The Entertainer! Magazine - June 2022

PHX METRO » JUNE 2022

Inside

A SECRET NO MORE

JOSH ROJAS

The Ostrich embodies passion of drink making

CONTENTS

8

ON THE COVER

Times Media Group 1900 W. Broadway Rd. Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone 480.348.0343 Fax 480.348.2109 entertainermag.com

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine

steve@entertainermag.com

Vice President

Michael Hiatt mhiatt@TimesLocalMedia.com

ExecutiveEditor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

christina@TimesLocalMedia.com

Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura

cdziawura@TimesLocalMedia.com

A SECRET NO MORE

designer

Shannon Mead

production manager Courtney Oldham

The Ostrich embodies passion of drink making

16

production@TimesLocalMedia.com

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@TimesLocalMedia.com

writers

28

Alison Bailin Batz, Zakkary Brog, Alex Gallagher, Abigail LaCombe, Bridgette M. Redman, Jordan Rogers, Alan Sculley, Annika Tomlin

Photographers

A24, Jake Aks/MLB, Authentik Vision, Anita Busiakiewicz, Jeff Fasano, Fine Line Photography, Shervin Lainez, Jim Louvau, David McClister, Dennis Murphy, Phoenix Rising, Jorge Rios, Sarah Sachs, Luke Schwartz, WWE

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ESCAPE THE DESERT

Chicago is the perfect setting for romance

PREPPING FOR THE BIG LEAGUE

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2022 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe.

D-backs and Super Star Car Wash partner for youth camps

CONTENTS UPFRONT

4

Top 25 • The Ostrich • Phoenix Improv Festival • AJR

CITY

Chicago

18

Tía Carmen • Sake Hause • Dining Calendar

13

Grey Daze • Nikki Glaser • Sugar Sammy

TRAVEL

DINING

16

BREWS & SPIRITS

22

Sustainable Wines • Brews & Spirits Calendar

CASINOS Casino Entertainment Calendar

24

SPORTS

26

Josh Rojas • Santi Moar • D-backs Youth Camp • Drew McIntyre • Sports Calendar

MUSIC

31

Live Music Calendar • Barenaked Ladies • Max and Iggor Cavalera • Dean Lewis • Crawler • Archetypes Collide • 10,000 Maniacs • Chayce Beckham

For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the month 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.

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on the cover: Jared Ammon and Tyler Zhorne of The Ostrich Cover photo courtesy Dennis Murphy

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480.348.0343

4

TOP25

By Connor Dziawura

“Crimes of the Future”

OPENS JUNE 3 David Cronenberg (1986’s “The Fly”) is back with his first body horror film in over two decades.

Repurposing the name of an early Cronenberg featurette, the upcoming “Crimes of the Future” sees the filmmaker reuniting with Viggo Mortensen while also linking up with Léa Seydoux and Kristen Stewart.

Distributor Neon describes it as being about a synthetic environment where people’s bodies undergo new transformations and mutations, as well as a mysterious group that aims to “shed light on the next phase of human evolution.” Rated R. In theaters, neonrated.com

for this event, billed as the “most prominent wedding show in the United States.” Not only that, but June is Pride Month, so the show has partnered with LGBT Weddings to ensure a supportive, inclusive and welcoming environment. Occupying the convention center’s south building, exhibitors will range from venues to florists, bakers, gown makers and more, encompassing all steps of the wedding preparation process — and there will even be fashion shows.

Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.236.7987, arizonaweddingshowjune.com, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10-$25, or free for children 12 and younger

Health and Wellness Expo

“Always… Patsy Cline”

JUNE 4 Seminars, exhibitors and activities comprise the premier health and wellness expo. Learn from people and businesses about fitness, nutrition, psychology, workplace wellness and more. Founded in 2000, the touring expo is celebrating its 22nd anniversary.

Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, 602.625.3000, healthandwellnessexpo.com, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission

Rock and Roll Car Show

SATURDAYS The Rock and Roll Car Show claims to be “the longest continually running Saturday cruise-in on the planet.” This Scottsdale car show has been going strong since 1990 — and it runs every Saturday, rain or shine. Vehicles are displayed in the northeast area of the parking lot, just west of the 101 freeway.

Pavilions at Talking Stick, 9120 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, rockandrollcarshow.com, 3 to 8 p.m., free admission

Arizona Wedding Show

JUNE 5 More than 200 of the Valley’s top wedding experts will be on hand

JUNE 8 TO AUGUST 7 This production looks back at legendary singer Patsy Cline’s music and her life on the road through an unlikely friendship with Houston fan Louise Seger, whom she met in a Texas honkytonk. The two remained pen pals until Cline died in a plane crash. ASL/Audio Describe Night is Thursday, June 30.

Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, various dates and times, see website for tickets

H2O Fest

JUNE 8 Temps are rising, and Gilbert is fighting back with this hydrocentric family fest. Kids are encouraged to wear swim shoes, bathing suits or other clothing that can get wet as they play on the water obstacles. But also, there will be food trucks, music and more to round out the whole deal. The event is divided into three sessions.

Freestone Park, 1045 E. Juniper Avenue, Gilbert, 480.503.6000, gilbertaz.gov, 3:30 to 9 p.m., $10

Monsta X

JUNE 8 The show is sold out, but if you can

UPFRONT

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE manage to snag tickets, this isn’t one to miss. As K-pop continues to take the United States, and the world, by storm, one of South Korea’s biggest hitmakers is paying a visit to the Valley. See the group in action on the Arizona Federal Theatre stage as part of its No Limit tour.

Arizona Federal Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, arizonafederaltheatre. com, 7:30 p.m., sold out

“Stranger Things” Trivia

JUNE 8 As Netflix gears up to bring the beloved ’80s-inspired series to a conclusion (the first part of the season dropped in May, with the final episodes slated to hit the streaming service July 1), test your knowledge and potentially win concert tickets and other surprises. Teams of up to six people can sign up at 6 p.m., with trivia kicking off at 7 p.m.

Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, valleybarphx. com, 7 p.m., free admission

“Children of Eden”

JUNE 10 TO JUNE 26 Based on the first nine and a half chapters of the Book of Genesis, “Children of Eden” is a biblical musical exploring parental-child generational conflicts involving figures like God, Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel and Noah. Originally

by Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, the show as presented by Theater Works will be directed

by Chris Hamby with music direction from Jennifer Adams.

Theater Works describes it as “joyous and inspirational,” but also “bittersweet but inspiring.”

Theater Works’ Gyder Theater, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org, various dates and times, $41-$48

Flagstaff Blues & Brews

JUNE 10 AND JUNE 11 Now in its eighth year, this annual festival is back with another large

lineup of blues acts and brews, plus other features to fill up two days.

Performers will include Anders Osborne, Cedric Burnside, Mr. Sipp and Dana Fuchs, among others.

On the brews front, there will be local and regional microbrews as well as national beer brands — not to mention wine and hard cider. Rounding it all out are food options, arts and crafts vendors, a kids area and more activities.

Continental Country Club Driving Range, 5000 E. Old Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff, 928.606.7600, flagstaffblues. com, 2 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.

Saturday, $45-$225, or free for children in certain age groups

“High School Musical on Stage!”

JUNE 10 TO JUNE 26 Troy and Gabriella are back, along with the rest of East High. Valley Youth Theatre is presenting this adaptation of the Disney Channel musical, which originally starred Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens. In it, basketball captain and jock Troy and the brainy Gabriella break down social barriers and cliques by auditioning for a high school musical.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater. org, 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $16.50-$35.50

“Old MacDonald”

JUNE 10 TO JUNE 26 “Old MacDonald” has been “redesigned for a delightful experience,” according to the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. And that experience will feature silly animal antics, and not only sing-along fun but the ability to play along (check the website for an activity guide on how to make puppets).

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, 10 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $6-$12, or free for infants

Phoenix Rising vs.

El Paso Locomotive

JUNE 11 As the weather continues to warm and the soccer season continues, the El Paso Locomotive will pay a

LIVE. IN-PERSON.

TOGETHER. TOGETHER .

Great Father’s Day Gift!

Ben Folds In Actual Person Live For Real Tour

JUN 19

PICK 3 SHOWS & SAVE $4 PER TICKET!

Corinne Bailey Rae

One Night of Queen Performed by Gary Mullen & The Works | JUL 29

Los Chicos del 512 The Selena Experience | AUG 27

Martina McBride

The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE! | SEP 23

Get The Led Out

Las Cafeteras presents Hasta La Muerte | OCT 28

George Benson

JUL 10

SEP 24

chandlercenter.org

SEP 10

ON SALE NOW!

The Australian Pink Floyd Show All That’s To Come | AUG 21

OCT 29

480-782-2680

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visit to our very own Phoenix Rising for this game. A full schedule for the month is available online.

Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., see website for tickets

Readers Envy Phoenix Book Bash

JUNE 11 Books, books and more books! Come down to the Sheraton for this book bash that’s sure to make fellow readers envious. Attendees can browse and buy books, as well as meet authors and get copies signed.

General admission is free, but those willing to spare $5 for VIP tickets will be admitted at 9 a.m. and receive a swag bag.

Sheraton Phoenix Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, https://bit.ly/3wtTOpc, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free general admission, $5 VIP

Scottsdale Margarita Fest

JUNE 11 The weather’s warm, and the margaritas are flowing. Want to try a variety? At Wasted Grain, the Scottsdale Margarita Fest is giving ticket buyers access to a dozen.

Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, scottsdalemargaritafest.weebly. com, 2 to 6 p.m., $25-$35

Nick Kroll

JUNE 16 Nick Kroll is a “Middle-Aged Boy.” See the well-known funnyman flex his comedic muscle on his tour of the same name. A sort of Renaissance man, Kroll is also an actor, writer, producer and allaround creator who is known for roles in both film and television.

You may recall him from a recurring role on “Parks & Recreation,” or you may be a fan of his hit animated series “Big Mouth.” He’s even been on Broadway with John Mulaney.

His resume is extensive, but this time his stage comedy is the focus.

This show was rescheduled from its initial planned date of January 15; original tickets will be honored.

Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, etix.com, 7 p.m., $27-$47

AFASA Tricenary Celebration Reggae Festival JUNE 18 As part of its continuing vision “to be the voice of Africa in Arizona,” the African Association of Arizona is putting on this celebration of the reggae genre.

In addition to performances from the Wailing Souls, Dee Dread ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

and the Zion Knights, and Walt Richardson and Friends, as well as DJ Jahmar, the festival will feature an African drum ensemble, African storyteller, craft vendors, a bounce house and food vendors.

Phoenix Events & Entertainment Complex, 2209 N. 99th Avenue, Phoenix, 623.218.4688, afasa. org, noon to 8 p.m., $25-$30, or free for children 8 and younger

Arizona Toy Con

JUNE 18 Arizona Toy Con is for collectors of all ages. Encompassing a multitude of eras, from classic action figures and dolls to all sorts to currently relevant brands and franchises, not to mention collectible categories such as lunch boxes, trains, video games, comics and even cards, this convention has it all. All throughout the civic center, peruse the vendors to beef up your collection or even just explore all the toys and pop culture items out there. VIP tickets provide entry an hour early.

Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, aztoyshows.com, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10-$20, or free for children 10 and younger

Babypalooza Baby & Maternity Expo

JUNE 18 New parent? Pregnant? This Phoenix-area expo from Babypalooza covers all-things baby and maternity, such as prenatal and postnatal workshops on sleep, breastfeeding, swaddling and more. Health experts and brand experts will be available to educate attendees on their needs and/or show off all the latest products.

General admission is free, but prize passes allow entry into drawings as well as special offers.

Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 205.440.2229, babypalooza. com, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free admission with RSVP

enamel pins and more. Rated R. Majestic Tempe 7, 1140 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, majesticphx. com, 8 p.m., $10.82

Valley of the Sun Juneteenth Celebration

JUNE 18 With Juneteenth in its second year as a federal holiday and first as a state holiday, the Arizona Informant Foundation’s annual celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States is back. The goal of the event, which kicked off in 2005, is to preserve “the historic contributions of African Americans by promoting and cultivating knowledge and appreciation of Black history and culture,” according to its website. A family-friendly event, it will feature live entertainment, educational workshops, a youth essay contest, children’s activities, ethnic arts and crafts, vendors, soul food and free health screenings.

Eastlake Park, 1549 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, phxjuneteenth. com, 5 to 10 p.m., free admission

Martin Scorsese Trivia

JUNE 22 From early career classics like “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull” to gangster genre benchmarks like “Goodfellas” and “Casino,” religious dramas like “The Last Temptation of Christ,” and, more recently, the crime-comedy epic “The Wolf of Wall Street,” Martin Scorsese is one of the most acclaimed, varied and important directors still working today. His next film is slated for release later this year, but in the meantime, cinephiles can show their knowledge of his filmography and maybe win some concert tickets and other surprises in the process. Teams of up to six people can sign up at 6 p.m., with trivia kicking off at 7 p.m.

Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, valleybarphx. com, 7 p.m., free admission

Halsey

JUNE 26 Produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross of Nine Inch Nails, Halsey’s 2021 album, “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power,” was a change of pace for the singer.

Now, on the heels of that project and its hourlong film counterpart, Halsey is bringing the Love and Power Tour to Ak-Chin Pavilion with support from the Marías and Abby Roberts.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, livenation. com, 7 p.m., $29.50-$430

Mimosa Fest

Cinematery: “Nightbreed” Benefit Screening

JUNE 18 The neighborhood cinema grill is continuing its Cinematery horror series with a showing of the 1990 Clive Barker cult classic “Nightbreed.” The screening also doubles as the third annual benefit for the local nonprofit Mulligan’s Manor, which helps with housing for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

Through a cash-only raffle ($5 per ticket, or five for $20), attendees can win horror-themed prizes like Blu-Rays and DVDs, vinyl records, Majestic movie passes, artwork, autographs, collectibles,

tragedy. Isabella Rossellini voices Marcel’s grandmother, Connie, while writer-director Dean FleischerCamp stars as the documentary filmmaker who helps them on their journey. Rosa Salazar, Thomas Mann and Lesley Stahl are also among the cast. Rated PG. In theaters, a24films.com

“Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”

OPENS JUNE 24 Based on the trilogy of YouTube stop-motion shorts released between 2010 and 2014, “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” stars the voice of “Saturday Night Live” alum Jenny Slate as Marcel, a 1-inch-tall shell in search of his long-lost family after a mysterious

JUNE 26 The Gilbert location of country singer Dierks Bentley’s popular Whiskey Row modern country bar and restaurant is hosting this special event with live DJs, food and, of course, mimosas. General admission tickets include one free mimosa and admission at noon, whereas VIP tickets include three mimosas, a T-shirt, and early admission at 11 a.m. This event is for ages 21 and older.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, 323 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, 480.476.8595, outhousetickets.com, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $14.99-$39.99

A SECRET NO MORE The Ostrich embodies passion of drink making

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

H

idden below Crust Simply Italian in Downtown Chandler, The Ostrich is all about fantasy.

A Prohibition-style space, The Ostrich is dark and harks back to the city’s ostrich lore, but, according to Livability, it’s the best speakeasy in Arizona. More than a space to wait for a Crust table, The Ostrich serves well-crafted cocktails with a Roaring ’20s vibe.

“Our bartenders are classically trained, so they can do all the classic cocktails — anything that you would expect to find at a cocktail bar that’s being run properly,” says Jared Ammon, craft bar manager.

“Tyler started a dealer’s choice cocktail. Essentially, the guest comes with a few buzzwords pertaining to the flavor, the method of preparation, and the spirit they want. Our bartenders are trained to make them a cocktail based on those preferences just as quickly as they can.”

“Tyler” is Tyler Zhorne, the craft operations manager. With seven years of bartending experience under his belt, Zhorne helps lead a team of artisan bartenders who embody the art and passion of classic drink making.

“The team that we have formed at The Ostrich is full of personality, passion and goals. They are all working on bettering themselves, which carries over to their work, and they are not afraid to express themselves,” Zhorne says.

“We have changed the culture,

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enabling people to thrive and grow. We continue to educate and motivate our team to continue to grow as individuals.”

The staff aims to incorporate more community into The Ostrich, launching a reverse happy hour to accommodate late-night industry guests and partnering with West Alley BBQ, Tiki Dan, Matt Pladgeman of 36 Below, and Miguel Mora with Martina’s in Scottsdale for upcoming special events.

Bartending wasn’t the first career choice for Ammon nor Zhorne. Zhorne studied education, while Ammon focused on kinesiology.

“I was going to go into the medical field, but when I started taking jobs like that, it was hard to work in a field where people weren’t always happy to see me,” says Ammon, who was a chiropractic assistant, looking for a master’s program.

“I was introduced to the cocktail scene around that time period. I realized that people come in to see the bartender and that makes their day or makes them feel comfortable or accepted. It enables the opposite of how I was feeling. I just dropped everything I was doing and dove in. That was six years ago.”

Zhorne is proud of the energy he’s created at The Ostrich since he and Ammon started in January. This staff is passionate about its job.

“They take real pride in it,” he says. “It shows from the bartender to the bar back to the boss to the host at the door. So you, as a guest, when you come in here, you’re going to instantly feel that energy.

“You’re going to feel welcome, instead of feeling like a burden, which I feel like at some cocktail bars. We never

want that feeling. We want to be a neighborhood bar that can make you something wild.”

Soon, The Ostrich will open a Gilbert outpost at Williams Field and Recker roads at the new Crust Simply Italian.

“That one is going to be street level,” Zhorne says. “It’s going to take away a little bit of the speakeasy vibe. It’s going to be a lot more intimate and knowledge driven.

“So, when you come in, you’re going to get the whole experience. We’ll take you to that next level. If you want to come in here and learn about a certain whisky, we got a guy who knows all the whiskies.”

The goal at The Ostrich is to educate guests. Zhorne contends it’s going to be a challenge to replicate the atmosphere, customer service and knowledge of the Chandler space. But he’s up for it.

“It’s going to be a cool challenge,” he says. “You have to make sure every building is operating at that high standard, because we have to make sure we have the right people back there and the right people with the right knowledge.”

Still, Ammon says, guests can order what they like — without judgment.

“We’ll make them a vodka tonic, let’s say, and let them sit there and drink it,” he says. “Then, they can look around and see what’s going on. Cocktail bars are intimidating if you’ve never really gone to them.

“Hopefully, by drink No. 2, they’re a

little more open to trying new stuff.”

The staff — which also includes lead bartender Samantha Dengler, bartender Adam Slaton and server Tyler Yenkala — continually comes up with new offerings.

“We have a constant Rolodex going on in our minds,” Zhorne says.

“The goal was to have a set of really good drinks to complement the dealer’s choice. There are a lot of craft bars out there that do like these super crazy infusions and high-tech equipment, which that kind of stuff is awesome and we love it. But here, because we’re such a high-volume bar, we just want to make sure it’s a great, well-thought-out drink that I know complements what we’re doing with the restaurants. And, if I can leave a lasting impression, or if I can take you from your 9 to 5 job and forget all your worries, that’s the best.”

The Ostrich Chandler Located in the basement of Crust Chandler 10 N. San Marcos Place, Chandler 480-917-4913 The Ostrich Gilbert Coming Soon Williams Field and Recker roads 480-643-0547 crustrestaurants.com/theostrich/

SEPTEMBER 17

32nd Annual Fiesta de Septiembre

NOVEMBER 11-13 43rd Annual Bluegrass Festival

DECEMBER 2-3

33rd Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering

DECEMBER 9

28th Annual Christmas Parade of Lights

928-684-0977 OUTWICKENBURGWAY.COM FACEBOOK.COM/WICKENBURGAZ

Photo: © Craig W. Cutler Fine Art

THE DIGITAL AGE Phoenix Improv Festival tries virtual reality

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

By Jordan Rogers

T

he Phoenix Improv Festival is trying its hand at virtual reality for its 21st year.

The digitally spaced event is Friday, June 24, and Saturday, June 25.

Phoenix Improv Festival producer Bill Binder says he wanted to boost its visibility after resorting to Zoom last year.

“We did online shows with Zoom, and some people made really great shows with that, but it didn’t feel like a festival as much as a show,” Binder says.

“Instead of giving a series of links to watch a Zoom meeting, we’ve created a digital environment. It’s going to feel a little more personal than a Zoom meeting, and that’s something we wanted to do to bring performers together for.”

He says he hopes this year’s digital venue will have an in-person feel. It’s only available to those with a virtual reality set up, but others can still enjoy it.

“Audience members who have a virtual reality set up can actually immerse themselves in that, but audience members who don’t have that can still watch it on their computer monitors for

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Adam Cadena

Amanda Marie Sproule

sort of a 2D version of it,” says Binder, who’s been with the festival since its first year, 2002.

Like past years, 2022’s festival will feature roughly 75 performers who will hit the stage in their hometowns across the country. Most shows will take place in the evenings.

Among the performers are the National Ensemble, a group of improv performers from around North America collaborating to make a longform show.

Actor and teacher Tezz Yancey will produce that show.

Equipped with more than 20 years’ experience, Yancey has had a decorated career. He made his Broadway debut at 14 years old, headlined his own shows in Las Vegas, produced multiple recording and film score projects, and is a working

Bill Binder

Charlotte Brown

film and television actor in Hollywood.

“The last few years, we’ve brought in a lot of performers from the Improv Olympic mindset, which is a theory of improv that is very character driven and relationship driven,” Binder says.

“He’s going to be bringing that; sort of scenario based and more playful.

Specifically for the show he’s going to be building that with the audience. We wanted somebody like Tezz, who has experience putting ensembles together and putting their specific strengths together.”

The Phoenix Improv Festival’s digital space has three stages with about 35 “seats” each. Binder says more stages and or seats can be added to match demand.

“The nice thing is, unlike a real venue, is if we sell more tickets than that, we have built-in flexibility,” Binder says.

Michael J. Astrauskas

“We can adjust the number of seats based off the tickets we sell.”

The festival received positive feedback from the Zoom shows. He hopes for the same this year.

“We love sharing improv with the world, and we’re really excited to present this digital space and in-person experience,” Binder says. “I hope this is the start of more festivals and theaters doing it this way.

“A festival like this is a huge, huge sampler platter of different kinds of art that it can be, and you can see all of them at once. We really like being able to present that.”

Phoenix Improv Festival phoeniximprovfestival.com

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FIRST SHOW STARTS JULY 16th!

LIVE SHOW & DINNER Saturday, July 22nd Saturday, August 27th Saturday, October 15th

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CALL 480-288-0300 or VISIT SilverStarTheater.com 5247 E BROWN RD • MESA, AZ 85205

MIND BLOWING

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AJR finds success and live show extraordinary

By Alan Sculley

A

s spring marches toward summer, the sibling trio AJR find themselves following up a fall 2021 tour with another run of concerts booked into arenas and large outdoor amphitheaters and bringing a big show to match the venues. That’s a sure sign of a band that has hit the big time.

There’s never been any doubt that this group, made up of brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Metzger (they go by the last name Met), had grand ambitions. It’s apparent in the theatrical type of pop music on AJR’s four albums and the brothers’ determined pursuit of a music career. But they never expected a career as big as the one that’s unfolding before their eyes.

“It’s always been our goal to be a niche band,” Ryan explains.

“I don’t think we ever thought about being the biggest band on planet Earth because just inherently, when that’s your goal, you’re going to try to appeal to everybody in the country and everybody in the world. You’re just going to lose a little bit of what’s unique about you and sacrifice that. So, it’s always really been our goal to get our little niche audience that cares a lot and kind of solidify them and be able to play for them for decades to come.”

That outlook fits with the music the brothers have created so far. From the start, the trio wanted to stand out from the crowd. Their mix of classic pop (Simon & Garfunkel, the Beach Boys and the Beatles are big influences); the bright, big melodies and orchestration of Broadway musicals; and the anthemic harmonies and danceable beats of modern pop is nothing if not unique.

So are the lyrics, many of which have dealt with the struggles of living through high school and transitioning toward adulthood — all accented with specific autobiographical and pop culture references that bring an uncommon amount of individuality and authenticity to the songs.

Most music acts that achieve arenalevel popularity do it by somehow fitting in. That AJR is thriving by being different and connecting with so many fans on what seems to be a deep level is ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

both amazing and gratifying, Ryan says.

“It has been such a pleasant surprise that it (AJR’s audience) has grown with each tour and how that little group of people actually decided to tell friends and they recognized among each other, ‘Oh, wow, you want to celebrate your flaws in the same way and you want to sing these pretty Broadway theatrical melodies and you don’t think that’s lame,’” he says.

It’s actually been a pretty long journey to reach this point. The brothers (Jack was only 8 at the time) started out by busking in New York City Central Park and Washington Square some 15 years ago, earning enough money to start buying instruments and other equipment.

Their parents offered their living room as a recording studio, and before long Ryan, the trio’s primary songwriter, was writing and producing songs, with his brothers pitching in on the homemade music process. It took the trio a while to find their own sound.

“I think in the beginning, like most bands, we really wore our influences on our sleeves,” Ryan says, looking back on his development as a songwriter.

“Every song was, ‘OK, this is clearly our version of a Simon & Garfunkel folk song’ or ‘This is clearly us doing (the Beatles’) ‘Rubber Soul.’ Once you get all of that out of your system and you’re like, ‘OK, cool, I know what it’s like to sound like the Beatles,’ you move on and you figure out, ‘OK, how can

I combine all of these last 100 songs I wrote into something that’s new and fresh and never been done before?’ I think ‘I’m Ready’ was honestly the first song that I could look back and say, ‘OK, that really sounded like a unique song.’”

“I’m Ready” became a pivotal song for AJR. Having worked at music for some eight years with little success, Ryan decided to send the song to YouTube, Twitter and other online accounts of dozens of celebrities the brothers admired, hoping someone would create a buzz for the tune. It seemed like a Hail Mary gambit, but it worked.

Alt-pop star Sia received the song and was so taken with it she met with the Met brothers and told her manager, Jonathan Daniel, about the group. Daniel, in turn, contacted Steve Greenberg, head of S-Curve Records, who had helped build the careers of Hanson and the Jonas Brothers. Greenberg signed on as AJR’s co-manager and was impressed enough with the group’s do-it-yourself approach to their career that he didn’t sign the trio to S-Curve and instead helped the brothers start their own label.

“It’s been like eight years since that happened. You realize how really unusual that is?” Ryan says.

“I really have not heard that story from anybody else, where a celebrity finds a song and then single-handedly

introduces them to all of the management and label and all of the people that are going to give them success. It was a very crazy twist of fate. Yeah, it really changed our entire lives.

We just thought let’s tweet this song out. After like eight years of working and having no success, we thought, ‘We like this song. Maybe one of our favorite celebrities will like it.’

We tried so many celebrities and then Sia just by luck ended up seeing it.”

Since then, things have taken off. “I’m Ready” went on to get regular airplay on Sirius satellite radio and set the stage for the 2013 release of AJR’s debut EP, “6foot1” (later retitled “I’m Ready”), followed by the 2014 EP “Infinity” and another EP, “What Everyone’s Thinking,” in 2016. The latter release took AJR to a new level, as the song “Weak” became a platinum hit single.

Next came a full-length debut, “Living Room,” in 2015, and AJR has released three more albums since then — 2017’s “The Click,” 2019’s “Neotheater” (the trio’s first top 10 album on Billboard magazine’s Billboard 200 chart) and last year’s “OK Orchestra.” It includes AJR’s highest-charting single to date, the Broadway-meets-trap-inflected pop song “Bang!”

The “OK Orchestra” tour AJR has now launched features production that Ryan says he feels is as unique as the group’s music. It incorporates elements of Broadway, movies and a magic show with a concert with the goal of creating an experience fans can’t get anywhere else. Look for several different stage sets and many more treats for the eyes and ears.

“It’s slowly developed over the years of us touring, where we took our love of Broadway and our love of film and concerts and magic and kind of combined it all into this thing,” Ryan says of the live show.

“It started off very low budget, like just a shoestring budget of stuff we could afford. And then as more and more fans started telling each other about it, we were able to afford cooler and cooler effects. Now we’re at the point where we’re playing in some of these arenas and huge amphitheaters and stuff. We get to do what we consider pretty mindblowing stuff.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

CITY

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STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

THE PHOENIX RISES Grey Daze shares Chester Bennington recordings

By Alex Gallagher

W

hen the alt-rock band Grey Daze wanted to honor its late lead singer, Chester Bennington, one way stood out.

Drummer Sean Dowdell approached Bennington’s widow, Talinda, and her children about breathing new life into 20 unreleased tracks with the Linkin Park singer’s vocals.

“I told Talinda that we’re going to curate this project and keep his original intention to not exploit anything,” Dowdell says.

Grey Daze formed in 1993, released two albums — “Wake Me” (1994) and “…No Sun Today” (1997) — and recorded demos for several other works at Anthem Studios in Glendale and the Valley’s Conservatory of Recording Arts and Science. When Linkin Park reached commercial success at the turn of the millennium, Grey Daze disbanded.

With Talinda’s blessing, Dowdell — who graduated from Shadow Mountain High School and resides in Queen Creek — bass player Mace Beyers and guitar player Cristin Davis moved forward d to shed one more light on another dimension of the singer.

The first chapter was the 2020 release of “Amends,” featuring 10 Benningtonled tracks. Following the success of the album, Dowdell returned to the studio later that year to wrap up the remaining 10 tracks. “The Phoenix” will be released on June 17. A listening party is being planned.

“We chose the songs the first one because we felt like they all fit together,” says Dowdell, Bennington’s partner in Club Tattoo — which opened its first of six locations in Tempe 27 years ago — among other things.

“The songs that were left fit really well together, too. It feels like we did it on purpose and, maybe subconsciously on some level, we did. But it wasn’t as conscious of a decision as one might think,” the sticks man says.

While “Amends” offers a somber celebration of Bennington’s work with Grey Daze, “The Phoenix” offers a sharp contrast in sound and attitude.

“The entire record feels like a rock anthem, and it feels like a very powerful rock band that is in your face and punching you right in the chest — but in a good way,” Dowdell says with a laugh.

“It’s not the ‘Amends’ record, which was much sadder. It was more of an emotional roller coaster, and a lot of tears were shared. I have a feeling that, when people listen to this record, it’s not going to be as emotional. They’re going to want to raise their fist and scream along with Chester.”

That’s because “The Phoenix” was recorded with the same attitude, which can be seen in the YouTube docuseries titled “Creation of the Phoenix,” which followed the band through the creation of the album.

“So, with the last album, there was a lot of crying and a lot of hugging,” Dowdell says. “This time, the studio was a lot more celebratory. We really had a lot of fun and shared a lot of good stories about Chester.”

The team featured Dowdell, Beyers

and Davis, along with Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro and Filter vocalist Richard Patrick. Bennington’s daughters, Lily and Lila, perform on “Hole.”

Dowdell admits it was hard to create the perfect sound.

“Mace, Cristin and I took our best guess at what we thought Chester would have appreciated,” Dowdell says. “I can’t say for certain he definitely would have done this or he definitely would have done that, because he was such a creative human. We took our best educated guess as to what we think you would have liked.”

Although “The Phoenix’s” lyrics further immortalize Bennington, Dowdell feels the album’s title and artwork notably exemplify his best friend.

“We thought the flames (on his arms) were the most visually iconic part about Chester,” Dowdell says.

“That photo is just such an iconic capture of not only who he was in life and what he meant to me but who he

was, visually, to the rest of us.”

Dowdell admits he desperately misses Bennington — who grew up in the Valley and owned a home in Gilbert — with whom he played onstage. They also played basketball, test-drove cars, and sat and talked during their decades of friendship.

“I think it’ll always be a sad thing, but it doesn’t tear me up inside every day as it did for the first two years,” he says.

Nevertheless, he feels “The Phoenix” allows fans to relish Bennington’s notable voice one last time and appreciate who he was as a person.

“We finished this music to not only fulfill his thoughts and our thoughts, but I think it’s nice to be able to appreciate Chester for all of the things that he did,” Dowdell says.

Grey Daze greydazemusic.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ONE NIGHT IN PHOENIX

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Nikki Glaser wants to be everyone’s friend

By Annika Tomlin

N

ikki Glaser has wrapped her comedy shows around sexual innuendos for 20 years.

She’s continuing that with her summer tour, “One Night with Nikki Glaser,” which comes to the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, June 11.

“I wanted to really get away from all the sexual connotations and double entendres, because that’s what people expect of me,” Glaser says.

“So many people, especially men, roll their eyes at female comics because all they talk about is sex. There is a part of me that wants to not do that as much, but I also can’t help what I like to talk about.”

Glaser says her tour reflects a maturation of her subject matter while providing a more “technically proficient version” of her show.

“I’ve been doing comedy for 20 years now, and so you’re seeing me as someone who is at the top of my game just because I’ve been doing it so long,” she says. “It’s better jokes, more storytellingbased comedy, just more truth.

“I think that the more comedy I do, the more I’m not embellishing things just for the sake of the joke. I’m playing more with honesty that sometimes is much more shocking or funny than anything I could come up with or fictionalize.”

INSPIRATION BEHIND A JOKE Glaser contends her comedy focuses on topics that other comedians have yet to tackle. Comedians should ask why things are the way they are.

Experiences inspire Glaser’s jokes — within textbooks on social psychology, psychology, anthropology and “a lot of things I’ve learned about human behavior through trying to figure out my own.” “(I’m) taking that information that I got from some kind of dry actual text and synthesizing it into something that you can make fart jokes around and spice it up and make it a little bit more palatable for people,” Glaser says.

“There’s something for everyone, but it’s not an angry set.

“I’m not out there screaming about things. I’m trying to have a good time and just get people thinking about things in a different way. But always, the priority is having an escape from your daily life and just being able to have a good night out.”

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Glaser says she doesn’t mean to offend anyone, and she’s definitely “open to being wrong about things.”

“I’m known for being a roast comedian and saying things that other people would never say in a million years,” says Glaser, who has burned Rob Lowe, Bruce Willis and Alec Baldwin on Comedy Central roasts.

“There is some kind of aggregation on me to say things that other people aren’t going to say, to push the envelope.

But really, I just talk about what I want to talk about. There’s never, ever a goal to offend, and I think that when that is your goal, it’s really lame.”

Glaser does not think that ticket holders should “take anything I say as final word, and I should not be impacting policy or social change.”

“I have a bachelor’s degree in English, and I never read a book my entire four years of college. I just bullshitted my way. I’m still bullshitting my way, but it’s entertaining at this point — that’s my job.”

GRATEFUL FOR HER FANS Glaser is passionate about her fans, especially those who flock to larger venues.

“In the past, it’s been clubs and it’s not as much of an expensive night out,” Glaser says. “It’s not as much of a sacrifice for people to go to comedy clubs as it is to buy a theater ticket, to get dressed up, to get a babysitter. I just have a lot of respect for my audience, and I want to give them the best show possible.”

She does not miss the days of performing in front of drunken audiences who were unfamiliar with her work.

“Now I have the privilege of having people pay to see me because they like me,” Glaser says. “It’s not lost on me that that’s a huge privilege and it’s such a dream, because it’s so different.

“Most comedians do not get into this even thinking that is ever going to be a possibility. When you start out, no one comes to see you for you — maybe your parents. They get tired really quick, though.”

OTHER VENTURES Glaser will soon release a new HBO special, which is yet to be named. It joins 2016’s “Perfect” on Comedy Central and 2019’s “Bangin’” on Netflix.

“I went with HBO because I’ve done the Netflix thing before and, honestly, (HBO) valued what I had to offer more

than other places,” Glaser says.

“Also, there’s something really prestigious to me about having an HBO special, which was the first comedy special that was offered to the general public.

“There’s a point of pride and accomplishment, a little feather in my cap of, like, ‘I have an HBO special’ — and HBO just has good taste.”

While on tour, Glaser continues to co-host “The Nikki Glaser Podcast” with longtime friend and fellow comedian Andrew Collin. She also leads the HBO Max dating reality show “FBOY Island” and the E! reality show “Welcome Home Nikki Glaser?” that follows her daily life.

“Everything I do now is really easy, because I don’t take jobs that are hard,” Glaser admits. “I don’t like dreading my work.

“I like working hard when it’s something fun. But if something feels like I’m second guessing everything and I’m worried about how it’s going to look, I just don’t do it anymore.”

COMING TO ARIZONA Glaser has not been to Arizona in years and is eagerly awaiting the chance to showcase her new comedy.

“Coming back to Arizona, it’s my

first time in so long that I’m a totally different person now,” Glaser admits.

“My act is completely different, my delivery is different, the way I write is different, and so it feels like I get to come back and perform for crowds that I know based on working so many years.”

She has a special offer for those who are going alone to her show: DM her on Instagram in all caps saying “going alone,” along with first and last name and the show that they are attending, and she will provide a free meet and greet so “you can meet me and then I’ll be your friend.”

“I can confidently say for the first time in my career across the board, everything I do, I really enjoy,” Glaser says. “You’ll be watching someone having fun as opposed to just fulfilling a contractual obligation.”

“One Night with Nikki Glaser” WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11 WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $36.75 INFO: nikkiglaser.com

SURROUNDED BY CULTURE THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

Sugar Sammy is an outsider looking in

By Abigail LaCombe

M

ontreal comedian Sugar Sammy has conquered 32 countries, but now he’s taking his first steps in the United States in more than a decade.

He’ll play CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26. The season four judge of “La France a un Incroyable Talent” is determined to win over American audiences.

In French Canada, Sammy grew up surrounded by cultures divided by language. After seeing stand-up comedians like Eddie Murphy, he mustered the courage to try it himself at age 18.

He’s one of the rare talents who have bilingual shows. He speaks English, French, Hindi and Punjabi.

“I love the challenge of it,” he says.

“I think every opportunity I get to do comedy in different ways, in different languages and in different countries and contexts is exciting.

“It makes me a better writer and a better comedian. It makes me more informed because, rather than getting informed from a book from Spain, I get to actually immerse myself in the culture.”

He describes his comedy as honest, as opposed to a caricature.

“A lot of times, things people take for granted become wallpaper in their lives,” he says. “I like pointing things out as a foreigner. So, usually, I write down the first few things I notice and start testing out my theories on people around me.”

Sammy’s tour is dubbed “The Outsider” for a reason. Looking at America, he sees divisions similar to that in Canada.

“I think the strength comes from the differences, though,” he says.

“What you have going on in America represents what’s going on in the world.

All these people think differently. The

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rest of the planet, everybody thinks differently. But if America was like, ‘Well, we’re able to learn about the rest of the world by learning about ourselves,’ that would give them such a big advantage.”

His observations are daring, and he’s not afraid of upsetting audiences.

He sees American audiences as a playground.

“I represent both points of view,” he says.

“When people come to my shows, Democrats and Republicans love it and hate it at the same time. Everybody has good and bad.”

He subscribes to the belief that “whatever is bad for humanity is good for comedy.”

While topics like politics and race are common subjects in his stand-up, he also hits on pop culture topics like cults, Will Smith, Karens, couples therapy and personalities.

“It can be as broad and political or as pop culture as possible,” he says.

Stand-up comedians often speak about their personal lives. He reanalyzed that formula and instead puts the focus on the folks in front of him.

“Everybody is at the center of their universe,” so why not teach them to laugh at themselves?

Most of all, at his shows, Sammy encourages patrons to just have fun.

“It’s going to be a great time,” he says.

“The energy in the room is great from the get-go. You can feel it. Before I even get onstage, I can feel it. People are there to laugh. It’s going to be fun, exciting and borderline offensive.

“Being a human is hard as it is. So, give yourself permission for a night where you’re able to laugh at everything, because God knows you can’t do it anywhere else right now. So come see a fun show in a safe place.”

uide to The Insider ’s G

Sugar Sammy: “The Outsider” WHEN: 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 25; 7 p.m. Sunday, June 26 WHERE: CB Live, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix COST: $22 INFO: cblive.com

nment

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TRAVEL

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

ESCAPE THE DESERT

Chicago is the perfect setting for romance

By Bridgette M. Redman

S

pecial anniversaries or the need to escape Arizona’s intense heat with a loved one.

To celebrate or cool down, the Windy City beckons with its luxurious hotels, indulgent spas, hideaway candlit restaurants and activities that are memorable and romantic.

Chicago has 77 neighborhoods that boast a variety of cuisines, shopping and entertainment.

Known as a live theater city — it has 250 theaters, 225 live music venues and 200 dance companies — the venues are welcoming guests.

Chicago is roughly three and a half hours by plane and is in the Central time zone. The third-largest U.S. city, it has more than 7,300 restaurants and 167 breweries — the most of any metro area in the country.

STAY: THE FOUR SEASONS CHICAGO While Chicago has no shortage of boutique and luxury hotels, the newly renovated Four Seasons Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, makes its name by offering personalized services.

Recognizing that no two guests long for the same things, it is ready to customize a stay and provide the services that each of its guests wants.

If you’re looking for a romantic stay, put the Four Seasons on your list.

It has rotating package getaways and is willing to custom-design a couples experience. The concierge will help set up reservations and ticket purchases for any of the many attractions surrounding the property, and if they are within two miles of the hotel, guests can take the complimentary house car to them.

Visitors can spend time with a curator, who will provide a guided art tour followed by a custom tasting menu with chef Jonathon Sawyer.

The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, all with amazing city views.

Consider one of the lakeview king suites,

all more than 30 floors up.

Once guests are comfortably ensconced in their room, they can order goodies such as ice cream confections or custom crafted cocktails, in addition to a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Room service is available 24 hours.

And for the ultimate romantic indulgent experience? Reserve a skylight swim with the hotel’s 50-foot Roman indoor pool and hot tub. The domed ceiling reveals the Chicago stars, and enjoy the champagne and canapes.

EAT: GEJA’S CAFÉ Everyone who visits Chicago has a favorite restaurant, but for a couples getaway, choose the eatery that has been voted the city’s most romantic.

Geja’s Café, 340 W. Armitage Avenue, Chicago, is a fondue restaurant where live flamenco and classic guitar music serenades guests. It originally opened in Old Town as a wine and cheese bar in 1965 and then moved to its current location in 1971. The current owner — who is only the second one since it opened — has helped to plan more than 600 marriage proposals, including his own.

“We’ve developed into this romantic restaurant where people are having first dates, getting engaged, celebrating anniversaries,” owner Jeff Lawler says.

“We’re quite honored. Back in the day in 2019 when dining was normal, we’d see two to three couples a week get engaged. I’ve seen up to seven in one week.”

Climbing down the stairs off the street, guests are greeted by dim, red lighting with walls of wine bottles separating booths.

Tables feel intimate. There is a large wine list and a three-course fondue meal starting with cheeses, moving on to the main entrees and then ending with a flaming chocolate fondue.

Want an extra special touch? The restaurant has partnered with Dilly Lilly for personalized flower arrangements.

They include “Budding Love,” “Warm Embrace” and “Love You ‘This Much’ Bouquet.”

Lawler’s insider tip? Don’t eat off the hot fondue forks.

“People are unsuspecting, and they burn their lip,” Lawler says. “If you’re on a date, there’s no kissy kissy afterward, because you have a burnt lip.”

INDULGE: CHUAN SPA Romance gets turned on high heat when each member of the couple transports their mind, body and spirit to a place of wellness and peace.

One great place to achieve that sort of serenity in Chicago is at the Chuan Spa, located in the Langham Hotel Chicago.

330 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.

Upon arrival, guests pass through a rounded Moon Gate, introducing a transformative experience.

Chuan, which means “running water” in Chinese, is a place where East meets West and the concept of Zen is incorporated into all of the design. It balances yin and yang with the men’s locker room decorated in dark colors and the women’s in light colors.

Couples part ways for their respective locker rooms to undergo a natural water journey, the Chuan bath ritual. The hot and cold rooms lull guests into deep

relaxation and well-being.

There are two dry saunas — herbal and salt stone.

There is an Oriental steam room infused with chamomile. Across from it are rainforest cold showers to step into between the heated rooms. Chuan also features an aromatherapy shower.

Just beyond the sauna and steam rooms is a relaxation area with heated stone recliners.

Chuan also offers a variety of services ranging from a Tibetan sound ritual to a ginger refresher body scrub and a twohour Chuan Chicago signature escape: five Wu Xing elements in one.

The latter incorporates bells, fiery oils, mud bath, heated bamboo and wet towels, and hydrating oils to touch upon all of the five traditional elements of Wu Xing.

It also offers several services specifically for men. The Chuan executive indulgence

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focuses on hard-working hands and feet with a scalp massage. Other treatments include Chuan man maintenance facial and Chuan man’s world (this features a back exfoliation and a facial with men’s complexion needs in mind).

After the services, couples meet in the relaxation room with its peaceful waterfalls to enjoy sparkling wine, infused water and light snacks.

TOUR: CHICAGO PREMIERE DINNER CRUISE After the pampering, it’s time to take on the city. Chicago is a city of water — bounded by Lake Michigan and infiltrated with the Chicago River — so take romance to a city cruise.

There are several to choose from in a range of prices. Most focus on architecture tours wherein guests cruise the Chicago River and take in the history of the city’s skyscrapers.

Others offer such themes as Chicago’s crime and mob scene or even a “Gangsters and Ghost” tour with a historian.

If floating upon Lake Michigan is a preference, make a reservation with the Chicago Premiere Dinner Cruise and set sail on a high-end luxury yacht with a three-course gourmet meal informed by celebrity chefs. An onboard DJ plays music during the sunset cruise.

The three-hour jaunt encourages passengers to dress to impress for the festive evening. They’ll take photos and escort guests to a private table.

Servers help determine how fast food should arrive and the types of delicacies.

Alcohol is available, but it is not included in the price.

During the summer, guests can upgrade their cruise to include a fireworks display over the waters on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and some Thursdays and Fridays.

IMMERSE: VAN GOGH

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Chicago is a city of art, from the sculptures on the streets to the many art galleries and art museums. One of the hottest new exhibits — one that visited the Valley — is the Immersive Van Gogh experience.

Viewers step into a large room with high ceilings and are surrounded by the immersive projections of Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork presented in an all-new format.

The projections are cast upon the floors, ceilings and walls, and with the newly composed music, they morph in and out in a stunning video portrayal.

Want to take the experience up a notch? Chicago’s exhibition offers packages for couples, claiming, “We’ve made it simple to transform your date night into one for the ages.”

How do they do that? Upon arrival, skip the line and head to a private Juliet balcony for a bird’s-eye view of the exhibition. The floor is covered in rose petals, which, along with the delicate mirrors, reflect the projections and create a romantic photo opportunity.

Chocolate truffles and champagne are served, and they’re given a handcrafted floral arrangement as a memory of the date. Also among the gifts are a Van Gogh cushion, a limited-edition poster and a VIP souvenir laminate badge.

The Four Seasons Chicago

WHERE: 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago COST: Prices change with season and date, but generally range from $500 to $5,000 a night INFO: 312.280.8800, fourseasons.com/chicago Geja’s Café WHERE: 340 W. Armitage Avenue, Chicago COST: Dinners range from $45 to $70 per person plus beverages INFO: 773.281.9101, gejascafe.com Chuan Spa WHERE: 330 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago COST: Services range from $180 for hand and foot treatments to $625 for a three-hour signature escape INFO: 312.923.7650, langhamhotels.com Chicago Premiere Dinner Cruise WHERE: 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago COST: Starting at $159 per person INFO: viator.com Immersive Van Gogh WHERE: Lighthouse ArtSpace at Germania Club, 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago COST: Regular tickets range from $40 to $50 plus fees; the couples experience ranges from $200 to $550 INFO: 1.844.307.4644, vangoghchicago.com

LOVE IN THE BIG CITY No matter what options you choose, Chicago beckons desert dwellers to spend a romantic weekend of water, skyscrapers, great food and memorable moments to inscribe in the storybook of a relationship.

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DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

‘A LOVE LETTER’

Celebrity chef debuts Phoenix restaurant honoring aunt

By Jordan Houston

W

idely known for his appearances on TV shows like Bravo’s “Top Chef ” and HBO Max’s “Selena + Chef,” Angelo Sosa recalls two contrasting childhood experiences that shaped his culinary career.

The renowned chef, born in Connecticut to a Dominican father and Italian mother, grew up in a “strict” and “militant” household. He spent most weekends laboring in the garden and preparing ingredients for the family’s weekly Sunday “feast,” he says.

“Chores were taken very seriously, and part of my chores was to be my father’s sous chef,” Sosa says. “On the weekends, there were no flying kites or playing kickball. It was 5 a.m. garden weeding, tilling and harvesting the vegetables or feeding the compost.”

Then, on the flip side of the coin, there was his Tía Carmen’s house in Queens, New York — where he recounts a starkly different family dinner scene.

Sosa says his siblings during their visits “would slam the front door open and run past the kitchen to go play outside.”

Meanwhile, Sosa was lured into his aunt’s kitchen.

“I was a 9-year-old boy, and I was tugged into the kitchen. It was like

losing a battle of tug of war. I was tugged into the beautiful aromas of tarragon,” he says. “I would prop myself up on the kitchen, and I would watch my tía. Many times, I only saw her from the back — I just saw her motions, movements, and the heart and passion.

“When it was time to eat, it was really

beautiful. She wouldn’t even eat until she heard laughter, joy or just love radiating in the room,” he continues. “In that moment, the contrast — I remember that strict, militant home, and I’m staring at this woman in total awestruck.

I knew I wanted to become a chef, and this was love. I knew my love language was cooking.”

Now, Sosa is honoring his late aunt’s legacy of love and influence with his new Phoenix contemporary Southwestern concept, Tía Carmen.

Located at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Sosa debuted the restaurant in April alongside seasoned restaurant operator Mark Stone.

“It’s very important to me that we’re not just serving food or just serving drinks,” Sosa says. “When you come in, you’re greeted with a gesture with a hand to the heart, acknowledging the people and acknowledging the guest. I want people to feel transformed and feel my Tía Carmen’s spirit in this space.”

Tía Carmen, Sosa’s first Arizona restaurant, features flavors imbued from a wood-fired grill and aims to emphasize

“the beauty and ingredients of the region.”

The chef spent the past year and a half studying Arizona’s food scene while traveling back and forth between Phoenix and his California home.

He also collaborated with a variety of state-based purveyors, including Hypha Foods, the lead producer of foraged mushrooms, and Arizona Grass Raised Beef and Top Knot Farms to incorporate responsibly raised meats.

“I want to pay homage. This is really a love story to the region from me,” Sosa says.

A STORYTELLING MENU Open for breakfast and dinner, Tía Carmen’s menu celebrates the local landscape, famers and community of the Southwest.

Signature dinner dishes include tuna crudo with chilled corn coconut broth, smoked chile oil and a dill garnish; Southwestern style wagyu tri-tip kebabs; lamb ragu with mesquite noodles, pork and Sichuan peppercorn; and a chicken guisado featuring olives, chimayo chile, garlic and turmeric rice.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

The tepary bean mole negro, however, is one of Tía Carmen’s major focal points, according to the chef.

The mole, aged for 22 weeks prior to being served, is made with Chimayó chile, canela, bay leaf and pecans. The crowd-pleasing side was inspired by local farmers like Ramona Button of Ramona Farms, who Sosa says introduced him to the indigenous tepary beans.

He also credits the recipe to renowned chef Celia Florian of Las Quince Letras.

Sosa says the Oaxacan chef shard a mole recipe with him while he was visiting Oaxaca.

“I’m just a storyteller of the region, of the community, of the rancher or the farmer that is waking up at 3 a.m. and working until 8 at night,” Sosa says. “I really want this restaurant to transform people and to make an impact financially to enrich the community and make it more abundant.”

A majority of Tía Carmen’s ingredients stem from the restaurant’s own Chef Garden, spearheaded by Farmer Nate’s Produce. It supplies organic vegetable, fruits and herbs as needed, according to a press release.

“It’s so beautiful. It’s so much more than just the cuisine in itself. It is my discovery through the Southwest,” Sosa says. “As we change menus, it’s as I change as I learn.”

During breakfast, the Tía Carmen Mercado, inspired by a combination of a Mexican marketplace and Southwestern farmers market, features not only traditional breakfast offerings but specialty dishes such as green chile pork, breakfast birria, native grain fried rice and

house-made prickly pear shrub, and bitters; Aguachile Margarita with blanco tequila, St. Germain, cucumber juice, lime juice and aguachile simple syrup; and the Hibiscus Desert Balloon with gin, hibiscus cordial, aloe, citrus and dry sherry topped with a berry vapor bubble, among others.

The restaurant’s wine program pulls heavily from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, according to Sosa. It also features wines from the West Coast and “emerging European producers.”

“We’re not aiming to be trendy. I just want it to be authentic — people telling real stories and having an impact in the community,” Sosa says. “I want to do something that is provocative, innovative, empowering, thoughtful and genuine. I want to really be that conduit and that storyteller.”

WHERE ‘EARTH MEETS ART’ The 130-seat restaurant, designed in collaboration with the Thomas Schoos of Los Angeles-based hospitality design firm Schoos Design, exudes an “earth meets art” theme, Sosa says.

The organic modern aesthetic represents a “clean, warm palette of sophisticated natural simplicity that was developed to harmonize” with Sosa’s description of his tía as a woman of “passion, love and humility.”

Soft curves and arches permeate throughout the space, complemented by “calming hues.” Handmade plaster light fixture clusters featuring organic spherical shapes radiate light throughout the concept, while natural woven dome fixtures draw attention to the bar area’s

airy.”

The exterior boasts a natural desert landscape, open adobe-style fireplace and native Southwestern pueblo-style architectural latilla structures.

HONORING HUMILITY

an ornate variety of aguas frescas as well.

Tía Carmen’s cocktail program centers around local herbs and spices, as well as Arizona’s own spirits Whiskey Del Bac and a broad program of artisanal agave spirits.

Cocktail highlights include the Prickly Pear Adonis with noble wines,

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plush lounge seating.

“The ceilings are extremely high, but each room feels very intimate,” Sosa says.

“We have all of these chandeliers that come down and you feel enrobed by the space, even though it’s so decadent. I think there is a lot of light coming into the space, so it’s very light, fresh and

A protégé of Jean-George Vongerichten, Sosa is known for his work alongside pedigreed restaurateurs to the likes of Alain Ducasse, Stephen Starr and Masaharu Morimoto.

Sosa has opened multiple restaurants, including the Michelin-recommended Añejo in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, Anejo Tribeca, Mexican cantina Abajo, and Death by Tequila named “Best New Restaurant” by San Diego Magazine.

Accolades aside, Sosa says his tía’s influence has helped to keep him grounded — making his Phoenix concept the ultimate tribute and testament.

“When I was younger, it was always about the result, result and result. I think the journey, the people, the stories, and the relationships and connections have been really powerful for me — and that has enriched the canvas of Tía Carmen,” he says.

“She (Tía Carmen) was humble, beyond kind, generous and very giving.

She was very fiery and spicy, and I guess that’s how you could describe my food to a degree, too,” Sosa continues. “She taught me the essence of humility. The

peak and pinnacle for me is reaching success and being humble with that success.”

Sosa has authored two cookbooks, “Flavor Exposed: 100 Global Recipes from Sweet to Salty, Earth to Spicy” and “Healthy Latin Eating: Our Favorite Family Recipes Remixed.” The latter, a collaboration with TV and radio personality Angie Martinez, stems from Sosa’s Dominican heritage, according to his biography.

Eager to continue his evolution as not only a chef but also as a vessel to radiate love, humility and homage back into Arizona’s local culinary scene, Sosa says he is ecstatic to add Tía Carmen into the mix of Phoenix’s already burgeoning market.

“Everything in life is about time and place,” Sosa says. “Arizona is getting a lot of attention right now — there are a lot of amazing restaurants. I feel more honored to be at this time in this place.”

Tía Carmen is open for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. daily. Dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and closed for Monday.

TÍa Carmen For more information, visit @ TiaCarmen.PHX on Instagram or tiacarmendesertridge.com.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

TIE ONE ON Sake Haus brings a Tokyo feel to Roosevelt Row

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

By Annika Tomlin

W

hen Julian Wright eyed a small dressing room space in the monOrchid, he immediately recalled sushi bars in New York and Tokyo.

Subsequently, the owner and founder of Fork & Dagger Hospitality brought those cities’ vibes to Roosevelt Row with Sake Haus, a sushi bar that features authentic Japanese spirits and locally made sake.

“Our décor is different than any other sushi bar I’ve ever been to anywhere in the country or probably in the world,” Wright says. “It has a street vibe.”

According to chef Joe Cajipe, Sake Haus is “unique from all angles” — the “décor, the aesthetic, drinks and food.” He focuses on “the understated parts of sushi.”

Sake Haus’ menu features traditional and signature nigiri along with maki rolls. The namesake’s list includes Cajipe’s top three: Arizona Sake from Holbrook, Demon Slayer, and Divine Droplets.

His signature dishes are the Miyazaki wagyu signature nigiri with garlic ponzu; the escolar or traditional nigiri; the Bad & Buri roll, yellowtail two ways, jalapeno, okonomiyaki sauce and aguachilé, and the kelp-cured whitefish, a signature nigiri with ginger scallion confit and sea salt.

“When people think of sushi, it’s automatically rolls,” Cajipe says. “I tried to highlight the fish because I’m very interested in the traditional aspect of sushi, which starts with sashimi.

“I try to highlight that, and I want to

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present a sushi-eating experience. I try to steer them toward what I would eat, which is sashimi. I just want to add a little bit to the simplicity of that and try to make it more complex and add a little more character.”

KEY PLAYERS Cajipe was highly recommended by a friend.

“He’s an awesome dude, young, talented, extremely hardworking, polite,” Wright says.

“He’s a dream employee, and he now has ownership in Sake Haus. So far, I feel like it’s been very mutually beneficial, and I look forward to growing with him.”

Sake Haus’ other main support is Dan Carr, operations manager.

“Dan has a lot of sushi and sake experience,” says Wright, who adds Carr will soon teach sake courses. “We have a very experienced sake guide on staff who is super stoked to talk to customers about sake and educate our staff about sake.”

Cajipe started his culinary career more than a decade ago by helping his aunt run a traditional Filipino eatery in Chandler.

He began working with sushi after a restaurant owner took him under his wing.

“I worked at six other sushi restaurants before I finally got my first head chef job at SumoMaya,” Cajipe says.

“I met Julian, and we opened Sake Haus after I did sushi for 10 years.”

Cajipe says he wants to present sashimi

and sushi that cannot be found at “100,000 other places.”

“What I want for Sake Haus, especially, is to create this work environment between me and my chefs to where we each develop individually,” Cajipe says.

“I want us to go to the same direction and have the same vision, but at the same time we each individually have to develop ourselves as culinary experts.

I think we each bring our own kind of personality when it comes to that.”

He is also passionate about fusion dishes.

“I’m Filipino, so I try to implement specific Southeast Asian flavors, some Latin flavors and all that (into my food),” Cajipe says. “It doesn’t have to be super traditional, but also keep tradition in there.”

Wright spotlights Cajipe’s nigiri, which is “fish and rice, like a typical nigiri, but all of them are garnished with different things. They’re absolutely delicious.”

TOKYO STREET-STYLE DÉCOR Wright says most Arizona sushi bars feel Americanized or stale. Wright wanted something different.

“I love urban places because I travel a ton,” says Wright, who’s planning a Tempe location.

“I like when a space feels a little more curated and eclectic. Ours definitely does.”

Japanese lanterns set the mood of the 1,800-square-foot space. Phoenix-based Japanese artist Yuko Yabuki painted the striking mural in Sake Haus.

“I reached out to people in the community to see if anyone knew of a local Japanese artist, and Yuko’s name came up,” Wright says. “We collaborated on the design (for the mural), and then she absolutely crushed it. The design is unique to Sake Haus.”

Sake Haus 214 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix sakehaus.net

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

DINING

CALENDAR

By Annika Tomlin

National Cheese Day

JUNE 4 Founded during the COVID-19 shutdown, Calzone Connection is a ghost restaurant that runs out of Crust Simply Italian. To celebrate National Cheese Day (June 4), Calzone Connection will give customers $10 off any order of $30 or more through June 11. Keep it simple with a pizza calzone or mix it up with a lobster ravioli stuffed calzone.

Calzone Connection, calzoneconnection.com

Pizza Date Night

JUNE 8 Every second Wednesday, the Queen Creek Olive Mill has a table for two waiting at its Pizza Date Night.

Patrons will nosh on a three-course meal: seasonal salad, handmade pizza and a seasonal dessert.

Guests will learn pizza-making techniques, from the dough onward.

Queen Creek Olive Mill, 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek, 480.888.9290, queencreekolivemill.com, $75

Surf and Turf Spectacular

Father’s Day at Roaring Fork

JUNE 19 Available in the saloon and patio only, guests can choose from discounted menu items like chicken tinga tacos ($8.50), signature queso con puerco ($9), green chili pork stew ($9), smoked chicken wings ($11), pork wings ($14), hot chicken sandwich ($12.50) and RF nachos ($14). Meals can be paired with Roaring Fork’s signature sips, including huckleberry frozen margarita, raging ‘rita, spicy jalapeno margarita and adult Arnold Palmer (all $7).

Roaring Fork, 4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 1700, Scottsdale, 4 p.m., 480.947.0795, roaringfork.com, $8.50-$14

Dads Eat Free at Crust

Dapper & Stout BOGO Father’s Day

Marcellino Dinner and Movie

Steak Out at Angry Crab Shack JUNE 19 The Angry Crab Shack’s Steak Out hits land and sea for Father’s Day. The limited menu includes

JUNE 24 Since 2009, the Pancake & Booze Art Show has showcased more than 75 local artists’ works. Batter sizzles, beer foams and canvas

an 8-ounce filet with a Maine lobster tail; steak sandwich, fresh grilled steak served on a pretzel bun with horseradish mayo, bleu cheese and caramelized onions; steak bowl with steak strips and vegetables served over rice or noodles; and a steak salad based on house or Caesar options.

Angry Crab Shack locations throughout the Valley, angrycrabshack.com, $19-$38

JUNE 18 AND JUNE 19 Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill will celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a two-course surf and turf meal. Dads who celebrate at the restaurant will receive a special Ling & Louie’s Dad’s Club membership card that entitles them to a free appetizer with the purchase of any entrée through July.

Ling & Louie’s Asian Bar and Grill, 9397 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.767.5464, lingandlouies.com, $22

JUNE 19 Dapper & Stout honors dads by offering a free coffee drink with a purchase of another.

Dapper & Stout, 6409 W. Glendale Avenue, Suite H, Glendale, check website for other locations, dapperandstout.com

The Phoenix Pancakes & Booze Art Show

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Salt River Tubing & Recreation, Inc. cannot guarantee that you will not be exposed to the Corona virus during your visit. The CDC advises that some people are more likely than others to become severely ill, and some people are at a higher risk of exposure to Covid-19. Guests should evaluate their own risk in determiningwhethertoattend.Peoplewhoshownosymptomscanspread Covid-19iftheyareinfected,andanyinteractionwiththegeneralpublicposes an elevatedriskofbeingexposedtoCovid-19. ByvisitingSaltRiverTubing & Recreation,Inc,youacknowledgeandagreethatyouassumetheseinherentrisks associatedwithattendance.

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JUNE 19 In honor of Father’s Day, Crust Simply Italian will serve free meals to dads. In addition, at the Chandler location, dads can step downstairs to The Ostrich and grab an $8 old-fashioned.

Crust Simply Italian, 10 N. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480.568.5704; 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite F101, Scottsdale, 480.386.1713, crustrestaurants.com

TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS STARTING JUNE 21 Dinner and Movie nights return to Marcellino Ristorante on June 21 and run Tuesdays and Wednesdays through September 7. Patrons gather in a private dining room for a three-course meal from the summer or regular menu. They’ll watch films like “Only You,” “When in Rome” and “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”

Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 5:30 p.m., 480.990.9500, marcellinoristorante.com

lines the walls from ceiling to floor as hundreds of revelers indulge in endless pancakes.

This is an 18 and older event.

The Duce, 525 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, pancakesandbooze. com, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., $10 in advance, $15 at the door

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22

BREWS & SPIRITS

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

DRINK GREEN?

Wines that are sustainable and sensational

By Alison Bailin Batz

M

any wines have stickers on them lauding that they have been biodynamically farmed or are certified sustainable. But what does that mean?

To hundreds of wineries across the West Coast, it means treating the land with respect and protecting our precious natural resources, be it water, soil or animal life nearby. Here are more than a dozen wines you can pick up right now whose vineyards go the extra mile to ensure the highest levels of love and respect for the air, land and water that contribute to the beauty in every bottle.

VINA ROBLES THE ARBORIST 2019 Certainly, the flavors here work — think plum and chocolate with ever-so-slight notes of tobacco at the end. Beyond the tasting notes, you will be tempted to buy a bottle or two of this varietal, as it is made in partnership with One Tree Planted. A portion of proceeds from every single bottle help the organization plant trees.

To date, The Arborist has resulted in almost 22,000 new trees in the United States. $18

ULTRAVIOLET WINES SPARKLING ROSÉ A refreshing and floral bottle of bubbles with notes of strawberry, raspberry and grapefruit zest, Ultraviolet Wines are made without any additives other than sulfur and use natural corks that are recyclable and biodegradable. $24.99

ADELAIDA ROSÉ Perfectly pink with a hint of strawberry punch, this intoxicating blend of mourvedre, ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

grenache, cinsaut and counoise comes from one of Paso Robles’ sustainability pioneers. In fact, only 10% of Adelaida’s 1,900 acres are planted to vineyards; more than 1,000 acres remain undeveloped and unfenced, for ecological and wild animal habitat. $30

2021 VIN DE PORCHE ROSÉ Perfectly named, this balanced spring stunner with just the right amount of acidity is made to be enjoyed outside on the porch or, in the case of Arizona, perhaps in the pool. This family-owned winery is known for its organic farming and diligent water conversation. It was actually the second California winery to achieve the honorable Napa Green certification all the way back in 2008 as well. $30

J. LOHR 2019 HILLTOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON Blackberry is the star of the show here, but with supporting aromas and flavors courtesy of red and black currants. J. Lohr is notable in that it operates the largest solar tracking array in the North American wine industry.

The brand was awarded the 2020 Green Medal Leader Award and has achieved “Certified Sustainable” status for its vineyards each year since the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance first began certification in 2010. $35

EHLERS ESTATE2021 SYLVIANE ROSÉ Candied fruit and smoothing vanilla dominate the flavor notes here. It is great chilled on its own as well as combined with fruit and brandy for a lovely summer sangria. Every single bottle made at the vineyard, which is known for its composting and integration of livestock, is 100% organic and

biodynamic by design. $38

SEBASTIANI VINEYARDS ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 This 81% cabernet sauvignon that has bits of syrah, petit verdot, merlot and petite sirah is rich and elegant with notes of cherry, strawberry preserves and even a touch of leather. The vineyard focuses on soil management, uses natural fertilizers, composts at will, and proactively works directly with the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance to ensure all aspects of their business take the environment into account. $45

2019 POST & BEAM CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY A joy on the nose and the palate, thanks to ample notes of raspberry and spice with just a hint of herbs, this vineyard is Napa Green Certified.

Through this certification, all Post & Beam vineyards provide a pathway for growers to improve soil health; become carbon neutral to negative; and increase the resilience of vineyards, businesses and the community near and far. $50

QUINTESSA 2020 ILLUMINATION SAUVIGNON BLANC Illuminating, indeed. This bright bottle, which legitimately looks like it glows, bursts with grapefruit, Meyer lemon and white peach into every sip.

The vineyard began focusing on putting green in its farming routine all the way back in 1996 and today has its official Biodynamic farming certification from Demeter USA. $50

2019 MY FAVORITE NEIGHBOR This wine is the brainchild of Booker Wines founder Eric Jensen and is actually made from vineyards nearby, aka “his neighbors.” Each sips takes you on a journey, first offering cherry and currant and then surprising the palate with herbs and touch of minerality. The only rules — other than being from Jensen’s favorite neighbor’s vineyards — is any fruit that goes into the bottle must be grown with organic practices and absolutely no chemicals and then made at Booker’s solar-powered winery. $50

DOMAINE ANDERSON 2017 DACH PINOT NOIR Like any perfect pinot, this varietal boasts a strong aroma and flavor of cherry throughout. Yet it also has a depth of flavors and textures, notably plus and woodiness, that set it apart.

The vineyard where this pinot is farmed is both organic and biodynamic, complete with beehives, grazing sheep and chickens being responsibly raised on property. $65 FROG’S LEAP ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON If you are a fan of oak and earthiness, then this will be one of your favorite wines of all time. A dry farming pioneer — they began doing it in the 1980s — Frog’s Leap is also known as earning the first LEED Silver certification on its Napa winery building as well. $65

2020 FAR NIENTE ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY A timeless and award-winning chardonnay dozens of times over, most folks know Far Niente’s estate offering with its silky palate and delightful notes of vanilla and baking spices well.

They may not know, however, that the vineyard boasts the world’s first floating, grid-connected solar installation. The result? Far Niente is a net-zero user of electricity that annually produces more energy than it consumes. $73

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

BREWS & SPIRITS

CALENDAR

By Annika Tomlin

salad or Grayhawk refresher with spicy pork lettuce wraps. Secondcourse options include Emperor’s Manhattan paired with Buddha’s belly beef; reposado old-fashioned and The Mandarin; or Mexican shogun with the monsoon shrimp.

Ling’s Wok Shop, 20511 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale, lingswok.shop, $44 per person

Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.970.1007, diegopops.com

Cork Crafting Happy Hour

JUNE 21 On the third Tuesday of the summer months, craft and wine lovers are invited to Cork Crafting Happy Hour. Led by LDV’s “crafty Susan,”

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events include corks, glue guns and other materials. Instructions, materials and a glass of wine are available with purchase.

LDV Winery Tasting Room, 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Suite B110, Scottsdale, 480.664.4822, ldvwinery.com, $45 plus tax and gratuity

NEXT UP AT

CHASE FIELD

Scottsdale Margarita Fest

Sip ’N Snip Flower Class

JUNE 9 Guests can sip their favorite LDV wines and use their creativity with the Sip ’N Snip Flower Class.

Award-winning floral artist Karin Crawford demonstrates the art of arranging blooms. The course includes a complimentary glass of wine, grazing board by Benedict’s Catering, tutorial, and supplies and materials to create a takehome flower arrangement.

LDV Winery Tasting Room, 7134 E. Stetson Drive, Suite B110, Scottsdale, 480.664.4822, ldvwinery.com, $130 plus tax and gratuity

JUNE 11 Wasted Grain celebrates margaritas around with a variety of options based on tequila, triple sec and lime. Grab friends, family or anyone 21 and older to check them out.

Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, eventbrite.com, $25-$35

Pride Bar Crawl

JUNE 18 Celebrate Pride Month with hundreds of others dressed in headto-toe rainbow attire. Tickets to fifth annual Pride Bar Crawl include two drinks or shots (of venue’s choice), a stadium cup (first 400 check-ins), drink specials, food, and waived cover at all venues.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project.

Boondocks Patio & Grill, 4341 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, eventbrite.com, $10-$15

HAWAIIAN SHIRT FATHERS DAY, JUNE 19 15,000 DADS // COURTESY OF

Juneteenth Winefest

Travel Kick-off Tea Party

JUNE 10 Bring the best travel stories, bucket lists and vacation plans for the return of the Travel Kick-Off Tea Party. Clink teacups in celebration of these experiences and meet kindred souls. Manifesting Serenity will unveil its fully sustainable, bookable experiences.

Drink Me! Tea Room, 1730 E. Warner Road, Suite 5, Tempe, drinkmetearoom.com, $36.50

Father’s Day Cocktail Tasting Menu

JUNE 10 TO JUNE 19 Ling’s Wok Shop will offer a twocourse cocktail tasting menu from Friday, June 10, through Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19. The first-course choices include Toki Highball with Vietnamese noodle

JUNE 19 The city of Surprise has partnered with The LA Experience to host Juneteenth Winefest. Activities and music are set up with a picnictype feel. Several small-business owners, including minority business owners and food trucks, will represent the culture and environment for Juneteenth.

Mark Coronado Park, 15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, eventbrite.com, $65-$85

4th of july tee MAY 26-29

MAY 30 SUNDAY AT 1:10 PM

Diego Pops Father’s Day

JUNE 19 Old Town’s Diego Pops invites pops to its restaurant for penny beers with a purchase of an entrée. Stick around for the 3 to 6 p.m. happy hour with half-priced appetizers and drink specials, including $6 wine or sangria and $6 Diego margaritas with 1800 blanco tequila, triple sec, and a house-made sweet and sour.

Diego Pops, 4338 N.

JULY 4 // 3:10 PM 10,000 FANS

DBACKS.COM LOSDBACKS.COM 602.462.4600 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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CASINOS

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

The Pat Benatar Experience

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, JUNE 3, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Release After Dark: Morgan Page

5 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 4 The Pool Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $30, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, releasevip.com

Steven Wright

8 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 4 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, sold out, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

J. Lo Trivia

7 P.M. TUESDAY, JUNE 7 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, free admission, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Thunder From Down Under: Girls’ Night Outback

8 P.M. FRIDAY, JUNE 10, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 11, AND 5 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 11 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, $25, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Little Joe Y La Familia w/Ruben Ramos

8 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 11 WKP Sports & Entertainment, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, tickets start at $32.50, 480.789.4957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Steven Wright

4NR

Wanted: The Music of Bon Jovi

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, JUNE 17, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 18 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Release After Dark: Disclosure

Release After Dark: Cheat Codes w/Pickle

8 P.M. TO 2 A.M. FRIDAY, JUNE 24 Talking Stick Resort Showroom, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $25, 480.850.7777, talkstickresort.com

Cheat Codes

The Insider’s Guide to Arizona Entertainment

Breathe Carolina w/DJ Natalia Moon: Summer Oasis Pool Party Series 2 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $40, 1.800.WIN.GILA, playatgila.com

5 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 18 The Pool Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $40, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, releasevip.com

Raven’s Birthday: Decade Dance Party

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, JUNE 24, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

5 P.M. SATURDAY, JUNE 25 The Pool Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $30, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, releasevip.com PHX METRO » JANUARY 2020

PHX METRO

2019 » AUGUST PHX METRO

PHX METR

2019 O » MAY

» FEBRUA RY 2020

PHX METR

Harlem rs Globetrotte bounce into town

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ugh goe Derek Ho tour solo on new

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Summer . Ç

Handcrafted e for meats mak treats delectable

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‘Americano!’ is the show of the year

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Supermodel Erin Naas can't live without her Arabians

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slides into Chase Field

Dave Kindig is selling his ‘bitchin’ rides’ at Barrett-Jackson JULIANA HATFIELD

‘BONAFIDE

Star ’

Jammin’ Lee runs for Perreira charity SPRING TRAIN NOTHIN ING G BUT SCHEDULES GOOD NEW S The Black Moods crack the char ts

LA DOL CE

VITA The Italia n comes to Festival Phoenix

O » MARC H

2020

26

SPORTS

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

HOMETOWN HERO

Rojas’ MLB dreams started in the WV

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

A

rizona Diamondbacks infielder Josh Rojas doesn’t like to be left out.

He missed opening day with a grade-two strain of his right oblique muscle but spent his downtime still focused on the game.

“It was very tough for me,” the Millennium High School graduate says from the team’s dugout during a May pregame practice.

“The worst part was definitely at the end of camp (Spring Training). I was getting excited to start the season and start the real grind with my teammates and build a bond with those guys.”

Watching his fellow Diamondbacks start the season without him was tough.

Rojas watched the home games but could not hit the road with the team.

He was forced to keep track of them on

television.

“You know, just to keep up with how everybody’s doing,” says Rojas, who returned to the field on May 6. Fourteen days later he hit three home runs in one game against the Chicago Cubs.

HOMETOWN HERO Raised in Litchfield Park and still residing in the West Valley, Rojas manifested his baseball dreams from Little League through University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

“When you’re so young, you have those aspirations of being a big leaguer,” he says, looking around Chase Field.

“Everybody just pushes it down your throat that the odds are against you.

“I mean, the odds are against you. The guys who can stick to the grind succeed when it really counts. I was never a top prospect through middle school, high school or even in college.”

Rojas took the advice of mentors and coaches and devised a backup plan: studying sociology with plans to be a collegiate baseball coach.

“I took the classes that would allow me to focus most of my time on baseball,” Rojas says.

He quickly adds he doesn’t discredit anyone who suggests backup plans.

“I came up with a bunch of guys who were better than me on multiple levels and they just didn’t quite make it, whether their talent peaked or they got themselves into tough situations off the field,” he says.

Dashes of hard work, dedication, and a nose to the ballfield worked out well for Rojas. The Houston Astros drafted him in 2017 in round 26, 781 overall.

Rojas — along with Corbin Martin, J.B. Bukauskas and Seth Beer — pulled into Chase Field on July 31, 2019, in a trade with the Houston Astros for pitcher Zack Greinke.

Rojas is the second Arizona-born player to make his MLB debut for the D-backs. The other is Charles Brewer.

Rojas is the 10th native to play for the D-backs.

In Rojas’ first season with the D-backs, he hit .217 with seven doubles, two home runs and 16 runs batted in.

“I never gave up on my first plan of making it to the big leagues,” he says.

“You can have a backup plan but work toward your real goal. When you’ve exhausted all your options, then you can go to your backup plan.

“I had teammates in college who felt like, ‘OK, my potential is maxed out. I don’t see myself going to the next level,’

and then they shut it down and move on to ‘real’ goals.”

THE PERENNIAL UNDERDOG Rojas is a self-proclaimed underdog.

He battled his way up to the big leagues while his friends hit corporate America, bought houses and started their lives.

“Meanwhile, I’m in the minor leagues making $10,000 a year,” he adds. “It’s very hard, mentally, to think, ‘There’s an end goal here, right?’ It’s very easy to say in two years I want to start being an adult. I want to make real money. It’s tough.”

It all paid off the day he stepped foot onto the grass at 401 E. Jefferson Street.

“When I was traded here, I was excited for sure,” he says.

“I was scared to get traded at first.

I was very bummed and not really knowing what to expect, having to meet a whole new set of people, remembering everybody’s names, that whole thing.

“It’s like being the new kid in school.”

The upside was Rojas was traded to his hometown team, allowing him to play in front of his parents, his grandparents, his aunts, uncles, cousins — “everybody who has been supporting me along the way.”

“It’s a 20-minute drive from the house to come watch me play,” he says. “It’s been awesome.”

27

FROM ORDES TO THE VALLEY THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

Santi Moar is at the forefront of Phoenix Rising’s ascent

By Zakkary Brog

P

hoenix Rising’s popularity is growing with each season, and forward Santi Moar is leading the charge.

In 2021, he scored the most goals for the Rising at 16 — six more than the next closest of his teammates, Solomon Asante.

He led the team in appearances with 33, and he created the second-most scoring chances on the team with 64.

Moar topped the league in goals with 71 and in shots with 643.

Moar traces his success and passion back to his childhood.

“It was always a type of dream,” Moar says.

“When I would get that question about what I wanted to be when I grew up, when I was 6 or 7 years old, the answer was always to be a soccer player.

Obviously, I had different plans if that didn’t work out. But being a professional soccer player was always the dream.

Being able to fulfill that dream is basically all I could ask for. It makes me happy to go out there and train, play and compete. Being able to do what I love is the best.”

Moar’s professional career began in 2012 at SD Órdenes, a Spanish club based his birth city of Ordes.

Later that year, he moved to SD Sporting Sada, where he stayed until 2014. After that tenure, Moar attended

Pfeiffer University from 2014 to 2016, alongside a season with the Charlotte Eagles of the Premier Development League in 2016.

After being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, he began his USL journey with its affiliate, the Bethlehem Steel, for two seasons.

In 2019, Moar signed with New Mexico United in its inaugural season.

It proved to be Moar’s breakout year, earning a spot on the USL’s Second Team All-League squad. After the season, he signed with Phoenix Rising.

Phoenix Rising’s style drew him to the club.

“It’s a very attractive style of soccer that we play in Phoenix,” Moar says.

“Before me with players like Junior Flemmings, Didier Drogba and Solomon Asante, you could see that the offense and the attacking style for this team suits the attacking players very much. Right now, it’s my turn. I’m enjoying this, because it gives us the opportunity and puts us in situations where we can score a lot of goals and produce that exciting product that fans love.”

The fans aren’t so bad either. He loves their enthusiasm at Phoenix Rising Stadium at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler.

“It’s great when the team is winning and they can celebrate, but I think they are more important when the team is doing bad and struggling a little bit,”

Moar says.

“They keep supporting, cheering and pushing us. Throughout a season with 34 games, we’ll have both of those moments. We’ll have wins. We’ll have celebrations. We’ll have losses and tough moments. But, when you have them all the time cheering and supporting, they will be the ones winning some games.

They’re relentless with their support, and they are also part of the success of the team. It’s great to have them there. That pressure, because they really want to win so bad, that also gives us a little bit of extra pressure. It’s more responsibility for us, because we need to also win for them.”

The stadium, which opened for play in 2021, has impressed him as well.

“I love playing here,” Moar adds. “The grass is amazing, and the stadium is truly, you know, cozy. Sometimes, we go to other pitches and it’s too big, there’s no crowd, or the people are not engaged with the team.

“Here, it’s cozy. They make us feel warm. It’s a good feeling. … Now, with a new stadium, new facilities, two amazing training pitches and the game field, which is unbelievable, I don’t think we could ask for anything else from the players’ viewpoint.”

Put it this way: Phoenix Rising is the

whole package to Moar.

“It’s really important that the team keeps growing,” Moar says.

“Obviously, when you create a new franchise, there’s hype around the new team.

“But now that the team has been in the Valley for six years, the people are engaging more and being more involved with the team. They keep coming.

That means that the product, and what they see, is really interesting. So, for us, seeing that they keep coming, people keep learning about the team, and fans keep growing, it’s really interesting. …

Eventually, if the team can step up a league, it will be amazing for the city and the soccer in this state.”

As a player who has spent time in more than one country, Moar has high praise for the city of Phoenix.

“It’s a very active and lively city,” Moar says. “It keeps us entertained, happy, comfortable, and I think it’s one of the best places that you can be in the United States. Being able to play in front of a really good crowd week in and week out makes our lives a little more exciting.”

Phoenix Rising phoenixrisingfc.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

PREPPING FOR THE BIG LEAGUE

D-backs and Super Star Car Wash partner for youth camps

By Zakkary Brog

T

he Arizona Diamondbacks are in the business of creating lifelong memories.

The snakes will continue by teaming with Super Star Car Wash to host youth baseball camps at Chase Field this summer.

Kids between the ages of 7 and 12 are eligible to participate, and registration is open. The half-day camps — which will focus on hitting, throwing and catching — are Saturday, June 18, Sunday, July 23, and Saturday, September 17.

D-backs will make special appearances. So far, fan favorite the Freight Train, David Peralta, will attend the June 18 camp.

“The players enjoy this,” Diamondbacks President and Chief Executive Officer Derrick Hall says.

“Especially someone like David, who interacts really well with kids. He went to Wickenburg for a Little League game, was a manager for both teams, and threw out the first pitch.

“He goes to schools, visits kids and goes to hospitals. So, this is right up his alley. He’s already mentioned to us how excited he is. I’m sure that the rest of our players would be equally as excited and want to be a part of it as well.”

Hall is excited to partner with Super Star Car Wash for the camps.

“With all of our partners, we want to make sure that they align with us when it comes to the same philosophies of how we treat our customers, our fans, or how we treat our employees and how we care about the community,” Hall says.

“When we talked to Super Star, it was

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

very clear they agree with us. They want to make a difference in the community.”

Hall is proud to give Valley children an experience that they’ll never forget.

“We’re in the business of creating lifelong memories,” Hall says. “That’s what this is. Most children will never have a chance to play on a major league field. To have a major league team in your state, and to be able to play on that field, is unique.”

Campers will receive customized gifts, an autograph and group photo from a celebrity coach, and tickets to the evening Diamondbacks game on the same day as the camp.

The partnership is Super Star Car Wash’s first with a major professional sports organization. Executive Vice President Jonathan Kierman is a lifelong baseball fan.

“I was here when the team came to Arizona,” he says. “I remember the excitement here about having a major league baseball team in the city. I was also here when the Diamondbacks won the World Series. What an exciting thing that happened to transform the city.

When you think about just the major league sports teams that are here, it’s been our only championship.

“So, to be partnered with the Diamondbacks is fantastic from our perspective. The way that they have the organization and the leadership, Derrick Hall, and what he’s done with that club, it really made a lot of sense for us. We really believe, you know, in the values that they have, which really aligned with Super Star Car Wash. I think it was a no-brainer. It really was when we were looking at making the decision to partner with Diamondbacks.”

Like Hall, Kierman is also a strong proponent of baseball’s ability to create memories. Kierman, a native New

Yorker, grew up a Yankees fan. He attended the 2000 World Series between the Yankees and Mets.

Kierman recalls the look on his father’s face when the final out was recorded and the Yankees clinched the championship.

It’s a special memory for Kierman, and he hopes campers have similar feelings.

“It’s those stories that really shape who you are,” Kierman says.

“To be able to give that opportunity to today’s youth, they’ll never forget that.

It’s really interesting, because I was at the first event. I love to go and attend these things to watch the looks on these kids’ faces when they have a chance to not just be given a glove, a shirt and a hat, but to actually stand out on the diamond and get taught the fundamentals of the game by professional baseball players.

“That night, we were at the game itself and the group was recognized. We were talking about it with some of the parents and they’re like, ‘These kids will never forget this their entire lives.’ … They’ll be 30 to 40 years later telling their kids, ‘I had a chance to meet David Peralta, and he taught me how to throw a ball.’”

‘I WAS BORN TO DO IT’ THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

29

Drew McIntyre’s wrestling journey slams into Phoenix

By Zakkary Brog

D

rew McIntyre sat down during a family meeting when he was 6 and announced he was going to be the next WWE

Superstar.

“They shrugged it off,” says McIntyre, born Andrew McLean Galloway IV. “I stuck to the plan and never deviated from the plan. I just knew I was born to do it, even from a young age.”

Since his 2003 debut, he has become one of the WWE’s biggest stars. He’s vanquished foes with his signature strike, the “Claymore Kick”; won multiple titles; and become a fan favorite.

He’ll come to town for “WWE Friday Night SmackDown” on Friday, July 1, at the Footprint Center.

McIntyre was lauded early on by WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vince McMahon, who called the Scot a “future world heavyweight champion.”

However, he never reached those heights. In 2014, he was released from WWE. It wasn’t what McIntyre wanted, but it was what he needed.

“I needed that time away, 100%, to define myself not just as a performer but as a man and grow up,” McIntyre says.

“I came straight from school, straight to WWE. I was living with my parents at school telling me what to do. I’d never had a chance to really mature and grow up. I was still very much in the student mindset and very immature in a lot of ways. I had to step outside the bubble to really get perspective.”

He addressed his personal issues with the help of his wife, Kaitlyn Frohnapfel, while performing with other companies.

McIntyre’s look evolved, and his microphone prowess and ring skills improved.

He returned to the WWE in 2017 as part of NXT. McIntyre finally reached the upper echelon of WWE talent by defeating Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 36 — at an empty WWE Performance Center in Orlando. Usually, the event is held in a stadium.

“It felt incredible,’’ McIntyre says. “It wasn’t obviously how I had imagined when I was a kid. I had always imagined main-eventing WrestleMania, winning the WWE Championship, and tens of thousands of people screaming,” he says.

“We were living in the pandemic, and there was literally nobody there. But at the same time, I was so proud to become champion, finally fulfill the prophecy of the ‘chosen one’ and be the one to step

up during such unknown times for the company, and for the world, to be that leader.”

LARGER THAN LIFE McIntyre has become one of the “larger-than-life characters” he admired at age 6. Armed with a master’s degree in criminology from Glasgow Caledonian University, he still never lost sight of his real dream.

“I literally gave all my free time to the dream,” McIntyre says.

“Even just to learn to wrestle was a 24-hour round trip I used to take when I was 15 years old. In my school holidays, I got three days off for Easter, I was away

learning to wrestle. If I got the summer holiday off, I was away learning how to wrestle. As often as I could afford it, and as often as my mom would give me the money.

“As a part-time job, I was always a wrestler from age 16 all the way until I was signed by WWE at age 21, all while I was pursuing my education at the same time. It was very busy and very challenging, but I wanted it that bad.

That’s what I tell everybody. If you put the work in, you’ll get the results.”

Now a WWE top star, McIntyre is excited to be at the forefront of its upcoming first major U.K. show since 2003 and the country’s first stadium

event since 1992. “Clash at the Castle” is Saturday, September 3, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

“I’ve been shouting about it for years,” McIntyre says. “The U.K. deserves this show. There’s no reason why we can’t do it. In the beginning I was told, ‘logistics and time difference.’ Eventually with the WWE Network, which evolved into Peacock now, we have super shows across the world, especially the big Australia show. I remember going to management after that show, going, ‘You’re trying to tell me about the time difference?

Compared to the U.K., it’s like another day over here.’ People started listening, and eventually it happened.”

Leading up to “Clash at the Castle” is the Footprint Center show. McIntyre is looking forward to returning to the Valley. His first WrestleMania was in 2010 in Glendale.

“I love Phoenix in general,” McIntyre says. “The weather is great, the people are great, the fans are great. In Phoenix, I always get my In-N-Out Burger which is always exciting. … Phoenix has always been great to me.”

He also encourages those in the city to come to the show and see what WWE has to offer.

“For those that don’t know, this is the show to check out,” McIntyre says. “There’s something for literally everybody in WWE. It’s such a spectacle. Our motto is to put smiles on faces. It’s not just a catchy slogan. Let’s put a smile on your face no matter who you are or what age group you are. We’re a PG-rated show. There’s something for the youngest kid to the oldest adult or young at heart. As I like to say, there’s something to captivate everybody. It’s not just for guys: 40% of our audience is female. Our females are represented so well on the show because they’re literally some of the best on our roster.

“If you get yourself along to a WWE show, something is going to catch your attention: the superstars, the spectacle, the pyro, the storytelling, as over the top as it can be at times. It’s so much fun.

You just have to see it live to get sold.

So, get yourself along, because Drew McIntyre guarantees you’re going to love it.”

“WWE Friday Night SmackDown” WHEN: 4:45 p.m. Friday, July 1 WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $20 INFO: 602.379.2000, footprintcenter.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

SPORTS

CALENDAR

By Zakkary Brog

MexTour Somos Locales: Mexico vs. Uruguay

JUNE 2 The Mexican men’s national soccer team will make a Glendale stop on the road to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. As part of the MexTour, the team will face Uruguay, who also qualified for the World Cup. Mexico leads the all-time series between the two nations with eight wins, seven draws and six losses.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 6 p.m., tickets start at $40, statefarmstadium.com

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Connecticut Sun

JUNE 3 The Mercury welcomes the Connecticut Sun to the Valley for WNBA action. The 2021 WNBA Most Valuable Player, Jonquel Jones, and 2021 WNBA Most Improved Player, Brionna Jones, will likely start for the Sun. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $20, mercury.wnba.com

Phoenix Rising FC vs.

Birmingham Legion FC

JUNE 4 Birmingham Legion FC travels to Phoenix to play the Rising.

To show that all are welcome at Phoenix Rising Stadium, the club will also celebrate Pride Night.

Phoenix Rising Stadium, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $22, phxrisingfc.com

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Los Angeles Sparks

JUNE 5 Phoenix will look to beat LA when the Sparks come down to write the next chapter in their rivalry.

The Sparks are led by four-time WNBA All-Star Liz Cambage, who signed with the club in February.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 3 p.m., tickets start at $20, mercury.wnba.com

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Atlanta Dream

JUNE 10 The Atlanta Dream come to town to face the Mercury. The new-look Dream are led by Rhyne Howard, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2022 WNBA draft. Howard was voted as a unanimous first-team AllAmerican selection in 2021 for her play at the University of Kentucky.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $20, mercury.wnba.com

Phoenix Rising FC vs.

El Paso Locomotive FC

JUNE 11 The Rising take on El Paso Locomotive FC in a USL Western Conference showdown. It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since Phoenix defeated El Paso, on penalties, in the 2020 USL Western Conference Finals.

Phoenix Rising Stadium, 19593 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $22, phxrisingfc.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

Cincinnati Reds

JUNE 13 TO JUNE 15 The Diamondbacks welcome the

Cincinnati Reds to town. Likely to appear for the Reds are 2021 National League Rookie of the Year infielder Jonathan India, third baseman Colin Moran and outfielder Tommy Pham.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m.

June 13, 6:40 p.m. June 14, 12:40 p.m. June 15, tickets start at $15, dbacks.com

selected first overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, is likely to play. The June 25 game will also serve as Pride Night. The first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Diamondbacks-branded pride shirt.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m.

June 24, 7:10 p.m. June 25, 1:10 p.m. June 26, tickets start at $19, dbacks.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

Minnesota Twins

Arizona Rattlers vs.

Tucson Sugar Skulls

JUNE 17 TO JUNE 19 The Diamondbacks host an interleague series against the Minnesota Twins. Juneteenth will be celebrated on June 18, and fathers will be honored June 19. The first 15,000 dads to arrive at the June 19 game will receive a Diamondbacksstyle Hawaiian shirt. Likely to appear for the Twins are center fielder Byron Buxton, shortstop Carlos Correa and third baseman Gio Urshela.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m. June 17, 7:10 p.m. June 18, 1:10 p.m. June 19, tickets start at $19, dbacks.com

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Minnesota Lynx

JUNE 21 The Lynx travel to Phoenix to play the Mercury. The last time the two teams met, in July 2021, Minnesota defeated Phoenix by a score of 99-68. The Lynx is led by 2017 WNBA Most Valuable Player Sylvia Fowles and three-time WNBA All-Star Kayla McBride.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $20, mercury.wnba.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

Detroit Tigers

JUNE 24 TO JUNE 26 The Diamondbacks host a series against the Detroit Tigers. Arizona State University alum Spencer Torkelson, who the Tigers ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

JUNE 25 The Rattlers face off against their rivals to the south, the Tucson Sugar Skulls. In the first meeting between the two teams this season, the Sugar Skulls claimed victory by a score of 74-63.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:05 p.m., tickets start at $11, azrattlers.com

Phoenix Mercury vs.

Indiana Fever

JUNE 27 AND JUNE 29 The Indiana Fever come to Phoenix for a heated matchup with the Mercury. The Fever feature two players who were selected out of the same school, Baylor, in the 2022 WNBA Draft. Forward NaLyssa Smith was chosen second overall, and Queen Egbo was chosen 10th.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $20, mercury.wnba.com

Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

San Diego Padres

JUNE 28 TO JUNE 29 Arizona and San Diego faceoff in an NL West divisional matchup.

Likely to appear for the Padres are third baseman Manny Machado, catcher Jorge Alfaro, and shortstop Ha-seong Kim. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 6:40 p.m. June 28, 12:40 p.m. June 19, tickets start at $15, dbacks.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

MUSIC

31

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

By Connor Dziawura

JUNE 1

The Chords UK

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

Steve Darko

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $21.75

Sugar Thieves

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Hayden James

Wingtip

It Was Fifty Years Ago Today: A Tribute to the Beatles starring Todd Rundgren, Christopher Cross, Badfinger featuring Joey Molland, Denny Laine and Jason Scheff

JUNE 4

Suicide Silence and Carnifex

iamnotshane

Thousand Below

Police State and Rosemonte

Whitney Rose

Sandra Bassett

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$27

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $40-$100 The Nile Theater, 4 p.m., $27.50

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

JUNE 2 Artemis

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

Flor de Toloache

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$45

Hovvdy

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

Symphony X

The Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $27-$30

Thana Alexa

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

Andy Grammer

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 8 p.m., $40-$60

Dack Janiels

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $20.75-$2,000 Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17 The Rebel Lounge, 6:30 p.m., $12-$15 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Schemaposse

The Underground, 7 p.m., $10

slenderbodies

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

Soul Junkies

The Accident Theory

Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

Always Say Goodbye Sextet The Nash, 7 p.m., free

Comptalo & the Humanaughts Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

The Lucky Devils

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Teenage Wrist

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $15-$18

JUNE 7

Belle & Sebastian and Thee Sacred Souls

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $40-$43

Born Ruffians

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $17-$20

Chicago and Brian Wilson w/Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $35.50-$380.50

Lunar Vacation

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

Midlake

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $19-$30

Suffocation and Atheist

The Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $25-$30

Tejon Street Corner Thieves

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$15

Amos Lee

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $35-$99.50

Arijit Singh

Gila River Arena, 6 p.m., $69-$249

Billy G & the Kids

The Rhythm Room, 5 p.m., tickets available at the door

David Bromberg

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$54.50

Ra

Francine Reed

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$40 The Nash, 3 p.m., $14.80-$45

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$40 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Thank You Scientist

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$25

JUNE 10 Barely Alive

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $25-$2,000

GrooveSession

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $12-$15

House Party R&B w/Geo Bowman The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Sonrisa

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

The Sweet Remains

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

Thelma & the Sleaze

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Umi

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $23-$89

Worakls

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $22.75

JUNE 11

The Bayou Bandits w/Mississippi Nova and Crashing Revelry

JUNE 8

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $10

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

The Underground, 7 p.m., $10-$13

Emily Wells

Failure

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

David Bromberg

Summer Break(down) w/Perfect Sense, An Awful Mess, the Jena System and the Spacers

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $35-$38

Lil Tracy

The Nile Theater, 8 p.m., $22

JUNE 6

Avi Kaplan

JUNE 5

Mesa Amphitheatre, 7:30 p.m., $59-$200

Philip Sayce

Maya Dayclub, noon, $45

Spoon and Geese

Tomberlin

2 Chainz

Yellow Claw

Ambar Lucid

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $7

JUNE 3

Kishi Bashi

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $39.50-$40

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $16.80-$50 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Siddhartha

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$75 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Infected Rain

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

Miller & the Other Sinners Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Starset

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $28-$48

JUNE 9

Alyssa Edwards

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $50-$75

Dead Spawn and Swarm of Serpents JiGGle

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8.80-$30

Joe Jackson

Celebrity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45-$75

The Littlest Man Band Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15

Party Favor

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $23-$40

Puscifer

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50

SkiiTour

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $20

Strangelove – The Depeche Mode Experience

Backstreet Boys

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27-$57

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $39-$787

ULTMT, HZ and URCHN

Barenaked Ladies w/Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms

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

JUNE 12

Arizona Federal Theatre, 7 p.m., $59.50-$127

Jenny & the Mexicats

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$35

Andrew Bird and Iron & Wine

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $50.50-$56

ARMNHMR

Maya Dayclub, noon, $20

continued on pg. 32 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING 32 Kevin Burt Eric Lindell continued from pg. 31

Circle Jerks, the Adolescents and Negative Approach

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., tickets available at the door

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

The Nude Party

Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $40-$125

Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Aymée Nuviola

Nothing More and Asking Alexandria

Reggae Vibrations: The Legendary Wailers, Third World and The Skatalites

Max and Iggor Cavalera

Dean Lewis

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $27.50-$129

Doc Hammer

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $54.50-$74.50

The Van Buren, 6:30 p.m., $39.50-$45

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

Celebrity Theatre, 6 p.m., $35-$85

JUNE 17

Whiskerman

Prof

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

JUNE 20

Sage Armstrong

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $38.50-$171

Tori Amos

The Deadbeat Cousins w/ Liam St. John and Evan Honer

Kind Folk

The Nash, 3 p.m., $12.80-$40 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$27 Darkstar, 4 p.m., $23 Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix, 7:30 p.m., $113-$590

JUNE 13

Archetypes Collide Brit Floyd

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$15

Destructo

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $25-$3,000

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $12-$15

NOAHFINNCE

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

Rings of Saturn

The Underground, 6 p.m., $20-$25

Empath

Crawlers

MC Chris

GAYC/DC

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio

Mouse Dog Bird and Nate Mays

Jimmy Nistico & Jazz Express

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $17-$19 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

JUNE 14 Broncho

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $20-$35

Greer

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $25-$28

Kingdom Collapse

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

Nonpoint

The Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $20-$25

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$20 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8.80-$30

The Nile Theater, 7 p.m., $25

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $24-$99

Marcia Ball

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$49.50

Mary Chapin Carpenter

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 7:30 p.m., $45-$85

The Strike and Sub-Radio

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

Unwell

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JUNE 16 Bay Ledges

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

Brennen Leigh Trio

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$44.50

Calyx & TeeBee

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $25 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Rod Stewart w/Cheap Trick

Footprint Center, 7:30 p.m., $44.50-$650

Sad Dad Summerfest

The Nile Theater, 6 p.m., $10-$15

Windhand

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $17-$20

A Wilhelm Scream

JUNE 22

Bright Eyes and Hooray for the Riff Raff

Downlink and Dieselboy Sunbar, 9 p.m., $20-$2,000

El Perro and Dirty Streets

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $15

Fatum and Jaytech

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $24.50

Jay Aston’s Gene Loves Jezebel The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

Jeezy

Celebrity Theatre, 9 p.m., $40-$625

John McEuen

Destroy Boys

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$49.50

JUNE 18

Girlfriends

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$25

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $25.75-$75

Joe Purdy

New Guinea Pigs on the Block Yucca Tap Room, 9 p.m., free

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $16-$19

Anomalie

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$20

The Brecker Brothers Project

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

Bronco and Ramon Ayala

JUNE 23

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Léon

Social House

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

Arizona Federal Theatre, 8 p.m., $49-$388.50

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

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $30.50-$41.50

Kings Kaleidoscope

JUNE 15 Del Water Gap

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $12.80-$40

Cas Haley

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7:30 p.m., $30.50-$40.50

Joanna Connor

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

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $46-$50

Jungle Rot

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $13-$15

Meathook

JUNE 21 AJR

The Underground, 7 p.m., $17-$20

Marquee Theatre, 4 p.m., $32-$52

JUNE 25

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $16-$18

Dosem

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $23

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Vansire

Bastardane

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

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $29.50-$35

Calexico

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $32-$35

Carol Pacey & the Honeyshakers The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., tickets available at the door

Haarper

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $20-$25

Tisoki and Tynan

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $16.50-$2,000

Truckers on Speed, Sliced Limes and Ghetto Cowgirl Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10

JUNE 19 Ben Folds

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7 p.m., $46-$76

Biréli Lagrène

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$49.50

Dennis Rowland and Diana Lee: “Motown & More” The Nash, 3 p.m., $12.80-$40

Mansionair

JUNE 26

Booka Shade

Darkstar, 4 p.m., $29.25

Eli Young Band

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$55

Aldous Harding

Halsey

De’Wayne

Matt Vandal and Planck

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$25 The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16-$18

The D.O.O.D.

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Nolan McKelvey Trio w/ Megyn Neff and Tim Hogan

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $21.50-$26.50

Sara Kays

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20-$25

JUNE 24

10,000 Maniacs featuring Mary Ramsey

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $44.50-$74.50

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $29.50-$430 The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., tickets available at the door

JUNE 27 Shane Codd

Maya Dayclub, 9 p.m., $20

JUNE 28

Nekromantix

The Nile Theater, 7:30 p.m., $18

Windser

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

JUNE 29 Anvil

Babyface Ray

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $16$20

Carmela y Más

JUNE 30

Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $20-$69 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8.80-$30

Adekunle Gold

Chrome Rhino, Filmspeed and The Saturn III

Justin Bieber

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$15

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30-$35 Gila River Arena, 7:30 p.m., $1,066.75-$1,430.50

DREAMS ACCOMPLISHED THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

33

Canada’s Barenaked Ladies have nothing to prove

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

B

arenaked Ladies singer Ed Robertson knows there’s something to be said for talent.

But the “One Week” band’s show comes with impromptu jams and, well, mistakes.

“I know the songs are going to go great because we work really hard on them,” Robertson says via Zoom.

“We take that part seriously. For me, the whole ‘show’ is the stuff that happens between the songs — the banter, spontaneity and the funny, stupid songs we make up. That other stuff happens every night.”

Robertson contends that stale shows cause burnout or boredom with other bands. Barenaked Ladies keep it fresh.

“We’re on a tightrope every night.

We’re swinging for the fences,” he says, laughing. “We never know what we’re going to do, let alone what the other guys in the band are going to do.

“It’s so exciting. It adds such a layer of excitement and the unknown for every single show. It keeps it fresh for us and the audience. I was saying to another performer the other day, the superpower of Barenaked Ladies is that we do not care if we screw up. If you don’t care if you screw up, then you have nothing to be nervous about.”

Fans can see that for themselves when the “Last Summer on Earth” tour comes to Arizona Federal Theatre in Phoenix on Thursday, June 9.

A few of Barenaked Ladies’ “spectacular train wrecks” are hilarious to Robertson. The band — which also includes bassist Jim Creeggan, drummer Tyler Stewart and keyboardist Kevin Hearn — just shrugs it off and moves on.

“It’s how people know our shows are real,” he says.

The last two years have been strange for everyone, including BNL, who had to postpone their tour twice. Now that the jaunt with the Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket is back on track, Robertson is relieved.

“I’m thrilled that we were able to keep the lineup and all the shows,” Robertson says. “We actually were able to add a show to the tour.”

During Barenaked Ladies’ European leg of their tour, the set list included a mix of hits; tracks from their latest album, “Detour de Force”; and deep cuts. The collection continues Barenaked Ladies’ penchant for writing quirky-yetheartfelt songs.

Produced by Juno and Grammy award winners Eric Ratz and Mark

Howard, “Detour de Force” fuses the band members’ writing voices into a cohesive work. The 14 tracks include the sonically adventurous “Flip,” the hopeful and infectious “Good Life,” and “New Disaster.”

“It was a weird one to make because everybody had to roll with the punches through this weird time,” Robertson says.

“But for it, (the pandemic break) afforded us something we’ve never had while making a record — that’s time.

We got to actually listen to the songs for a few months while everything was closed and think about what some of them needed. Some of them needed things taken away; some of them needed to be fully reapproached.”

One version of “Live Well” was scrapped, and Barenaked Ladies went back to the studio and played live, as opposed to recording one instrument at a time. Nearly all the overdubs were removed.

“New Disaster” was completely rebuilt from the ground up, something Barenaked Ladies hadn’t previously had the luxury to do.

“It’s very expensive to make a record,” he says. “We tour so much that we only build in a limited window to make

a record and then everybody’s plans changed.”

The plans stuck, however, to record songs that blend dark lyrics with upbeats. Sometimes, it’s the other way around.

“Even ‘Flip,’ which is a very positivesounding song, is really about all the insanity of social media and this strange point in communication that we find ourselves in,” he says. “It’s sort of encouraging that there is another side to this discourse.

“Like the old saying, ‘If it rages, it engages.’ Unfortunately, it’s just a bug in the human operating system, and the companies are exploiting it.

We need to step away and step back. I heard somebody say recently, ‘I think to myself, did I know that person 5 minutes ago? And if not, I move on.’”

That wordplay is something that keeps Barenaked Ladies relevant — that and caring.

“I think we’ve always really taken our good fortune seriously, and we never take it for granted,” Robertson says.

“We respect our audience, and we try hard every time. I love what I do, and I love that I get to do it. So, I do everything I can to nurture that. It’s also

communication within the band. It’s making sure everybody’s engaged and attached to what we’re doing and why we’re doing it.

“I always say this, because it’s true: It’s more fun than ever. Now, I’ve got nothing to prove. I’ve accomplished 10 times more than I ever thought I would.

The fact that I still get to be a guy in a rock band and get to get onstage in venues that, frankly, I would pay to play in is amazing. I get paid to play in them.”

Robertson says his good buddy, Canadian musician and actor Alan Doyle, explains it best.

“He’ll say something to the effect of, ‘How lucky are we?’ I’ve really taken that to heart over the years,” he says.

“Literally all my dreams came true 20 years ago.”

Barenaked Ladies w/Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9 WHERE: Arizona Federal Theater, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $56 INFO: livenation.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BONDED BY BLOOD

34

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Max and Iggor Cavalera arise from the remains with tour

By Alex Gallagher

B

lood and their last name are not the only ties that bind brothers Iggor and Max Cavalera.

Since they were kids, they have shared a love of music. That will be on display when the duo concludes their first U.S. tour at the Marquee in Tempe on Saturday, June 25.

“It’s cool to tour with him because we do the things we used to do when we were young as adults, like go to record stores together, eat at restaurants, and we share music and movies that we like with each other,” Max says. “The thing that keeps us together is the passion that we have for all things music.”

Music is a frequent topic of conversation between the two. However, an interesting area arises when they ponder what bodies of work to shred on tour.

The plan was to tour Sepultura’s 1989 record “Beneath the Remains” and the 1991 collection “Arise,” as they offer a similar sound.

“Iggor came up with the idea of making a hybrid of the two records together because these really are brother records,” says Max, who elders Iggor by 13 months. “They could have come out as a double LP since they have similar riffs and offer that death/thrash mix.”

They are also records that Iggor says he felt deserved a second round onstage.

“Those are two very important records and, of course, not everyone had a chance to see those tours when we originally had those albums out,” Iggor says. “It’s a chance for new people to see it and for some people who also saw back in the days to revisit those gigs. So, I think it’s a good combination of both.”

To recapture the essence of the late ’80s and early ’90s metal scene, the Cavalera brothers recruited Possessed guitar strummer Daniel Gonzalez and Soulfly string slapper Mike Leon to stand at their sides as Max bellows his guttural vocals in unison with his heavyhanded riffs. Iggor will keep the tempo on drums.

“Were super proud of this, these two records, and we wanted to make sure that we do it with a proper team behind us,” Iggor says.

Even with familiar faces at their sides, the Cavaleras are excited to put their chemistry on display while onstage as they speed through iconic tracks like “Desperate Cry,” “Arise,” “Beneath the Remains” and “Inner Self.”

“Every time I hit the stage with my

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

brother, it brings me back to those memories of us starting up,” Iggor says. “Because we do have a very strong connection and very strong chemistry when we hit the stage, it’s something that’s timeless.”

Although the hits are bound to energize the audience, Max is looking forward to unearthing deep cuts.

“I’m excited to play some of the hidden gems that we’ve never played before, like ‘Subtraction’ ‘Under Siege,’ ‘Lobotomy,’ and ‘Sarcastic Existence,’” says Max, who resides in Paradise Valley when he is not touring with his acts like Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy, the latter of which Iggor also plays drums in.

“If you’re a fan of metal, the cool thing about metal is that fans like the whole record. They’ll like songs off of side B of records that never got any videos, and that’s what we’re playing, so I think fans are going to like it.”

Max and Iggor will not be the only Cavaleras gracing the stage. Max’s son Igor, or Iggy as he is nicknamed, will open each show on vocals and guitar with his two-piece New River-based stoner-metal band Healing Magic.

Healing Magic joins fellow Valley bands Kill Command and Scattered Guts of Tempe, Necessary Space of Phoenix, and Ocean Harvest of Gila River.

“Every time we have the chance, we always try to give local bands a spot or a chance to show their music,” Max says.

The Cavaleras are giving back further but donating $1 from every ticket to the Iggy Fund at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The foundation was started by Max and his wife/manager, Gloria, in 1998 to provide families with Iggy Kits, which has a month’s worth of diabetes supplies and medication for home and school.

“We created this fund to help raise money to help the families, and I think it’s so cool that we’re able to do that with this show,” Max says. “It’s going to be a good day of metal in Arizona. I’m excited.”

Max and Iggor Cavalera w/ Cephalic Carnage, Healing Magic, Scattered Guts, Necessary Space, Ocean Harvest and Kill Command WHEN: 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 25 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: $32 INFO: luckymanonline.com, returnbeneatharise.com

A ROAD OF HONESTY THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

35

Dean Lewis’ pain is tempered by fans’ love

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

S

itting in his Montreal hotel room, Australian singersongwriter Dean Lewis is a bit husky. The previous night, he played “a big show” in Boston, which led to an impromptu post-concert singalong with fans outside the club.

Fans have had this rabid response to his honest, thought-provoking music.

He’ll showcase his music — most notably his new single “Hurtless” — at the Marquee Theatre on Sunday, June 12.

“I think my songs are always very personal,” Lewis says via Zoom.

“I like to write very specific stories.

I get right down to the scene I’m describing, like reaching for a hand or walking through a front door. A lot of people don’t like to do that. Their songwriting is more abstract or more metaphorical.”

“Hurtless” follows the road of honesty, as it is an emotional replay of a relationship’s end. It balances the despair of a breakup with a feeling of hope and a brighter future. For his music, Lewis is inspired by Bruce Springsteen, among other writers.

“Like ‘Dancing in the Dark’ by Bruce Springsteen, I love that he’s painting a picture through very specific things,” he says. “So, I try to tell stories and all my songs give raw, raw emotion.”

Writing songs like “Hurtless” takes Lewis on an emotional roller coaster.

They’re cathartic while he’s creating them, and he’s admittedly “excited about life.” When he moves on, he falls victim to stress during the recording process.

“Then I think it was good to get my emotions out,” he says. “I write every morning in my notebook. I find that really helpful, but this is how I express stuff. It’s hard to let them go, but once I let them go, I never listen to them again at least for a year.

“There’s a real power in doing something and focusing on it so much and putting absolutely everything into it, and then listening to it 1,000 times and making it the best you can, then letting it go. It becomes dead to you.”

Three days ago, Lewis wrapped up his latest album, which journeys even further into his psyche. The new music, which has yet to be scheduled for release, is the perfect continuation of 2019’s “A Place We Knew.”

“I write music for me, to be honest,” he says.

“I want to get it out. I’m bad at so many styles of music. I’ve tried different things. I’m good at this one little thing.

I’m going to keep going down that lane and seeing how far I can push it. This album is more ‘me,’ I think. I’m defining my little thing, and I’m really proud of it.”

The COVID-19 pandemic afforded Lewis the time to look back and see what worked from “A Place We Knew.”

“I thought, ‘Well, how can I implement some of that?’” he recalls. “I think it’s an evolution of what I do, and if people like what I do, I think they’re going to like this.”

Lewis admits he was a little hesitant to share his music. The 34-year-old inked his record deal in his mid-20s. He says there are two kinds of people: those who think they’re great and artists who are unsure.

“(The latter) needs a big team of people to tell them, ‘You’re good at this, man,’” he adds.

“My friend passed a demo on to someone who is now my manager.

As soon as I felt the first rumbling of attention and decided to dive into it. I read books, and I read enough about people who were successful. They knew that when the opportunity came, they never felt ready, but you just do it.”

Before his major label showcase, he sat for 10 minutes in his car, nervous because he couldn’t play piano that well and was average on guitar.

“I never really played in front of people, apart from open mic nights,” he says. “I knew that I had to say yes.”

Lewis thinks about the previous night in Boston. Although it was uber successful, he had to tell himself he could do it.

“We’re all waiting to be ready, unless you’re one of those delusional ultra-

confident, narcissistic people,” he says.

“They can bluff their way through anything. But ‘normal’ people just have to say, ‘Yes. Let’s just do it.’”

The shows have worked out in his favor — much to his surprise. Lewis has been smiling because of the turnout.

“I didn’t know we’d have this many people turning out at the shows, because I haven’t had a lot of heat in America for a couple of years,” Lewis says.

“But there are so many people singing all the songs. There’s lots of energy. I play a couple of songs on piano and then I bring everyone in. It’s just a great vibe.

It’s just amazing.”

Dean Lewis w/Forest Blakk WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 12 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $27.50 INFO: luckymanonline.com ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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RETURNING HOME

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

Archetypes Collide uses concert to boost locals

By Alex Gallagher

EXPECT THE A UNEXPECTED

Crawlers creep into U.S. for the first time

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

H

olly Minto’s road to the English buzz band was “weird.”

She was inspired by her parents’ love of music to pursue various forms of entertainment.

“My mom was a big goth, and my dad was a punk,” the singer says with a laugh via telephone from Liverpool.

“He had a broken Bee Gee’s record on the back of his jacket. I had a deep voice for a young child.”

After dabbling in orchestras, musical theater and dance, she found her calling in alt-rock.

“I watched my first gig in a dive bar called The Magnet, which is closed now,” she says. “I thought, ‘This is what I really want to be doing.’”

Now she’s touring the world with Crawlers, who kicked off its first North American tour on June 1 in Atlanta.

During the last year, Crawlers have been crowned one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting new bands.

It clocked more than 30 million combined streams for its string of single releases leading into the 2021 launch of its self-titled debut EP on Modern Sky/ Lab Records.

Now inked to Interscope, the Liverpool-based four-piece recently released “I Can’t Drive” as the follow-up to their hit single “Come Over (Again).”

The set list will include both of those songs when Crawlers plays Valley Bar in Phoenix on Tuesday, June 21. Holly Minto will be joined by Amy Woodall, Liv Kettle and Harry Breen.

“I’ve never played a gig outside of the U.K. before,” she says. “I never even stepped foot in America. It’s going to be incredible. We’re playing Lollapalooza.”

Fans, she says, should “expect

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the unexpected,” as it’s not used to performing in clubs.

“We, as a band, were used to playing small basement gigs when we first started,” she says. “We’ve been able to create the gig space we were looking for when we were younger, at 14. The gig should be lots of fun with music and dancing. It’s a little party.”

This party is a longtime goal of hers.

She tried musical theater when she was younger, but a teacher said she would never improve. She’s proving that educator wrong, as she makes a living singing and “dancing in a goofy way.”

Each of the aforementioned songs explore different areas of alt rock. Minto chalks that up to the musicians’ varied tastes.

“We do think the same, though,” she says. “We all have different influences.

The bassist is a metal fan. Harry is into punk and Charli XCX. Me, I’m into songwriters and indie rock.

“We were never going to be satisfied with one sound. We’ve been coming in and writing music that’s in different fonts, if that makes sense. It’s what keeps it exciting for us and our fans.”

Still, Minto’s shocked about the buzz surrounding Crawlers.

“I never thought I’d be in a position where people knew who we were and wanted more, especially with ‘Come Over Again,’ which is a heartfelt song for us,” she says.

“It’s exciting, but the pressure is for real.”

Crawlers w/Madde WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 21 WHERE: Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $16 INFO: valleybarphx.com

rchetypes Collide was soldiering its way through the local metal scene for nearly six years when a big break came its way.

After recording the single “Your Misery” in Ohio with Beartooth bassist Oshie Bichar, Archetypes Collide returned to its home state of Arizona to film the video.

When the band put the song and video online in November 2020, it had no idea the doors that the track would open.

“Your Misery” pleased the ears of SiriusXM staff and the song hit Octane.

Beartooth manager Thomas Gutches was listening to the track’s heavy riffs and melodic vocals and liked what he heard.

Gutches and Bichar spoke with the Mesa band about co-managing it and shopping the music to record labels.

Then Archetypes Collide vocalist Kyle Pastor received a dream call from Fearless Records, a label he admired since it produced the Valley band The Word Alive.

“Fearless is such a great label, especially for a new band like us where we’re still getting established,” Pastor says.

When he found out that Gutches and Fearless Records President Andy Serrao wanted to work together, Pastor was elated. Soon, the band was on a 29-stop tour with the Australian metalcore act The Amity Affliction.

“We learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t on our last tour,” Pastor says. “Throughout that tour, we finetuned what we were playing and pull a couple of strings in terms of renditions of our songs.”

On the road, Pastor learned to have fun on the stage regardless of what

happens.

“Our style of music is pretty heavy, but we also try to look like we’re having a good time onstage,” he says. “Even if someone busts a guitar string, our drummer’s hi-hat stand is wonky or my vocals are stressed, we know that at the end of the day we’re not going to get this show back so we might as well enjoy it and have a good time.

“We hope that fans can put whatever they’re going through in life and put it in a box. When they walk into the venue, we want them to hang out with other fans while having that community of people looking to get their emotions out.”

Archetypes Collide now will return home on Friday, June 17, to play the Crescent Ballroom with three local rockers.

“It’s going to be one of those shows where everyone knows our songs and it’s exciting to be able to share those moments with people,” Pastor says. “It’s like having a kickback at our friend’s house where we get to catch up with people we haven’t seen in a while.”

He also hopes to display the freedom the band has felt since inking its deal with Fearless Records.

“For the first time in our lives, it’s not us pulling the band. The band is pulling us, and it’s a cool paradigm shift,” Pastor says. “We’re blessed that we got lucky to be in the right place at the right time and that our work found the right person.”

Archetypes Collide w/After the Calm, Never Us and Echoes WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, June 17 WHERE: Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix COST: $18 INFO: archetypescollide.com

DREAM JOB 10,000 Maniacs are still

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JUNE 2022

37

crazy about the band

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

K

eyboardist Dennis Drew describes shows by 10,000 Maniacs as joyous, a little scary and a bit intense.

But it all makes for a fun

night.

“Whether it’s ‘What’s the Matter Here?’, ‘Once a City,’ ‘Love Among the Ruins’ or ‘These are Days,’ the music is generally joyous,” he says. “They’re toetappers.”

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of 10,000 Maniacs, which plays the Musical Instrument Museum on Friday, June 24.

Founded in 1981 in Jamestown, New York, 10,000 Maniacs weathered personnel changes, but four of the six original members remain — Drew, Steven Gustafson, John Lombardo and Jerry Augustyniack.

Original lead singer Natalie Merchant left in 1993 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by backup singer Mary Ramsey, who also plays violin and viola.

“When we started, we were all in our early 20s,” says Gustafson, the bassist and tour manager.

“We were excited as all get out to tour.

We thought it was the coolest thing ever, because most of us — all the boys in the band — had wanted to be in a band since we saw the Beatles on ‘Ed Sullivan.’

I was 6 and I thought, ‘I want to do that.

That looks like fun.’”

For Gustafson, playing Buffalo for the first time was a “really cool thing,” as it’s about 90 minutes from Jamestown.

From there, they bought a Dodge Tradesman converted school bus, packed their stuff and slept on people’s floors on tour.

“We had to play Athens, Georgia,” Gustafson says. “The B-52s, R.E.M., they were from there. I think we were able to maintain our career because we didn’t get too big too fast. It’s a good thing. I think some bands who have that quick rise to millions and millions of records have a hard time following that up.”

When Merchant left 10,000 Maniacs, he says, Ramsey fit in quite nicely. A

background singer who appeared on the band’s “MTV Unplugged,” she knew the songs and the players involved.

After its final major label record with Geffen, “Love Among the Ruins,” 10,000 Maniacs did an extended tour.

Napster arrived and record companies started failing, Gustafson says.

“That was the beginning of the collapse,” he adds.

The show at the MIM will focus on all four decades.

“We play songs from every era that we have — songs that are 40 years old, songs that were on our last record that we put out in 2013,” Drew says.

“I don’t know if we’ll play any of the stuff we’ve been working on. We put new music on hold because we’ve been busy doing shows. “‘Once a City’ seems extremely apropos, especially with what’s going on in Ukraine. I think we’re pulling that one out. We’ll do all the hits that people know. People know just about every song. It’s funny. We do shows and people say they forgot how many songs of ours they know.”

Still, the music is seamless.

“We’re still the same people writing songs,” Gustafson says. “We still have that bouncy tempo. We still tell stories — interesting stories — about people.

“Jeff Erickson, who’s been with us for 20 years now, after Rob (Buck) passed away in 2000, was a guitar tech and guitar player in his own right. He stepped in after we took a hiatus for about three years.

“He’s only 50. He’s younger than us.

He brings a different twist on his stuff.

His chord structures are funkier, a little bit more than our folky stuff. He’s not really a ‘folky’ guy. His stuff is real guitar oriented. My stuff is chord oriented. It’s a little bit different than what we’ve done in the past.”

Drew says it’s hard to fathom that 10,000 Maniacs is more than 40 years old.

“You don’t grow up thinking you’re going to do anything for 40 years,” Drew says. “To get to this point, it’s amazing.

“It doesn’t feel like 40 years. It’s been as natural as everything else. We

10 COOL COFFEE SHOPS

have families, kids, and grandkids on the way. It’s just been our life. You don’t retire from this, I don’t think.

They’ll have to take us off the stage on stretchers.”

Musically, Drew says, 10,000 Maniacs is playing “better than ever.” He plays more piano than the early days, which he says is fun.

“It’s wonderful to bounce back and forth between organ, piano and synth, whether it’s ‘Trouble Me,’ ‘Because the Night,’ or sometimes we’ll do some of our quiet ones, ‘Across the Fields.’”

Touring has settled down for 10,000 Maniacs. The band, instead, focuses on long weekends.

“We’re all friends,” Gustafson says.

“We all love each other; same with our crew. We’re 12 people who really enjoy each other’s company.

“We can put all that in the background of our lives and make family important. Some of us had other jobs in the 2000s. I was the technical director of the theater at Jamestown Community College. I produced musicals and did lights and sound.”

Drew spent 17 years as general manager of WRFA-LP, a low-power nonprofit radio station in Jamestown.

At the community college, Gustafson caught a music business course, during which he provided practical advice.

“I would tell my students, ‘If you can find a job where, at the end of the day, everybody stood up and applauded, take it,’” he says with a laugh.

“That’s a good gig. Do that. It’s rewarding. It’s so amazing, so joyous.

People who think it’s a glamorous life are wrong. There’s a lot of waiting around.

It’s a boring life, except for the hour and a half onstage. Now we get to do two shows in Phoenix at a museum.”

10,000 Maniacs featuring Mary Ramsey WHEN: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Friday, June 24 WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $44.50 INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

PHIND THEM AT ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CHASING SUCCESS ‘Idol’ winner explores all corners of country music

38

UPFRONT | CITY | TRAVEL | ARTS | DINING | BREWS & SPIRITS | CASINOS | SPORTS | FAMILY | MUSIC | NIGHTLIFE | IN CLOSING

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

“

American Idol” champ Chayce Beckham admits he’s a sap.

“The stupidest stuff will make me cry,” Beckham says with a frequent laugh.

So, it’s surprising he didn’t cry the first time fans sang his songs back to him. There was a logical reason for that, though.

“I didn’t notice because I had my in-ears in,” Beckham says about his monitors.

“My sound guy told me they were singing every word to all those songs.

Now I’ll pull one of my ears out and listen sometimes. It’s a great feeling. It’s been an uphill battle. Sometimes we go to a city or town and there are 100 or 50 people who will come. In another town, 1,000 people may show up to that bar.”

A Nashville resident, Beckham is hoping for a good turnout when he plays KNIX Acoustic Summer with Mitchell Tenpenny and Lainey Wilson on Tuesday, June 28, at the Marquee Theatre.

“I’m a big Arizona fan,” Beckham says.

“I love the food. You have great Mexican food.

“Authentic Mexican food is great. My grandma makes tortillas at home. Her beans are great; better than half of what you get at the restaurants. I grew up going to Arizona, going to Lake Havasu, Phoenix and Tucson.”

His Latina grandmother is somewhat responsible for his musical endeavors.

He spent weekdays at his maternal grandparents’ 10-acre farm and weekends in LA with his dad and Latina grandmother from Durango, Mexico.

She had a car but refused to drive. On one of their daily walks around South Gate LA, the preschooler tripped and hit the pavement. They were in front of a music store, and to distract him from his bloody knees she took him inside.

Beckham says a clerk told him, “Your grandma’s going to buy one of the nicest guitars for you, but you have to be good.”

It worked. He took guitar lessons but found he learned more by playing along with country and rock songs on the radio. Post-high school, he played around town in bands.

The forklift driver took his mom’s long-administered advice and agreed to audition for “American Idol” for season 19 in 2021. On the show, he performed the likes of Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave” and Zac Brown Band’s “Colder Weather.”

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The eventual winner, Beckham, who struggled with alcohol, said while he was on “Idol,” he had to “lay off the booze and focus on the music.”

“It’s easy to get wrapped up,” he adds.

“Everybody wants to go out every night and drink. It’s easy to get stuck in that. I just surround myself with good people.

That’s always been my go-to formula for success. They put me in a good place.”

He says the season 19 musicians were extremely close, providing more of a supportive environment than a competitive one.

“It was us versus the show than us versus each other,” he explains. “It was us trying to figure it all out. We were rooting for each other. We all wanted each other to be there as much as the next person.”

Beckham counts among his friends Willie Spence, Caleb Kennedy (who was granted bond May 20 in a fatal DUI case), Graham DeFranco, Madison Watkins and Hunter Metts.

“We all kind of had a close bond,” he says. “Caleb Kennedy is, unfortunately, having a hard time right now. But all of us spent Easter together with our families. It was a big family. It was

enjoyable. I was the last person to leave the hotel, and it was very sad.”

Beckham says “Idol” has a tough crowd, likening them to armchair quarterbacks.

“Everybody likes to talk while they’re sitting on the couch, watching the fight,” he explains, using mixed martial arts as an example. “‘I would have done that differently.’

“Nobody takes the time to consider how much courage it takes for the person to walk out there and get on the stage, how much courage it takes to walk on the stage and grab the mic, sing, perform and beat a bunch of other people.

Anybody who does it has my respect.”

Beckham is hitting the stage regularly and co-writing songs in Nashville.

Beckham was the first contestant to win “Idol” with an original song in “23,” a semi-autobiographical account of his struggles with alcohol. He made his professional bow with “Can’t Do Without Me,” a duet with labelmate Lindsay Ell. For the EP “Doin’ It Right,” Beckham wrote four of the six tracks.

“Doin’ It Right” features the song “Tell Me Twice,” an ode to his mother’s encouragement to try out for the ABC

show.

For the next release, Beckham promises a change. “Doin’ It Right” was accessible modern pop-country, and the next one will feature in-depth, downhome tracks.

“I want to showcase different sides of the country music I want to make,” he says.

“I want to be able to write and record commercial songs and noncommercial songs. I want people to say, ‘This is a Chayce Beckham song. I know I’m going to like it’ but not worry about what category or genre that falls into.

“Luckily my label and management have embraced that and the ideas I have cutting certain songs. It’s nice that they believe in it.”

KNIX Acoustic Summer w/ Mitchell Tenpenny, Lainey Wilson and Chayce Beckham WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28 WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe COST: Tickets start at $20 INFO: luckymanonline.com

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