series against the D-backs. OK, really, the snakes will host “Game of Thrones” night on Friday, May 17, with a Zack Godley bobblehead giveaway to those who purchase the package. The Giants — Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey, et. al. —return to take on D-backs for two more days to wrap up the series. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, dbacks.com, 6:40 p.m. May 17, 7:10 p.m. May 18, 1:10 p.m. May 19, tickets start at $16.

The Strumbellas

MAY 13 After forming in 2008, the Canadian group hit the top of the charts with “Spirits” in 2016. They return to the Valley to share songs from their latest album, “Rattlesnake.” Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m., $20-$40, 16 and older.

Ariana Grande w/ Normani

MAY 14 Ladies, put on your thigh-high boots and wear your high pony tails to remember why God is a woman and celebrate your femininity. Men are welcome too, don’t worry. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix,

Arizona Restaurant Week: Spring

MAY 17 TO MAY 26 Better whip out the stretchy pants and prepare the taste buds to celebrate Arizona Restaurant Week. It’s called a tasting tour. How fantastic is that? Imagine an entire week of just good food, from sizzling fajitas to five-star filet mignon. It’s an excuse to eat food with no judgment. And restaurants are offering a prix-fixe menu for $33 or $44. Locations vary, arizonarestaurantweek. com, various times May 17 to May 26, $33 or $44.

Sebastian Maniscalco

MAY 18 Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco returns to Phoenix to chat about people bothering him, politics and how he can’t mind his own business. Prepare to embrace topics that are politically incorrect and laugh through Maniscalco’s great stories. Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, celebritytheatre.com, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., $44-$65.

Wallows

MAY 20 Sway and sing along with Wallows, who are promoting their latest album “Nothing Happens.” You may be surrounded by girls in cut-up T-shirts and Doc Martens who may be crying, but it will still be a good show, don’t worry. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, crescentphx. com, 8 p.m., $20-$99.

MAY 22 Kevin Roosevelt Moore, known as Keb’ Mo’, has been called a modern master of American roots music. Having won multiple Grammy Awards, the Nashville-based singer, guitarist and songwriter captivates fans through his live and studio performances. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 7:30 p.m., $47-$169.

MAY 23 TO MAY 26 Closet geeks and loud-and-proud geeks alike can embrace Phoenix Fan Fusion, where everyone is accepted. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenixfanfusion.com, various times, $10-$350.

Midnight Tyrannosaurus

MAY 25 This isn’t a dinosaur on the loose at an unreasonable hour. Be sensible. It’s a DJ for the love of Pete. Fans may dress as dinosaurs; that’s the closest you’ll get to the extinct reptiles. The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., $25-$250.

“Rent”

Blackbear

MAY 21 Get ready to be furious with exes and then back into dancing

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as blackbear comes to Phoenix for his “Dead 2 the World Tour.” His songs are full of emotion, heartbreak and moving forward from bad relationships. People won’t know whether to be dancing and full of life or crying in the corner over a heartbreak. Should be fun. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 8 p.m., $32.50, 13 and older.

MAY 28 TO JUNE 2 The Broadway hit “Rent” comes to ASU to entertain and engage the audience with rock ‘n’ roll-based songs. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, asugammage. com, various times, $29-$47.

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TAKING THE LEAD Dancer Derek Hough is getting ready to ‘move’ once again

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

enowned dancer Derek Hough says fans will see a fresh and unexpected show when he comes to Comerica Theatre on Sunday, June 2, on his first solo tour. “This show is different from anything else I have done,” says Hough referring to the “MOVE” tours with his sister, Julianne. “I have a live band on stage. It’s going to give it that live concert feeling. I also have this amazing all-star cast of dancers, some of which were on ‘World of Dance.’” During his 90-minute show, the Emmy winner will cover a slew of dance styles, including contemporary, Latin, hip-hop, tap and flamenco. The musical setlist matches that with big band music, Spanish tunes, Motown tracks and classic rock ‘n’ roll. “Deciding to have a band was an organic move,” says Hough, who’s

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro after the tour. “When I go to a concert and I hear a band play, there’s nothing like hearing that kick drum live. I think that’s because dancing comes from the music, and it’s live and authentic and in the room with us.” On top of it, Hough will share his vocal prowess. “I’ll be singing ‘Singing in the Rain’ this time around,” he says. “I re-created the dance routine. I did a video for it recently. I’ll be singing Michael Bublé kind of songs, the big band stuff. It’s going to be a full-out, high-energy show.” Creative team and two-time Emmy winners, Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo, also known as NappyTabs, have co-created, directed and supervised choreography for the tour. The New York Times best-selling author of “Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion,” Hough is the only six-time champion of “Dancing with the Stars.” Hough paired with

celebs Brooke Burke, Jennie Garth, Ricki Lake, Maria Menounos Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Grey, Kellie Pickler, Amber Riley and Bindi Irwin on "Dancing with the Stars." He began dancing in his hometown of Salt Lake City at the age of 11. A year later, he moved to London to train and attend the prestigious Italia Conti performing arts school where he studied theater, music and dance. Hough parlayed those lessons into spots in film, television and stage projects as an actor, in films like “Make Your Move” and he had a recurring role on “Nashville.” He returned to London to appear in the West End production of “Footloose,” and in December 2016, he starred with Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein in NBC’s “Hairspray Live!” In May 2017, Hough joined Jennifer Lopez and Ne-Yo at the judges' table for the NBC series “World of Dance,” a dance competition show that features

solo artists competing against duos and crews in all genres of dance, including hip-hop, tap, ballet, break dancing and ballroom competing for a million-dollar prize. Hough is looking forward to his tour and seeing fans who have watched him on television. “I believe that dancing is primal,” Hough says. “I think it’s something we can all relate to. Look at a little baby. Before they can walk or crawl, you put on music and they’re bobbing their head. You hear music and your body moves and becomes in sync with the music. It’s a beautiful thing. I just hope to share that with thousands of people.”

Derek Hough Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 2, tickets start at $59.50.

BEYOND REGULAR THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

NCT 127 is prepared to wake up the world during its tour Olivia Munson >> The Entertainer!

ith its first North American tour set to begin this month, the K-pop band NCT 127 is ready to show off its voices to Valley fans. The 10-member group debuted in 2016, and nearly three years later, its reach only continues to grow. The South Korean-based NCT 127 will make its way to the Valley on Friday, May 3, for a show at the Comerica Theatre. For performers Johnny Suh, 24, and Mark Lee, 19, the tour is a chance for them to connect with their international fans. “When I first heard the North American tour was happening, I didn’t realize how much I was wanting this,” says Lee, who was raised in Vancouver. The Chicago-born Suh, who’s the lead rapper and dancer, is looking forward to returning to his hometown. “I’m excited to perform in a town I was raised in,” Suh says. “I always thought of it when I was growing up, but I never knew it could actually happen. It’s pretty unbelievable.” Last year was a big one for NCT 127, a name that combines the acronym for its companion group Neo Culture Technology and 127, the longitudinal coordinate of Seoul. The group debuted on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” appeared on the red carpet at the American Music Awards, and became the second-highestcharting K-pop act on the Billboard 200. At the Comerica Theatre, Suh and Lee say fans can expect a new show with surprises. The easiest way to describe the tour, Suh says, is via “Wake Up,” one of its newer singles, which has the lyric, “Let’s just wake up this world.” That’s exactly what the group intends to do. “We are going beyond what you think is regular,” Lee says with a chuckle. Whether it be performing or writing music, Lee always thinks about doing something new. “Music is a natural thing that happens around us all the time,” he says. “I feel like that nature is very important and it comes out in the music as well.” Suh adds, “We always ask ourselves, ‘How can we be different this time?’” NCT 127 expects to be different by the end of its first world tour. After all, the boys will grow as performers and individuals. “I am looking forward to experiencing everything to the fullest,” Suh says. That includes sharing North American

culture with the other boys in the group. “Whenever we’ve visited North America before, we always get that positive energy. I feel like as a band we can grow more experienced and knowledgeable,” Lee says. As for the fans, NCT 127’s singers are hoping to show their appreciation. It’s not easy to reach international fans. “We are finally getting to meet them in person now, through this tour, so for us and (the fans) I hope they can feel how grateful we are. This is a way to say we appreciate you as well. I hope they feel our love and we feel their love, too,” Lee says. NCT 127 is continuing to find ways to connect with fans. “We are always nonstop preparing, whether it be an album or whatever it may be. Anything could happen in the future or the close future. Whether it be music, I just hope that (the fans) always keep their attention,” Lee says.

NCT 127 Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, tickets start at $92.50. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

SPLASH INTO SUMMER

Top pool parties in the Valley

By Olivia Munson >> The Entertainer!

pring has sprung, and summer is just around the corner. It will only be a matter of days before Arizona weather reaches tripledigits. But have no fear! We have a list of the best pool parties coming to the Valley this season. So, feel free to kick back, relax and enjoy the hot, hot summer.

BLK LIVE The Aqua lounge is the place to be if you want to experience live music by the pool. Concerts can be viewed from the indoor or outdoor bar, or the private cabanas that surround BLK

Live’s signature pool. National and local musicians make stops at BLK Live and with its recently expanded outdoor stage, there should be more to come. The outdoor lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a poolside cocktail or play a round of volleyball. BLK Live, 7301 E. Butherus Drive, Scottsdale, 480.494.5069, blkliveaz. com, various times and prices.

HOTEL ADELINE’S LIQUID SUNSHINE Every Saturday, Liquid Sunshine is sure to make a splash. This pool party series features signature cocktails, giant food platters and inflatable floats. All of these combined make the perfect Instagrammable moment. Live DJ

entertainment will be at each party with appearances from DJ Starmars and DJ Slippe. Hotel guests and the public are welcome to experience Liquid Sunshine for free. If guests wish to treat themselves to a slice of paradise, daybeds ($250) or cabanas ($500) with food and drink services are available. For Memorial Day and Labor Day, the festivities extend into Sunday for a nonstop party. Hotel Adeline, 5101 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.284.7700, hoteladeline.com/play/, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturdays, free.

HOTEL VALLEY HO The fun never seems to stop at Hotel Valley Ho’s OH Pool. From Frosé Fridays to Recovery Sundays, there is

enough to keep you keep coming back. Live DJ entertainment, poolside facials, signature Chandon Rosé Frose. OH Pool’s events and specials run from March to September. On Saturdays, as well as Sundays of holiday weekends, guests will only be admitted to the pool if they have booked a hotel room, daybed or cabana. For other days, be sure to check in with the front desk for availability. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.376.2600, hotelvalleyho.com, various times, packages available.

LUSTRE ROOFTOP BAR The pool at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar's Lustre Bar has something for every taste. A skyline view of Phoenix pairs well with laying back and catching sun. Relaxation is important, but if you are feeling social, take a seat at the bar with the best poolside happy hour. It runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and features food and drink specials. During the afternoon and evening, live DJs and artists perform on Saturdays and Sundays with musical styles ranging from Top 40 to alternative rock hits. An upscale beachwear dress code is enforced with no jeans, basketball shorts or inappropriate graphic tees allowed. Lustre Bar, Kimpton Hotel Palomar, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.258.0231, lustrerooftopbar.com, various times, packages available.

THE POOL AT TALKING STICK RESORT There is no better place to watch an outdoor concert than at the Pool at Talking Stick Resort. Just steps away ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

from the Main Pool, the concert stage can be viewed while lazing in the water. Upcoming artists include Hollywood Vampires, Foreigner and Bad Company. Concert and event entry is 21 and older and pricing for all events varies. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, various times, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

RELEASE POOL PARTIES All summer long Talking Stick Resort hosts pool parties you do not want to miss. On Saturdays and some Sundays during holiday weekends, come out and enjoy the Scottsdale sun, crystal blue water, and live entertainment from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees must be 21 or older, and tickets and ID are required for entry. In addition, the West Pool is open to the public, which gives a more intimate alternative to the happenings at the main pool. Poolside drinks and dining are available throughout the event. VIP cabanas and canopy daybeds can be rented for a relaxing and luxury escape. The season kicks off with a concert by Deorro on May 4. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip.com, various times and prices.

SOAKED! SATURDAYS Soaked! Saturdays are sure to liven up your normal week. The Maya Day and Nightclub gives Arizona residents and visitors the biggest Vegas-style pool party every Saturday. At Maya, bigger is better with large cocktails and crowds, and an impressive pool. Live music sets

are performed by Maya resident DJs, including David Anthony and Javin. VIP tables or cabanas can be reserved to amp up your party experience. A dress code is strictly enforced with no sweats, jeans, basketball shorts or sports jerseys allowed in the day club. Maya Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, noon, various prices.

WET DECK AT W SCOTTSDALE HOTEL The WET Deck has found a way to bring the beach to the deserts of Arizona, and it could not be more perfect. A beach bar, chilled cucumbers for your eyes, and frozen drinks and delicious snacks, what could be more relaxing? Daybeds and lounging pods are available to the public but to truly have an unforgettable experience,

reserve a private cabana complete with a flat-screen TV, individually controlled sound, personal service and internet access. And you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have to lift a finger. Poolside service is ready to help you with anything you may need during your rest and relaxation. W Scottsdale Hotel, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.970.2119, w-hotels.marriott.com, various times, packages available.

Happy Hour 11-6 Daily

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PSYCHEDELIC DESERT SOUL decker. set to record live album back home in Phoenix Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

hrough his music, artist Brandon Decker, a.k.a. decker. seeks to touch audiences by speaking on universal experiences. His time living in the desert of Sedona has touched his work in innumerable ways. On Friday, May 10, at Last Exit Live, Decker and the Haymarket Squares punkgrass band will record live albums. Decker says his group’s live recording will showcase its current sound. In the last 10 years, the band’s music has evolved. “At the start, it was just me,” Decker says. “I would make records, and I would hire musicians. I would play a lot of the parts, whereas now I’ve got musicians that have been working with me for a while, some five, six years,” he says. His music has also grown as it has been influenced by different genres of music. He says in the early days, his songs had more of a folk/acoustic vibe. He describes it now as “psychedelic desert soul.” During the live album recording,

Decker and his band will perform songs from their five most recent albums. They often perform medleys of originals mixed with covers by artists such as Tom Petty or The Doors. Decker says choosing music for a live album isn’t difficult because he and his band have favorites. “There are just songs that are fun to play. They obviously resonate well with the crowds. They organically select themselves,” he says. One of his favorites is a song called “Cellars” from the album “Pasty.” “It has this real huge, screaming psychedelic section. It tends to be a pivotal moment of the set,” Decker says. Decker and his band released their latest album “Born to Wake Up” in September through the Royal Potato Family label. Listeners can expect to hear a number of songs from this album during the show. “Born to Wake Up” focused on the concept of physical, emotional, spiritual and mental healing, which has recently become very important to Decker. “I had been going hard for a number of years, more years than I probably should have been without a break. I had

come home very intent on healing and relaxing, spending time on the land, spending time with my son. That was what I was doing when this album just happened,” Decker says. The artist has released seven studio albums. He moved to Arizona in 2004 to attend college in Flagstaff and lived in Phoenix for a while before moving to Sedona a decade ago. He recently relocated to Northern California, but Sedona is still close to his heart. Throughout his career, the desert landscape has been prominent in his

music videos and songs, which have a strong spiritual element. “I think I’ve always been concerned with life, what it means and how it plays out,” Decker says. Over the years, his music has become less autobiographical. “Early on, it was straight out of my life experiences. I think over the last few albums, I’ve felt less inclined to do that and more to tell a universally relatable story,” Decker says. With every album, he has wanted to connect with his listeners on a deeper, more personal level. “The goal I think of every one of my albums has been to share my experience of life. I think one of the strengths of my songwriting is my ability to capture that well. I think all of the albums have had that quality of helping people to navigate their similar issues, relationships and challenges,” Decker says. The song “Patsy” is one longtime supporters know well and often sing along to during concerts. Over the years, Decker become acquainted with his longtime fans. These relationships have always been important to him. “I’m the kind of person who becomes friends with the fans. I’m sharing this experience, and the people are eagerly receiving it and sharing back, supporting the work that I’m doing. I’m grateful for them,” Decker says.

decker. w/Haymarket Squares Last Exit Live, 717 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, lastexitlive. com, 8 p.m. Friday, May 10, $10, 21 and older ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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CITY

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

POP CULTURE CELEBRATION

George Takei among those appearing at Phoenix Fan Fusion Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

eorge Takei is best known for playing Hikaru Sulu in “Star Trek: The Original Series” and subsequent “Star Trek” films and animated series, but he is much more than just one role. The actor’s illustrious career has spanned six decades and included different types of film, video game and TV roles. When he was hired as “Star Trek’s” Lt. Hikaru Sulu, he realized the show’s importance. “Gene Roddenberry created an extraordinary show back in the ’60s. We premiered in 1966. That was a turbulent time in America. The civil rights movement was going on. The Vietnam War was going on in Southeast Asia, and we were at the coldest point in the Cold War,” he says. “He wanted to make a statement about that condition. In order to do that and get it on TV, he had to be creative. He chose the 23rd century, 300 years in the future, and created a utopian kind of society. The strength of the starship lay in people coming from many different continents, many different cultures, races, faiths, many different histories, all working together. “Many young Asian Americans saw me as a hero and an icon for them because they had never seen an Asian American playing a heroic role, a member of the leadership team of that starship. I was very mindful of the responsibility that I had. Each one of us carried that same kind of responsibility and pride in the characters that we played.” Takei is also a long-time social activist who for most of his life has fought for social justice and equality for underrepresented people, including the LGBT community. Takei and his costars Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig will visit Phoenix for the Phoenix Fan Fusion comic and pop culture convention, which runs from Thursday, May 23, to Sunday, May 26. During the convention, attendees can

meet with prominent sci-fi and fantasy actors and comic book creators; dress up in cosplay and meet other enthusiasts; learn more about local cosplay groups; attend panels and workshops on comic book, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, cosplay and gaming topics; play video, card and table top games against others; shop for one-of-a-kind and vintage items and take part in after-party events. Now put on by Square Egg Entertainment, the event started as Phoenix Cactus Comicon in 2002 and has also been known as Phoenix Comicon and Phoenix Comic Fest. Square Egg Entertainment’s Kristin Rowan says like other fan-focused conventions, Phoenix Fan Fusion has grown over the years to include new types of fandom. “Most comic conventions have evolved into events that have much more than just comic books,” she says. “There are still very comic-centric conventions, but so many of them have embraced things like gaming, anime, cosplay and all of these other things. Fan Fusion seems to encompass that. Every year, we look what people are really clambering for and what people love from their childhood.” For Takei and his husband, the convention will offer a chance to return to Arizona. They have a cabin in the White Mountains and frequently stop in Phoenix on their way up north. During his varied career, Takei played the role of Kaito Nakamura on the TV show “Heroes” from 2007 to 2010; and also appeared in “Hawaii Five-O” and “Will & Grace,” among other shows. For fans, conventions such as Phoenix Fan Fusion offer the chance to meet, take pictures with and get autographs from actors who have touched their lives in some way. The Phoenix convention will also host Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from “Game of Thrones,” Jeff Goldblum from the “Jurassic Park” and “Jurassic World” series and the “Independence Day” saga, Elijah Wood from “The Lord of

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

the Rings” film trilogy, Robin Lord Taylor from “Gotham,” SpongeBob SquarePants voice actor Tom Kenny, Matthew Lewis from “The Harry Potter” film series, Catherine Tate from “Dr. Who,” Jack Skellington voice actor Chris Sarandon and Ray Park from “Star Wars: Episode 1-The Phantom Menace.” The event attracts attendees from across the United States and from Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia. Rowan says many people turn the event into their annual vacation. “They travel from out of town. They bring their kids. They stay for a week and just immerse themselves in the event. I think it has become more of an experience,” Rowan says. Many of the actors attending the convention, including Takei, have established multifaceted careers over several decades. Recently, the actor portrayed former fisherman and community leader Yamato-san in “The Terror: Infamy,” a horror miniseries set in a Japanese-American internment camp during World War II. He also served on a consultant on the AMC show, which premieres in August. For this role, he worked with an accent coach on speaking Japanese with a Wakayama accent. He has been working on a graphic memoir entitled “They Called Us Enemy,” about his experiences of being imprisoned in concentration camps in Arkansas as a child. It is set to be released this summer. Activism has been an important part of Takei’s life since he was a teen. He participated in civil rights- and Vietnam-

era antiwar movements and been part of efforts to get an apology and redress for the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Takei’s internment as a 5-year-old child inspired him to be a social activist and continues to drive him. “I was imprisoned by my own country, the United States of America, behind a barbed-wire prison camp in the United States of America that confined other Americans of Japanese ancestry during the second World War,” Takei says. “Pearl Harbor was bombed, and simply because we happened to look like the people who bombed Pearl Harbor, we were considered a threat to national security. At 5 years old, I was classified as an ‘enemy alien,’ which is crazy. I was a 5-year-old kid. I didn’t know anything about the politics of the time. That’s the other side of me. I am a political activist because of that background.”

Phoenix Fan Fusion Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, phoenixfanfusion.com, 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday, May 23, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, May 26, $20-$45 for day pass, $85 for full event pass, $350 for VIP pass, $10 for sidekick pass for children 3 to 12, free for children 2 and under. Prices go up $5 for singleday passes, $10 for full-event passes and $50 for VIP passes closer to the event.

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2019 Mercedes AMG E53 Turbo is a ‘potent beast’ C.A. Haire >> The Entertainer!

he E-Series is one of the more popular models in the Mercedes Benz lineup. For buyers who prefer something special, with more performance, the upgraded AMG E53 is worth considering. Under the hood is a handmade 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, cranking 429 horsepower, with 383 lb./ft. of torque. It’s hooked to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and 4Matic all-wheel drive for extra traction. The claimed 0-60 mph time is a brisk 4.4 seconds, which I verified. While the AMG emblem seen on the outer body panels assures performance, it also results in a healthy price tag. The base tab starts at $73,700. As with most German luxury machines, the option list is long. This example is loaded with items like leather trim, carbon fiber panels, larger 20-inch wheels, racing exhaust, massage programmed front seats, head-up display, power sunshade, park assist radar/cameras, and many more goodies too long to list here. The window sticker price of admission climbed to $93,805. One option of curiosity is the Energizing comfort package. You place a factory-supplied glass bottle filled with perfume into a canister in the glove box. This is connected to the air vents and sprays the cabin to keep it scented. This is fine if you like the smell, but ours was no agreeable, so the system was disconnected. Whether you use or lose it, this setup adds $550. You just don’t get into an expensive Mercedes and drive off. There is a learning curve to the complicated controls and buttons. Reading the owner’s manual is just as confusing. The best way is to sit in the car, and manipulate every control within reach. In a few hours, you’ll get the hang of it! In 24 hours, we took this E53 on a 450-mile Arizona road trip. The various drive modes provide a choice of Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ or Custom for any road condition. This car is very quick, and corners like a race car on tight mountain curves. It’s a potent ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

beast that requires the drivers’ constant attention. On flat highway roads, the engine did get 26 mpg, but when driving hard on mountain curves, this dropped to 18 mpg. The only complaint was the firm ride provided from the stiff walled run-flat tires, even in the comfort mode. Because most AMG owners are buying for status and performance, it is unlikely ride quality will be

an issue. For those who want more, there is the AMG E63. It has a more powerful 4.0-liter V-8 turbo cranking 603

horsepower, and a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. The listed starting price is $106,950. As usual, this is before options.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Devon Allman and Duane Betts are creating their own legacy Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

evon Allman and Duane Betts aren’t trying to live up to their fathers’ music. They just want to create great art. Apparently, it’s working. The Allman Betts Band started its world tour on March 27 and it sold out 12 of its first 18 shows. “If you’re honest and authentic, and true to your values as an artist, people will react to that in a positive way,” Betts says. “That’s all you really need to do. You write songs and put a record out. You try to make sure there’s a narrative and a thread that runs between the songs. There has to be a feeling that runs through the whole thing.” The Allman Betts Band is releasing a new album, “Down to the River,” on June 28. It was recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, John Prine and Elvis Presley). Former Allman Brothers Band keyboardist and current Rolling Stones keyboardist, Chuck Leavell, and former Greg Allman Band Hammond

B3 player, Peter Levin, both guested on the record. “We just went in and recorded it over about six days,” says Betts, who has known Allman since the late 1980s. “It was done live on the spot with very little overdubs. It’s an honest representation of where the band was. We were getting a feel for the tunes and the room on the spot.” The Allman Betts Band is a family affair. Along with Allman and Betts, bassist and old friend Berry Oakley Jr. is also in the lineup, along with guitarist Johnny Stachela, drummers/ percussionists John Lum and R. Scott Bryan and jam scene veteran John Ginty on keyboards. Fans can get a feel for themselves when The Allman Betts Band comes to the Chandler Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 19. “We’re doing a lot of songs from the new album and then we have surprises,” he says. “I’m not going to give them away. We’re obviously pushing our record, but there are other treats Allman Brothers’ fans will enjoy. It’s the 50th anniversary of the Allman Brothers Band. They’re not out playing that music, obviously. That’s where we come from.”

The two played the Musical Instrument Museum recently, however, this time it’s a band gig. “I was opening the shows and promoting my self-released EP and sitting in for a large portion of his show,” Betts says “We said ‘we have to do a band after this.’ We didn’t force it and it would have been OK if we just did what we were doing. But we thought we were

onto something. It was timely and I’m glad we’re doing it.”

The Allman Betts Band w/JD Simo Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 19, $38-$58.

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MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

Eels’ lead singer says ‘help is on the way’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

els’ Mark Oliver Everett twists words and phrases into heady lyrics. In his biggest hit, “Novocaine for the Soul,” he compares his life to Paint by Numbers. His jokes are just as clever. Recalling a 1997 Michigan Lollapalooza date, he describes the meaning behind the telephone prop he used during his set. “I was talking to Snoop Dogg on the mainstage, asking him to turn it down,” Everett says with a laugh. Playing The Van Buren on Wednesday, May 8, Eels have released 11studio albums since their 1996 debut, “Beautiful Freak.” In 2008, Everett published his ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

highly acclaimed book “Things the Grandchildren Should Know” and starred in the award-winning “Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives” documentary about the search to understand his quantum physicist father, Hugh Everett III. Eels released their critically acclaimed “The Cautionary Tales of Mark Oliver Everett” in 2014, and 2015 saw the release of the band’s seventh live album, “Live at Royal Albert Hall,” and concert film. In the same year, the band’s “Fresh Blood” served as the theme song to HBO’s “The Jinx” and from 2016 to 2018 Everett appeared in Judd Apatow’s Netflix original series “Love.” The renaissance man says this tour promotes the latest album, “The Deconstruction,” but also allows Eels to lighten up.

“We’re doing this tour for all the right reasons—the sheer pleasure of playing,” Everett says. “We’re playing whatever we feel like playing. The audience responds if we’re having fun. “We’re doing a bunch of covers. Those are always my favorite. It’s so much fun to play other people’s songs and interpret them in our way. I don’t want to talk about what they are. I want to keep them a secret.” He understands that sites like setlist. fm and YouTube will reveal all. “I’m not going to win that battle,” he says with a laugh. “I don’t care about people having their phones out. It’s not worth being a baby. I’m not going to make an announcement on the PA and say, ‘Please turn your phones off.’ “I have to admit, though, my favorite thing as a kid going to concerts was the

surprise of it all. I love being surprised. That still happens for the casual fans. The hardcore fans look up everything on the internet.” Playing covers on this tour is part of a plan to raise the fans’ morale. “We did a shorter tour than usual this past summer, and they were the most fun, exciting shows ever,” says Everett, who has a 2-year-old son. “We need to bring the love and positive energy to some of the places we didn’t get to last time. We know you’re hurting. Help is on the way.”

Eels w/Texas Piano Man The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, $38-$55, 13 and older.

BLESSED CAREER

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Blessthefall returns home to kick off tour at Tempe Marketplace

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

lessthefall singer Beau Bokan spent plenty of time at Tempe Marketplace, shopping for T-shirts or digging through magazines at Barnes & Noble Booksellers looking for stories about his Valley-based quintet. Now living in British Columbia with his singer-wife Lights, Bokan is returning to Tempe Marketplace, but in a different capacity. On Thursday, May 9, Blessthefall is headlining a show on The District Stage. “I’ve been there countless times,” Bokan says. “I used to sneak into the movie theater a bunch. When my wife and I started dating she said, ‘I don’t do that.’ So, I said I would pay. “I would go to the premieres, the big movies, like ‘Batman.’ I’d buy skinny jeans at Hot Topic. There’s a frozen yogurt place I like, and the bookstore with the Starbucks in it, which is great. I’d go in there and buy my magazines there, if I knew were coming out in AP (Alternative Press) or something like that. I knew Tempe Marketplace would be getting that issue. Then I’d take all the magazines and open the pages to our story.” Since the five-piece metalcore band formed in 2003, Blessthefall has released six albums, the latest of which is 2018’s “To Those Left Behind.” Blessthefall released a video for “Welcome Home” in late April. “We recorded our last record at an

Airbnb in Scottsdale,” Bokan says. “We give our hometown credit for cultivating the band and the scene. It’s always good to have that core fanbase who’s always going to be there for you.” Recording in Scottsdale made the process more comfortable for the band, most of whom still live in the Valley. “It was definitely a new experience for them; to record an album and go home afterward,” he says. “Usually, we stay in remote locations and you don’t get to see anyone for a month and a half. It was super rad. It was a nice Airbnb. We could do things in Scottsdale like go to Taco Tuesdays.” Blessthefall is considering its next move. Bokan was unsure when new songs would appear. “We’re talking about it now,” he says. “The album is a year old, but the way music works now, everyone’s plopping out new music, and putting out content. “We have to get on that trend and put out new singles and see how it goes. At this point in our career, we don’t take anything too seriously, as far as putting pressure on ourselves. We’ve had a great career. We’ve been together for 10 years. We’re looking to step outside of our box. We’re influenced by new bands and musicians. We let that shine in our music.” These days, Bokan is influenced by his wife, Lights Poxleitner-Bokan, who is working on a project with Deadmau5. “My wife is a huge inspiration,” he adds. “She’s always telling me she wants us to do acoustic stuff and that we would

kill it. She’s working with Deadmau5 in the United Kingdom. She’s always stepping outside of her wheelhouse and doing DJ stuff with her songs. I want to do something cool and creative so fans will say (wow), ‘I didn’t see this coming.’”

Blessthefall w/Palisades Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.966.9338, tempemarketplace.com, 7 p.m., free.

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TRAVEL

VACATION » SIGHTS » DAY TRIPS » ADVENTURE » EXPLORE » TRAVEL

A TRUE VIKING QUEST A trip to Iceland shines with glaciers, icicles and lagoons By Octavio Serrano >> The Entertainer!

fter experiencing what it is like to be homeless for two days, I stepped outside of the Keflavik airport and inhaled the fresh air of Iceland. Being a comfortable Arizonan, I didn’t take well to the freezing weather, and quickly retreated inside. Our travels were unfortunate, as flying to Iceland took more than a day due to flight challenges. But it vastly improved once we landed on the Nordic island nation that’s home to many natural spectacles like volcanoes, Aurora Borealis, hot springs, enormous waterfalls and glaciers the size of mountains. We could tuck away the GoogleTranslate App; nearly everyone speaks English. Because of a broken seat on our original flight, we were moved to a different airplane and a layover in England was added to our schedule which delayed us an entire day. Fortunately, Delta Airlines did their best to accommodate us in the best way possible, but we did spend two days eating junk food and overpriced drinks in airport bars. To truly delve into what Iceland has to offer, a rental car is a must, as we traveled roughly 2,000 miles in one week. We began our Viking quest in the small town of Grundarfjörður. Grundarfjörður is not a common name, but its mountain, Mount Kirkjufell, has been attracting photographers for years as it is one of the best places in Iceland to watch the Aurora Borealis. Although Aurora did not welcome us during our stay, waterfalls, hiking trails and restaurants with fresh food sure did. We enjoyed the local restaurant

Bjargarsteinn and its lamb dish, accompanied by carrots, sweet potatoes and roasted vegetables. Wine is recommended to complement it. The adventure continued with Þingvellir (Thingvellir), a national park with cultural and environmental signiﬁcance. As Iceland’s ﬁrst national park, Thingvellir lies in a rift valley, sitting between two tectonic plates. In Thingvellir, people can walk in the middle of the rift and explore its graceful waterfalls. Over on the southern coast, tourists experience a plethora of hikes, waterfalls, and canyons. First on the list is Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall that drops 60 meters into a pleasant pool. The waterfall is a spectacular sight from afar, but make sure to get up close for the full experience. Following the paths around the pool, a series of steps took us behind the waterfall. Luckily, we had waterproof jackets. That called for lunch and hot chocolate from local food trucks. The southern coast of Iceland calls, again, for waterproof clothing because of Skógafoss, another massive waterfall with a drop of over 60 meters. The waterfall features a pool that segues into a long stream. If the sun is out, a rainbow forms along it. Don’t even think about taking pictures, as my lens was soaked by the time I had it in focus. Instead, follow the steps to the right side of Skógafoss. We traveled up the mountain to its very brink. Enough with the waterfalls. We fueled our car and ate 30 minutes past Skógafoss in the town of Vik, which is laden with black sand beaches. One of our favorite spots was Diamond Beach, where the melting glaciers and the ocean meet. As a result, giant crystal-clear pieces of glacier wash up on shore. The beach looks like

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

it’s covered in diamonds as small as a wedding ring or as big as a car. Want a little more danger? An ice cave expedition is a must-do. Reserve a tour guide at iceguide.is before heading to Iceland to make the most of the trip— and to survive. The tour begins inside what can only be described as a monster truck. We went off-roading in the beast, running over rocks and small streams. With boots to the ground, we secured our harness and helmet and began a 20-minute hike. I’d never hiked on a giant ice cube, and that’s essentially what we did on this tour. With a set of spikes attached to our boots, we began our ascent. Make sure and stick with the guide. It would be unfortunate to step in a deep hole covered by snow. The glaciers are always changing, so each experience is different. As we ascended, we reached one of the caves. We descended into it, using a rope to secure our grip, being careful to not stand too long under an icicle. Inside, ice surrounded us and created every piece of the structure. The sun

illuminated the ice walls in blue. It’s important not to break icicles or disrupt the glaciers. Looking for civilization, we headed to Reykjavik. Downtown is highlighted by remarkable food, shops, bars and clubs. We spent the last night of our trip at the Blue Lagoon, a natural hot spring, bluelagoon.com. This isn’t the typical spa. The whole experience is as important as the lagoon. After we changed into our swim suits, we stepped into the water. The lagoon is naturally kept warm from the volcanic earth. It remains true to its name, as the lagoon was a deep blue from the water’s minerals. From the comfort of the lagoon, we ordered beverages from the bar using a wristband linked to our credit card. Another station offers facemasks. The lagoon offers a natural steam room for a quick break. As I sat down on the plane, my feet ached and my shoulders were sore. More than a vacation, Iceland is an adventure everyone should try at least once.

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ARTS

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

ARTS

CALENDAR Randy Montgomery >> The Entertainer!

“Thoroughly Modern Millie”

and Slava Zaitsev are on display at the Phoenix Art Museum to allow guests to examine how flowers have inspired fashion. Explore the evolution of botanical-inspired designs from the 18th century onward, while strolling through the exhibition in the Ellman Fashion Design and Lewis galleries. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.666.7104, phxart.org, times vary, free-$23.

TO MAY 26 This spring exhibition at the i.d.e.a. Museum offers hands-on activities that showcase the environment and works by U.S. and U.K. artists who used discarded materials to highlight the beauty of our planet’s animal inhabitants. The museum hopes to collect 500 pounds of plastic bags during the exhibition to recycle and help the community. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, 480.644.4332, ideamuseum.org, times vary, $9.

TO AUGUST 18 Accessories and ensembles from designers such as Marc Jacobs, Comme des Garçons, Charles James

“Photographs by Barry M. Goldwater: The Arizona Highways Collection

TO JUNE 23 Barry Goldwater’s name is synonymous with Arizona. While best known as a U.S. senator

TO SEPTEMBER 9 More than 80 of the world’s rarest electric guitars and amplifiers will be on display at the MIM via an exhibit that shares the untold story of the instrument that revolutionized music and pop culture. Guitars on display were owned by the likes of Alvino Rey, Pete Townshend and Bo Diddley. A special ticket is required. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, themim. org, times vary, prices vary.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”

MAY 3 TO MAY 12 The Christian Youth Theatre’s production follows Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500,

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mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $16-$23.

Chandler Children’s Choir presents “Choose Your Own Adventure”

MAY 4 AND MAY 5 The Chandler Children’s Choir is letting the audience choose the songs. The choir will be accompanied by improv actors to add to the fun! Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, times vary, $15.

“Fantasies & Fairytales: Cinderella Rocks”

“The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon” “Junkyard Jungle”

“Flora”

representing the Grand Canyon State, Goldwater was also a talented photographer, and a frequent contributor to Arizona Highways magazine. Visit Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West to view the largest collection of his photographs, family photos and personal items on display. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480.686.9539, scottsdalemuseumwest. org, times vary, free-$15.

MAY 4 AND MAY 5 Center Dance Ensemble ventures from its Downtown Phoenix home to the East Valley to bring a 1980s version of “Cinderella.” In this version, Cinderella is stuck working at the diner and her best friend and fairy godmother, Dawn, helps her meet the man of her dreams, who is the captain of the football team. Tap, jazz and hip-hop dance combine forces with popular music from the iconic decade. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts. org, 2 p.m., $5-$10.

“The Screwtape Letters”

MAY 9 TO MAY 11 Fellowship for Performing Arts brings to the Herberger the acclaimed and faithful stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ satiric masterpiece. The tale follows Screwtape, a senior tempter in Hell, as he schemes to capture the soul of an unsuspecting human on Earth, revealing spiritual warfare in vivid, humorous and powerful ways. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater. org, times vary, $43-$93.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

“Eroica by Ballet Arizona”

in Mesa Encore Theatre’s production of the 2008 Tony Award-winning “Best Musical.” Written by LinManuel Miranda, “In the Heights” explores the need for family and looks at what we call “home.” Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $28-$34.

MAY 14 TO JUNE 1 Desert Botanical Garden’s natural beauty is the fitting location to host Ballet Arizona and Ib Andersen’s enchanting choreographed production. This presentation of movement and sound embraces the desert amongst a stunning backdrop. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.381.1096, balletaz.org, 8 p.m., $80.

“F’lympics Starring Sherrie Martin and Boo Boo”

MAY 18 AND MAY 19 Sherrie Martin is a Realtor, a comic and now she wants to be a gymnast… at the age of 60! It’s never too late, right? In her onewoman show, she attempts to become the latter. “Vaudeville Boy” Brian Foley opens the show. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks. org, times vary, $28.

“Things I Know to Be True”

MAY 16 TO JUNE 2 Arizona Theatre Company’s American premiere is a beautiful and painfully perceptive portrait of a family and the frictions that arrive when grown-up children try to push beyond their parents’ expectations. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.256.6995, herbergertheater. org, times vary, $25-$75.

Keb’ Mo’

“In the Heights”

MAY 17 TO JUNE 2 Travel to the Washington Heights’ neighborhood of Upper Manhattan

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NO VACANCY

The iconic ‘Rent’ lights a candle for its 20th anniversary Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

ith the recent televised live version of “Rent,” the rock musical has reached a whole new generation of fans. While the iconic show is set in the late 1980s, its stories of finding love and following dreams speak to people of different ages. The 20th anniversary tour of “Rent” will visit ASU Gammage from Tuesday, May 28, to Sunday, June 2. A retelling of Giacomo Puccini’s opera “La Boheme,” “Rent” follows a group of artists and friends in New York as they try to find their place in the world and are impacted by larger struggles such as the AIDS epidemic. Developed by Jonathan Larson, the award-winning “Rent” features well-known songs such as “Seasons of Love,” “Take Me or Leave Me,” “La Vie Boheme,” “Tango: Maureen,” “Light My Candle,” “Today 4 U,” “I’ll Cover You” and “Take Me or Leave Me.” The national tour stars Joshua Bess as aspiring musician Roger Davis; Logan Marks, as filmmaker Mark Cohen; Lyndie Moe, as performance artist and protest leader Maureen Johnson; Javon King, as drag queen Angel Dumott Schunard; Marcus John, as yuppie landlord Benjamin Coffin III; Lencia Kebede, as lawyer Joanne Jefferson; Devinre Adams, as philosophy professor Tom Collins and Deri’Andra Tucker, as charismatic exotic dancer Mimi Marquez. Originally from New Orleans, Tucker was a professional cheerleader for the Saints before debuting as an ensemble member and Michelle Morris understudy on a Korean tour of “Dreamgirls.” Mimi is Tucker’s first lead role on a national tour. Tucker says the show is different from the live version and the film, but it ultimately tells a similar story. She says two decades later, the show still resonates with audiences. “People not being accepted because they’ve chosen to live a certain lifestyle, taken a certain career path that is unusual to people around them or choosing to love who they choose to, all of those issues are very relevant,” Tucker ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

says. Tucker hopes the show inspires audiences to accept others for who they are and be more compassionate to those who are struggling. “I think ‘Rent’ shines a light on people who deal with these difficulties on a daily basis and what it’s like to live that life on the other side. You get to see it from their perspective. I think it opens up people’s minds and hearts,” Tucker says. “Rent” continues to touch audiences of different ages. Tucker says she often sees family members of different generations watching the show. She takes great pride in being in the 20th anniversary cast. “It is such an honor to be part of something that’s so iconic, so legendary,” she says. “Every day, I fall more and more in love with the show.” She finds Mimi to be a physically and emotionally challenging role. To be able to sing and dance while swinging from bars, hanging upside down and kicking, Tucker runs at least 20 minutes a day and does crunches and sit ups. The actress has drawn from her life experiences when delving into emotional moments in the show. “I thought about the people in my life who may have similar experiences as Mimi,” Tucker says. “I’ve watched people in my neighborhood be addicted to drugs and go through other trials and tribulations, so I was able to think of those issues and correlate the two. I could relate to some of it, as well, being young and in love. We all can relate to that and her relationship with Angel.” Tucker says the role, and theater in general, has been very therapeutic for her. “I’ve been forced to deal with some of the things in my life that I haven’t dealt with. I’m thankful for this role. It’s changed me in a multitude of ways,” Tucker says. As Mimi, Tucker has tried to emphasize her intellectual side. “Mimi is a very intelligent young woman. I feel like she knows what she’s wants out of life. Maybe she came to New York City with big dreams and got caught up with the wrong crowd,” Tucker says. “She was in school and dropped out. I try to give her a little more stability than people are used to seeing with her. They are used to her being playing a little more rough

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

ROCKING RODEO ROUNDUP MAY 18 - SATURDAY 9:00 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Latest Tube Rental 1:00 PM Weather & Water Flow Permitting

around the edges, which she is, but I feel like people don’t get to see that more structured side, the more ambitious side of Mimi.” Tucker didn’t grow up with “Rent.” She watched a recorded version of the Broadway show when she was auditioning for the part of Joanne Jefferson. However, when she was watching it, she was captivated by Mimi. “I remember bawling my eyes out all three times because the show was so

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Sebastian Maniscalco’s comedy has evolved, but he remains ravenous Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

omedian Sebastian Maniscalco has appeared on nearly every late-night talk show, several movies and multiple stand-up TV specials, but Phoenix has a special place in his heart. The 45-year-old Illinois native says performing at the stage in the round was an important stop in his transformation to a household name. It was 2005 when he was introduced to the rotating stage, seeing a different audience member every few minutes. The set-up was an initial challenge, however, he says it helped his routine and now tries to have similar set-ups at his large venues. “It allows a lot of freedom on stage because I’m so physical and expressive

in my act,” says Maniscalco, who returns to the Celebrity for two shows on Saturday, May 18. “I’m not standing in the middle of the stage telling jokes, I’m prowling around. It made it so that when I do arenas, I want to do it in the round. Even in a large crowd makes it as intimate as possible.” Maniscalco’s tour supports his 2019 Netflix special and 2018 autobiography called “Stay Hungry.” Last year, Maniscalco landed in Forbes’ top 10 highest-paid comedians list and became a comedic star. However, it hasn’t always been easy. He paid his dues in tough situations, just like his predecessors. From a cat climbing on stage during a show in Las Vegas, to standing on a small crate in the corner of an Italian restaurant, the son of Italian immigrants has had his share of struggles. However, incidents like those make him appreciate his ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

success even more. He fondly remembers a performing in a sports bar with a bowling alley. The stage was a boxing ring in the middle of the venue. “People are sitting there watching the game on TV, while unbeknownst to them a comedy show starts,” he recalls. “There’s fresh blood on the floor, because I think there was a fight the night before, and as you’re trying to get your punchline off, there are people behind us picking up spares.” Since then, Maniscalco has traveled the world around with his brand of stand-up comedy. He’s an everyday man, one who has that familiar look. Midwest transplants often say he’s “the type of guy who grew up on their block” and is relatable. In 2018, Maniscalco made his feature fi lm debut, as Johnny Venere in the Academy Award-winning fi lm “Green Book.” “Stay Hungry” viewers saw his physical comedy, something audiences have become accustomed to. However, his life has evolved along with his comedy. Now married with a 2-year-old daughter and another child on the way, Maniscalco has a new set of experiences from which to draw. The “old” Maniscalco may have covered a Chipotle visit or observations at a TJ Maxx. Now his jokes center around fatherhood as well. “I think people are resonating with the family, and how I grew up, the nostalgia of it all,” he says. “Some of that material is absent in stand-up comedy today, you don’t see it.” However, he says childless fans will not feel left out. The jokes are not simple stories about his mischievous daughter. Rather, he shares his awkwardness at parents’ events or other related activities. He hadn’t anticipated that. “It’s more jokes about the situations I find myself in because of it,” Maniscalco says. “It’s like a fish out of water. I’m joking about myself being in places I’m not used to, like preschool or places like that, and I think people can relate to that.”

Sebastian Maniscalco Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.ticketforce.com, 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Saturday, May 18, tickets start at $44.

‘DREAM FULFILLED’ John Cusack and Squeeze

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

among the acts in Chandler Center’s 30th anniversary Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

handler Center for the Arts general manager Michelle Mac Lennan is living out her dreams with the venue’s 30th anniversary season. It kicks off with Melissa Etheridge on Saturday, July 13, and continues with the likes of Squeeze (Sunday, September 15), Strangelove: The Depeche Mode Experience (Saturday, August 24) and then John Cusack (Sunday, August 25) hosting a screening of “Say Anything.” “I’m having an ’80s dream fulfilled every minute of every day,” Mac Lennan says with a laugh. “I think we finally have built the team and put all the pieces into place. We’re ready for this new brand and new identity.” The new brand identity is the result of an extensive strategic marketing project for the Chandler Center for the Arts, made possible with funding from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The project included multipronged market research analysis of current audiences and nonattendees with 3,800 community surveys, 12 focus groups, internal data analysis and third-party marketing assessment. The findings were used to develop a tactical and strategic marketing plan for Chandler Center for the Arts to increase attendance and program participation, as well as enrich its brand recognition and perception. “We started to see a huge uptick in attendance—a 45%-increase in attendance,” she says. “It was significant. I always felt it was possible. We have good shows. We didn’t have the marketing to get us quite where we needed us to go. That limited what we could program. “If you don’t have the resources to market it, you can’t book shows like John Cusack. We had that big increase. We had money and we were able to invest in this new brand.” An updated look for the Chandler Center for the Arts was among the recommendations made to have an image that reflected the dynamic space that the center had become in the community.

“We had the same brand since 1989, just in many iterations,” Mac Lennan says. “It was the same look and feel. It was stale and needed updating. We hired a firm and, through the grant, we also had a new logo and brand, and a new graphic designer as well. “We knew this 30th anniversary was coming. It was the perfect time to roll out the new brand. We’ve been working on this for three years. We rolled it out in March.” Laura Schairer of Audience Magnets, an Arizona-based firm specializing in performing arts marketing, was the consultant on the marketing project. Surale Phillips of Decision Support Partners Inc. did market research, and Rodd Whitney of Cause Design created the new graphic identity. The revolving “C” in the new brand design comprises the encircling warmth of the community, the center’s function as a central gathering space at the heart of Chandler, as well as the center’s unique design with three revolving theaters, Mac Lennan says. The new logo also alludes to Chandler’s origins, founded among rows of agricultural canals and now residing in the grids and circuits of today’s high-tech industries. The logo is a multilayered symbol, a moving representation of the center’s history, the future and the special place in the city. The center is also embarking on capital projects to enhance the patron experience. Renovations include stateof-the-art lighting, sound and projection systems, upgraded lobby finishes and new signage. Mac Lennan says she purposely went all out to celebrate the Chandler Center’s anniversary. The new look has been well received. “We have more shows coming,” she promises. “I intentionally went for bold and vibrant things we hadn’t done before. You want to make a splash when you have the opportunity. With the economy being well, you seize the day. “I know I’m doing well when I get 70 texts from friends asking how they get tickets to John Cusack. He was everyone’s ’80s crush. People have lost their minds. This is my era. I know this music like the back of my hand. It’s extra

fun for me because, previously, I had to do research on the demographics.” Eight more shows are expected to be announced, and then others as they come along. For $50 patrons can become Chandler Center for the Arts members and receive perks like pre-purchasing opportunities. The summer concert series will feature local and regional bands. For the complete lineup of shows, visit chandlercenter.org.

Still, she—like area arts patrons—is smitten with the Cusack show. “It’s the actual 30th anniversary of ‘Say Anything,’” she says. “With that one, all of my dreams have been fulfilled.”

Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH Scottsdale, pomorestaurantgroup. com, 5 to 7 p.m., various pricing.

DINING

CALENDAR Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Kentucky Derby Celebration

MAY 4 We’re off to the races! Southern Rail and Chef Beckett are hosting a Kentucky Derby celebration with mint juleps and special Derby Day dishes. Guests are encouraged to wear their best derby-inspired attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best men’s and women’s derby hats, as well as best dressed overall. Southern Rail Restaurant, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.200.0085, southernrailaz. com, 1 to 5 p.m., prices vary.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Kentucky Derby Party MAY 4 Executive Chef Sara Garrant offers a collection of Derby-appropriate dishes like Southern-style deviled eggs with crispy ham and pickled red onion; cornmeal-fried oysters; watermelon and tomato salad; smoked andouille sausage sliders and ribeye sliders. Dessert is to die for with derby pie, red velvet cupcakes, buttermilk chess pie and berry cobbler bits. But most of all, there will be mint juleps. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess’s Bourbon Steak, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, scottsdaleprincess.com, 12:30 to 4 p.m., various pricing.

to 8 p.m., diners can also enjoy the following specials for $5: house or skinny margaritas; sangria; twopiece chimi (jalapeno cilantro cream cheese or chicken); carnitas and green chile taquitos; and three dips (queso, black bean dip and salsa). Urban Margarita, 6685 W. Beardsley Road, Suite 180, Glendale, 623.561.6674, urbanmargarita.com, various prices, but most at $5.

MAY 5 The restaurant is offering $5 specials on sips and apps during its Cinco de Mayo fest. From 9:30 a.m.

MAY 11 Join the D-backs for the Burgers & Beers cook-off challenge at the Budweiser + Beer Patio at Game Seven Grill and Chase Field. A panel of celebrity judges will crown the best burger. VIP tickets include Baseline Reserve ticket to the D-Backs vs. Braves game at 5:10 p.m., VIP access into the Burgers & Beers event at 2 p.m., three complimentary Budweiser beers and four burger samples, one from each featured vendor. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 2 p.m., $55.

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival

MAY 5 The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Food Festival is one of the largest multicultural festivals in the city. The 26th annual event provides nonstop fun, music, games, giveaways, lucha libre wrestling, Ballet Folkorico and traditional foods and drinks. Downtown Phoenix, 200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, gongago.com, noon to 10 p.m., $10.

Pizza for Teachers

MAY 6 TO MAY 10 Educators receive a complimentary fresh baked pizza of their choice, with no limit on toppings up to $25. It’s restricted to dine-in only. Teachers must be employed as an Arizona K-12 teacher, including homeschool teachers, and show valid school ID. Organ Stop Pizza, 1149 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480.813.8534, organstoppizza. com, 5 to 8 p.m., free.

Pomo Pizzeria NineYear Anniversary

Urban Margarita’s Cinco Celebration

Burgers & Beers

MAY 9 Pomo Pizzeria will host a festival at its three Valley locations— Phoenix, Gilbert and Scottsdale—in honor of its 9th birthday. The party will include free bites from its happy hour menu, Aperol spritz and nonalcoholic punch. Pomo Pizzeria, 366 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 106, Gilbert; 705 N. First Street, Suite 120, Phoenix; and 8977 N. Scottsdale Road,

Mother’s Day at Mountain Shadows

MAY 12 Mothers who want a serene retreat in the shadow of Camelback Mountain can indulge at Hearth ’61. Enjoy a buffet of savory starters like smoked salmon, seasonal salads and fresh seafood options before diving into a made-to-order omelet station, carved prime rib and specialty a la carte menu items from the kitchen. After brunching, experience luxe lounging poolside with a private cabana for $195 (normally $295) with a select bottle of rosé. Mountain Shadows, 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 855.485.1417, mountainshadows. com, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $79, $19 for children ages 12 and younger, tax and gratuity are not included.

Arizona Restaurant Week

Moms & Mimosas

MAY 11 Moms & Mimosas spoils all moms with brunch, spa treatments and the best breakfast bites in town. DJ Jen Jones will spin tunes, during a brunch-themed scavenger hunt, champagne toast and a greeting card-making station. Dads are invited, too, to drink bourbon and hang out in the cigar lounge. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, momsandmimosas. com, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10.

Mother’s Day Buffet

MAY 12 The iconic Hotel Valley Ho serves a Mother’s Day buffet like no other. The festivities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Sands with herbcrusted prime rib, made-to-order omelets with fresh ingredients, Scottish Salmon Wellington, and a variety of desserts. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.376.2600, hotelvalleyho. com, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $65.

MAY 17 TO MAY 26 Interested in trying a restaurant but concerned about the prices? Well, Arizona Restaurant Week has the answer. Food lovers can have a prix-fixe dinner for $33 or $44 per person. Participating restaurants include Stockyards, Firebirds, Ghost Ranch, Ling & Louie’s, The Capital Grille and The Melting Pot. Various locations, arizonarestaurantweek.com, times, prices and dates vary.

National Burger Day

MAY 28 Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse and Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse are offering discounted burgers for National Burger Day. At Liberty Station, the Liberty Burger—a half-pound burger with cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, Liberty sauce and a pickle—is offered all day for $5, instead of $13, from 5 to 9 p.m. At Keeler’s, its burger, an 8-ounce CAB burger patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion, is $5, regularly $14. Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, 7212 E. Ho Hum, Carefree, 602.374.4784, keelerssteakhouse. com; Liberty American Tavern and Smokehouse, 20825 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.278.7044, and 34522 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 180, Scottsdale, 480.595.9930, 5 to 9 p.m. at Keeler’s, all day at Liberty Station, $5.

off all beer, $2 off all food, $4 well drinks, $5 Tito’s (exclusions apply), and $7 classic cocktails.

Linger Longer Lounge

Guide Brat Haus

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.947.4006, brathausaz.com Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Brat Haus’ open-air patio paired with delicious beers, wine and cocktails offers a soothing atmosphere. Happy hour, 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, includes $2 off all draft beers, $2 off glasses of wine, $4 off well cocktails. Free dog brats for four-legged friends.

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

18529 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.912.7219; 4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.941.2747, coldbeers.com. Additional locations in the Valley. Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers lives up to its name but offers more than that. Happy hour, 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, includes $3 domestic pints, $4 domestic aluminum bottles, $4 Four Peaks pints, $5 premium wells, $5 Sauza Blue Margarita, $5 Jack and Coke, $5 house wines.

craft beer. For bites, dine on $6 bruschetta, featured seasonal vegetable, warm marinated olives, $8 sweet and spicy calamari, Dorian burger, and $15 small charcuterie board.

EVO Scottsdale

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.265.9814, evoscottsdale.com Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and features $5 select wine and $5 select draft and bottled beer.

Freezers

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, 602.491.9119, freezersicehouse.com Play billiards and darts while drinking some brews at Freezers. Happy hour is all day every day! $3 PBR and Rolling Rock pints from open to close. Specials are Monday – Friday which includes a burger and any draft beer for $10, $1 off all draft beers, $2 off all wells and house wines, and $3 off house cocktails from 3 to 7 p.m. Every Thursday drink some Deep Eddy Vodka for $5 all night long.

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Copper Blues

50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.5005, copperblueslive.com At Copper Blues, headliners don’t just occupy the stage, they surround it in the form of tap handles and inviting service. Happy hour is offered from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Sunday.

CRUjiente Tacos

3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.687.7777, crutacos.com The modern neighborhood taqueria and two-time Grand Champion winner of Arizona Taco Festival has happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and reverse happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy hour appetizers include $8 chips and guacamole/queso. CRUjiente Tacos’ award-winning street-style tacos, including the $4 Korean fried chicken taco and $3.50 pork belly taco, are available with special pricing during happy hour. All draft and bottled beers are $1 off, all wines by the glass are $2 off, all well drinks are $5, Modelo Especial and Tecate Light cans are $3.50.

Dorian

7419 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.907.5635, dorianscottsdale.com A perfect place to spend happy hour, Dorian has crushed blue velvet booths, a circular marble top bar and a light and bright airy dining room. Enjoy a lavish evening at happy hour with $2 off specialty cocktails, $6 glasses of featured wine and $5 well drinks and

Additional locations throughout the Valley, gallaghersaz.com Gallagher’s Sports Grill loves sports as much as it loves food, so it brings both of them together. Dozens if TVs to watch numerous sporting events, Gallagher’s has it all. Happy hour snacks run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and drink specials run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reverse happy hour is from 10 p.m. to Midnight.

Hungry Monk

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, hungrymonkaz.com Chandler’s Hungry Monk pours 27 craft beers, with daily happy hour from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and Sunday all day.

Kelly’s at SouthBridge

7117 E. Sixth Avenue, Scottsdale, 480.393.3205, kellysatsouthbridge.com Kelly’s at SouthBridge in Old Town has happy hour from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, featuring $4 off selected starters and Kelly’s cocktails, $5 draft beers and well drinks, $6 house wines, $49 bucket of four Chandon Splits, and $100 Caymus.

Little Woody

4228 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.955.0339, littlewoodyaz.com Little Woody bar is filled with food and games for any type of party goer. From 4 to 7 p.m. daily, happy hour includes $1

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6522 N. 16th Street, Suite 6, Phoenix, 602.264.4549, lingerlongeraz.com This vintage cocktail lounge and kitchen, with a game room and a DJ spinning vinyl, offers happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and all day Sunday. Happy hour includes $6/$7 selected appetizers, $3 Linger Longer Lager and domestic beers, $4 well drinks, $6 Tito’s draft cocktail and select cocktails, and $8 classic cocktails.

Pedal Haus Brewery

730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.314.2337, pedalhausbrewery.com Mill Avenue’s resident brewpub and beer garden, Pedal Haus Brewery offers beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and all day Sunday, with half-off wings, $3 Pedal Haus beers, $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and $5 margaritas.

Philly’s Sports Grill

1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, 480.946.6666; 1402 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, 480.968.6612; 4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix (Ahwatukee), 480.247.8655, phillyssportsgrill.com. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. daily, and reverse happy hour from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Rehab Burger Therapy

7210 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.621.5358, rehabburgertherapy.com Rehab Burger Therapy was founded on the idea that everyone deserves a break from the daily grind. Happy hour is offered from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. to Close every Thursday. This includes $1 off Party Starters, wine by the glass, and any Rapid Relief. Enjoy $2 off Special Treatment & any Skinny Remedy.

Rico’s American Grill

7677 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 1.800.947.9784, squawpeakhilton.com Resort guests and locals can enjoy daily happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. Drink specials include $4 domestic beers and well drinks, $5 draft beers, and $5 bartender’s pick backyard cocktails. Food specials include $5 loaded pub fries, $5 quesadillas and $7 pork carnitas tacos.

The Sicilian Butcher

15530 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.775.5140, thesicilianbutcher.com Every day is happy hour at The Sicilian Butcher in the bar area only with premium wells starting at $5 and house-select wines or beers for $5.50. Happy hour bites include prosciutto bruschetta and fried ravioli for $7, a bucket of meatballs or eggplant parmigiano flatbread for $10, and a house-select bottle of wine and polenta and meatball board for $19.

Spinelli’s Pizzeria

420 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 602.800.5300, spinellispizzeria.com. Spinelli’s Pizzeria has happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, with specials like $3.50 wells, $4.50 calls, $4 cheese pizza slices, $4.50 pepperoni pizza slices, and half-off appetizers.

The Stockyards

5009 E. Washington Street, Suite 115, Phoenix, 602.273.7378, stockyardssteakhouse.com In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, opened its doors with a menu focused on its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib, Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, when house wine, draft beer, saloon snacks, domestic beer and well drinks are discounted. Complimentary tenderloin sliders are also offered.

SunUp Brewing Co.

322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.8909,sunup.beer SunUp offers beer brewed on-site, with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily.

TapHouse Kitchen

6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite #108, Scottsdale, 480.656.0012 3131 E. Shea Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.656.0012 Taphousekitchen.com Always putting the guests first, TapHouse Kitchen strives to become a business that is the forefront of the industry, is innovative, unique and desirable to the city and state. TapHouse Kitchen uses the freshest ingredients in the bar and in the kitchen to serve up the best beer, cocktails, and food!

Tutti Santi

6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale, 480.951.3775, tuttisantriristorante.com Tutti Santi’s menu offers Nina’s original recipes for Italian classics, from antipasti freddi to mozzarella caprese. Happy hour is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday.

Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery

4321 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.378.3001, twobrothersbrewing.com Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery hosts happy hour 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, with $1 off draft beer, $6 cocktails, $1 off wine by the glass and a reduced-price appetizer menu. On Thursdays, it has $3 house draft beer, house wine and appetizer menu.

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

4921 E. Ray Road, Suite 103, Phoenix (Ahwatukee), 480.961.2374; 9053 E. Baseline Road, Suite 101A, Mesa, 480.986.2228; 21151 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, 480.882.3177, unclebearsaz.com Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, with reverse happy hour 10 p.m. to close Sunday to Thursday. Happy hour includes $4.50 Uncle Bear’s craft pints, domestic bottles, wells and house margaritas. Other specials include $5.50 22-ounce Uncle Bear’s craft and house wines, $1 off all Uncle Bear’s backyard drink menu, and $2 off Bear Bites.

The Womack

5749 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.283.5232,

thewomack.us Embrace happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, with $1 off all beer, $4 well drinks, $5 draft wine, and $6 selected cocktails.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Pomo Pizzeria owner steps away from pizza for new eatery Octavio Serrano >> The Entertainer!

omo Pizzeria founder Stefano Fabbri is passionate about everything he does. “If you know me, you understand that I’m really passionate,” Fabbri says. “The only thing that came make you work in this industry is passion.” With that passion, Fabbri opened Phoenix’s Meat the Ball, a restaurant that prides itself on bringing customers a healthy dining menu with an Italian twist. The menu features a variety of salads, pastas, sandwiches, and of course, meatballs. For its appetizers, guests are welcome to the shrimp gratin, which is shrimp with tomatoes, olives and bel paese cheese ($12). Another appetizer is “The All You Need Board,” with prosciutto crudo, Creminelli salami trio, pecorino toscano, Bermuda Triangle goat cheese, and triple cream cheese ($19). For the main course, the pastas are a sure way to go. The pesto straccetti includes thin sheets of pasta, parmigiano, and pesto pine nuts ($12). The four-cheese fettuccine comes with mozzarella, provolone, parmigiano and gorgonzola ($13). The meatball menu,

however, is the heart of Meat the Ball. Guests can order a variety of different meatballs to accompany the dishes, or if they choose to enjoy them on their own. Meat the Ball offers beef and pork, spicy sausage, chicken, short ribs, eggplant, quinoa, cauliflower, salmon and veal. Fabbri says his favorite is the cauliflower meatball. For the spicy cauliflower, the chef spices the cauliflower with cumin and coriander and adds a tomato coconut curry sauce with broccoli rice ($15). The spicy sausage meatballs are made with Niman Ranch Pork, sweet and spicy barbecue sauce, crispy onions and creamy polenta ($16). Its vegetarian choice, the quinoa meatballs, is prepared with a stracchino cheese core, and red bell pepper sauce with pan-seared vegetables ($15). “We wanted our guests to be able to order any meatball they would like,” Fabbri says. Fabbri cares about providing healthy meats. “Our meatballs are not just meatballs. Some meatballs are organic, some meatballs are all natural (non-GMO), and some meat is grass-fed,” Fabbri says. Fabbri spent quite some time bringing guests a menu he’s proud of. But, he adds, food isn’t everything in a

restaurant; the experience it delivers is just as important. “It’s really important not to think about selling food. You have to think to sell an experience,” Fabbri says. “The experience starts at the door with the service, the hostess, with the music, with the design, and of course, with the food.” The 850-square-foot Meat the Ball makes guests feel at home. Having a small footprint allows Fabbri to connect with his customers. “When you have a small restaurant

that can survive with 60 or 80 guests a day, you can stop at every table and talk to them and give them the feeling of being home,” Fabbri says. “Meat the Ball is a mini restaurant but with a big personality.”

“We’re trying to be in our community as much as possible,” she said. “We’ve helped with anniversary parties and the Falcon Field Open House. It’s nice to be involved with the people who are around here. We help the community and they send people our way. “She never really wanted to be just a cupcake shop or just a sandwich shop, but she wanted to do this because there

are no full bakeries around here,” she said. “This was her dream.”

Meat the Ball 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.954.5278, meattheball.com.

Owners bring full bakery to Northeast Mesa Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

ary Zeiner watched her daughter, Ariana, bake as a teen. The younger Zeiner attended EVIT and Scottsdale Community College and concurrently opened Sweet Thangs Bakery out of parents’ home. In February, she took her talents to the next step, opening the brick and mortar Sweet Thangs Bakery and Waffle Crush, which began as a food truck. The storefront offers hot breakfasts, hot or cold lunch sandwiches and salads, as well as a full line of bakery items and housemade custard. “We have an amazing 100 percent

made from scratch bakery, as well as gourmet coffees and fresh beverages,” Mary said. “We use all fresh ingredients with no preservatives. We also do custom cakes, cupcakes and dessert platters.” The cookie ice cream sandwiches have proven to be a hit, as they sold 660 at the recent Barbecue and Beer Festival. “Literally, everything we took, plus all the drink and smoothies and stuff like that, we all sold out,” she said. The storefront is playful, with pink walls, cases of sweets and custard and examples of custom-made cakes. “It was green, red, pink and brown before we redecorated it,” she said with a laugh. Most important to the motherdaughter team is supporting the neighborhood.

Sweet Thangs Bakery and Café 5735 E. McKellips Road, Suite 107, Mesa, 480.350.7255, sweetthangsbakery.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Matty G’s is a juicy mix of sports and steak burgers Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

atty G’s Steakburgers and Spirits is a sports lover’s paradise. Tables are adorned with baseball-themed tablecloths. Pennants and movie posters, like “Slapshot,” hang on the walls. Al Kaline and Babe Ruth are among those remembered at Matty G’s. Even owner Matt Gorman has a college and minor league baseball career. The majority of the memorabilia is from Gorman’s family. But the sports décor isn’t what made Matty G’s a hit in Northeast Mesa and in Murrieta, California. It’s the steak burgers—and it took a little research. “My parents came out here,” says the Southfield, Michigan-born Gorman. “We ate so much meat those couple of days, trying to figure out how to create the burger. “We had a cast iron skillet and the handle of a hammer, and we created this smashing device during the tasting. We came up with this and, honestly, it just keeps getting better.” Burgers, most of which are two patties, are aplenty at Matty G’s, which boasts a full bar. The All-Star Burger is simple with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms,

grilled onion, lettuce, tomato and Matty G’s fry sauce. The Alley Ooop Burger nods to Detroit Coney Islands with two patties, diced onions, chili and shredded cheese. Other sandwiches fit right into the sports theme. Monsters of the Midway is one patty, pastrami, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, pickles and Matty G’s sauce. Meanwhile, there’s the Hammerin’ Hank with pastrami, as well, Swiss cheese, grilled onions, pickles, Matty G’s sauce on marble rye. To fit into Arizona, there are tacos— carne asada and chicken. For the health-conscious, there’s the Spring Training Wrap with one grilled jalapeno citrus chicken breast, pepper jack cheese, spring mix, pico de gallo and citrus jalapeno dressing in a flour tortilla. “There’s really something for everyone,” he says. “I have salads, footlong hot dogs, street tacos and burgers. The food is good.” That’s just a taste of Matty G’s menu. “We have our own fry sauce we make from scratch,” Gorman said. “It has a smokiness to it. We’re going to bottle it. We have FDA approval and all that good stuff.” According to Gorman, what’s on the walls is just as important as what’s served on a dish. “We don’t want to be boring,” says

Gorman, whose horse won a Breeders’ Cup. “I have a bit of my personality in here. My goal is to make people laugh a little bit. With restaurants, you’re trying to actually make somebody’s day better. “You’re not going to leave here with a bad attitude. They come in here and even if they’re having a bad day, you give them really good food and then they leave happy.” Gorman wants guests to leave with

one thing in mind: “When you walk in here you know what we are: We’re a family restaurant.”

Matty G’s Steakburgers and Spirits 1958 E. Brown Road (at Gilbert Road), Mesa, 480.306.7406; search Facebook for Matty G’s Steakburgers

THE REAL DEAL

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

New York Bagels ‘N Bialys throws aside misconceptions By Greg Thilmont >>The Entertainer!

hat makes for a perfect bagel? According to Shelley Curtis of New York Bagels ‘N Bialys, dunking it in a steaming kettle of bubbling hot water before it’s baked in an oven. “We serve a traditional New York bagel,” Curtis says. “We boil our bagels first. It’s not bread with a hole in it.” This boiling-before-baking stage gives bagels their signature crusty outsides and chewy insides, and along with coowner Ruth Leatherman, Curtis has been creating the circular mainstays of Jewish deli cuisine in Scottdale since 2005. Their inhouse bakers turn out thousands of individual bagels daily in a wide range of flavors, most of which are kosher. Leading styles include all-time favorites like egg, salt, poppy, pumpernickel, rye, onion and garlic. Modern bagel innovations are served, too—ones that were probably never dreamt of a century ago on the Lower East Side. Think blueberry, strawberry, jalapeño and asiago cheese. And, of course,

everything bagels are also among the many holey choices. Sliced in half, New York Bagels ‘N Bialys’ bagels go perfectly with velvety cream cheese, whether plain or blended with aromatic chives, savory veggies, spicy chili peppers or sweet strawberries. For a deluxe schmear, the house lox cream cheese is made with premium cured salmon from Brooklyn’s acclaimed ACME Smoked Fish. Peanut butter and jelly are also on the list of spreads. And while bagels have been a part of everyday mainstream American culture for more than 30 years now, some might wonder just what is a bialy. “It’s similar to a bagel, except it’s not boiled first, so that makes it lighter and fluffier,” Curtis says of bialys. She adds they’re less sweet than bagels and are lower in calories. They also don’t have holes. Available with many of the same toppings as found in the restaurant’s bagels, the rustic disks also come in flavors like chocolate chip, cinnamon-raisin and tomatobasil. New York Bagels ‘N Bialys’ menu goes beyond these two baked namesakes and features breakfast dishes from across the American

culinary map. Lox and onions with scrambled eggs hail from the Upper East Coast. The Deep South makes a show with chicken fried steak and country gravy. And the Southwest shines with zesty huevos rancheros. Omelets abound from the chock-full-of-ham Denver to the Greek’s twist of spinach and feta. Delicatessen classics include matzoh brie, knishes, cheese blintzes and a towering version of French toast made with challah bread. “One of our signature dishes is the ‘Pile Up,’” adds Leatherman, joining in to describe the restaurant’s wide-reaching fare. The astounding (and aptly named) creation impresses with three crispy potato pancakes layered with eggs, ham, bacon and sausage with cheddar and American cheeses. Then, for good measure, everything’s bound together with a drizzle of delectable cheese sauce. Eggs Benedict fans can choose from six styles of the Hollandaise-draped dish, including

combinations like the avocadocentric California, the chorizoladen Southwestern and the Reuben with mounds of corned beef and sauerkraut. Lunchtime offerings lead with cold sandwiches piled high with sliced meats including roast beef, pastrami, salami and turkey breast as well as spreadable toppings like tuna and chicken salads. Hot sandwich styles range from beef brisket and French dip to grilled chicken and salmon. Add in to the mix leafy salads such as sirloin on fresh greens with bleu cheese and balsamic glaze, plus piping-hot matzoh ball and chicken noodle soups, among others. For beverages, a full bar is available for cocktails, including Bloody Marys and mimosas. On the soft drink side, stars include rich vanilla egg creams, bubbly chocolate phosphates and an array of Dr. Brown’s bottled sodas. Save room for dessert and try Leatherman’s scratch-made cookies, macaroons, rugelach, halvah bars and more. To round out New York Bagels ‘N Bialys offerings, there’s a fun kid’s menu (think fingerfriendly silver dollar pancakes, quesadillas, grilled cheese and the like) and even pooch-friendly snacks including grilled chicken breasts and beef patties for pet owners to share with their furry family members. No matter what you order at New York Bagels ‘N Bialys, Curtis says to expect “a family vibe.” “We feed you what we like to eat,” says Curtis with a smile. “We take care of you like you’re friends.”

New York Bagels ‘N Bialys 10320 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.991.3034, nybagelsnbialys.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BEER AND WINE

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

BEER AND WINE

CALENDAR Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Roars & Pours at Phoenix Zoo MAY 2 Sip on craft brews and wines while roaming the zoo at night during Roars & Pours. Food is available at the event that also features animal encounters, yard games, live music and entertainment. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo. org, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., $10.

Wine & Whiskey with Wildlife MAY 4 Animal and nature lovers will be treated to heavy appetizers, wine tasting from local and national brands, whiskey tasting with signature cocktails, silent auction and live music by Nina Curri and Doug Schultze. Certified sommelier/ mixologist Ruthie Cuthriell will be on site, as will animal ambassadors. Liberty Wildlife, 2600 E. Elwood Street, Phoenix, libertywildlife. salsalabs.org/, 4 to 7 p.m., $50.

Cinco de Mayo Cornhole Tournament

MAY 4 PHX Fray and Talking Stick Resort Arena are partnering for a Cinco de Mayo celebration with a cornhole tournament and Arizona Rattlers game. Additional attractions include music, drinks and an after-tournament party. Preregistration required. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.744.9011, phxfray.com, noon to 3 p.m., $29.99 per person or $100 as a team. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Scottsdale Bar Crawl de Mayo MAY 4 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the Scottsdale Bar Crawl de Mayo in Old Town this May. Tickets include admission and three penny drink vouchers to use on the crawl. The tour includes stops at El Hefe, Goodwood Tavern, Old Town Gringos, Riot House and Wasted Grain. Places vary, Scottsdale, scottsdalebarcrawls.weebly. com, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $20.

Yoga + Beer in the District

MAY 8 AND MAY 22 Grab your mat and experience yoga with a twist! Concentrate on your breathing and explore different stretches in a 1-hour yoga class taught by experienced instructors while cracking a cold one with your closest friends. Barnes & Noble Courtyard, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com, 10 to 11 a.m., free.

Vintage and Vino Spring Party MAY 10 TO MAY 11 The event dangerously brings together wine and shopping with a broad range of vendors, fine wines, mimosas and beer. A kids’ crafts zone and a wine lounge are featured. Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, 20464 E. Riggs Road, Queen Creek, 480.586.6711, vintageandvinoaz.com, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 11, $6-$32.

Burgers & Beers

MAY 11 Join the D-backs for the Burgers & Beers cook-off challenge at Chase

Field. The event starts before the game at the Budweiser + Beer Patio at Game Seven Grill outside Chase Field. Burgers will be judged by a panel of celebrity judges. VIP Tickets includes Baseline Reserve ticket to the D-Backs vs. Braves game 5:10 p.m., VIP access into the Burgers & Beers event at 2 p.m. that includes three complimentary Budweiser beers (21+) and four burger samples (one from each featured vendor). Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 2 p.m., $55.

480.490.7136, twopups. org, 7 to 11 p.m., $100.

Moms & Mimosas

The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer

MAY 11 Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend with brunch, spa treatments and the best breakfast bites in town. DJ Jen Jones will spin tunes during a brunch-themed scavenger hunt, champagne toast and a greeting card-making station. Dads can sit around in the dapper bourbon and cigar lounge. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, momsandmimosas. com, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10.

The Bash: Music and Craft Beer Festival

MAY 11 Beer and music come together at The Bash, featuring performances by Rancid, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Suicidal Tendencites, L7 and H20. More than 100 Arizona brewers will be there, like Huss Brewing Co., Lumberyard and Mother Road. Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix, thebashfestival. com, 1 p.m., $39.50.

Booze and a Band

MAY 18 The Booze and a Band promises to be a howling good time as guests raise funds for Two Pups Wellness Fund. The event features an evening of eating, drinking and dancing. Guests will enjoy pawtapping live music with Las Vegas’ Status the Band performing. Two Pups Wellness Fund provides financial assistance for dogs and cats who are critically ill, injured, neglected or abandoned. Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix,

Mariachi, Wine and Beer Festival

MAY 18 Mexican food, hot dogs, hamburgers, kettle corn and shaved ice come together for the Mariachi, Wine and Beer Festival. Visitors are invited to bring their own picnic basket and piñata. Patagonia Lake State Park, 400 Patagonia Lake Road, Patagonia, azstateparks.com, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., $20 per vehicle.

MAY 18 This annual affair offers guests the chance to discover new wines and enjoy bites in a fun and entertaining setting, all while supporting the arts. Featured tastings of more than 40 wines, hand selected by AJ’s cellar masters, will be complemented by gourmet specialties from AJ’s, including chef-prepared sample entrees and desserts. AJ’s cellar masters also will be on site to provide their recommendations for wine and food pairings. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org, 2 to 4:30 p.m., tickets start at $40.

Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival

MAY 18 TO MAY 19 Celebrate the Willcox American Viticulture Area’s harvest during this festival that includes music, art and vendors. Willcox Railroad Avenue Park, 606 S. Railroad Avenue, Willcox, 520.384.2272, willcoxwinecountry.org, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $25 tastings.

Sips and Skies: A Wine, Beer and Spirits Festival

MAY 25 AND MAY 26 Sample Arizona’s best vintages, craft brews and microdistilled spirits, while listening to local bands perform. Food and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase as well. Veterans Memorial Park, 3105 E. Fry Boulevard, Sierra Vista, 800.288.3861, sierravistaaz.gov, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., $15-$20.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Pampering Mom in Style

Chandler hosts its ﬁrst brunch-themed festival for Mother’s Day Taylor O’Connor >> The Entertainer!

ubbling mimosas, hot pancakes and waﬄes, music and an array of vendors will overtake the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park this Mother’s Day weekend at HDE Agency’s first brunch-themed festival. Moms and Mimosas, an appropriately named festival, is all about pampering mom and bringing families together in a fun way. Jen Pruett of the producing agency says, “We’ve always wanted to do a brunch-themed event, and it’s a brunchy time of year. We wanted to offer families something to do for Mother’s Day weekend.” Moms and Mimosas will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Downtown Chandler park. Cost is $7 for general admission for presale and $10 for the day of the event. Children 12 and under are free. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Heart Strings Foundation, an organization focusing on music therapy to help veterans and children with special circumstances. Moms and Mimosas will all be outdoors with a wide variety of vendors,

including a mimosa and Bloody Mary station, a brunch station serving everything from breakfast burritos to burgers, and several retail vendors. Pruett says the festival offers families the chance to treat mom to well-deserved pampering with a self-care station with a nail-painting mini salon, skin and hair care, health and wellness supplements, and a massage therapy tent. There is even a station specialized for dads: the Dads Den with bourbon, cigars, sports and all of the macho things away from flowers and fancy smelling soaps. Not that dads are excluded from manicures and face masks, but this is an option for dads to separate from the group. Scrambling for a gift for mom? No problem. Pruett says there will be several shopping opportunities, a florist making flower arrangements, and kids can make mom a card. Throughout the day, attendees can hear live music from DJ Jen Jones, take cute photos in the photo booth, and participate in the Mother’s Day-themed scavenger hunt. Pruett says there is not just one highlight, “I honestly think everything together is what makes it work. The

BEERGEAR

Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

ROBOCUP CUP HOLDER FOR DRINKS The ROBOCUP solves the age-old

things to do, things to eat, drink, it’s that magic combo of the three of those that will make this event fun.” Pruett says a lot of times people want to spend one day with their direct family and the other with their extended family, like grandparents. Whether it’s getting a charcoal face mask, making a homemade card, or eating a crepe, Pruett says she hopes people enjoy the first Moms and Mimosas and coming together for their mothers.

“We want to foster a sense of community, family, something fun to do to celebrate mom.”

Moms and Mimosas Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, momsandmimosas.com, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, $7 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 12 and younger are free.

problem of where do put your drinks at the beach, lake or boat. It clamps to a fishing pole, beach chair, walker, anything. This set of two cup holders runs about $21.99. therobocup.com

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BEER DIRECTORY Where to find the best beer bars in town

Craft 64

6922 E. Main St, Scottsdale Craft 64 is proud to offer 36 local Arizona beers on tap in the heart of Scottsdale. Arizona beers only!

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

2490 W. Happy Valley Road, 5350 E. High Street

• 740 S. Mill Avenue Incredible Pizza and amazing beer make Mellow the place to go for a craft beer experience.

Papago Brewing Company

7107 E. McDowell Rd, Scottsdale The granddaddy of Arizona beer bars, there is something for every beer lover at Papago.

Boulders on Broadway

530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe Boulders has the appeal of a neighborhood bar with a beer list that’ll make your eyes pop.

Hungry Monk

1760 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler Whether you want great wings or great beer, Hungry Monk’s selection is tough to beat.

Harvey American Public House

and bustle of the city.

1524 E. Williamsfield Road, Gilbert First class food and first class beer, all set away from the hustle

Goldwater Brewing Co.

3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale This new brewery is already making waves with their desert-inspired brews – and names. Check out their Scotch’Dale Scottish style ale.

Spokes on Southern

1470 E. Southern Ave., Tempe A comfortable bike-themed grill with 24 draft handles and food made from scratch.

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Culinary Dropout

5640 N. Seventh Street 7135 E. Camelback Road Located at The Yard, Culinary Dropout has everything you look for in a great restaurant experience, especially great beer.

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale Quality craft beer made right here in Scottsdale. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass, and all small bites and starters!

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale Dierks Bentley has been known to kick back with a craft beer or two, and so can you at his digs.

Freezer’s Ice House

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe (At the corner of Mill & Broadway) Freezer’s Ice House is the Valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specials throughout the week include $2 Tuesdays, ASU Night Thursdays, UFC Fight Night Saturdays and Pool Pass Sundays.

The Casual Pint Central Phoenix

4626 N. 16th Street, Unit 102, Phoenix The Casual Pint Central Phoenix is a fun spot with an upscale yet casual atmosphere. Our expert “beer-tenders” can serve up craft beer by the pint from our tap wall, by the can or by the bottle to enjoy in our store.

Copper Blues/ Stand Up Live

50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix Have a beer and a meal at Copper Blues before the standup show. You won’t even worry if it’s sold out.

Brat Haus

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale The name says it all – brats, pretzels, Belgian fries and plenty of craft “bier” to make everyone happy.

Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers

4222 N. Scottsdale Road • 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Do we need to say more? The name spells out everything you need to know.

Philly’s Sports Grill

1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 1402 S. Priest Drive, Tempe

4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix Over 20 beers on draft, 15 craft beers on tap plus more selection in cans/bottles. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily, and reverse happy hour is 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday (excludes UFC, Boxing and ASU events).

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

1805 E. Elliot Road, Tempe Home of the Third Thursday Tap Takevoer. The rest of the month is pretty good, too.

Phoenix Public Market Café

14 E. Pierce Street, Phoenix The Phoenix Public Market Café is a casual urban hangout offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and great beer.

Main Ingredient Ale House

2337 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix A charming old home is the location for this Coronado neighborhood hangout spot.

Pig & Pickle

2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale A restaurant that focuses on balance and quality, Pig & Pickle doesn’t skimp when it comes to their craft beer selection, either.

House of Brews Sports Bar 825 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert Is it a sports bar or a craft beer bar? It’s both!

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

232 S. Wall Street, Chandler Located in historic Downtown Chandler, this brewery and pub not only has delicious craft brews, but is also home to a collection of beautiful, brightly colored rescue birds!

TapHouse Kitchen

Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Taphouse kitchen has 20 handles of the most sought after craft beers, mostly local brew and 2 THK selection rotating handles that change with the season and taste of what we are craving at the time.

Ground Control

4860 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park Fresh roasted coffee and an ever-changing selection of good beer, including a fantastic import selection, make this one of the top spots in the West Valley.

The Brass Tap

1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104, Mesa Over 60 Taps of great craft beers and over 300 total craft beers from around the globe available! Casually upscale atmosphere, open-air patio that is cigar-friendly, nice menu, daily specials and knowledgeable staff. What more could you ask for?

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix Stop by to enjoy some local craft beer including Uncle Bear’s and other guest taps as well as delicious bites and a great happy hour!

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Wines to celebrate the women in your life Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

hile homemade gifts from the kids and grandkids are wonderful, don’t the moms, why not also get grandmas and female mentors in your life deserve a little something extra this Mothers’ Day? The perfect gift: wine! Here are some sure to put a smile on her face, and make her day extra special:

2017 ROMBAUER NAPA VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC Rombauer is famous for its heavenly Chardonnay and Zinfandel. But now—thanks to Reagan Rombauer, granddaughter of founder Koerner Rombauer and third-generation family member—the brand has something new to dazzle mom in its Sauvignon Blanc. This is only the second white wine to come from the winery behind its famous Carneros Chardonnay. It is bright and exudes love with its fragrant aromas of key lime, mango and nectarine with a fresh and lively citrus flavored palate. $24. rombauer.com

2015 SEVEN HILLS MERLOT Since its founding in 1988, Seven Hills has helped to champion winemaking in the United States. Hence, this red fruit forward bottle is perfect option for your family’s champion (mom!). In addition, this particular wine is drawn from the original Merlot blocks at Seven Hills Vineyard that the owner planted with his in the summer of 1982, so a story to share while enjoying with the family. $45. sevenhillswinery.com

2015 COL SOLARE CABERNET SAUVIGNON Col Solare is the partnership between two influential wine producers who are recognized leaders in their respective regions: Tuscany’s Marchesi Antinori and Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle. This powerhouse partnership is best evidenced in this Cabernet. Mom will melt over the aromas of black cherry, berry and dark chocolate that fuse with smooth notes of vanilla and spice. $75. colsolare.com

blackberry fruit, anise, nutmeg, dried ginger and cinnamon. $28. hedgesfamilyestate.com

2010 WATERBOOK ICON ESTATE RED BLEND This winery is a true leader and pioneer, not unlike mom and grandma likely is to your family. And could there be a better-named wine to gift? We think not. Toasty sweet oak, roasted marshmallow and cigar box aromas lead into a beautifully round palate with this one. It’s a special occasion wine for sure. $34. waterbrook.com

a variety of vines to create true field blends. The result is this complex knockout zin that explodes with oak, vanilla, blueberry in every sip. $38. carolshelton.com

AMISTA VINEYARDS SPARKLING GRENACHE Winemaker Ashley Herzberg makes every bottle of this Grenache sparkle using the Méthode Champenoise, the process used to make French Champagne. It has nuanced fruit character with floral notes and a hint of toasted almond. $48. amistavineyards.com.

2015 PALMAZ VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa winemaker Tina Mitchell developed this Cabernet with summer in mind. It has aromas of summer rain on beached sandalwood, and is refreshing upon first sip before erupting with flavors mulberry and blackberry. $165. palmazvineyards.com

DECROUX STA. RITA HILLS PINOT NOIR This Santa Ynez Valley winner from Jennifer Hoage starts with flavors of black cherries, raspberries, spice and a hint of salt before giving way to a balanced finish with notes of strawberries and touch of vanilla. $75. thestatewines.com

2017 PIANETTA WINERY JUG WINE Everything about this wine made by Caitlin Pianetta—including the conversation piece bottle—is special. Developed as means to bring unpretentious quality to old-school table wine, this medium-bodied blend has bold blackberry and mild pepper notes with light acidity. $24. pianettawinery.com

THOMSON & SCOTT SKINNY PROSECCO NV Founded by former journalist Amanda Thomson, this vegan-andorganic credentialed prosecco out of the United Kingdom is the made with as little intervention as possible in the production process. It dances on the tongue with flavors of honeysuckle, green apple and lemon zest. $24.99. thomsonandscott.com

2015 HEDGES FAMILY ESTATE RED MOUNTAIN

2014 MANCINI ZINFANDEL

This winery is all about the family ties—what could be a better fit? Our favorite for mom has to be this red winner with its combination of

Owner and winemaker Carol Shelton plants the nearly 100-year-old Mancini Vineyard in the Old-World method of “mixed planting,” wherein she plants ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BEERTENDERS

Bartenders who really know their beer Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

ince 2013, Stacy T. Louis has owned and operated Stacy’s @ Melrose, located in the heart of the Melrose District near the iconic curve on Seventh Avenue in Phoenix. A casual atmosphere with an ambiance and charm, Stacy’s featurse local artists’ works. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, especially the beer options.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN BEER – OR DRINKING IT? When I was a baby in my native Virginia, my parents bought a restaurant. As you can imagine, I grew up doing odd jobs in and around it daily. One night after we closed, my dad pulled me aside and let me try his Miller High Life. I was 13 and I thought perhaps it was a trick. He laughed and said better I try my first beer with him than with friends and then get into any trouble. The memory, all these years later (I am now in my 60s, and, my father has passed), is still really special to me. And you know what? For my entire life, I have been a beer guy. Sure, a shot with friend or martini once in a while, but like my dad, I am a beer man.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CRAFT BEER WORLD? Back in Virginia, I worked for years in the food and beverage industry even beyond my parents’ operation. In fact, I managed a steakhouse for years out there when craft beer was still very much in its infancy. I live with a rare disorder, however, which was exacerbated by the cold Virginia winters. So much so, the disease took all of my toes and three of my fingers. By 1999, when I was actually taking a break from the hospitality industry and working in the finance world, I finally moved to Phoenix to start a new life and focus on my health. And though I started a job in investments here, I soon jumped back into the world of food and drink, taking on a position and eventual leadership role at Amsterdam in Phoenix. It was during my seven-plus years there that craft beer really touched me – and really started to catch on in the country. I helped develop our beer program for years before taking a few other leadership roles at bars in the Valley. By 2013, I was ready to jump in and open Stacy’s. Since we opened the doors, beer – and craft beer – has been front and center. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES IT SPECIAL? The seasonality of it is quite special. Craft beers often change based on seasonal ingredients and the weather (again, something I am keenly aware of as well), which often makes them limited edition in nature. Getting lost in the world of craft beer is also such an adventure. It is a way to explore parts both near and far without leaving the Valley.

AND WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE ARIZONA CRAFT BEER INDUSTRY? Is there a faster-growing beer community in the country? I would be shocked if anyone – save for maybe Southern California – was growing at the clip we are. GIVE US SOME OF THE LOCAL AND REGIONAL BREWERIES DOING IT RIGHT? I am beyond enthralled by Huss, because of its actual beer and its community-minded approach to business. Our Melrose District is a prideful community. We are 1 square mile of artisans and fiercely local businesses as well as residents who truly care about one another. So, when Huss stepped up to provide the beer for our March street fair, they not only planned a donation, they worked with the greater-community to collect neighborhood citrus and created a custom Melrose Beer for us. And…it’s delicious, by the way. I also love SunUp Brewing on Camelback. SHARE WITH US THE BEER PROGRAM AT STACY’S @ MELROSE? At all times, we have 10 drafts on tap. I love nothing more than changing them out on the regular with seasonal

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craft options as well as some local favorites and general crowd pleasers like Blue Moon, Abita IPA and Stella. One standout lately: Wells Banana Bread Beer, which has crispness and some tropical elements, but that banana flavor is there in a big, bold way. We also have copious options when it comes to bottled beer including Four Peaks, which has several perennial popular options when it comes to type. I personally can’t wait for June, so we can get the Angry Orchard’s Rosé cider back in stock.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE BEERS AT THE MOMENT? I love Prohibition Ale by Speakeasy Ales and Lagers, which we carry at Stacy’s. It has hints of baking spices, dark dried fruit, and candied caramel malts. It’s velvety and balanced. I am also very into the Ace Space Blood Orange, which we have seasonally at Stacy’s. It is fermented with actual blood orange puree and every sip is heaven. As for local options, I love the Mother Road Kölsch-Style Ale.

Stacy’s @ Melrose 4343 N. Seventh Avenue, Phoenix 602.264.1700, stacysatmelrose. com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

CASINOS

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

MAY 1 Swingtips

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 2 Nicky Jam

Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com

MAY 3 An Evening with Demetri Martin Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Cinco de Mayo Cumbia Festival featuring Fito Olivares

Nate Bargatze

Desert Diamond Casinos, ddcaz.com/Sahuarita

Mogollon

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 5 Zedd

Release Parties at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, releasevip.com

Fiestas Cinco de Mayo Celebration Presented by Poderosa 105.3 FM

Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Deorro

Release Parties at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, releasevip.com

Canelo vs. Jones (televised) CAZ Sports Bar, Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com; Vee Quiva Casino, playatgila.com

Viva Vee Quiva Car Show

Vee Quiva Casino, playatgila.com

Cinco de Mayo Conjunto Festival featuring Jaime de Anda, Los Badd Boyz Del Valle Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Lone Butte Casino, playatgila.com

George Lopez

Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com

Dwight Yoakam

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

MAY 15 Swingtips

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 17 Hollywood Vampires

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Harry Luge

MAY 9

MAY 4

UFC 237

Jukebox 6

Gary Allan

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

Release Parties at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, releasevip.com

Mick Adams and the Stones

Casino del Sol, casinodelsol.com

Chad Freeman

NGHTMRE and Seven Lions

MAY 8 Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

Desert Diamond Casinos, ddcaz.com/Sahuarita

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Australia’s Thunder from Down Under Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

MAY 10 Australia’s Thunder from Down Under Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Extreme Midget Wrestling

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 18 Bill Engvall

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Mick Adams and the Stones

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Rhythm of the Sun

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 22 Jukebox 6

Blue Water Resort and Casino, bluewaterfun.com

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

Thaddeus Rose

MAY 23

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 11 Australia’s Thunder from Down Under

Live Boxing: Olvera vs. Villa

Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com

MAY 24

Bad Company w/Steve Rodgers The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

“I Love the ’90s Tour” w/ Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Coolio and Tone Loc

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

Aeromyth: A Tribute to Aerosmith

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Mogollon

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 25 Aeromyth: A Tribute to Aerosmith

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

’90s House Party featuring Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Tone Loc and Coolio

Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com

Flashback

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 26 Eddie Money and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

MAY 29 Swingtips

Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com

MAY 31 Leon Hughes and His Coasters Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Alejandra Guzman

Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com

Frankie Moreno

Desert Diamond Casinos, ddcaz.com/Sahuarita

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STRAIGHT SHOOTERS

Fans can’t get enough of Bad Company Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

ad Company singer Paul Rodgers would love to release new material, but he fears the wrestling match that would ensue between the songs. “I’m always writing material,” says Rodgers, from his British Columbia home. “Putting new material in the set, it would have a lot of competition. The songs in there have a lot of radio play, they’re very, very popular and people want to hear them. “If I do anything new, it has to be good. I’m waiting to write the next hit,” he adds with a laugh. Bad Company will play those hits poolside at Talking Stick Resort on Friday, May 24. The show is one of 25 U.S. shows this year and its only Arizona gig. “I don’t like the wall-to-wall touring so much now,” Rodgers says. “We just want to keep it fresh for everybody.” Rodgers’ Bad Company bandmates are longtime drummer Simon Kirke, guitarist Howard Leese and bassist Todd

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Ronning. Guitarist Mick Ralphs doesn’t plan to tour for a while. “He had a stroke, as you know,” Rodgers says. “He’s incapacitated in many ways. He still has use of his right hand. We’re encouraging him to play a bit of piano and write and play guitar. He’s doing alright.” Bad Company will step aside from its music to play “All Right Now,” a song Rodgers did with Free. The song was recently recognized by ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) for garnering 5 million-plus radio plays in the United States. “All Right Now” was written by Free bassist Andy Fraser and Rodgers. “When Andy and I were writing the song, who knew it would maintain such a long radio life,” Rodgers says. “Bad Company will be including ‘All Right Now’ in its set. I figure with Simon on the drums—Simon was also in Free— on the original record, it made sense to play the songs for the fans. No one is complaining.”

Bad Company w/Steve Rodgers The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, 8 p.m. Friday, May 24, tickets start at $35.

SAD SONGS SAY SO MUCH THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Steve Rodgers is keeping his head high, despite a rough patch Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

s blues music filled his childhood home, Steve Rodgers remembers feeling sad. “I grew up on the blues,” says says Rodgers, the son of Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers. “When I was 12 or 13, I remember hearing my dad’s amazing blues collection. I’d listen to all these old guys—60-year-old, 70-year-old black men singing about their pain, women, death, all the stuff they went through. I got depressed after six months.” On the heels of his 2018 album, “Head Up High,” Rodgers is working on new material. He’ll showcase his new songs when he opens for his father’s band at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort on Friday, May 24. “The songs I’ll be playing are more hard hitting, emotionally,” Rodgers says. “They’re a little more in your face.” He says the songs were inspired by life, which, he says, has been rough for everyone.

“Being a songwriter, comedian or an artist, it helps,” explains Rodgers, who has been listening to Adele and Sam Smith lately. “It gives us a form of release. “There’s always something to write about when things are rough. I need to write happier songs, I guess. They’re coming. I’m always upbeat.” Rodgers has been writing songs on piano and guitar since he was 14. Three years later, he founded the band Lost Sons of Davros and then Boa. Boa’s first single, “Duvet,” was the title track to the Japanese multiaward-winning animation series Manga “Lain – Serial Xperiments.” He eventually left to pursue a solo career. “Head Up High” was produced by Ken Nelson (Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini) and mixed by Adrian Bushby (Foo Fighters, Muse). His

songs reflect his passion for life’s depth, mystery and wonder, recorded with his band of like-minded musicians. Rodgers needs to write 10 more songs for his forthcoming album. He promises it will have happy songs. “The last album was really good,” he says. “But these are stronger, more cohesive and more powerful. I’m pleased with what I’ve done so far.”

Bad Company w/Steve Rodgers The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, 8 p.m. Friday, May 24, tickets start at $35.

A TABLE FOR TWO? Phind it

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SPORTS

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

SPORTS

CALENDAR Complex, 751 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $22.

Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

Arizona Rattlers vs. Nebraska Danger

MAY 4 Arizona hosts Nebraska in its lone May home game before a bye week and three consecutive road games. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8383, talkingstickresortarena.com, 5 p.m., tickets start at $10.

Arizona Wildcats Baseball vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

MAY 7 The Wildcats host ASU, hoping to make up for their 3-0 sweep at the end of March in Tempe. Hi Corbett Field, 700 S. Randolph Way, 621.2287, arizonawildcats. com, 6 p.m., tickets start at $18.

MAY 10 The Rising host Rio Grande Valley in its first May home game. The club also hosts its most popular promotion of the regular season, $1 Bud Light Beer Night. Phoenix Rising FC Soccer

Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, 520.600.3095, usacollege7s.com, times vary, ticket prices to be announced.

Arizona State University Sun Devils Baseball vs. Stanford Cardinal

MAY 25 The Sun Devils conclude their regular season with a home game, the last of three, against Stanford. ASU rode a hot, 18-1 start to the regular season and should be vying for high seeding in the upcoming playoffs. Phoenix Municipal Stadium, 5999 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 602.495.7240, ticketmaster. com, noon, tickets start at $8.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Atlanta Braves

MAY 12 Celebrate Mother’s Day with baseball at Chase Field, when the D-backs take on former snake Ender Inciarte and the Atlanta Braves. The first 10,000 moms will receive a charm necklace courtesy of Tyson Foods. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, dbacks.com, 1:10 p.m., tickets start at $25.

AIA Softball 6A State Championship

Phoenix Rising FC vs. Rio Grande Valley FC

players vie for the state title. The 6A playoffs for Arizona’s biggest schools begin on April 27 and conclude with a final, winnertake-all game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Sandra Day O’Connor High took the title in 2018. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe, 480.350.5205, aiaonline.org, 7 p.m., adult tickets are $10.

MAY 13 A day before the boys vie for their title, the state’s best high school softball teams will play for the 6A state championship at Farrington Softball Stadium in Tempe. Pinnacle High claimed the title in 2018. Alberta B. Farrington Softball Stadium, 510 S. Athletes Place, Tempe, 480.965.3482, aiaonline.org, 7:45 p.m., adult tickets are $10.

AIA Baseball 6A State Championship

MAY 14 Come see Arizona’s best baseball

10 COOL COFFEE SHOPS

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants

MAY 18 The Diamondbacks host divisionrival San Francisco. The first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a Randy Johnson Perfect Game Starting Lineup Figurine. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks/tickets/, 7:10 p.m., tickets start at $25.

2019 USA Rugby College 7s National Championships

MAY 24 TO MAY 26 Sixty-four of the nation’s top collegiate rugby programs will flood to Kino Sports Complex to compete in the top 7s tournament in the United States over Memorial Day weekend. Come see one of the most exciting tournaments this sport has to offer.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces

MAY 31 The Mercury hosts Las Vegas in its home opener to the WNBA season after a successful 2018 deep playoff run. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St, Phoenix, 602.379.7867, mercury.wnba. com, tickets start at $13.25.

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Suboxone Vivitrol Counseling 7331 E. Osborn, Suite 410, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 â&#x20AC;¢ (480) 550-7842 www.truesolutionshealth.com

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FULFILLING HIS DREAM For Oliver Ekman-Larsson, charity begins at home

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

he Arizona Coyotes’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson is used to accolades. The Swede won silver medals for his country at the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2011 World Championship, and bronze medals at the 2010 World Juniors and 2010 World Championship. The ‘Yotes’ captain’s statistics speak for themselves. However, he says, what’s important to him are his charitable endeavors. In late April, Ekman-Larsson was named one of the three finalists for the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy, along with Jason Zucker of the Minnesota Wild and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. The award goes to an NHL player that best exemplifies: a clear and measurable positive impact on the community; investment of time and resources; and commitment to a particular cause or community. “It’s probably the nicest award you can get as a hockey player, I would say,” says Ekman-Larsson, calling from Sweden. “I was surprised, but so happy to be one of the three finalists.” The winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy will be announced on Wednesday, June 19, at the 2019 NHL

Awards at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. The winner receives a $40,000 donation from the NHL to the charity of the winner’s choice. For OEL, one of his biggest commitments is to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley, where he volunteers regularly to play with the kids and has served as a judge for the Youth of the Year competition. He also gives away his private Gila River Arena suite every game to kids and families who otherwise would not have the resources to attend. He meets with kids after every game, takes photos and makes them feel special. He also supports the clubs financially. “I felt like a good fit for me to start with and honestly I feel like they do so many good things for the community,” he says. “It’s nice to know you have somebody who looks after you when you’re going through a hard time. The Boys and Girls Clubs do that with a lot of people and kids. It’s always nice to know somebody has your back.” He stresses he began working with charities before he was named Coyotes captain on September 13, 2018. “To be a captain for an NHL team is a dream for me,” he says. “I like giving back to the community and helping other people. I think the team and the Boys and Girls Clubs have been really good to work with.

“The bottom line is you don’t get recognition. If it doesn’t come from the heart, you’re not going to end up taking the time to do it. That’s how I feel, at least. I don’t do it for the league to recognize me. I’m doing it because I want to.” Ekman-Larsson, who lives in Paradise

Valley, is devoted to making a difference in the community. “I’m fortunate to do what I love and get paid for it,” Ekman-Larsson says. “I’m in the position to give back and help other people who don’t have an easy life. I always been that way. My parents raised me that way.”

FROM SUN DEVIL TO SENATOR

Goalie Joey Daccord has whirlwind NHL experience Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

he saying goes “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” ASU sports business major Joey Daccord put March to shame. Considered one of the top collegiate goalies, Daccord made his NHL debut for the Ottawa Senators on April 4, three days after becoming the first ASU hockey player to sign an NHL entrylevel contract. The 22-year-old ASU junior rushed through an April 8 phone interview from Canadian Tire Centre to catch a plane back to Sonoran Desert heat to resume classes on April 9. “It’s been a crazy seven days,” Daccord says via telephone on April 8. “When I sent my professors emails, they were ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

pretty excited for me, and they were understanding.” Daccord calls his Senators debut “surreal,” one that he lost 5-2 to the Buffalo Sabres. He chalked up 35 saves and an .875 save percentage. “It was something I’ve looked forward to and dreamed of my entire life,” he says. “To have it happen was incredible. I skated out there and I had chills.” Twenty family members and friends felt those chills right along with Daccord, who was selected 199th in the seventh round by the Senators in 2015. Hockey is in his blood, as his father, Brian, is the former goaltending coach with the Boston Bruins. The elder Daccord also played hockey professionally in Switzerland. “I think my parents took me to the rink when I was 3 days old,” Daccord says with a laugh. “Hockey is just a big part of my life. I played other sports growing up.

There were a lot of different things I liked to do while trying to be a kid.” Being the Sun Devils’ first NHL player took a lot of heart. The North Andover, Massachusetts, native is the centerpiece of the university’s hockey program, leading the team to its first NCAA tournament. The season ended March 30 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, when the Sun Devils lost 2-1 to No. 2-ranked Quinnipiac University. Daccord is a finalist for the Mike Richter Award. As of press time, the top goalie prize had yet to be announced. “I think a lot of stuff goes into it, really,” says Daccord, describing his route to success. “I really embraced the culture and lifestyle in Arizona and tried to make it my own. Being from Boston, it was a big change at first. It took a while to get used to it. But I’ve made it my second home. ASU has allowed me to play free and be

myself.” Initially, he admits, ASU wasn’t on his radar. He considered it after accepting an invitation to visit the Valley from men’s hockey coach Greg Powers. “When I met with him, he and I hit it off,” Daccord says. “What’s not to love about Arizona? The climate and the atmosphere are good for me. I have an opportunity to play all I want and showcase my ability.” Daccord is banking on another try with the Senators, as he signed a twoyear contract. Before next season, he’ll head to training camp. “Everybody’s goal is to play in the NHL and we’re all trying to make the team,” Daccord says. “I’m looking forward to doing the same.” His love for hockey is simple. “To me, it’s just the coolest sport in the world,” Daccord says. “I hit the ice and everything in the world goes away.”

HOMETOWN HERO

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Desert Mountain alum excited about joining D-backs Zach Alvira >> The Entertainer!

rizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly’s road to the big leagues has been “different,” which, he says, he needed. “I needed to figure some stuff out,” Kelly says. It was trying and circuitous, but the result has the Scottsdale native on the hill for his hometown Major League team. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” says Kelly, won his first start against the San Diego Padres on April 1. “Back then, I would have said that I wish I would have done something different, but standing here right now, I wouldn’t change it. “Except maybe get better grades.” A 2007 Desert Mountain High School graduate, Kelly was a two-years starter for varsity. Kelly led the Wolves to a 26-7 record as a junior and 25-9 as their ace his senior season. The Baltimore Orioles drafted him in the 37th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. Kelly did not sign. Instead, he went to Yavapai College in Prescott for two seasons before he was presented with another opportunity to go pro. Despite a compelling offer from the Cleveland Indians, who chose him in the 22nd round in 2009, he transferred to Arizona State. “The draft out of Yavapai, I seriously considered taking,” Kelly says. “The offer was really good, and the Indians seemed like they were excited to have me in the organization, but the opportunity to play at ASU, a big-time school like that and one that is right down the road, kind of overrode that decision.” Kelly went 10-3 with a 4.23 ERA in his only season for the Sun Devils, 2010. They went 52-10 and were the top seed in the College World Series. However, they were eliminated by eventual champion South Carolina. Kelly then signed with the Tampa Bay Rays after he was drafted for the third time, in the eighth round in 2010. He spent three seasons advancing in the Rays’ Minor League system and eventually earned an invite to Tampa

Bay’s big-league, spring-training camp in 2014. He did not make the openingday roster and was optioned to Triple-A Durham, North Carolina.

TRAVELS ONLY BEGINNING In 2015, Kelly’s baseball career took him more than 7,500 miles, to Incheon, South Korea, where he signed with the SK Wyverns of the Korean Baseball Organization. In four seasons, Kelly went 48-32 with a 3.86 ERA. Last December 1, nearly nine years after his professional baseball journey began, Kelly got the call he had been waiting for. He received a contract offer—the same day as his wedding. On December 3, he inked a two-year contract worth $5.5 million, which includes club options in 2021 and 2022. “I was excited. With the deal we came to. It was way more than I expected to get coming back,” Kelly says. “We had some idea that there was interest, but I had no idea the excitement was that high.” Kelly became just the fifth Diamondbacks player to play high school and college baseball in Arizona before landing on their roster. That reality still hasn’t completely set in, he says. “As spring has gone on, it has become more and more special. I think at first it didn’t feel like spring,” Kelly says. “I’ve had spring in Florida every year, and even with the Korean team half of our spring was in Florida. “It felt more like an extended off season, where I was just coming in here to get my work in. Every day I wake up in my own bed and my wife is there and I can go on with my normal routine. It’s been pretty cool.” Kelly’s homecoming was great news for his family, too. His mother, Cheryl, moved to Seattle a few years ago, but is close enough to see him pitch now. His father, Tom, still lives in Scottsdale. His older brother, Reid, resides in Chandler. “They were excited they don’t have to take a 15-hour plane ride to come see me pitch. They can just drive down the street,” Kelly says. “They couldn’t be happier or prouder of where I am now and where I used to be.” ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

FAMILY

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

FAMILY

CALENDAR Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Storytime for Tots

MAY 1, MAY 15, MAY 29 Children ages 3 to 5 can enjoy storytime in the birthday room at the Butterfly Wonderland. Staff reads educational stories. Later, the kids can create crafts featuring butterflies and caterpillars. Free with admission. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com, 10 to 11 a.m., $23.95.

to volunteer but is an animal lover? Reading Fur Fun is a special reading program that gives kids the opportunity to hang out with the dogs at the shelter while improving their reading skills. Kids ages 8 to 11 can sign up to read to the dogs. Arizona Humane Society, Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix, 602.997.7585, azhumane.org, 8 to 11 a.m., $10.

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival

MAY 5 The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival is one of the largest multicultural festivals in Phoenix. The afternoon features nonstop fun with music, games, lucha libre wrestling, Ballet Folklorico and giveaways. Downtown Phoenix, 200 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, gongago.com, noon to 10 p.m., $10.

(picky) eating traits. Each class features an age-appropriate, original recipe created by Baby Bloom Nutrition. Parents are required to take the class with their children. The Farm Kitchen, 6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.276.6360, thefarmatsouthmountain. com, 10 to 11 a.m., $30.

Movies in the Desert: “The Little Mermaid”

MAY 11 Ariel comes to OdySea to host her movie, “The Little Mermaid,” with music, games and prizes. The movie begins at 6:30 p.m., but early arrival is encouraged. Some seating is available, but guests are advised to bring their own folding chairs. Pre-movie activities include Ariel meet and greet, sea creature craft and Dinglehopper or Snarfblat craft. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium. com, 5 to 9 p.m., free.

Arizona Diamondbacks Hot Wheels Junior Series

MAY 10 TO MAY 12 The 2019 Hot Wheels Junior series is heading to Chandler for a youth skateboarding and BMX contest series that travels across the country, providing kids the chance to take on new challenges and test their skills. KTR, 1050 E. Pecos, Chandler, hotwheelsjrseries.com, 2 p.m. May 10, 9 a.m. Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, $40.

Toddler Test Kitchen

Reading Fur Fun

MAY 4 AND MAY 25 Is your kiddo not yet old enough

MAY 11 Help kids learn an essential skill for growing up with this hands-on, parent-child cooking class. This class — geared toward kids 2 to 6 years old — also helps with selective

MAY 12 Explore the Phoenix Art Museum and get a discounted price for the special-engagement exhibition “Wondrous Worlds: Art & Islam Through Time & Place.” Each Discount Tire Free Family Sunday features opportunities to learn about and create art with local Valley artists like muralists and dancers. Also experience scavenger hunts, performances and tours. The theme for May is “Pattern.” Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.457.5814, phxart. org, noon to 5 p.m., free.

Ice Cream Social

“Beauty and the Beast”

MAY 3 TO MAY 19 Hitting the stage is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org, various times on the weekends, $16.

Discount Tire Free Family Sunday

MAY 12 AND MAY 19 Kids are special at Sunday D-backs games, which include May 12 against the Atlanta Braves and May 19 versus the San Francisco Giants. Children 15 and younger can run the bases postgame by lining up on the ramp near section 110 immediately after the game ends. The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will donate $1 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for every kid who crosses home plate. The Be Kind Crew Sunday Sandlot Show is free to all fans and will include a show with Baxter and the Be Kind Crew starting at noon in the Sandlot. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.6500, dbacks.com, 1:10 p.m., tickets start at $25.

MAY 24 The i.d.e.a. Museum is hosting a summer ice cream social to celebrate the beginning of summer. Children ages 4 to 12 can meet new friends, paint with icicles and make ice cream from scratch, while enjoying a sweet treat. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, ideamuseum. org, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $6 members, $15 nonmembers,

Splash Bash

MAY 25 TO MAY 27 Kick off the summer with Splash Bash, which features endless foam parties, giant waterslides, classic fire truck (climb aboard, spray the fire hose and put out the “burning building”) and water squirter battle zone. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium. com, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $5 for unlimited one-day access, $10 for a three-day pass.

MAKING LEARNING FUN THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

‘Schoolhouse Rock Live’ introduces catchy tunes to a new generation Bridgette Redman >> The Entertainer!

n entire generation thanks “Schoolhouse Rock” for teaching them the parts of speech, the preamble to the Constitution and their multiplication tables. The educational animated shorts that snuck in between Saturday morning cartoons were first released between 1973 and 1985 and later came out on video with new songs in the 90s and early 2000s. Then it was adapted to the stage, a show that Arizona’s premiere children’s theater, Childsplay, is about to perform for the fourth time in its history. Directed by Anthony Runfola, the show will hold public performances at the Herberger Theater in Phoenix on weekends through May 26. On Tuesdays through Fridays, they’ll do seven shows in the mornings for schools to which students are bused in. “Schoolhouse Rock never seems to go out of style,” says Runfola. “It continues to be a great way to learn your multiplication tables, to learn your civics—and it’s great music.” The last time Childsplay, a theater that reaches one in five Arizona schoolchildren each year, did “Schoolhouse Rock Live,” was in 2014 during its national tour. The stage version introduces Tom, a schoolteacher preparing for his first day. He’s got a bad case of the nerves, a case made worse when imaginary people jump out of his television before breakfast and offer to help him get ready. George, Dina and Shulie reassure him he’s going to do a great job by performing such classic songs as “I’m Just a Bill,” “Conjunction Junction” and “Three is a Magic Number.” It’s a musical that Runfola says not only makes learning fun, but as the theme song says, teaches that knowledge is power. “There isn’t one way to learn,” Runfola says. “For young people, it’s not just memorization. It’s the idea that learning can happen throughout your whole body.” While the words will be familiar to those who grew up with Schoolhouse Rock, Childsplay is updating the look and sound to speak to new audiences. The songs are the same, but they’ve created new musical arrangements that are recorded specifically for this production. “It’s a more modern sound than you might remember from the television

songs,” says Runfola. “It’s created for young people today rather than their parents.” Part of that means giving the songs more of a rock sound than the folksy and jazzy sound that the originals had. There were no electric guitars in the original, the Childsplay production will have them. They’re bringing in musicians that specialize in playing rock ‘n’ roll. The tempos are a bit faster and they tried to take inspiration from such bands as Guns ‘N Roses and Queen. But it isn’t just the music that gets a onceover. The staging is designed to capture the imagination of today’s young people. Runfola took inspiration from video games in creating the set and the staging. He says the ’80s are cool again, so he combined Minecraft’s 8-bit computer graphic look with such games as Tetris to build the scenography. “Schoolhouse Rock were very early music videos. They were MTV before MTV,” Runfola says. “So, we took all those sorts of references to spin something that feels pretty modern and new.” They’re using video projections to help to tell the story of a song and to create a setting or mood. For example, in the song “A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing,” the lyrics talk about the protagonist going on a trip and seeing things. Childsplay will use projections to suggest an Instagram feed in which people are posting pictures of what they encounter on their trip—the people, places, things, and, yes, their food.

In “Interplanetary Janet,” they use projections to help the audience fly through the solar system, giving the impression that the characters are surfing through space. There is a two-act version of “Schoolhouse Rock Live,” but the Childsplay production is cut down by the creators of the show to fit better with school schedules. It features Christopher Morucci as Tom, Vinny Chavez as George, McKenzie Reese as Dina and Devaune Bohall as Shulie. Alan Ruch is the musical director and Mollie Lajoie is the choreographer. While each of the characters who visit Tom represent facets of his personality, they needed to be cast with actors who could be very distinct and larger than life. “I was trying to find four really big personalities to put together on stage, four people who can be completely different from each other, but still look like they absolutely belong together,” Runfola says. Runfola is also excited about the show’s choreography. He and Lajoie have collaborated on many shows and he said they now have an unspoken dialog during rehearsal that works really well. It’s because of the choreography and staging that he suspects “Interplanet Janet” might supplant “Conjunction Junction” as his favorite song, though he also suspects he might end up with a new favorite each rehearsal. “I like the feel that we’ve made of surfing,” Runfola says. “The staging and

choreography are just a lot of fun.” As with any show based on 40-yearold material, Childsplay has had to mindfully deal with some aspects that can come across as dated or inappropriate. Whether it is mentioning Pluto as a planet or having Geraldo press his affections on Geraldine “despite her objections,” the theater addresses the issues carefully with staging and conscious engagement. “It is challenging when you are working with material that is not yours to tinker with,” Runfola says. “You have to respect the authors. We can be clever enough to handle many situations in ways we do have control over such as staging. As society changes, we’re better about recognizing some sorts of things in our world.” Runfola hopes that both parents and children will enjoy the revival of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” “You get that nostalgia factor with the idea that the parent is now sharing something with their child from their childhood that they have fond memories about,” Runfola says. “The thing that encouraged me to direct is that I grew up with (Schoolhouse Rock) and I can share it with my own children.”

“Schoolhouse Rock” Herberger Theater Center’s Stage West, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, childsplayaz.org, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, 1 p.m. Sundays, $12-$30. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MUSIC

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

MAY 1 The Midnight w/Violent Days The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $20-$23

Mike Edel

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Powerman 5000

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$23

Roots of Creation

Last Exit Live, 6 p.m., $16

Sawyer Fredericks

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20-$23

shallou w/Slow Magic

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$22

Yngwie Malmsteen

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$50

MAY 2 The Faint

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$38

Gary Allan

Clanton

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$40

Bone Hill

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $12-$20

Celtic Woman

Orpheum Theater – Phoenix, 7:30 p.m., $86-$640

The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band

Jaleo Latin Music

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free

Juice WRLD

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $27.50-$41

Deva Premal and Miten w/Manose and Band

Mesa Amphitheatre, 8 p.m., $49.95-$125

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $40-$108

King Tut King Shad w/J We$

Live from Lauren Canyon

The Nile, 6 p.m., $15

The Repeat Offenders

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $10

Sad Girl Sadder Day

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Sherry Roberson and the Dave Henning Trio The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$25

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$45.50

Mindy Gledhill

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 8 p.m., $16-$21, or free for children ages 2 and younger

Vouna

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Slander w/Wavedash

MAY 7

SOMO

Chromatics w/Desire, In Mirrors

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $32-$40

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Club Red, 7 p.m., $20-$299

EDGE Happy Hour: Flat 9: Allstars

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $24-$30

Tom Schneider w/Rob Heath

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30.50-$32.50

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free

Whitechapel

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20

El West

MAY 5

Grupo BombAZo

Anuhea and Friends

Lee Ann Womack

August Alsina

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$53.50

The Pressroom, 4:30 p.m., $27-$30

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $20 Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$55

The Cactus Blossoms

GTA w/JSTJR, Happy Colors

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$18

NCT 127

Club Red, 8 p.m., $20-$150

Health

Liz Cooper and the Stampede The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Russell Schmidt Trio and the East Valley Jazz Cooperative w/Lucas Pino

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $15.50-$28.50

South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Ensemble

Dizzy Wright

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Hayes Carll

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., sold out

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $15

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $142.50-$208.50

The Harvest

Smells Like Nirvana

Jam Session: Dave Henning

Mesa Amphitheatre, 7 p.m., $43

Grupo Fantasma w/Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $7

Jake Shimabukuro

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $39

Robin Trower

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35-$85

Run Boy Run

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $23.50

SCC Jazz Combos

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15

Slayer

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6 p.m., $29.50-$235

Tech N9ne

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40-$60

TV Girl

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$18

MAY 3 Beach Fossils w/George

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $20-$31

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$20

Smile on the Sinner

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., free

Texas Hippie Coalition Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$23

Tom Schneider w/Rob Heath

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $24-$30

MAY 4 The 69 Eyes

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$25

Broncho

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$18

Bumpin Uglies w/Kyle Smith, Jam Now Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $12

Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$30 The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Live from Lauren Canyon

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$45.50

Violent Femmes and X

MAY 8 Band 2

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

The Dodos

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$30

Eels w/Texas Piano Man

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers w/Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $38-$55

Thank You Scientist

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

The Van Buren, 1 p.m., $32-$62

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16.50-$20

MAY 6 Animals as Leaders

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$50

Apocalyptica

Leilani Wolfgramm

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $12

Xeno and Oaklander

MAY 9 4U: The Music of Prince with Symphony Orchestra Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$68.50

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $25-$55

ASU Jazz Orchestra and Combo

The Church

Carrie Underwood

The Nash, 6:30 p.m., free

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7 p.m.,

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Good Charlotte

THE VAN BUREN, 8 P.M. MONDAY, MAY 20, $33-$36

More than two decades in, with seven albums released, and Good Charlotte is still going strong. Throw all your hands up this May when the band returns to Arizona for a show at The Van Buren. Still fresh off the release of last year’s “Generation Rx,” the legendary pop rock band has plenty of new tracks to pair alongside its classics.

Tom Rush

$57.21-$287.08

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$38

Lolo Zouaï

FORM Arcosanti

Arcosanti, various times, sold out

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Ohmme

Harriet Brown

MAY 13

Rahim AlHaj and Sahba Motallebi

The Higgs

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $13-$15 The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Terry Hanck

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

MAY 10 Brytiago and Darell

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $52.50-$92.50

decker. w/The Haymarket Squares Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

FORM Arcosanti

Arcosanti, various times, sold out

Foxing w/Now Now

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20

Lady Lamb

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17

Larry Fuller Trio

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12 Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

Hot Mulligan

Underground, 6 p.m., $15-$17

Joanne Shaw Taylor

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 and 9 p.m., $33.50-$48.50

Levi Platero

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $20

Mariachi Sonido de México

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7 p.m., $45, or free for children ages 2 and younger

The Nash Vocal Ensemble The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Soul Power Band

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10

Trevor Daniel

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $16-$60

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $20-$49

MAY 12

Marcia Ball

Ari Lennox

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Music of Led Zeppelin featuring Randy Jackson of Zebra

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 7:30 p.m., $35-$149

Slushii

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $22-$32

MAY 11 The Bash Music and Craft Beer Festival 2019 w/Rancid, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Suicidal Tendencies, L7, H20 Margaret T. Hance Park, noon VIP, 1 p.m. GA, 4 p.m. younger than 21, $39.50-$99.50

The Cody Blackbird Band

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Colbie Caillat w/Gone West

The Exploited

Marquee Theatre, 5:15 p.m., $22-$37

Skinny Lister

Lord Dying

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Club Red, 6 p.m., $13-$15

The Strumbellas

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$40

Mike Pinto w/The Hourglass Cats

MAY 14

Nick Moss Band

Archspire

Club Red, 6 p.m., $18-$20

Ariana Grande

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 8 p.m., sold out

Combo Chimbita

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., sold out

Randy Jackson of Zebra: An Acoustic Celebration of The Beatles

The Listening Room, 3 p.m., $35-$65

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Traitors

Club Red, 6 p.m., $14-$16

Brett Dennen

Club Red, 6 p.m., $25-$27

Santigold

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $36

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Conflict

Wild Belle

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $18-$20

You and I w/Léon

Club Red, 6 p.m., $17-$20

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

After Funk

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10

Death Angel Lea Salonga

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $35-$85

Nick Manson Trio

The Japanese House

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

John Kadlecik’s Fellowship of the Wing

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $20-$40

Lucky Devils

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., free

Matt Maeson

Sons and Stories: An Evening with Art Alexakis of Everclear, Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne, Max Collins of Eve 6, John Wozniak of Marcy Playground

Om w/Wovenhand

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $31.50-$61.50

The Score

Deicide

Randy Jackson of Zebra

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $35

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12-$14

MAY 17

MAY 15

Lord Huron

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $12

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $11-$13

FORM Arcosanti

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $15-$75

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20

Jam Session: Stan Sorenson

Brett Dennen

Boogie

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $19-$24 Arcosanti, various times, sold out

MAY 16

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., sold out The Nile, 7 p.m., $20

Patricia Barber

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Rob Vicious of Shoreline Mafia Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $18-$50

Nick Schnebelen

MAY 18 The Bonedaddys

Tempe Center for the Arts Theater, 7:30 p.m., $20-$30

East Valley Jazz Cooperative The Nash, 3 p.m., $5-$15

Johnny Rawls

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Killa Maus

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10

The Senators

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15

MAY 19

Little Feat

The Allman Betts Band w/JD Simo

The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $35-$125

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $38-$58

Ashley Pezzotti

New Kids on the Block

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $25.20-$635

Young Nudy

The Nash, 3 p.m., $10-$25

Club Red, 8 p.m., $25-$30

Coco Montoya

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $15-$20

MAY 23

Cowgirl Clue

The Buttertones

Jam Session: Beth Lederman

IAMX

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12 The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Maoli

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$20 The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $22-$25

Laurie Morvan Band

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $15

Michael Coughlin w/Sydney Sprague, Whstle

Pounder

Club Red, 7 p.m., $12-$14

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$20

Yacht Rock Revue

Raul Midón

MAY 20

Wisin y Yandel

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $18

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30.50-$40.50

Good Charlotte

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.95-$653.50

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $33-$36

Idles

MAY 24

Skeletonwitch

Duffrey w/Biolumigen

Wallows

Inner Wave

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., sold out The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$22

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10-$20

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

MAY 21

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25-$55

Birds in a Row w/Listener

L.A. Guns

Lee DeWyze

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $13-$15

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $20-$70

Blackbear

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $32.50-$38

Carmela y Más

The Mother Road Trio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $23.50-$28.50

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $31.50-$36.50

The Nash Composers Coalition

The Lucky Losers

The Sugar Thieves

Wilderado

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

MAY 25

MAY 22

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $8-$10

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25

The Bright Light Social Hour w/Swimm Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

Hatebreed

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25-$55

F ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$30

MAY 28 Citizen w/Knuckle Puck The Nile, 6 p.m., $22

GB Leighton

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20

Jenny Jarnagin’s “Painted Words”

MAY 29

Tempe Center for the Arts Studio, 7 p.m., $18

ARIZONA

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $21-$100

Lisa Sanders

Harpdog Brown Band

Los Esplifs

Piñata Protest w/Critical Miss

The Spider Hole

Rooney

Terry McBride

Sylar

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $20-$25 Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $7-$10 Club Red, 7 p.m., $10-$12 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Through the Fire

Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $15-$30

The Woodworks

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10

MAY 26

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12 Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$23 Club Red, 6 p.m., $15

MAY 30 Calenraps

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$35

Davina and the Vagabonds Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$45.50

Carvin Jones Band

The Dead Milkmen

Francine Reed

Jai Wolf

Freddie McGregor

Voodoo Swing

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10 The Nash, 3 p.m., $16-$36 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Insane Clown Posse w/Rittz The Pressroom, 6 p.m., $35-$50

James World

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Jam Session: Mike Ozuna

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in

Jenny Jarnagin’s “Painted Words”

Tempe Center for the Arts Studio, 2 p.m., $18

The Lemonheads w/Tommy Stinson

All Your Sisters B2K

MAY 27

Chicho Chism Memorial Birthday Celebration w/The Rocket 88s

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $25-$30

Jenny and the Mexicats

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $30-$60 Phoenix Blues Society Fundraiser The Rhythm Room, 12:30 p.m., $10

Gila River Arena, 8 p.m., $49.50-$350

Riverside

Direct Hit!

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Giardia

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

N D a PHAVORITE!

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$45 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$85 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., free

MAY 31 Blanche Baby and the Super Group w/Good Boy Daisy, Headstrum, Amelia Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10

Brad Paisley

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$235

Jimi “Primetime” Smith / Bob Corritore Blues Project The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Pink Sweats

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

WATCH HER AS SHE GOES The Japanese House shares story of stage fright and recovery THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Miranda Cyr >> The Entertainer!

s Amber Bain penned lyrics in her bedroom as a child in Buckinghamshire, England, she never thought she would tour the world as a musician. Now the 23-year-old—known to the world as The Japanese House—is pushing her debut full-length album, “Good at Falling,” with live shows. Although Bain has released a quartet of four-song EPs, she admits it’s a relief to release a full album. She’s writing a fifth EP on the road. “If you think about it, I’ve actually released over an album’s worth of material,” Bain says. “I don’t feel like I’ve established myself as an artist in any way because I hadn’t actually released a full album. So, it’s a relief to get that done. “Also, I guess there is a lot more pressure with an album because there’s more to be judged on. It’s more intense.” Bain says she’s been pleasantly surprised by the feedback for the album from U.K. fans she met on tour. The singer is looking forward to the North American jaunt. “I think touring America is genuinely my favorite place to tour,” Bain says. “If you tour the U.K.—I love it—but there’s not as much variation in the people you meet and the places that you’re going. It’s all kind of similar in a way. Whereas America, it’s pretty much different every day, but very different every day.” Musically, Bain explored her feelings deeper with “Good at Falling.” “I think it’s about relationships, and my relationship with myself,” Bain says. “I think sonically, I’d say the song that encapsulates the sound of the album most is ‘Follow My Girl,’ that’s the one I’d play first. And then lyrically, maybe ‘Everybody Hates Me’ because it’s quite strong and a depressing statement.” “Good at Falling” is a study of her past relationships, her emotions and thoughts. The music video for “Follow My Girl” features Bain’s ex-girlfriend, making the song rawer and more impactful. She often uses vocal layering and synthesizers to create her sound for The Japanese House. This doesn’t affect her on-stage style. “We make it sound as much like the record as we can,” Bain says. “Performing the song is more of a mental process, than a technical process because it’s more about me. When I was writing the songs, I wasn’t thinking about performing them, because when I’m writing songs, and not a performer, but producer and songwriter. So, it’s

more about me sort of transitioning into or not coming across as you’d want to,” “I guess being comfortable is just a performer that’s more of the battle. Bain says. “It’s just about learning to be learning to let go of the fear of looking And thinking about how I’m going to free.” stupid or the fear of being made fun of MORE HD CHANNELS, act when I’m doing them, rather than FASTER INTERNET AND what I’m going to play.” MORE HD VOICE. CHANNELS, Performing wasn’t always easy for UNLIMITED FASTER AND MORE HDINTERNET CHANNELS, Bain, as she struggled with stage fright. UNLIMITED VOICE. “I think I was really, really selfFASTER INTERNET AND conscious,” says Bain, who toured with • Speeds up to 60Mbps UNLIMITED VOICE. The 1975. “When I started performing, • Unlimited data – no data caps • Speeds up to 60Mbps I think a large part of me didn’t really ••Speeds up data to 60Mbps Unlimited – no data caps SPECTRUM INTERNET™ want to be someone who wanted • Unlimited data – no data caps AS LOW AS attention from a crowd. I was very SPECTRUM INTERNET™ INTERNET™ SPECTRUM desperate to be someone who was aloof AS LOW AS AS LOW AS and withdrawn, or not withdrawn. Someone in the background. /per mo. “Now that’s not what I want to be for 12 mo. mos /per /per mo. and it’s actually not who I am. It’s for mos when for 12 12bundled* mos when bundled* about letting myself live out a part of when bundled* myself. There’s still a lot of me that isn’t a natural performer, and it doesn’t come Blazing Internet availableand and can can be Spectrum Internet™ Blazing fastfast Internet is isavailable beyours yourswith with Spectrum Internet™ Blazing fast Internet With is available and can beatyours with Spectrum Internet™ speeds starting 60 Mbps completely naturally to me. But I’ve With speeds starting at 60 Mbps With speeds starting at 60 Mbps realized that when it happens and when SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAYTM 125+ CHANNELS TM it feels right, I actually love it.” TM TV, INTERNET AND VOICE SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY 125+ CHANNELS 125+ CHANNELS Bain says she’s learned to enjoy TV,INTERNET INTERNET AND VOICE TV, AND VOICE UP TO 60MBPS performing and advises others to look TO60MBPS 60MBPS UPUP TO inside themselves to conquer similar /mo each for 12 mos UNLIMITED CALLING from when bundled* fears.

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fees apply. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. All Rights Reserved. ©2017 Charter Communications.

*Bundle price for TV Select, Internet and Voice is $89.97/mo. for year 1; standard rates apply after year 1. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. WiFi: Equipment, activation and installation fees apply. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. All Rights Reserved. ©2017 Charter Communications.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Blackbear ﬁnds his routine and music help with depression Taylor O’Connor >> The Entertainer!

iving out of a suitcase and traveling the world were always appealing Matthew Musto. Now known as singersongwriter blackbear, Musto says his desire goes beyond traditional touring. “I love touring because it keeps me from going insane,” Musto says. “No matter how bad some place or day can get, you’re getting on a bus that night. It’s impossible to have a bad week when I’m on the road. When I’m at home I could be in the dark for a whole week.” Musto is pushing his latest album, “Anonymous,” with a tour that comes to the Van Buren on Tuesday, May 21. Opening the show are Elohim and Gashi, two artists Musto looks up to. “When you get in the door until you leave, the show is a full-on snack,” he says excitedly. “I know what I wanna take away from the type of art I’m into, I just want to feel something and feel alive, and I hope that’s what I can give.” “Anonymous” was released on April 26, after eight months of work. He says this album is special because of the time and emotional investments. “It’s 18 songs. I recorded 60,” Musto says, “Cutting it down was diﬃcult for me. (The songs cut) were full of midtempos and those songs are hard to let go for me because I know my fans will like them.” However, Musto is confident he selected the 18 songs meant for him. The writing process was “crazy,” Musto says. “I would lock myself away for weeks at a time and I didn’t know what day it was, what time it was. I would shut myself away from the world. All of the songs really reﬂect where I was at, it’s all very honest. “The title ‘Anonymous’

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is my way of taking the ego out of something. I didn’t want to blast my face on the front. It wasn’t an album to ﬂex. My last album (‘Cybersex’) had a lot of features like Rick Ross and 2 Chainz and it was a time where I needed validation, and this wasn’t the time for that.” “Anonymous” focuses on the music Musto created, instead of himself. A few of his favorite songs are “It’s All Gonna Burn,” “Drug Dealer” an “Pink Rolex,” the latter two of which were recorded in Nashville. The environment change gave him the opportunity to bond with the songs. For “It’s All Gonna Burn,” Musto spent a significant amount of time creating the beats; it was an enjoyable process. One of the midtempo songs is “It’s All Gonna Burn.” Musto added depth to the dreamy song with heavy bass and ticks. Musto’s voice is calm, but the steady beat and multiple layers of sound give the song power. “Drug Dealer” is upbeat, seamlessly transforming from rapping his verses to singing his choruses. “Pink Rolex” opens the album with Musto’s strong, emotional voice. The phrase “once again, it’s my heart” is repeated and spoken in diﬀerent

languages. The album is a study in therapy. “There’s an ongoing topic of perseverance and struggle and overcoming that I do in music because it’s therapy for me,” he says. “As selfish as it is, it’s therapy for me first and it helps other people sometimes.” Musto says he suﬀers from chronic depression and, by working through his problems, he’s hoping he helps others. “Not to be corny, but music helps,” he oﬀers as advice. “On a personal level, I wake up and say 10 thank yous in my head to certain people in my life

and I don’t look at my phone until I take a shower and have coﬀee.” It’s that sort of routine that improves his lifestyle. “I think everybody lives their lives day by day on a steady frequency, rather than be a high one or a low frequency,” he says. “Over the years I think I’ve tapped into a happier, more content way of living and it shows in my music and all of the little things.”

Blackbear w/Elohim and Gash The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, $32.50-$38.

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Explore the best of New England and the Canadian Maritimes. Tour Boston, see the extravagant Gilded Age mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, and enjoy the shores of Cape Cod. Board the Norwegian Gem and sail through Maine to charming Bar Harbor north to Canadian ports in Halifax, Charlottetown, Gaspésie and La Baie. Explore Quebec City, Montreal and the Green Mountains of Vermont in beautiful fall. Port stops vary for the southbound cruise.

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X doesn’t expect to retire anytime soon L. Kent Wolgamott >> The Entertainer!

has had plenty of memorable experiences over its 40-year career. But in August 2017, one of the last things one would expect to happen for a punk band occurred. The Los Angeles Dodgers honored the band, which started in the City of Angels, inviting them onto the field before the game, wearing jerseys with the names on the back. Exene Cervenka, who practiced for weeks, threw out the first pitch and John Doe sang the national anthem while guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer D.J. Bonebreak soaked up the experience. “It was cool, it was a fantastic night,” Bonebrake says. “That’s one of the weirdest things ever. People always ask, ‘Did you expect to be playing after 40 years?’ Well maybe. But that was totally out of left field.” Then, in October 2017, “X: 40 Years of Punk Rock in Los Angeles” began a

six-month run at the Grammy Museum in L.A. “That’s an honor, too,” Bonebrake says. “We donated whatever we had around the house. I had an old drum kit that was gathering dust, lots of posters. I think we gave them too much.” The honor aside, Bonebrake has some qualms about being enshrined in a museum and seen as a piece of history. “You aren’t going to retire me that quickly,” he says. “Once you’re in a museum, you’re not alive. I went to a museum in Washington, D.C., once, one of the Smithsonian museums and looked at all these stuﬀed birds. I went outside and saw a real bird and I was taken aback. I don’t want to be a stuﬀed bird. I want to be alive.” So how do you stay alive? “To not be a museum piece, what you have to do is play well,” Bonebrake says. “That’s when you transcend the superficial ‘stardom,’ the reality TV stardom, the media recognition. We still do that. That’s why people come to shows.” That’s what X will be doing as it tours

this year, celebrating it 40th anniversary and hinting that at a new music in the not-too-distant future. “The show has an arc,” Bonebrake says. “We start out rocking a bit, bring it down and, at the end, we give you ‘Los Angeles,’ ‘Nausea’ and all the loud, rocking stuﬀ. “Los Angeles” is the title cut of X’s 1980 Slash Records debut album. The disc features songs driven by Zoom’s high-octane rockabilly guitar and Bonebrake’s powerhouse rock ‘n’ roll drumming with Cervenka and Doe blending their voices in edgy harmonies singing their poetic lyrics of underground life in the City of Angels. That was a far diﬀerent approach than the likes of the Germs, Fear, The Circle Jerks and Black Flag—something that is immediately evident watching “The Decline of Western Civilization,” director Penelope Spheeris’ documentary about the L.A. punk rock scene. “We were kind of oddballs on that scene. Billy had so much experience. He’s older than the rest of us,” Bonebrake says of his bandmate, now

71. “He started playing guitar when he was four or so. Rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t even around. He was playing cowboy music, trying to imitate Roy Rogers or something. “I started in 1967, so I had 10 years of experience, playing all sorts of rock n’ roll,” he says. “And I had the orchestral stuff and I played in the jazz band. So, we could play. Some on the scene could and some couldn’t and some tried to hide it.” That, in fact, is why Bonebrake left The Eyes, an early LA punk band that also included future Go-Go’s Charlotte Caffey, to join Cervenka, Doe and Zoom in X. “We were different than some of the other bands,” Bonebrake says. “That’s why I joined X. They were bringing a variety of songs and influence as opposed to the straight up punk beats. We were an oddball band on that scene. People would say ‘X, they kind of sound like Elvis Costello or something.’ that was supposed to be a putdown.” X’s second album, “Wild Gift,” which perfectly refined the “Los Angeles” sound, was the near-unanimous best album of 1981, Then came “Under The Big Black Sun,” which showcased the band’s country leanings. Two more albums followed before the group had a lineup change with guitarists Dave Alvin and Tony Gilkyson replacing Zoom in 1986 before X split up the next years. Regrouping in the early ’90s, X put out “Hey Zeus” in 1993, went on hiatus in 1997 and started playing shows again in 2004, releasing a very good live album in 2005. Now comes word that X recently went into the studio with producer Rob Schnapf and cut five new songs in two days. Plans for the release of those and any other new songs are pending Regardless of whether there’s new music, X will be out there, staying alive and enjoying the long-deserved recognition as one of the great American bands of the punk era. “It’s funny, how you end up being the iconic band where in the beginning you were the oddballs,” Bonebrake says.

Violent Femmes and X The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, sold out, 13 and older. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

DESERT VIBES

The Strumbellas take their desert-themed album to the desert Taylor O’Connor >> The Entertainer!

imon Ward has been fascinated by the desert since his formative days in Toronto. He lived and breathed the cold and found himself wonderstruck every time he visited Arizona. “It’s very romantic for me to go to the desert because I spent my entire life in the winter. It’s wild to go there,” says Ward, the singer for The Strumbellas. The desert vibe surrounds the group’s latest album, “Rattlesnake,” which is apropos for the children of Arizona. The Strumbellas will trade in their parkas and boots for flip flops and sunglasses so they can embrace their inner desert child at the Crescent Ballroom on Monday, May 13. “I think we’ve got a plethora of new songs to play and in line with that, I think we’ve just gotten better at playing,” he says about the show. “We’ve created more crowd involvement. The Strumbellas are always striving to get bigger and better. It’s going to be a bigger, better and flashier show.” The Strumbellas—Ward (vocals and acoustic guitar), David Ritter (keys), Jeremy Drury (percussion), Isabel Ritchie (strings), Jon Hembrey (guitar)

and Darryl James (bass)—formed in 2008 and remains based in Toronto. After the last tour in 2016, The Strumbellas took time oﬀ from touring and music to spend time with families. In its 10 years, The Strumbellas have had six kids. It was a refreshing break. “When we came back, we had this newfound excitement for touring,” Ward says. Soon, the group found themselves eager to get back in the studio as well. Their latest album is “Rattlesnake,” which they recorded in about a month in Toronto. “It was the easiest record we’ve ever made,” Ward says. “It was great, everything was smooth.” The reason, Ward says, was producer Tim Pagnotta (Elle King and Walk the Moon). “He is my brother from another mother,” Ward says. “We just instantly clicked. He became one of my mentors because he’s so talented at the recording process. I would basically ask him to marry me.” Ward says as soon as the album was finished, the musicians couldn’t wait for the album to drop. The group called its manager daily to check the album’s progress. On March 29, the album came out. “It came out in the perfect time and

we are stoked to play it.” Ward says the band’s music evolved over time and this is the next chapter of its career. “Getting older we’re becoming—and I hate to say the word—but ‘adults,’” he says with a laugh. “At the start, we had no idea what we were doing. For me and other members this was our first real band. When we started, we were young and didn’t know what we were doing. We were a bit more nervous. Now, we’re comfortable in our own skin. We are mature, but we are still learning. We are definitely just a bit older and a bit wiser.” That’s reﬂected in the album’s title, which refers to a snake shedding its skin. Or, more precisely, Ward and his bandmates growing and changing. “Rattlesnakes are my biggest fear. I loved the idea of it, this record sounds like a dude shedding his skin,” says Ward, a father of three. “It took me a long time to accept my role as a dad. The album is me accepting that my younger days are over, and I have these little critters in my life who I have to take care of. It’s about my family and me growing up.” His family is part of the positive twist on the album, something that may have been lacking on previous eﬀorts.

“Literally 92% of my last two albums are about depression, death and sadness. Th is album is 78% about death and sadness and 22% about optimism and family. Genuinely I’m a miserable human, but I’m trying to enjoy life more and that’s the chapter I’m in.” “Running Scared” is one of Ward’s favorite songs on the album because it touches desert, hippie vibe he has grown to love. It has a lot of shakers and “weird sounds” and it’s exactly what Ward wanted from the song. Ward says he hopes to connect with people and make them smile, whether it’s his audience or people listening to his album at home. He has one goal for the Monday, May 13, show at The Crescent Ballroom. “What you can always expect from our show is we truly want to get people to smile. It’s all of us together trying to make magic in the room,” Ward says.

The Strumbellas w/The Moth and The Flame The Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, crescentphx.com, 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, $20-$40. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

‘BOTTOMS UP!’

Ryan Hamilton brings drunken rock ‘n’ roll party to Phoenix Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

yan Hamilton and Roger Clyne had a deal. Americanborn Hamilton, who found success first in the United Kingdom with The Harlequin Ghosts, allowed Clyne to open for him across the pond. There was one condition: Clyne had to reciprocate in the States. The two are on tour and it comes to The Van Buren at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5. “I love those dudes,” Hamilton says. “It’s been great. “I was a Refreshments fan and I used Roger’s career as a map for independent artist success. I’m lucky to have befriended him and Amanda Palmer. Both of those people have been really great to me. They’re huge in showing independent artists the way.” Part of his path is his band’s debut album, “This is the Sound,” which is set for release on Friday, May 31, on

Steven Van Zandt’s label, Wicked Cool Records. “I’m from Texas and the rest of the band is from the U.K.,” he explains. “My previous band was successful in England, randomly.” He’s referring to People on Vacation, featuring Jaret Reddick from Bowling for Soup. When Hamilton’s bands People on Vacation and Smile Smile folded, he felt he had to return to England start over and for American to “pay attention again.” Among his projects was a charity single with English rocker Ginger Wildheart that raised thousands for charity. The track caught the attention of Wicked Cool honcho Van Zandt, who added it to his Underground Garage playlist, along with half the songs from Ryan Hamilton & The Traitors’ 2017 album “The Devil’s in the Detail,” the first album from the band prior to the name change. “Something clicked the last year or so,” Hamilton says. “I feel like I’ve finally

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found my voice and my confidence as a songwriter and performer.” The renewed attention set the stage for a name change, and the band reconstituted itself as Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts. As for the 12-track “This is the Sound,” it was recorded in the United Kingdom last year, and features the new single “Mamacita.” Co-written with Van Zandt, the song follows the release of “Bottoms Up (Here’s to Goodbye).” “I co-wrote this with Stevie Van Zandt, sort of by accident,” Hamilton says. “I had what I thought was a finished song, but Stevie heard it and said, ‘It’s good, but it needs a chorus.’ So, he wrote one and sent it to me. This song will forever be special to me for that very reason. “Mamacita is a word I heard here in Texas growing up. I relate it to beautiful, sexy Mexican women, in the most respectful way. Combine that with memories of a couple of crazy nights just south of the border, and you have the

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inspiration for this song.” Hamilton is excited about playing the new songs live with core members Mickey Richards (drums) and Rob Lane (bass) along with Carol Hodge (keyboards and backing vocals) and Dave Winkler (lead guitar). “Our shows are what a collective experience should be,” he says. “We remove the fake barrier. I think it’s important to make everyone feel a part of it. It’s a good old-school rock ‘n’ roll show. It’s rowdy and drink and it’s fun. We’re going to keep doing that, but in America. It feels like a drunk saloon rock ‘n’ roll party with a mostly British band.”

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers w/ Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts and The Cole Trains The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5, $32.

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BATTER UP!

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Brett Dennen has a ‘love/hate’ relationship with baseball Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

inger-songwriter Brett Dennen enjoys talking about music but get him chatting baseball and it’s on. Dennen loves his Oakland A’s and America’s pastime. Well, actually, it’s a “love/hate thing.” “The A’s are usually good, but not good enough, for whatever reason. When they’re really good, you have to watch.” “I get really involved and wrapped up in it,” says Dennen, whose music has been compared to Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson. “I think to myself, I’m a grown man. I’m always checking stats and standings. The season is like one of those slow-build albums. You don’t know why, but you like it. The more you listen to it, the better it gets. Then you start making all these comparisons to life.” Dennen is hoping to take in a D-backs game when he comes to the Musical Instrument Museum to play two shows, Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17. “I always try to make every show completely diﬀerent,” Dennen says of his concerts. “The set depends on the crowd and the mood I’m in. As far as music goes, there’s a nice mix of songs I think people want to hear. “I often take requests. I try to play new songs I’m working on; songs I’m not sure if I even like or not. I try to play old songs that people don’t listen to as much. Sometimes I go on tangents or play songs I wish people liked more than they do. Sometimes I think I’m a stand-up comedian. I try to honor whatever mood I’m in.” A performer, watercolor artist and environmental conservationist, Dennen is promoting the EP “Here’s Looking at You Kid,” which was released in August 2018. It’s the second half of a two-part EP collaboration with Semisonic’s Dan Wilson, who cowrote songs for Adele and the Dixie Chicks. The first EP, “Let’s…,” was released in February 2018 and included “Already Gone,” an adult album alternative hit. “Dan is the best,” he says. “I threw myself at him and said, ‘I want to do a project with you, where you’re more than a collaborator. Take me under your wing and help me make something beautiful.’” On his website, Wilson had just as complimentary things to say about Dennen. “I’m really proud of this project, and

I’ve loved getting to know Brett so well creatively and personally,” he wrote. “We wrote several of the songs on the record with my good friend and frequent collaborator Jenny Owen Youngs. Benjie Lysaght, Aaron Sterling, Wendy Wang, Brett and I were the band for the sessions. What a great team, and I’m excited for you all to hear the fruits of our labor.” Dennen says the process behind the pair of EPs was foreign to him, as it was much more collaborative and spontaneous than his previous releases. “We just hung out in his living room and he fiddled around on his guitar,” Dennen says about Wilson. “Sometimes other collaborators were in the room. We’d talk and goof around, but then a song would come together really fast and we’d dive into it. “It’s a good soundtrack of two people exploring a friendship.” Dennen isn’t touring much these days, as he’s a full-time father who spends his free time writing songs for a forthcoming album. “If you’re a fan of Dan Wilson, imagine where I would be after spending 1 1/2 years working with him and how that would change me,” Dennen says. “That’s what you’re going to hear from my new songs.”

Brett Dennen 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16, and Friday, May 17, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, $33.50-$43.50, 480.478.6000, mim.org

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NIGHTLIFE

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

NIGHTLIFE

CALENDAR Katie Sawyer >> The Entertainer!

Slander w/Wavedash

MAY 4 A good vocal mix can change an EDM song entirely, and Slander knows that better than anybody. DJs normally focus on mixing their beats and leave the vocals to their features, but that’s not good enough for Slander. The musical duo writes and sings its own music. Similar to Seven Lions — with whom they have collabed in the past — Slander uses emotional lyrics with build ups with drops as opposed to a constant, heavy beat. They describe themselves as heavenly trap and are well known for their song “Superhuman” featuring Eric Leva. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641., thevanburenphx. com, 9 p.m., $37, 18 and older.

makes him stand out the most is his Mexican-American heritage and the Spanish influence in his music. With Spanish being spoken by many young Americans, he appeals to an audience not many other EDM artists are reaching. His latest single “Pica” features bongos and serious Latin spice, while his previous hits include “Perdoname” featuring DyCy & Adrian Delgado — also in Spanish — and “Five Hours.” Deorro is breaching the language barrier with something everyone can enjoy: good music. The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip. com, 1 p.m., $30, 21 and older.

MAY 4 Deorro is an EDM mastermind with his heavy bass and dance party beats, but the thing that

Lit and Sip

MAY 7 The Lit and Sip will feature two DJs with two different styles, with two sets of headphones for guests to choose from. Attendees can dance to their own beat, sip cocktails and walk among the luminous, lush landscapes of the desert. It’s all part of Electric Desert, which closes May 12. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 7 p.m., $35 nonmembers, 21 and older.

Slushii

MAY 10 Slushii makes bangers, and his latest song “Never Let You Go” ft. Sofia Reyes is no exception. If you haven’t heard it yet, stop by The Van Buren on May 10 to hear him live along with his other hits. Slushii is newer to the scene — only signed in 2016 — and his upbeat, fresh sound with features like Marshmello is what keeps fans coming back for more. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, thevanburenphx. com, 9 p.m., $27, 18 and older.

Blackbear

MAY 21 Perhaps the king of diss tracks in the EDM/trap crossover genre, Blackbear made waves for roasting his exes and his post-breakup ballads in 2017. Songs like “Do Re Mi” and “Dead to Me” call out some of his exes. Blackbear has worked with the biggest names in the industry, writing songs for Justin Bieber, Machine Gun Kelly and G-Eazy. His crossover into trap sound is unique in the EDM genre and he maintains his fan base with a stream of new content and killer lyrics. This show is 13 and older, but parents be aware that his lyrics are explicit. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, releasevip.com, 7 p.m., $32.50, 13 and older.

Seven Lions w/Nghtmre

Zedd and DJ Tranzit

Deorro

in addition to his live sets. The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip. com, 1 p.m., $40, 21 and older.

MAY 5 Fresh from his success at Coachella and still hot with his latest single “365” featuring Katy Perry, Zedd continues to make waves in the EDM scene. Now he’s headed to Talking Stick Resort with DJ Tranzit, the OG house god to bring some wubwubs to the Valley. The German EDM artist Zedd has made a name for himself in the United States for his hits like “The Middle,” “Clarity” and “Happy Now.” DJ Tranzit has been in the EDM scene since the ’90s, and continues to make fresh music on Soundcloud

MAY 11 Seven Lions is known for heavy bass and dirty drops, with a mane of hair to match his name. The artist behind the hair is Jeff Montalvo, a California native whose been on the EDM scene fora several years, continually evolving with the genre’s movement. He’s worked with artists like Ellie Goulding and recently created his own record label, Ophelia. Nghtmre has a trap sound with a deep bass. He’s worked with diverse artists from A$AP Ferg to Dillon Francis. The crowd goes hard during bass sets, so be prepared to “break your neck.” The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip. com, 1 p.m., $35, 21 and older.

Autograf

MAY 24 Funky, tropical and fresh, this trio uses a medley of live instruments, electronic music and featured vocalists to create its unique sound. It’s this special mix of live and electronic that keeps fans coming back for more, and boy — do they deliver. Releasing a series of singles since their last album in 2016, they’ve found their niche in their funky house mixes and have released songs with varied artists from across genres. This is one live performance that’s sure to knock your socks off. Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $25, 21 and older.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

Steve Aoki

MAY 26 Steve Aoki knows how to appeal to the masses, and his style is more pop/radio worthy than some on this

list. Aoki is the granddaddy of EDM, kicking off his career in 1996 — the same year some modern ravers were born. Since then he’s been nominated for a Grammy, worked with notable names like Louis Tomlinson and Gucci Mane, and even created a humanitarian relief organization. Aoki has developed an upbeat, pop style that allows him to be diverse in his material. His most recent collabs showcase that talent by working with two different K-Pop groups to create “Waste It on Me” featuring BTS and “Play it Cool” with Monsta X. The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, releasevip. com, 1 p.m., $35, 21 and older.

Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike

MAY 26 This Belgian duo has been making music and staying ahead of the game for over six years. Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike’s first hit song rose to popularity after a collab with American artist Diplo for their song “Hey Baby” featuring Deb’s Daughter. Since then they’ve released a number of singles including “Selfish,” which samples an old and classic favorite, “Africa” by Toto. Māyā Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com/, noon, $30, 21 and older.

Jai Wolf and Giraffage

MAY 30 There are good vibes, and then there’s these two. Jai Wolf and Giraffage share a love of the dreamier side of EDM. Both have many songs sans vocals and delve into house music as a part of their platform. Jai Wolf was relatively underground before partnering with Odeza for his hit “Indian Summer,” with his latest album out at the beginning of 2019. Giraffage is known for his house, almost spiritual, sound and popular song “Slowly” featuring Matosic. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburnphx.com, 8 p.m., $30, 18 and older.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MAD MIXOLOGIST C 64

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

olton Brock has been busy. In recent months, the lauded bartender competed in the Devour Phoenix Bartending and the AZ Cocktail Weekend’s Last Slinger Standing competitions. He fared well in both. To fete his accomplishments, we sat down with Brock—who is also an artist and photographer—to learn his story, including how he applies his Mad Mixologist skills to the bar at Ladera Taverna Y Cocina.

TELL US HOW YOU GOT INTO THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE WORLD? As a kid, I was always into art (and still am) as well as skateboarding (and still am). As a senior in high school, my cousin got me a job bar backing at the now-defunct nightclub in Old Town Scottsdale called Sanctuary. I did that from 18 to 21. From there, I bounced around nightclubs and lounges and ended up with Grimaldi’s in the mid2000s. This was before craft bartending was really happening in Phoenix, so I was initially focused on wine. Then in 2011, I started working at Barrio Café (and Barrio Queen). There, I fell in love

with tequila. I began to study it, as well as other spirits. The cocktail menu was outsourced at the time—to mixologists Layla Linn and Jason Asher. I studied under them, and when we opened Barrio Urbano at the Yard, I had the chance to create my own menu with our team, while still working on my art as well. Eventually, I started consulting. By 2016, when Ladera was opening, I came over here, initially as a bartender. Within two months, I took on the role of bar manager, where I have been ever since. In my total 15-plus years behind the bar, I’ve learned that mixing pigments on a palette is no different than balancing flavors in a glass. Just as colors can be sweet, salty or downright bland, every cocktail embodies a very specific composition. No matter the medium, the goal is to strive for that balance in complements, continuity, and composition.

TELL US ABOUT THE ODDEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE GOTTEN OF ALL TIME. While not a wacky ingredient on its own, in a cocktail it was Splenda. Yes, I was asked to make a Splenda lemon drop. And I did.

WHAT IS YOUR NO. 1 PET PEEVE? I know. I know. We all have a story of having a bit too much tequila (usually bad tequila) when we were younger. As a result, so many people are scared to try a tequila they have never heard of, venture into mezcal or even have tequila in anything but a margarita at all. I try my best to educate our guests that not all tequilas are created equal, but it doesn’t always fly with them.

operations, which highlight the artisanal traditions of Native Oaxacan producers; and strive to grow with responsible, sustainable and respectful practices.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK WHEN YOU’RE AT A BAR OTHER THAN YOUR OWN?

WHAT DOES ORDERING A JACK AND COKE SAY ABOUT A PERSON?

I drink mezcal neat. I especially love Ilegal Mezcal and Mezcal Yuu Baal. Both brands are family-owned

People like what they like. And that is OK by me!

THE SAN GABRIEL: 1.5 ounces San Gabriel Ilegal Mezcal 3/4 ounces Guanabana 1 ounce brown sugar banana syrup A few dashes of AZ Bitter Labs Figgy Pudding Bitters 1 ounce fresh lime Serve it in a glass that has been rimmed with chili and lime. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

TELL US ABOUT THE BEVERAGE PROGRAM AT LADERA? The program is something I am really proud of. First, we emphasize talking agave and serving mezcals neat or in personally curated flights. Definitely ask us about those. Beyond that, our program is simple in that all of our main cocktails have minimal ingredients, but they all pop. There are 15 signature cocktails on the menu as well as sangrias made in-house and seasonal items such as frozen riffs on drinks. There is a Latin influence throughout the menu and in our ingredients, but we also offer interesting

options with everything from whiskey to vodka as well. Our entire wine list is sources from South America, Spain and Mexico, and we have local craft beers and everyone’s favorite Mexican beers on hand. Each month, we donate $2 from one of our select beers to a local nonprofit as well.

WHAT IS ONE COCKTAIL WOULD LOVE FOR US TO FEATURE IN THE MAGAZINE THIS MONTH? The San Gabriel, which is $12.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS DRINK? It is a riff on a sour, but it has so many elements guests will have never seen. Among them: Guanabana Rum Liqueur and brown sugar banana syrup I make myself, respectively. And, of course, I love it for the mezcal, too!

Ladera Taverna y Cocina 8729 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.606.2258, laderaphx.com

ROAD TRIPPINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; WITH MY FRIEND Find 5 Great Day Trips From the Valley

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PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CHVRCHES

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAY 2019

April 22, The Van Buren

Scottish synth-pop outfit Chvrches returned to the Valley for a sold-out show at The Van Buren on April 22. Vocalist Lauren Mayberry and bandmates Iain Cook and Martin Doherty engaged in comedic banter with the audience, in usual Chvrches fashion, as the group performed a variety of songs spanning its three LPs — “The Bones of What You Believe,” “Every Open Eye” and “Love is Dead.” And $1 from every ticket sold went to Girls Rock! Phoenix, which works to empower girls, trans and gender nonconforming youth through music education, creation and performance. Cherry Glazerr opened the show.

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

✔ Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That’s on September 16. ✔ The national holiday in Mexico commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army defeated the French army. ✔ The French invaded Mexico because the Mexican government owed money to it. ✔ Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more widely in the United States. ✔ U.S. residents consume more than 81 million avocados on May 5. ✔ Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held in Australia and throughout the Caribbean. ✔ Cinco de Mayo has inspired War, Liz Phair and Roger Clyne. ✔ The French attacked and retreated three times before the Mexican army won the battle.

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