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TOP25By Connor Dziawura
The Market by Junk in the Trunk
THROUGH DECEMBER 24 This pop-up features a collection of local shops, handmade goods and vintage curators tailored by Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market with the holiday season in mind. Check its website for a list of vendors, or come on down to find out and peruse items in the moment. From jewelry to home décor and candles, these artisans are varied.
Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite F1-108, Scottsdale, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket. com/markets/pop-up-market, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, free admission
OPENS NOVEMBER 5 Directed by Chloe Zhao, the Academy Award-winning director of the latest Best Picture winner “Nomadland,” this is the latest film to enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it opens a whole new realm of possibilities for the future. In it, Angelina Jolie, Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Kumail Nanjiani, Lauren Ridloff, Brian Tyree Henry, Salma Hayek, Lia McHugh, Don Lee and Barry Keoghan are among an elite cast of immortal heroes called the Eternals who face off against the villainous Deviants. Kit Harrington is also in the film, which spans thousands of years. Rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality.
In theaters
NOVEMBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 21 This puppet production is sure to be a good one for the youngsters. Recommended for ages 2 and older, this singalong show from the Little Red Hen and Yellow Button tells the story of the hen’s efforts to make a great loaf of bread.
Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, various dates and times, $6-$12, or free admission for infants if accompanied by a paid child
Scottsdale International Film Festival
NOVEMBER 5 TO NOVEMBER 12 After pivoting to an online-only format last year, this long-running annual film festival is back — but with a unique twist on the hybrid model. The first five days of the festival will screen 22 films at two Scottsdale venues, after which 16 of those films will become available for another three days exclusively on demand. The Julia Child documentary “Julia” opens the in-person segment, while Kenneth Branagh’s coming-of-age drama “Belfast” will mark the conclusion of the in-person screenings. Those participating from home will once again be able to build their own schedule. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for admission to the in-person event; negative tests will not be accepted.
Harkins Shea 14 Theatre, 7354 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale; Harkins Camelview at Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; online, scottsdalefilmfestival.com, see website for schedule, $15-$279
Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival
NOVEMBER 6 Whether you want to keep it traditional or try a new, creative twist on the classic foods, the businesses participating in the Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival will come equipped with variety. And the festival will aim to keep prices affordable, with most eateries offering at least one bao or dumpling priced at $5 or less. While you snack on the delicious Asian food and sip on some boba, browse the local marketplace — and afterward, you can even snag some dessert. The festival begins at noon, but early admission ticket buyers will get access at 10:30 a.m. Throughout the rest of the day, admission times are staggered depending upon ticket tier.
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, https://bit.ly/3FRtFoj, noon to 4:30 p.m., $4-$14.99, or free for children 6 and younger with purchase of an adult admission in the same order
Fashion Week 4 Kids
NOVEMBER 6 It’s been six years since this annual fashion show began, and it’s still going this November at Desert Ridge. Set on The District Stage, spend the day with a variety of fashion shows, plus other live kids entertainment and deals.
The District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.284.6033, fw4kids.com, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission
Kevin Costner & Modern West
NOVEMBER 7 Famed actor Kevin Costner isn’t just a man of the screen, as he has been hitting the stage with his band Modern West for over a decade. And this fall, the “Yellowstone” actor and his country rock band will take to Schnepf Farms for an afternoon of tunes as part of the Tales from Yellowstone 2021 Tour, which supports last year’s album of the same name.
Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, 480.987.3100, schnepffarms. com, 1 p.m., $50-$300
Yoga in the Outfield
NOVEMBER 7 Enjoy the cool weather at Salt River Fields early this November as up to 500 participants take to the main field for an hourlong yoga session. Ticket buyers will get a complimentary drink before or after class, as well as access to the post-class mixer on the Pepsi Patio. Ages 21 and older.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, saltriverfields.com/ yogaintheoutfield, 8 a.m., $25
The Arizona Coyotes may be looking at a move out of Glendale, but for now the team remains in the West Valley. And this mid-November, the team will be paid a visit by the Minnesota Wild for a home game at the Westgate-based arena. The game will also be on TNT.
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, nhl.com/ coyotes, 8 p.m., $15-$232
$uicideboy$
NOVEMBER 10 On the heels of their sophomore full-length studio album, “Long Term Effects of Suffering,” New Orleans duo $crim and Ruby da Cherry, aka $uicideboy$, are bringing their Greyday Tour to Rawhide. And the supporting talent is stacked: Rappers Chief Keef, Slowthai, Night Lovell, Germ, Shakewell, Ramirez and Chetta are lined up to perform, as is punk outfit Turnstile.
Rawhide Event Center, 5244 S. 48th Street, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, 6:30 p.m., $63
Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular
NOVEMBER 12 Experiencing the classic tunes of Pink Floyd to the sights of colorful lights has been a long tradition. And especially since you can’t see the original Floyd in the flesh these days, why not head to the Marquee to hear the original master recordings paired with this popular laser and light show?
Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, marqueetheatreaz.com, 8:30 p.m., $30-$67.75
Arizona Barrels, Bottles and Brews
NOVEMBER 13 Barrels. Bottles. Brews. More than 25 local breweries, distilleries and wineries are coming together for this celebration of all that is local. Sample beverages, grub at food trucks, and collect souvenir sample glasses at this benefit for the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild. From Huss and San Tan brewing companies to Grand Canyon and O.S.H.O. distilleries, some of the most acclaimed local makers of beer and liquor will show what they’re made of.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road,
Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, 602.200.0767, runforryanhouse. com, 7 to 10 a.m., $25-$45
Holiday Hoopla
Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, azbottlesandbrews.com, 2 to 5 p.m., $50-$65, or $19 for a designated driver ticket
Phoenix Pizza Festival
NOVEMBER 13 AND NOVEMBER 14 Two days of pizza, pizza and more pizza. The Phoenix Pizza Festival returns to Hance Park in a newly expanded format with plenty of pizza purveyors, plus other food and dessert, beer and wine, vendors, kids crafts and lawn games, with music to keep the vibe. Pizza prices will remain low, and there will be options for slices as well as full pies. Funds will benefit Downtown Phoenix Inc.
Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.442.9176, phoenix.pizza, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, $12
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company
NOVEMBER 14 This is the Phoenix debut of America’s National Ballet Company. The touring American Ballet Theatre has garnered a reputation for quality and diversity throughout its existence, performing in more than 136 cities in 50 countries. Here in Phoenix, seeing the studio company is a one-night-only opportunity.
Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.664.7777, themadison. org/american-ballettheatre, 7 p.m., $35-$65
Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers
NOVEMBER 14 Week 10 of the NFL season brings the Carolina Panthers to State Farm Stadium. If you can’t make it to see the two football teams face off in person, it will be broadcast on FOX and 98.7 FM.
State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals. com, 2:05 p.m., $44-$441
Tiki Takeover
NOVEMBER 16 It’s “tiki mania” at Luckys this fall! Hobbyist mixologist and tiki enthusiast Tiki Dan will craft tropical drinks with NARAN Mezcal and chef Amanda will put a tiki twist on tacos, while OH Allen the DJ will keep the tunes and the vibe going all night long. Don’t forget to wear your best tiki outfits for this semi-annual event.
Luckys Indoor Outdoor, 817 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.975.8156, luckysphx.com, 6 to 10 p.m., free admission
NOVEMBER 17 TO JANUARY 2 On December 4, 1956, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley wound up together in a mysterious studio session as one star-studded ensemble. And at the Phoenix Theatre Company from November to January, the famed quartet gets together again to celebrate the holidays with plenty of classics.
Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, various dates and times, see website for prices
Run for Ryan House
NOVEMBER 17 Seventeen years in, the annual Run for Ryan House continues with a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile family fun run — all to benefit Ryan House’s mission to provide care and programs for medically complex children and families. Whether you run or walk, use a wheelchair, have a stroller, bring your dog, participate virtually or in a team, Ryan House welcomes you. Participants will receive a shirt, bib, goodie bag and participation medal, as well as a personal fundraising page. There will be a race expo and awards ceremony.
Holiday Light Experience
NOVEMBER 19 TO JANUARY 1 Five million lights and 1.2 miles. Salt River Fields once again transforms, as fall heads into winter, with this large-scale drive-thru holiday light show that sends synchronized music to each vehicle’s FM radio. Santa’s Village is a new addition where attendees can purchase snacks; sip on hot chocolate or other beverages; shop for handcrafted gifts; and check out the Holiday Light Theatre, a 20by-40 festive light display screen — all in the presence of Santa himself.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.656.9940, holidaylightexperience.com/ srf, 6 to 9 p.m. daily, $35-$380
Festival of the Arts
NOVEMBER 20 Back in Downtown Phoenix for its 12th year, the Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts will celebrate the arts in a variety of ways. From performances, dance, visual art and live music to hands-on kids activities, a vendor market, food, aerials, craft beer and wine tasting, and more — it all benefits Herberger’s youth outreach programs.
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater. org/festival-of-the-arts, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free admission
Holiday Hoopla
NOVEMBER 20 Ring in the holidays in the North Valley at this celebration, featuring seasonal activities like the first snowfall, photos with Santa, and appearances from other characters, as well as plenty of crafts, live entertainment and giveaways. Visit the Desert Ridge website to keep an eye on other holiday happenings through the end of December.
The District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com/event/holiday, 6 to 8 p.m., free admission
NOVEMBER 24 It may not be winter yet, but the season sure is getting ramped up. And at Tempe Marketplace, shoppers can witness the annual lighting of a 60-foot tree. Plus, there will be ice skating performances and other entertainment, to name a couple. Visit the Tempe Marketplace website to keep an eye on other holiday happenings.
The District Stage at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.966.9338, https://bit.ly/ TempeMarketplaceChristmas, 6 to 8 p.m., free admission
OPENS NOVEMBER 24 The second Ridley Scott feature to be released this fall, the crime drama “House of Gucci” is led by a star-studded cast of Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston, with Salma Hayek and Al Pacino. Inspired by the true story of the Gucci family, the film is described as spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge and murder. Rated R for language, some sexual content, and brief nudity and violence.
In theaters
NOVEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 5 Recommended for ages 2 and older, this is a must-see holiday show for the kids. In the original Christmas story, a sweet, lonely mouse discovers the magic of Christmastime.
Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, various dates and times, $6-$12, or free admission for infants if accompanied by a paid child
OPENS NOVEMBER 26 Acclaimed writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson is back with “Licorice Pizza.” Set in the San Fernando Valley in 1973, it is described as the story of Alana Kane (played by Haim sister Alana Haim in her feature film debut) and Gary Valentine (played by Cooper Hoffman, son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, also in his debut) growing up, running around and falling in love. Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper and Benny Safdie round out the main cast. After a limited release over Thanksgiving weekend, it will expand into more theaters on Christmas. Rated R for language, sexual material and some drug use.
In select theaters
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REVVING UP THE VALLEY
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Cody Walker and Tyrese Gibson were catching up at Red Lobster when the conversation turned to Cody’s late brother, Paul, of “The Fast and the Furious” franchise.
“First, I was so offended that he had never been to Red Lobster,” Gibson says with a laugh. “Cody said, ‘I don’t know what to order, dude. What are the hits here?’”
After a little ribbing, Cody told Gibson about he and Chris Lee’s plan to host festivals surrounding all-things cars called FuelFest.
Gibson said count me in.
After a pandemic-dictated halt to the 2020 event, FuelFest is coming to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports in Chandler on Saturday, December 4. They want it to succeed so much that Gibson says he feels vulnerable.
“I’ve only said this to a chosen few,” Gibson says. “Cody and I are very vulnerable when it comes to this whole thing about FuelFest. We were talking about Paul and to have this idea and to put this idea out there, we don’t want it to fail. We want this to be successful. We want people to know about this.
“We want to get the word out so people can show up. We want them to hit the road and come out to a really legendary day that you won’t forget.”
Now in its third year nationwide, FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with celebrities, live music, food, drinks and art. The show features more than 600 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive cars and trucks. There are car and drift exhibitions, and drag racing.
FuelFest will feature a live-action drift course that runs the entire length of the venue. Spectators can catch race cars drifting all day at FuelFest. The event will showcase precision driving skills in the FuelFest Drift Pit.
A portion of the events proceeds benefit Reach Out WorldWide, the nonprofit founded by Paul and continued by Cody, who is 15 years younger than his brother. The organization was founded in 2010 by the late actor/producer after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti and Walker was inspired to organize a relief team that responded to the disaster. ROWW’s mission is to fill the gap between the availability of skilled resources in postdisaster situations. ROWW completed four deployments in 2020 and continues to operate where needed. To date, FuelFest has raised more than $100,000 for the charity, Cody says.
“It’s a massive car festival, as we say,” says Cody, who recently moved to the Valley. “But it’s not just a car show. People are going to experience the whole shebang—drag racing, American muscle cars, exotic cars, European cars, crazy off-road vehicles. There’s something for everyone at the show.
“They can see the sights, smell the fuel, the burning rubber and just have a good time. The weather is going to be amazing, especially in December in the Valley.”
Arizona is important to Gibson as well as the singer-songwriter recorded the album “Black Rose” in a vacation rental in Paradise Valley. While he was here, he met one of his idols, Muhammad Ali, after receiving the “craziest text in the world.”
“My life changed forever in Arizona,” says Gibson, whose album hit No. 1. “I definitely have a different level of appreciation.”
Cody was flattered when Tyrese agreed to be part of FuelFest.
“Obviously, Tyrese and my brother go way back — all the way back to ‘2 Fast 2 Furious,’” he says. “We’ve all had a passion for cars and our careers are surrounded by cars. I’m heavily influenced by my brother and the whole car culture. It’s what I live and breathe every day.
“I knew Tyrese and I could put on something really special and unique for car fans and ‘The Fast and the Furious’ fans to come and experience with us together. It’s such a home run in so many ways to be able to do what you love and give back at the same time.”
Gibson echoed Cody’s sentiment.
“My thing has always been taking the culture and the energy and the fanbase of ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ which has had this worldwide cult following for 20 years, and turning it into an event.
“Paul Walker — everyone loves him. I miss him every day. He’s my brother, but Cody’s real brother. I want to take all of this energy and allow the fans to experience something that feels like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ without it being a movie premiere. Cody came up with this idea and it was a no brainer to be involved. Your background doesn’t matter — your religious or sexual preference. Cars and car culture is a universal language.”
Gibson explains the fest is “escapism” at its finest. After all, everyone wants to be in or own a nice car with “nice smelling leather,” and brightly colored with cool rims.
“We all know guys will go broke and literally have no gas money, but they will be more committed to rims and tires and souping up their engines,” Gibson says with a laugh.
“They want to compete and win and beat everyone in their neighborhoods. Every man has a hotrod covered up in their garage. They may be married for 40 years and have 10 grandkids. But they take the car cover off and start that engine and they’re rejuvenated.”
FuelFest
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 4 WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler COST: $15 to $300 INFO: fuelfest.com
Martin Truex Jr. steers support to cancer patients
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
To Martin Truex Jr., racing in the NASCAR circuit means more than jockeying between competitors.
The New Jersey native and his longtime partner, Sherry Pollex, use his position to support the community with causes like ovarian and childhood cancers.
“We were so fortunate as kids to be healthy and to have great families and access to things to be successful,” Truex Jr. says. “We felt very fortunate, and we do our part to help give back to kids.”
Truex Jr. and Pollex established the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation in 2007 to help children in need.
In 2014, Pollex was diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer and the couple refocused their mission to raise awareness, boost advocacy and generate financial support for underfunded cancer initiatives specific to childhood and ovarian cancers.
Pollex’s cancer recurred in December, according to her Instagram.
“Unfortunately, my cancer is back (which is expected with Stage 3C recurrent ovarian cancer as the cancer begins to outsmart the drugs we are on),” Pollex said in her posted message, which included photos of her and Truex Jr. in her hospital room. “So here I am going to battle again.
“Praying my doctors can remove all of the disease so I can start chemo again soon and be out there fighting for all of you soon! Much love to all of you out there fighting or caring for a loved one that is.”
The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation recently broke ground on pediatric emergency department at Novant Health in Huntersville, North Carolina. NBC Sports reported the foundation is well known within racing circles for its Catwalk for a Cause in Statesville, North Carolina. It has steered $600,000 toward cancer initiatives at Atrium Health and Novant Health in Charlotte.
The foundation and Pollex’s organization, Sherry Strong, celebrated the grand opening of the Sherry Strong Integrative Medicine Oncology Clinic at Novant Health’s new Weisinger Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Truex Jr. will put rubber to the road on Saturday, November 6, during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway. Truex Jr, won the first race of the 2021 season in Avondale in March.
“That was my first win at the track,” he says. “I always feel like it’s a good track for me. It was one of my better tracks until they repaved it in 2011.”
Then known as Phoenix International Raceway, the track was repaved into a reconfigured 1-mile oval for about $10 million.
“It’s been hit or miss since they repaved it,” says Truex Jr., the driver of the No. 19 Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. “The last couple of years have been tough on us. We’re definitely feeling really good about it now.”
Besides Avondale, he won Martinsville I, Darlington 1 and Richmond II this season. He is one of seven Cup Series drivers to have won multiple races this year (Kyle Larson, Alex Bowman, Ryan Blaney, Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Chase Elliott).
For the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series, which starts at the Daytona 500, fans will see cars that are more cost effective for teams and safer for drivers. It will also reportedly intensify the quality of racing,
“It’s going to be a big learning curve for us,” he says. “The new car is so different, compared to what we’ve done in the past. It’ll be interesting.”
NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, November 6 WHERE: Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: phoenixraceway.com
A SORT OF HOMECOMING
Matthew Honeycutt looks forward to showing off Mesa
By Alex Gallagher
When the pandemic hit in March 2020, Matthew Honeycutt found himself contemplating his next move.
His band was sidelined, like the rest of the touring music industry, and Honeycutt knew he had to find a new way to support himself.
He heard about a barbershop opening in Mesa that was owned by two metal musicians. Excited, he packed his bags and got a fresh start.
“We passed through here on tours and I always thought, ‘This seems like such an ideal place,’” he says.
After cutting hair at Continental Barbershop for the past year and a half and in between tours, Honeycutt is looking forward to hitting stages once again with Kublai Khan TX. Most of the tour calls for two nights in each town as the headliners, The Acacia Strain, will play two of its albums in their entirety on respective nights.
“The fact that we get to play two nights in a row is wild,” he says, “We’ve always just passed through so playing twice is pretty crazy.”
Kublai Khan TX, meanwhile, will keep the setlist simple. It will see how audiences react to the new single, “Resentment.” In addition to “Resentment,” Kublai Khan TX will perform “True Fear,” “Boomslang” and “Self-Destruct.”
With the band playing heavy riffs highlighted by Honeycutt’s booming voice, he hopes that the show will serve as a catharsis for fans who use music as a coping mechanism.
“I feel like there is definitely going to be some newfound anger with a lot of the subjects of our music but as long as people keep a cool head and realize that if you’re at this show, we’re all on the same team,” Honeycutt says.
He describes a Kublai Khan TX show as an “ignorant education” as fans engage in large mosh pits, jumping up and down and rushing their way to the stages.
“Our shows are a way to listen to each other and look at the things going on inside yourself in the most absurd, violent and ignorant way possible,” he says.
It is for that reason that he thinks Kublai Khan TX is a perfect fit for the tour.
“I think we have a really good mix of bands because we’re all different enough from each other to where we all bring something unique to the table, but we’re similar enough to where it’s a very solid package,” he says.
Leading up to the tour, Honeycutt shared his plans with his clients and fans.
“Saying that you’re playing somewhere two nights in a row makes you sound like you’re important,” Honeycutt says with a laugh.
The Acacia Strain with Kublai Khan TX, Orthodox and Dying Wish
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, November 26, and Saturday, November 27 WHERE: The Nile Theater, 105 W. Main Street, Mesa COST: $17 INFO: theniletheater.com
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2021
13 THESE MAGIC MOMENTS
Bria Skonberg’s music covers the spectrum of emotions
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Montreal, Skonberg has been said to Trumpeter Bria Skonberg says, lately, her shows channel her melancholic and frustrated feelings. “I had a baby and that’s stand at the forefront of the America’s jazz revival. Th e British Columbia native has earned additional recognition with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Swing Award and Canada’s Juno Award for Best Vocal Jazz Album. just totally a life-changing experience Skonberg recently sang the music of on top of life changes on top of a Aretha Franklin alongside Michelle tumultuous time,” Skonberg says. Williams of Destiny’s Child, played
“Th ere’s such a huge spectrum of with U2 at the Apollo, sat in with the emotions that I have experienced and Dave Matthews band, was a featured collected over the last year. All of that guest with Jon Batiste and performed is coming through in the shows. It’s the Star-Spangled Banner at Madison a mixture of joy and release and fun. Square Garden for a New York Rangers Th at’s what makes art important. I hope game. the concerts give them the same sort of Th e show with U2 was at the Apollo feelings as it does for me.” Th eater in front of 3,000 people.
Valley fans can fi nd out for themselves Skonberg was part of an encore set that when she plays the Gathering Place at La featured U2’s hit “Angel of Harlem.” Casa de Christo Church in Scottsdale “Th ose sorts of moment are really on Monday, November 15, as part of the pinch-me moments,” Skonberg says. Arizona Musicfest. “I don’t think as an artist I ever feel
“Th is will be part of my fi rst multidate ‘arrived,’ but it makes me feel extra tour that my band and I have done encouraged to keep going. in a year and a half,” she says. “I’m “We work every day, and some magical very excited to go there. Arizona’s just moment happens and you just think, gorgeous. I love the desert heat. Th e ‘Yay. It was worth it.’” people are just as warm as the setting.” At her Scottsdale show, she will play
Skonberg has been described by the music primarily from her last album, Wall Street Journal as “one of the most “Nothing Ever Happens,” which she says versatile and imposing musicians of her she wrote to “process and release intense generation.” Other news outlets have emotions.” said she’s “arrived.” “Th e show is just a real joyous,
Hailing from the small town of cathartic experience,” she says. “I have Chilliwack, British Columbia, Skonberg an incredible band of friends. Fans studied jazz and performance at can expect to sing along. Th ey’ve been Capilano University in Vancouver while warned. balancing a full road schedule with two “Th ere will be some participation. bands. We’ll have stories and a little bit of
After graduating she traveled everything. I like such a variety of extensively, performing in China, Japan things. It’s hard for me to describe. and throughout Europe as a featured Th ere’s a little something for artist. When she wasn’t traveling, everyone.” Skonberg was honing her chops with Dal Richards, Vancouver’s King of Swing. Bria Skonberg as part of
Seeking new challenges, Skonberg Arizona Musicfest moved to New York City in September 2010. Upon arrival she jammed with friends in Washington Square Park and an hour into playing world renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis stopped to listen. He gave her a thumbs up. From the premier jazz festivals of New Orleans and Monterey to Newport and WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Monday, November 15 WHERE: Gathering Place, La Casa de Cristo Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale COST: $39, $59 INFO: azmusicfest.org
The Insider’s Guide to Arizona Entertainment
