PHX METRO » JULY 2018
DAVID PERALTA’S
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SHE’S THE
MANHANDLER Stacey Grondahl is the boss at her spa
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COOL DIGS FOR HIGH TEMPS.
Hang out at Scottsdale’s summer hot spot to get in on the season’s top staycations. Kick back with weekend pool parties, enjoy refreshing cocktails, sample inventive dishes and soothe away stress in our spa for the perfect antidote to high temps. STAY2PLAY PACKAGE Includes an arrival amenity, welcome drinks, free parking, $20 nightly resort credit + complimentary room upgrade.* *Based on availability. Available for stays May 28–August 31.
Z U Z U | V H S PA | O H P O O L B A R + C A B A N A S | O H A S I S P O O L 6850 E. Main St. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 | hotelvalleyho.com | 844.356.3072
Scottsdale, AZ
A LWAY S O N Johnny Rivers
Lee Greenwood
The Showroom
The Showroom
Friday, July 6
Happy Together Tour
Saturday, July 7
Friday, July 13 The Ballroom
Donny & Marie
Whitesnake
The Ballroom
The Ballroom
Friday, July 20
Friday, Aug 3
Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening Saturday, Aug 4 The Ballroom
P L A Y
I N
S T Y L E
For tickets call the box office at 480.850.7734 or visit ticketmaster.com
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
CONTENTS
5
12 ON THE COVER
THE OOOHS AND SPAAAHS
From Stacey Grondahl’s We Do Men Spa to the Royal Palms’ Alvadora Spa, there’s a retreat for everyone
20
SOMBER CELEBRATION Chester Bennington’s friends remember the Linkin Park singer who died a year ago
16
STYLIN’
Salon Rock blends acoustic music and beauty treatments
on the cover: Stacey Grondahl photo by Jordan Moore, JordanKnowMoore.com
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
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Times Media Group 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282 Phone 480.348.0343 Fax 480.348.2109 entertainermag.com
publisher
Steve T. Strickbine
HIS NEWFOUND GLORY The national anthem
steve@entertainermag.com
executive editor Niki D’Andrea
ndandrea@timespublications.com
editor
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
means more to David Peralta now
christina@timespublications.com
art director Erin Loukili
erin@entertainermag.com
CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN
designer
Jaclyn Threadgill
9
production manager Courtney Oldham
Top 25 • We Do Men • Spas • Salon Rock
production@timespublications.com
THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 19 Chris Isaak • Chester Bennington • Mastodon • Michael Barnard • Extraordinary Rides • Parker Polhill
THE DOWNTOWNER
27
FAIRY BONES Fairy Bones chats about new video The Entertainer! will premiere this month
DTPHX Ambassadors • Top 10 • Wurst Festival • Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival
THE TOURIST
63
33
Tour du Jour • Sierra Vista • Wolfgang Puck’s Spago
circulation director Aaron Kolodny
aaron@entertainermag.com
contributing writers
Joseph J. Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Julie Carlson, Lynette Carrington, Evan Desai, Connor Dziawura, Samantha Fuoco, C.A. Haire, Mckayla Hull, Laura Latzko, Megan Marples, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, M.V. Moorhead, Madison Rutherford, Laura Stoddard
ONE COPY PER READER
THE ARTIST
39
42nd Street • Arts Calendar
THE CRITIC
66
42
Coming Attractions • Ask Our Experts! • The Report Card • Film Facts • Soundbite Spotlight
THE DINER
MAD MIXOLOGIST Sheldon Wiley returns home to
45
Best Food Events in July • Happy Hour Guide • Clever Koi • Moose and Bear • Sam and Luca
THE CRAFTMASTER
53
Beer Over Here • BeerFinder Directory • Great Beer Pairings: Helio Basin Brewing Company
THE HIGHROLLER
56
Casino Entertainment Calendar • Retro Futura
THE GLADIATOR
58
Best Sports Events in July • David Peralta
WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
show what real drinks are made of THE YOUNGSTER
60
THE NIGHTOWL
66
Enchanted Island • Best Family Events in July
Mad Mixologist • Best Nightlife Events for July
THE SHOWMAN
THE THINKER
Deafheaven • Fairy Bones • Live Music Calendar
62
The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2018 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe. 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. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE METROPOLITAN
9
PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE
She Does Men 12 Spa Feature 13 Red For Musicians 16
TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!
Paint and Sip at Lo-Lo’s
JULY 3 A little Rembrandt – and a little buzz – never hurt anyone! Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles’ monthly paint-and-sip nights are the perfect combination of booze, live jazz and artistry. Grab some friends for a chance to explore your creative side with a guided paint lesson alongside drinks for sale. Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles, 1220 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.340.1304, loloschickenandwaffles.com, 7 to 9 p.m., $30.
Fourth of July at Tempe Town Lake
JULY 4 There’s nothing like fireworks on the water and, for the 67th year, Tempe Town Lake hosts a celebration like no other. Featuring performances by Donovan and the All Stars, Kianna Martinez, Lane Change and a flyover, the night ends with fireworks from the Mill Avenue bridge, choreographed to tunes of all types. Tempe Town Lake, 80 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.5189, tempe4th.com, 5 to 11 p.m., $5-$8.
The Police Experience
JULY 6 AND JULY 7 This tribute band has The Police down to a tee – every breath they take and every move they make. From “Roxanne” to “Message in a Bottle,” every little thing this group channels is magic. You’ve got two chances to see the acclaimed crew in action when they take over The Showroom at Casino Arizona for two nights. Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com, 7:30 p.m., $10-$15.
Annie! The Musical
JULY 6 TO JULY 15 In Arizona, we know that the sun will come out tomorrow… and the next day and the day after that, but this beloved family musical is a good reminder. With production value, talent and heart to spare, Annie! tells the story of Little Orphan Annie, who spreads positivity and hope in the Big Apple after a millionaire adopts her and shakes up her world. Dream City Church, 13613 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, 1.800.224.2122, summermusical. org, 7:30 p.m., $10-$31.
Joel Fletcher
JULY 6 This Australian-born DJ began making his own tracks at 14 and was playing clubs by the time he was 16. With hyped-up originals like “Bugging Device” and “China Town” under his belt, Joel Fletcher brings his brand of electro house to Scottsdale for a cover-free night of fun. Maya Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., free.
hip-hop beats and partying. Expect a mix of tracks across the board when the man behind M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes” and some of Justin Bieber’s biggest hits gets spinning. The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com, noon to 6 p.m., $45.
Arizona Stadium Spirit
JULY 7 Life may be a marathon, but sometimes you have to sprint! While this reprisal of the obstacleridden Spartan race is only 3 to 5 miles long, it provides the perfect opportunity for new and returning racers to see how far they can push themselves. With more than 20 obstacles, racers are sure to hit the mud running… good luck from there! University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 1.800.745.3000, spartan.com, 7:30 a.m., $97-$148.
Diplo
JULY 7 Summer in Scottsdale means sweating, scalding steering wheels, but, most importantly, pool parties at Talking Stick Resort. The hotel brings in the EDM legend himself, Diplo, for an afternoon of dancehall,
The Garth Guy Show
JULY 9 Don’t forget that you’ve got friends in low places, like Sun Lakes! Garth Brooks tribute artist Dean Simmons – or “The Garth Guy” – is set to take the stage with the charisma, talent and charm of the man himself. From “The Thunder Rolls” to “The Dance,” you won’t want to miss an opportunity to sway along with this country crooner. IronOaks at Sun Lakes, 24218 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes, 480.317.3600, bit.ly/2sYPq1K, 7 p.m., $20. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
holds-barred. From men to politics, her raunchy stand-up show is an act not to be missed. Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com, times vary, $30.
Catch Me if You Can
Eric Johnson
JULY 12 No one knows guitar like Grammy Award-winner Eric Johnson. With the top 10 hit “Cliffs of Dover” and a handful of award-winning albums under his belt, Johnson has made a place in guitar history. He stops by the intimate stage at the Musical Instrument Museum for a dynamic set, featuring tracks from his latest album Up Close. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.479.6000, mim.org, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50.
JULY 13 TO AUGUST 12 Based on the hit Steven Spielberg flick, this musical comedy tells the true story of a 1960s conman who scammed the world. Arizona Broadway Theatre hosts the musical’s Arizona regional premiere, promising Pan Am glamour, delightful entertainment and a delicious dinner! Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623.776.8400, azbroadway.org, times vary, $41.20-$91.
The Little Mermaid
JULY 13 TO JULY 22 The charm of this fishy fable is endless. TheaterWorks takes on Disney’s The Little Mermaid, bringing the magic of songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World” to life. Follow Ariel as she dreams of a love and a life on land. Special sensory-friendly performances for families affected by sensory, social and cognitive disabilities are also available. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 8355 W. Peoria Road, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks.org, $16-$38.
got an emotional attachment to a costume, your repeat-Halloween opportunity has arrived! Salt River Tubing is open and its themed costume days are a blast for all parties involved. Grab some friends, sunscreen and cold brews for a spooky float down the river – candy not included. Salt River Tubing, 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, 480.984.3305, saltrivertubing.com, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., $7-$17.
Winter in July at Phoenix Zoo
JULY 14 Hot temps, shining sun and no chance of snow this July? The Phoenix Zoo begs to differ. For one afternoon, the zoo will host nearly 50 tons of snow, wet and wild play areas and icy treats for some favorite loveable furry friends. Activities like Winter Game photo ops, snow painting and an ice wagon are included with admission. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo.org, 7 to 11 a.m., $12.95-$24.95.
Foster the People
Whitney Cummings
JULY 13 TO JULY 14 Whether she’s dishing it out as herself on Whitney or behindthe-scenes writing for TV shows, Whitney Cummings has garnered a reputation of being herself – no-
Salt River Tubing: Spooktacular Halloween
JULY 14 Whether you’ve been watching Friday the 13th marathons or you’ve
JULY 16 This quartet of L.A. instrumentalists gained steam after its controversial track “Pumped Up Kicks” took off in 2011 and since then, the group has showed no signs of stopping. While they’re touring their latest album Sacred Hearts Club, the indie pop group has a handful of hits to choose from, including “Sit Next to Me,” “Don’t Stop” and “Helena Beat.” Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m., $29.50-$59.50.
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Chester Bennington Tribute and Celebration
JULY 21 It’s an emotional night for Mesa as the community joins to pay their respects to the iconic former Arizonan/Linkin Park frontman, Chester Bennington. Featuring live tributes from bands like Lethal Injektion, as well as special guests, all proceeds from this all-ages event will be donated to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.200.7529, clubredrocks.com, 7 p.m., $10.
Pentatonix
JULY 21 This Grammy Award-winning a cappella group has had a wild ride since forming in 2011, charting more than 3.3 billion views on YouTube. Pentatonix is hitting the road for a worldwide tour in promotion of its new album, PTX Presents: Top Pop, Vol. 1. Expect the unexpected with a setlist packed with dazzling new arrangements like “New Rules” and “Attention,” as well as originals. Special guests are Echosmith and Calum Scott. Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, ptxofficial.com, 8 p.m., $25$69.50.
Peach Mania Festival
JULY 21 TO JULY 29 For two weekends this summer, Apple Annie’s Orchard is showcasing its one-of-a-kind, sweet and juicy Willcox peaches. Starting with an unlimited peaches and pancakes breakfast, each afternoon will feature free wagon rides, peach picking and
The Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch is an amazing getaway, located in the pristine Bradshaw Mountains, tucked away in the cool pines of Crown King, Arizona.
1 Main St. PO Box 457 Crown King, Arizona 86343 928-632-4477 crownking.com
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
samples. Swing by later in the day for homemade peach pie and apple-smoked burgers. Apple Annie’s Orchards, 2081 W. Hardy Road, Willcox, 520.384.2084, appleannies.com, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., free admission and fees for lunch and fruit.
’80s Night
JULY 21 The beloved Hollywood-based tribute band The Cured is taking over Tempe so patrons can dance the night away. With Arena, a tribute to Duran Duran, set to open, it’s the perfect opportunity to bust out your favorite throwback fashions and phrases. It’s not a Friday, but you’re going to be in love. Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 6 p.m., $20-$35.
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.7200, thirtysecondstomars.com, 8 p.m., $29.50-$30.
legends in R&B for an evening of performance and conversation as part of its Performing Live series. Showcased instrumentalists for the intimate get-together include drummer Billy Cobham, bassist Ron Carter and pianist Kenny Barron. Mesa Arts Center's Piper Repertory Theater, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $50.
American Idol Live
JULY 25 After a return to television this past spring, American Idol hits the road with winner Maddie Poppe and the rest of the top seven. This megatalented group of performers will revisit classics from the show along with some originals. Past winner Kris Allen will take the stage as a special guest. VIP packages, including prime seats and meet-and-greets with the cast, are also available. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7 p.m., $30-$55.
With Old Town Scottsdale faves like Boondocks and Old Town Gringos in the mix, this is one party you will want to “Slytherin�-to. Scottsdale Area Bars, starts at 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, 480.525.9300, bit. ly/2sUxRQc, 5 p.m. to midnight, $15-$25.
The Giggling Piglets Improv
JULY 25 It’s all giggles when Laughing Pig Theatre brings together performers of various levels for a goofy evening of improvisational comedy. After participating in the theater’s weekly improv jam during the month, performers are invited to play in this pay-what-you-can show. Laughing Pig Theatre, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, laughingpigtheatre.com, 7:30 p.m., pay what you can.
Phoenix Taco Takeover
JULY 28 If you can’t take the heat, get out of the sun and head to the kitchen. BA This taco and tequila competition takes over Scottsdale’s The Clayton “STA BAG IT FOR BUCKS House for a day of games, music JULY 4 and other surprises. SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEENLocal chefs JULY 14 Wizards and Wands Bar Crawl willMEGA craft original tacos alongside HAWAIIAN HULA JULY 28 JULY 28 SPECIAL EVENT HOURS Jose Cuervo tequila cocktails, MARDI GRAS MAGIC 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM for a Wizards and Muggles unite culminating AUGUSTin 11 a contest for the best Latest Tube Rental 2:30 PM SALT RIVER HEROES = LITTER ZERO 21-and-upBAG party Potter dish and drink. The 3real TUBE RENTAL & SHUTTLE BUSwinner, SERVICE IT for FORHarry $BUCKS! SEPTEMBER 1 - SEPTEMBER a $7 Tubeprovides Rental Coupon for fans. This barReceive crawl Special (480) Event Details at 984-3305 however, is your stomach. www.saltrivertubing.com “STASHING & BAGGING IT!� participants with IT a knit scarf for The Clayton House, 75th ONLY $17 + Tax & Fees3719 ALLN.DAY! (Discount Tube Rental Coupon Valid on Return Visit) ROCKING RODEO the house of their choosing, as well Street, Scottsdale, 480.990.7300, ROUNDUP SRTR ACCEPTS CASH OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK as magical drinks and a special bit.ly/2yg8Zrs, 3 p.m., $45.25& CREDIT CARDS! JULY 4 1st 1,000 Tubers! MAY 5 - SATURDAY 9:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. Wizards and Wands stadium cup. $76.15. SPECIAL EVENT DETAILS AT WWW.SALTRIVERTUBING.COM
Thirty Seconds to Mars
JULY 22 This alternative rock band, a collaboration between actor Jared Leto and his brother, Shannon, has been going strong since 1998. Touring its first album in five years, America, Thirty Seconds to Mars marks its newest era with a foray into the electronic pop realm. The boisterously fun pop group Walk the Moon is set to open the show with K.Flay and Welshly Arms.
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SRTRwww.saltrivertubing.com ACCEPTS SALT RIVER PIRATES Visit www.saltrivertubing.com for Details Glass Containers 9:009:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M. & CREDIT CARDS Are Allowed at CASH & CREDIT JUNE 9 OPENLATEST 7A.M. DAYS A WEEK KidsSRTR Must Be ACCEPTS CASH TUBE RENTAL 2:30PM Salt River! At Least 8 Yrs LATEST TUBE RENTAL 1:00 P.M. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CARDS SUPER HEROES SPLASH DOWN! Weather & Water Flow Permitting or Older & Kids 9:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. & CREDIT CARDS ss la TUBE RENTAL & SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE G HAVE WEATHER & WATER FLOW PERMITTING 4 Feet Tall for Must Be At TUBE RENTAL & SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE 23rd Annual rs e JUNE 23 in ta A GREAT Tubing Co&n Least 8 Yrs or LATEST TUBE RENTAL ZEROâ€? 1:00 P.M. ed IS REQUIRED FOR “SALT RIVER HEROES=LITTER BAG IT FOR BUCKS - JULY 4 Shuttle Bus TIME! AllowLICENSE A VALID DRIVER’S Older & 4 Feet Are OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK BAG IT FOR BUCKS Appoint A Designated WEATHER & WATER FLOW PERMITTING Service t a HAVE A Take Pride in America Event Tall for Tubing & (480) 984-3305 SALT RIVER TUBING’S SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN - JULY 14 CREDIT CARD ID & TUBE RENTAL DEPOSIT Driver BEFORE lt a S PROOF O.K. BY: __________________________________________________ O.K.GREAT WITH CORRECTIONS BY:_________________________________________ Shuttle Bus Land, LendP.M. a Hand! JULY 4 9:00 A.M.It’s Your - 6:30 Your Tubing DRIVER’S ISTIME! REQUIRED FOR MEGA HAWAIIAN HULA - JULY 28 HAVE AA VALID AR VALID DRIVER’S Service iver!LICENSE Appoint A Adventure! WWW.SALTRIVERTUBING.COM UPCOMING EVENTS! See www.saltrivertubing.com for Details PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE LATEST TUBE RENTAL 2:30 P.M. (480) 984-3305 SALT RIVER TUBING’S Designated Driver GREAT TIME! SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN 9:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. CREDIT CARD ID &IS TUBEREQUIRED RENTAL DEPOSIT MARDI GRAS MAGIC - AUGUST 11 Appoint ALICENSE BEFORE Your WEATHERDOORS & WATEROPEN FLOW AT PERMITTING 8:00AM! SALT RIVER ________________________________________ Kids Must Be Designated Driver Located in NE Mesa, 14PIRATES Tubing WWW.SALTRIVERTUBING.COM SALT RIVERJULY HEROES-LITTER ZERO FOR CREDIT CARD IDPROOF & O.K. BY:AR-0008787386-17. UPCOMING EVENTS! See www.saltrivertubing.com for Details SAT 5/26 SUN 5/27 MON 5/28 At Least 8 Yrs LATEST TUBE RENTAL 1:00 P.M. BEFORE Your Adventure! 7 MinutesINDD from Hwy 202 E and SEPT. 1 - SEPT. 3 JUNE 9 or Older & Kids Must Be Tubing TUBE RENTAL DEPOSIT MEGA HAWAIIAN HULA! PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE Special Event Details at www.saltrivertubing.com SALT RIVER PIRATES NO the North Power Rd Exit 23A 48feet Adventure! AtSee Least YrsTall for SATURDAY - JULY 14 DOWN! WEATHER & WATER FLOW PERMITTING (480) 984-3305 + Tax & Fees www.saltrivertubing.com MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Glass Containers Special Event Details at Tubing & SUPER HEROES SPLASH ADVERTISER: FUNinINTonto THE SUN PROOF CREATED AT: 6/ LIKE US, FOLLOW US, FLOAT WITH US! or Older & JULY 28 National Forest. JUNE Kids Must Be Are4Allowed 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM9 Shuttle Bus for Details www.saltrivertubing.com SALES PERSON: Kevin Qualls PROOF DUE: Feet Tall8for WWW.SALTRIVERTUBING.COM www.saltrivertubing.com At Least Yrs 23rd Annual at Salt River! Service JUNE 23 PUBLICATION: AR-BROADSHEET 1 SIZE: 10 col X 10.7 in MARDI GRAS MAGIC A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE IS REQUIRED FOR Tubing SRTR Operates Under Permit of the USDA Forest Service MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FREE HALLOWEEN LEIS DOWN! SUPER HEROES SPLASH or Older&& National Forest “SALT RIVERTonto HEROES=LITTER ZEROâ€? Shuttle Bus 4 Feet Tall for (480) 984-3305 + Tax & Fees Operating Under Permit Of TheAnnual U.S.D.A. Forest Service BAG ITTHEFOR BUCKS AUGUST 11 FOR CREDIT CARDA ID & TUBE RENTAL DEPOSIT JUNE 23 Located inService NE Mesa,&7 Minutes from Hwy HAVE Take Pride23rd in America Event Tubing www.saltrivertubing.com “SALT ZEROâ€? Shuttle Bus 1st 500 Spooksters! 202 E and the North Power Rd Exit 23A GREAT TIME! It’s RIVER Your Lend a
Hand! Land, HEROES=LITTER WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM JULY 4 BUCKS IT FOR Event DetailsBAG at www.saltrivertubing.com Service WWW.SALTRIVERTUBING.COM HAVE A Take Pride in America Event in Tonto National See Forest. Appoint A www.saltrivertubing.com for Details Designated Driver GREAT TIME! It’s Your Land, Lend a Hand! SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN JULY 4
NO
WWW.SALTRIVERTUBING.COM
OPEN 7 DAYS$17 A WEEK
SRTR ACCEPTS CASH & CREDIT CARDS
+ Tax & Fees
$17
+ Tax & Fees
$17
$17
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ADVERTISER: FUN IN THE SUN SALES PERSON: Kevin Qualls PUBLICATION: AR-BROADSHEET 1
PROOF CREATED AT: 6/15/2018 6:06 PM PROOF DUE: NEXT RUN DATE: 07/01/18 SIZE: 10 col X 10.7 in
SALT RIVER TUBING’S UPCOMING EVENTS!
Located in NE Mesa on North Power Rd, 7 Minutes from Hwy 202 E and the Power Rd Exit 23A, in Tonto National Forest. SRTR Operates Under Permit of the USDA Forest Service
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
SHE DOES MEN Stacey Grondahl flips the bird at traditional spas Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
S
tacey Grondahl peppers her language with profanity and salacious comments inside of her cozy Scottsdale spa, We Do Men. She’s known as the “Boss Lady,” and rightly so. Grondahl manhandles her clients through massage and aesthetic treatments with names only appropriate for adult ears. “Men can be really full of themselves, but when they come in here, I break them down and I build them back up,” she says. “I try to get them to get their head out of their (butt) and be aware of everything about themselves in the most positive, tough love way.” Speaking in front of the iconic photo of Johnny Cash flipping the bird, Grondahl says men love her treatment of them. “Men are so much easier. They’re more fun and they’re more loyal,” explains Grondahl, who was born in North Dakota but raised in Bakersfield, California. “Funny story. I was supposed to be a boy. My mom wanted a boy.” It didn’t turn out that way. “Luckily, she still loves me,” says Grondahl, who adds she was supposed to be named Christopher. “I grew up WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
with boys, so I’ve always resonated with men. I was always the tough kid, the soccer player, and all of that.” We Do Men’s roots were planted in the summer of 2012, while Grondahl was working with Rhonda Allison Skincare’s men’s and women’s lines. “I was resonating toward their men’s line and really, really, really loved it,” she said. “I wasn’t giving a crap about the other side, to be completely honest, because it was just OK. I was obsessed with it and I needed to go with it. “Every guy I talked to would listen to every single thing I told them to do. If I told him to buy something, he would buy it. They were trying to recruit me to come work for them in industries that had nothing to do with mine.” Still, despite the clues she had, it took her “a million years” to find her niche. She opened We Do Men at age 26 in what she calls a perfect location. “I walked in here and the whole place felt so amazing,” Grondahl says. “I had no idea how to do it, but I needed this whole place. I told (the landlord) I don’t just want a room. I want the whole thing. To this day, I don’t know how I pulled it off. I really don’t—but I did.” The athletic Grondahl’s aggressive behavior and language works in her favor. She speaks, and men want to listen. The names of her treatments
are just as raunchy. Let’s just say they involve cactus, tea and tequila. For a menu of services, visit wedomen.com. “The names of my treatments have stories behind them, or are hilarious innuendos that actually mean not what they mean,” she says. Trained in massage by a Hungarian masseuse, Grondahl takes that knowledge and merges it with her own style. “I do massage-based facials,” she cites as an example. “I don’t use tools or technology. I use my hands for everything. “I utilize bad-ass ingredients with manual manipulation because scientifically and ethically and just being human, we need to be touched to survive. There are a lot of lonely people out there. Just having your face touched has amazing effects and it’s really, really important for somebody’s psyche. It’s a little bit of psychology. We don’t treat you like a dollar sign. We put our hands on your body and handle the (crap) out of you.” Client Richard Jackson, who works as a collegiate referee, found Grondahl on Yelp three years ago to help with razor bumps and other skin conditions. “She’s actually this fun-loving person who explains everything to you,” Jackson says. “You don’t want anyone touching your face without
knowing what’s going on. I always tell people I’m a referee and I need to put my best face forward. So, I always need Stacey around.” Grondahl has seen her share of the ups and downs of the industry. She lost her ability to massage full time because she was “worked to death” at a California spa. Her colleagues suffered torn tendons in their wrists and rotator cuff injuries. Grondahl has a degenerative muscle condition. “I’d be in a room sometimes with somebody for three hours without a break,” she says. “I would do a 90-minute facial, followed by a 90-minute massage right afterward. Three hours of nonstop physical touch and they’re making bank. We were slaving away. “It’s like an old, tattered rope that can break from an inflammation-induced injury,” she says. “It feels like needles.” It took her two years to recover, spending that time on disability. At the age of 24, she thought she was losing use of her hand. “I’m permanently disabled, so I cannot do massage anymore,” she says. “I have good days and bad days, like when the weather changes. In the summertime I get a little inflamed. In the winter, I get a little aggravated.” She’s still able to give clients what they want. One man was referred to her by his mother and sister. “They were really worried about his mental health,” she recalls. “After he came to see me, they said he was brighter, happier and more chipper. He was taking better care of himself.” Grondahl encourages her clients to text her about anything that bothering them—whether it’s what to wear on a date or solving those pesky skin issues. She wants to be the Rachel Zoe of the men’s grooming industry. “I just want to go everywhere and help as many guys as possible,” she says. “That’s what I want to do. It’s about enhancing guys, encouraging them to be their best self at any age and not settle. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury. It’s a necessity and we do it all while rocking out to old school tunes.”
We Do Men: A Male Concept Spa
4375 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, 480.686.8538 (talk or text), wedomen.com.
OOOHS AND SPAAAAHS
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
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THE
Valley resorts focus on relaxation and wellness Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
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rizonans love their spas. Sure, visitors partake in Sabai foot treatments at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, “indestructible” manis and pedis at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia’s Joya, or facials at the Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms Resort and Spa, too. But the summers are all about locals. “Scottsdale and Paradise Valley region is home to the highest concentration of resort and day spas in the country,” says Scott Dunn with the Arizona Office of Tourism. “We’re really fortunate to have a nationally and internationally renowned spa community in Sedona, Tucson, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley.” Spas are about more than looking good. It’s about feeling good, too, he adds. “Wellness travel is no longer about just destination spas,” Dunn says. “When we talk about wellness, yes, we’re talking about spas, but we’re also talking about food, fitness and being outdoors.” In Arizona, spa guests can be treated by American Indian healers, traditional massage therapists or feel solace within the Sonoran Desert. “Arizona is really well positioned to be a national leader in wellness travel in my mind because we have the natural beauty,” Dunn says. “We have the recreation that natural beauty provides. We have a year-round growing season and the strong farm-to-table that fits into that food element of wellness. And we have the American Indian culture and tradition. All those things contribute to our wellness community. “On top of that, we have an amazing destination spot.” Here are some of the spas offering deals this summer for locals and guests alike.
ROYAL TREATMENT
With its Mediterranean-inspired design and eight treatment rooms that spill into indoor-outdoor courtyards, the Royal Palms Resort and Spa’s Alvadora Spa pulls in locals and out of towners with its custom facials, scrubs and massages. The sweet scent of Neroli permeates from the
adjacent orange grove and throughout the spa. The treatments feature warmweather elements like citrus, eucalyptus, juniper and lavender. “The intimacy of our spa, as well as our hotel, is what really, really drives people to come here, versus our competitors that have larger spas,” says Sara Huddleson, spa director. Locals receive a 20-percent discount on treatments Monday to Thursday. Through August 31, a 50-minute scrub, massage or facial—all custom—are $125 each any day. “We are very specific about selecting the vendors we partner with, and we take pride in our sustainable practices as well as clean green products,” Huddleson says. “Even before Hyatt (acquired the property), we wanted people to be conscious of what’s being put on their skin. We don’t have any ingredients that would be considered ‘toxic’ ingredients.” It’s not only important for the guests, but the providers who are using the products daily. On the wellness side, Alvadora Spa specializes in Spa dēhp, a wellness therapy tailored to unlock the body’s intelligence process, integrating the guest’s stored experiences, promoting a sense of well-being and assisting him/her in new personal growth and development. The word dēhp (pronounced “deep”) is an acronym for developed expression of human potential, and is intense, but noninvasive. Alvadora Spa, Royal Palms Resort and Spa, 5200 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.977.6300, royalpalmshotel.com.
JOYA SPA
ROYAL PALMS RESORT AND SPA
AMETHYST SPA
GEM OF A SPA: AMETHYST
The Amethyst Spa at We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center prides itself on its personal touch, according to Robert Holtsoi, licensed massage therapist and spa supervisor. “We offer popular treatments like facials and massages, and we have a salon for services like manicures, pedicures and haircuts,” Holtsoi says. But Amethyst found its spot with massages—Yavapai Swedish Legacy, Yavapai Deep Legacy, Upland Yuman, Four Peaks Hot Stone Massage, Lullaby WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
Massage and Soothe Your Soul, which range in price from $60 to $185. “I’m Native American, Navajo, and the influences are really strong here,” he says. “We incorporate herbs that are part of the Native American people’s lives. As far as our facials, we have the Amethyst Signature Facial. “Our spa is named after the amethyst stone. There is an amethyst mine in the Four Peaks mountains. We wanted to incorporate that as well. It is actually known to have healing energy. We wanted to name the facial after that because it’s more of a hydrating facial.” The resort’s Summer Splash package includes rate as low as $99 per room/per night and features $10 casino free play per room, per stay; 25 percent off regularly priced spa services, and a waived resort fee upon checkout. Amethyst Spa, We-Ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center, 10438 N. Fort McDowell Road, Scottsdale, 480.789.5300, wekoparesort andconferencecenter.com.
FINDING SANCTUARY
simple soundtrack to treatments. The 60-minute Sabai Foot treatment is among the popular treatments. The Thai ritual begins with kaffir lime exfoliation. The therapist continues by massaging the feet and lower legs with a heated herbal poultice and a wooden dowel, and it wraps up peppermint cream to create a sense of well-being. ($165 Monday to Thursday; $175 Friday to Sunday.) “Our providers are, by far, the best I’ve ever worked with in my 27 years in this industry and I’ve worked a lot with five-star, or five-diamond properties,” Verros says. “These individuals come to work every day to be here for their guests. I have no doubt in my mind that the providers are fully there for their guests. If they have a massage, that guest will walk out with the best massage they’ve ever had.” But the experience doesn’t end there. “If you go up to the pool or Elements for lunch or dinner, the views are incredible,” she says. “We’re situated on the side of Camelback Mountain and all of my spa team will tell you there’s an energy to this mountain that’s so amazing. It lends to the entire environment. “The Praying Monk is right there. It’s ours. I think all of that great, wonderful energy does lend itself to us.” Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, 5700 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, 480.948.2100, sanctuaryoncamelback.com.
night-blooming cactus flower “Queen of the Night” that warms the system. A strong, deep touch is used in this massage, incorporating circular movements and stretching borrowed from traditional Thai to stimulate blood and lymph circulation while easing tension from the body. The 80-minute treatment is $239 to $269. “It really releases all the tension with the stretching at the end,” she says. “People really enjoy it. It’s not just because of the smell, but because it’s nontraditional.” The spa offers a series of specials throughout the summer for treatments like the Summer Splash Manicure and Pedicure, which features a fresh
exfoliating “cocktail” body polish – a mix of organic vodka, basil and watermelon seed oils, sugar and rice bran oil. 45minutes per treatment, $59 each. “It’s been great to see how our business has continued to grow each year,” White says. “People are making it more and more important to have their facials and have their body work done and make sure they’re taking care of themselves. “It’s a testament to the entire industry to see people really embracing it. It’s something that’s very real and people see the benefits of having services a couple times.” Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 480.627.3020, omnimontelucia.com.
SANCTUARY SPA
Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa’s LaRae Verros is thrilled her facility’s renovation is wrapping up, as it needed the additional space since 2002. “It was always busy in the ladies’ lounge, considering the volume we do here in the spa,” she says. “Our relaxing lounge was no longer really relaxing. It SANCTUARY SPA was busy.” It needed a refresh as well, so everything—the flooring, walls, showers, JOYA SPA etc.—were gutted. Now there is time, space and the environment in which to JOYA relax after treatments. In a cozy Paradise Valley corner, Omni “It’s a nice place to have that tranScottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia’s sition back into the real world after the Joya has a strong local customer base. • services and not to have to worry about “We’ve been very, very lucky to have anything,” Verros says. “Cellphones, the local clientele we do because, during Bring the kids, bring the pets computers or any type of device are not the summers,•we slow down, obviously,” Set a pace that suits you at the new Residence Inn Phoenix Chandler/ allowed in the room. It’s just you andthe says Stevie bring White, spa the director.pets, bring the grandparents... Bring kids, Chandler Fashion Center, our prime location is sure to place you near our relaxation chairs.” “It’s great to see how spas have cious near studio, Set a pace that suits you at the new Residence Inn Phoenix Chandler/South. in the heart of Chandler, AZ in the Price Corridor theone- and two-bedroom suites with separate living and s The women’s steam room and become part of people’s everyday life, plimentary Chandler Fashion Center, our prime location is sure to place you near wherever you’re headed. Our extended stay hotel features spa-grocery delivery service. Explore the area with nearby attr MLB and Spring Training Facilities just minutes from our front door. showers were expanded. The instead of just thewith extra luxuryliving it used to cioustreatment studio, one- and two-bedroom suites separate and sleeping areas. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen comgrocery delivery service. Explore the area with nearby attractions including the Wild Horse Pass Casino, Ocotillo Golf Club & rooms surround the Zen plimentary garden. The be. I think the wellness part of it and the Start each day with breakfast on us, and join us Monday-Wednesday just minutes from our front door. men’s area was refreshed, MLB too.Spring Training Facilities healing part have really come into its own. bar on-site for you to catch up with friends at. Unwind in either our 24 The environment aside, “indestructible” manicure evenings for our complimentary RI Mix. We also feature Inn, we’ll make sure you thrive during your stay. Startthe each day with breakfastThe on us, and join us Monday-Wednesday our own on-site forat you to catch with friends Unwind in either Asian-inspired services arebarforemost andup pedicure is aat.great go-to, sheour 24-hour fitness center or cool off in our outdoor pool. At Residence Inn, we’ll make sure you thrive during your stay. • PET FRIENDLY Sanctuary, nestled within 53 acres of says. The spa is known for the Joya • FREE BREAKFAST Scottsdale desert. The “experience,” as Signature Massage, a Moroccan• PET FRIENDLY Join Marriott Rewards for more • SENIOR DISCOUNTS BREAKFAST rewards during your stay.• FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET they call it, is shared in 12• FREE indoor and inspired Joyambrosia argon oil blend of • SENIOR DISCOUNTS • OUTDOOR POOL AND HOT TUB outdoor treatment rooms.• FREE BirdsHIGH-SPEED in and INTERNET essential oils, flower and gem essences • 24 HOUR FITNESS CENTER around the Zen garden provide a sweet, and infused energy from the rare • OUTDOOR POOL AND HOT TUB • Nearby to outlet centers, golf courses and
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RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT
PHOENIX CHANDLER SOUTH
2727 West Queen Creek Road Chandler, AZ 85248 Marriott.com/PHXRL
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PHOENIX CHANDLER SOUTH 2727 West Queen Creek Road Chandler, AZ 85248
480.210.2727 Marriott.com/PHXRL
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO
RED FOR MUSICIANS Salon Rock supports local acts while pampering guests
Mckayla Hull » The Entertainer!
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ith the #RedforEd movement continuing, hairstylist, musician and co-owner of Scottsdale’s Salon Rock, David Demson, puts his own spin on the movement. He says he’s “Red for Musicians.” Open Tuesday to Saturday, Salon Rock specializes in haircuts, color, makeup and nails, but to the soundtrack of live music each Saturday. Vinyl
records are plastered on the brick walls, as the salon oozes rock ‘n’ roll. It’s hard to not walk in there and instantly feel like a rock star. Demson and his wife, Laura, have always been around music and hair. Meeting years ago at Cowgirls, now known as Pub Rock, in the same complex as the salon, they melded their passions through Salon Rock. Although they don’t have a musical preference, the majority of the music is acoustic. “You could play almost anything,” Demson says. “Our biggest thing is we
want to support local musicians.” Performing at Salon Rock can be daunting, as the audience may not be attentive, Demson says. Traditionally, musicians play at night, but Salon Rock breaks that stereotype. “I don’t necessarily want to be a venue that’s a salon,” he adds. “I want to be a salon that has live music.” In the beginning, Demson says he and his wife would seek musicians to come and play, but they eventually started to have people call them to book shows.
Chandler singer-songwriter Lois Zozobrado has performed at Salon Rock. “You’re not limited to only singing rock,” she says. “I love that they accept any music, really, and that’s usually where I play my new originals. It’s one of my favorite places to perform, because it’s a cool concept.” Demson enjoys her performances as well. “A musician who talks in between is really conducive to the salon,” he says about Zozobrado. “When they talk in between songs and they’re talking about different things, it keeps it on a one-onone-type level.” Zozobrado says it doesn’t matter to her how many people are in the salon. “I’m OK with literally just being there with a crowd or being there with no one because I love their family so much,” she says. The performances have helped Zozobrado increase her fanbase, she says. But Demson is modest about his business. “We’re just another spot on the map where local musicians can come and play,” Demson says.
Salon Rock
8109 E. Roosevelt Street, Scottsdale, 480.941.0111, salonrockaz.com.
50 OFF
$ • Facials • Chemical Peels • Venus Viva RF Fractional • Venus Viva Skin Tightening • IPL/Photofacials
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11000 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 135 Scottsdale Arizona 85254 www.recreatespainc.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
Call for an appointment today
480-219-9099
SKIP THE AIRPORT... HAVE A STAYCATION IN STYLE. •
Bring the kids, bring the pets, bring the grandparents... Set a pace that suits you at the new Residence Inn Phoenix Chandler/South. in the heart of Chandler, AZ in the Price Corridor near the Chandler Fashion Center, our prime location is sure to place you near wherever you’re headed. Our extended stay hotel features spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with separate living and sleeping areas. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen and complimentary grocery delivery service. Explore the area with nearby attractions including the Wild Horse Pass Casino, Ocotillo Golf Club & MLB Spring Training Facilities just minutes from our front door. Start each day with breakfast on us, and join us Monday-Wednesday evenings for our complimentary RI Mix. We also feature our own bar on-site for you to catch up with friends at. Unwind in either our 24-hour fitness center or cool off in our outdoor pool. At Residence Inn, we’ll make sure you thrive during your stay. • PET FRIENDLY • FREE BREAKFAST • SENIOR DISCOUNTS • FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET • OUTDOOR POOL AND HOT TUB • 24 HOUR FITNESS CENTER • Nearby to outlet centers, golf courses and family and children activity centers
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT
PHOENIX CHANDLER SOUTH 2727 West Queen Creek Road Chandler, AZ 85248
480.210.2727 Marriott.com/PHXRL
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Studio 1 Bed 2 Bed
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alking distance to all Downtown Phoenix has to offer • Outdoor kitchen with poolside TVs • Concierge Services • Modern Fitness Center
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE EXTRAORDINAIRE
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STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN
‘A FUN JOB’ Chris Isaak looks both ways on his career
Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!
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hris Isaak isn’t bothered by a little heat. Upon answering the phone, the Stockton, California, native asks the typical Arizona question. “Is it hot?” he asks. When he’s told the temperatures are in the 100s in early June, Isaak exclaims, “Whew” and launches into stories of his first tour bus, which lacked air conditioning, and his days of roofing in his hometown. The conversation quickly turns to his new tour, which will bring him and his longtime backing band to the Arizona climate this July.
The rockabilly crooner debuted in 1985 with Silvertone and has produced 11 more albums and several major hits since then. “The special part of it (the tour) is we haven’t played in a little while,” he says. “We’ve been off the road for a little bit. I’ve been writing, and I’m dying to get back on stage and play.” Among his dates are July 20 at the Celebrity Theatre, where he performed last summer, and July 21 at the Fox Tucson Theatre. For Phoenix fans – and the band – the Celebrity Theatre’s famed revolving stage makes for a positive experience, he says. “That stage is a great stage because there’s not a bad seat in that house,” he explains.
“You do have to remember that people can see your back,” he adds with a laugh. “If you turn around and you’re talking to your drummer, they’re going to hear what you’re saying, and so you have to be careful.” When Isaak performs, he ensures fans will hear an array of songs spanning his 33-year career, including “Wicked Game,” “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying.” “I want to make it fun, but I also want to make sure I please the audience,” he explains. “People come to this show and maybe they’re only going to see me once every five years, it may be the only time they see me. They might have to drive a long way and hire a babysitter. And I try to think, ‘What song did they come to hear?’” He views balancing different moods, from ballads to upbeat songs, as equally important to playing the hits. Sometimes this involves making impromptu decisions and adjusting his setlist. “Over the years we’ve found which songs we think work and then we switch it up, because the nice thing about having played for 33 years with people is we’re not stuck with a setlist when we walk out on stage,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll walk out on stage and I’ll go, ‘You know, tonight there are a lot of people who are ready to dance, and this place that we’re playing lets people stand up,’ or ‘Tonight is a great sounding room. We can do ballads. People are sitting down and they’re enjoying it, and they can hear really well.’ You can adjust every night a little bit.” His love of playing live is reflected in his performances, and he feels that contributes to his large following. “We have a good time. We put on a show,” he says. “We dress up. We look like I stole Liberace’s clothes. I mean, I wear a 30-pound suit covered in mirrors. We’ll go out in the audience and sing. We’ll get them up on stage. We talk to the audience. We really make an effort—and that effort has paid off over the years.” Though known for his Elvis- and Roy Orbison-inspired tunes, Isaak isn’t a one-trick pony, as he has a lengthy resume in television and film. Aside from licensing his songs, he has guest-starred on numerous television series, hosted his own show, The Chris Isaak Hour, and worked with film
directors David Lynch and the late Jonathan Demme. “(Demme) was always on my side and always trying to get me to do stuff,” explains Isaak, who had small roles in The Silence of the Lambs and Married to the Mob, and was offered several other roles by Demme over the years. Lynch notably used several of Isaak’s songs in 1986’s Blue Velvet and 1990’s Wild at Heart, and directed one of several music videos for “Wicked Game.” He later cast Isaak in a major role alongside Kiefer Sutherland in his 1992 film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. “I’ve worked with David Lynch since early on,” he says. “He called and said, ‘Hey, I love your record. Would you think about doing music for the film?’” he recalls, attempting to impersonate Lynch’s distinctive voice. Rather than sending ideas back and forth, he says he welcomed the director into the studio to collaborate. “It was really fun working with him,” Isaak remembers. “He’s a very creative guy and very fun to work with because he doesn’t have an ego.” Later this year, Isaak will use his creativity when hosting the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Induction & Celebration. He helmed the ceremony last year. “It worked out pretty well. I had a good time,” he says. “I always feel like, ‘Well, I’ll just be honest and I’ll say what comes into my head and keep it clean and we’ll see how it goes.’ “I like music, so it’s not a problem for me to get enthused. I don’t have to pretend to be excited when I’m out there on stage and introducing Raul Malo (of The Mavericks) or listening to Elvis Costello or something. I remember playing those things and I go, ‘Man, I used to buy these guys’ records.’” He lets out a laugh. “It’s a fun job.”
Chris Isaak
Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.267.1600, celebritytheatre.com, 8 p.m. Friday, July 20, $65-$100. Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street, Tucson, 520.547.3040, foxtucson.com, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, $37.30-$68. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
ONE MORE
LIGHT
Remembering Chester Bennington’s legacy a year later
Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!
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hen Chester Bennington took his life July 20, 2017, he left behind a wife, six kids and a legacy in the music business that hasn’t been forgotten. Linkin Park’s U.S. music sales increased 5,332 percent after Bennington’s death, according to reports, and songs like “Numb” and “Breaking the Habit” still pepper the airwaves. The Linkin Park lead singer lived in Palos Verdes Estates, California, but maintained his ties to his home state of Arizona, rooting for the Suns, Cardinals and Diamondbacks. He was pretty much a walking billboard as well for Club Tattoo, a Tempe tattoo parlor owned by his high school friend Sean Dowdell. When he lived here, he politely greeted fans at grocery stores and other everyday places. Bennington’s legacy and life will be remembered with tributes on Friday, July 20, at Club XS in Tucson, and Saturday, July 21, at Club Red in Mesa. The all-ages celebrations were conceived by Jacob Ryan, lead vocalist for the Tucson nu-metal band Lethal Injektion and a hardcore Linkin Park fan. “Chester was an icon worldwide and had an impact in the music industry in all markets,” Ryan says. “Everyone in Arizona looked up to him. He was an inspiration. He was humble, and he made our music scene better.” Her Name Echoes, The Diversion Program and Celestial Exile will also perform. Former Linkin Park touring bassist, Scott Koziol, is set to appear with Lethal Injektion for “a celebration of Chester’s music,” he says. “Chester Bennington loved to laugh, sing and entertain,” Koziol says. “I’ll be playing shows in Tucson and Mesa to honor the life, music and spirit of Chester.” Mesa and Bennington had a tight relationship as the singer was the keynote speaker for the Mesa Music Festival in 2013. Not only did Bennington deliver a rousing keynote, he received a key to the city from thenmayor Scott Smith. “He was so candid, so generous and humble, it was amazing,” says Indian Antao, the New Jersey music promoter behind the Mesa Music Festival. “He really did affect a lot of people for us.”
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Antao recounts Bennington’s generosity. He attended the festival’s after party and took pictures with more than 200 fans. “I (walked) up to him and said, ‘Hey Chester, you don’t have to do this,’ and he says, ‘No, man, I love this,’” Antao says. “I was so enamored by the guy.” Antao and Bennington met through the festival, but they maintained a relationship. Antao remembers driving on an interstate and pulled over when he received the news of Bennington’s suicide. “I’ll never forget that exit, I pulled over and sat there for half an hour, just numb,” he says. Bennington’s passing was surprising for everyone, including Linkin Park co-frontman, Mike Shinoda, who confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, “Shocked and heartbroken, but it’s true.” Shinoda, who was one of the band’s founding members, recently told iHeartRadio he doesn’t know if Linkin Park will continue without Bennington. Shinoda further addresses the loss and healing in his new album, Post Traumatic. “It’s a journey out of grief and darkness, not into grief and darkness,” Shinoda says of the collection, which he will support at festival dates across the world this summer. As for Bennington’s widow, Talinda, she routinely speaks about the stigma surrounding mental health and depression. She appeared on Finding Hope: Battling America’s Suicide Crisis, a CNN special with Anderson Cooper. She says she feels “more educated” about warning signs like “hopelessness, change of behavior, isolation,” which, she said, were there in the days leading up to his death. Ryan feels the same and will donate all proceeds from the event to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Chester Bennington Tribute and Celebration
Club XS, 5851 E. Speedway Boulevard, Suite 141, Tucson, 520.885.3030, clubxsconcerts. com, 7 p.m. Friday, July 20, call for charge. Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.200.7529, clubredrocks.com, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21, $10.
IN A POD’
Mastodon and Primus strike unlikely alliance for U.S. tour Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!
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astodon guitarist Bill Kelliher is enthusiastic about his band’s co-headlining tour with alternative rock weirdos Primus. Kelliher, whose bandmates include guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds, bassist/ vocalist Troy Sanders and drummer/ vocalist Brann Dailor, cites the importance his new tourmates had on him as a young musician. “Primus is one of those bands that, when they first came out, I was completely blown away,” he says. “They were easily my favorite band for probably a good 10 years. I bought all their records. My first band I was in we used to try to cover Primus songs … They were very influential back then, as I was a young guitarist, even though there’s not a lot of guitar in their music, but the guitar parts are very cool.” Though Kelliher is unsure how the seemingly unlikely pairing of Primus and his Atlanta-based metal band came to be, he holds the utmost
respect for the Les Claypool-fronted trio, with whom he has been on tour since early May. “Les Claypool is just a maniac on the bass,” he says. “He’s one of the best bass players I’ve ever seen perform. He’s really talented and a very interesting guy, to say the least. He’s really intelligent and he’s funny. “All those guys are. Herb and Les. Larry LaLonde—he’s a really nice dude and great guitar player, so it’s a great tour. It’s really cool.” Kelliher’s fandom of the “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver” band dates back to their early days. He cites their debut album, Frizzle Fry, as his favorite, though their sophomore album, Sailing the Seas of Cheese, and the early live recording Suck on This, also stand out. “When I heard about it (the tour), I was just like, ‘Wow! I can’t believe we’ll be touring with Primus,’” he exclaims. “I saw those guys in 1990 back in Rochester, New York, in a tiny little club with like 300 people there, and they just blew the place apart. It’s a very proggy band, and I like to consider us a little proggy here and there. So, we get along like two peas in a pod, for sure.”
Though Kelliher, who played with other bands like Lethargy and Today is the Day in the ’90s, seemingly expanded his tastes as the years progressed, his fondness of Primus still stands. “That’s about as far as I went for Primus,” he says of Sailing the Seas of Cheese. “I think I kind of moved on or maybe the gimmick wore off on me back then when I was a kid and I just started listening to heavier stuff, like more Metallica, Iron Maiden and stuff like that, and punk rock was Bad Brains and stuff like that … Primus was getting just a little too far out there for me on some of those records. “I actually, when this tour started, I went home,” he continues. “We were on tour for two weeks and we had a day off at home, and I put my Spotify on, I listened all the way through Frizzle Fry and Sailing the Seas of Cheese just to re-familiarize myself with the songs and everything, just so I could remember all the idiosyncrasies of everything. I went for a jog one day and I put on Frizzle Fry and I just couldn’t get enough. Damn good band.” Also, on the tour’s billing is psychrock band JJUUJJUU, who hits the
PHOTO BY JIMMY HUBBARD
‘TWO PEAS
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
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stage first. Mastodon follows, with Primus serving as a finale each evening. “I haven’t actually caught their (JJUUJJUU’s) whole set yet, but I’ve seen a couple songs. They’re pretty unique. I don’t know even how you’d describe them. They’re kind of like a noisy rock band with a little bit of maybe Grateful Dead jam in there somewhere,” Kelliher says with a laugh. “But every night I hear when they get done with their songs they get a roaring applause, so that’s definitely a good sign.” Though he says some fans in either aisle may need to be won over each night, reception has been positive thus far. The eclectic line-up’s two-month tour will conclude July 7 at Comerica Theatre. After a month-long break, Mastodon will return to stages across the world later this year, including a string of shows with Dinosaur Jr. “Everyone’s so laidback,” Kelliher says of his double-billing tour with Primus. “That’s the one thing that’s different about this tour than other tours we’ve done in the past. It’s really laidback, is a good word to describe it. Everybody’s really chill, there’s no friction.” Though Kelliher says he and his bandmates often voice their desires to relearn and work more old songs into their setlists, they never seem to do so. They have, however, resurrected songs like Blood Mountain’s “Sleeping Giant” and Crack the Skye’s “Ghost of Karelia,” both of which they hadn’t performed in several years. In terms of the shows, though, Mastodon keeps them structured and consistent. “It’s real smooth and everything goes as planned and we know what song is next,” Kelliher says. “We don’t really talk to the audience. We just try to kill them with sound. I like everything to flow really steadily so it’s like a nonstop barrage of sonic awesomeness.”
Primus and Mastodon w/ JJUUJJUU
Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7 p.m. Saturday, July 7, $38.50-$252.50.
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MEDAL OF
HONOR
Phoenix Theatre’s Michael Barnard to receive prestigious prize David M. Brown » The Entertainer!
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rom 1892 to 1954, the 12 million immigrants entering Ellis Island sought the rewards of America. Michael Barnard, producing artistic director of Phoenix Theatre, recently visited the U.S. National Monument adjacent to the Statue of Liberty in Upper New York Bay as an Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient. Co-awardees this year at the Ellis Island Honor Society’s gala were Henry Louis Gates Jr., Albert II Prince of Monaco and Rep. Adam Schiff. Barnard’s paternal grandmother, a French chanteuse in Paris bars, came through Ellis Island just before the Nazi occupation in 1941. His grandfather helped found Glendale with Sen. Carl Hayden. “I was nominated by one of the board of directors at the Ellis Island Honor Society and asked to send a biography focusing on my artistic vision and philanthropic contributions,” says Barnard, a Phoenix resident. Since the inauguration of the honor in 1986, seven U.S. presidents have been selected. Others include former Vice President Joe Biden, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Nobel laureates Elie Wiesel and Malala Yousafzai, Coretta Scott King, John Sculley, Muhammad Ali, Lee Iacocca and Rosa Parks. As described by the Honor Society, “The Ellis Island Medals of Honor embody the spirit of America in their salute to tolerance, brotherhood,
diversity and patriotism. Honorees may be native-born or naturalized, but most importantly, they are individuals who have made it their mission to share their wealth of knowledge, indomitable courage, boundless compassion, unique talents and selfless generosity with those less fortunate.”
NEW AUDIENCES, NEW AUTHORS Born in Glendale, Barnard was mentored early by a high school teacher, Gerri Lee Frye. “She opened my eyes to theater as an artform and to articulate positive messaging,” he recalls. He earned a bachelor of arts at ASU, and then a master’s in theater with an emphasis in directing at Northwestern University. When he began his tenure at Phoenix Theatre in the 1980s, he was guided by another mentor, its board president, Todd Peterson, who encouraged him to work positively and ethically for the community. “In 1999, I was asked by Phoenix Theatre to restructure its program to welcome new voices and new works, from young and old, famous and nonfamous, addressing themes such as social justice, tolerance and diversity in a relevant way,” Barnard says. “At the same time, we were also looking for younger audiences to support the theatrical arts.” The future of live theater concerned those whose careers are tied to it by vocation or avocation: companies, critics, academics, theater aficionados. Fortunately, Barnard says, Phoenix Theatre has been able to shift its following from an average age of 67 to
51. They enjoy works in three different theaters, one, in fact, which focuses on incubating new works. Many of the productions he has directed and choreographed at Phoenix Theatre have showcased issues dealing with diversity, such as The Scottsboro Boys, In the Heights, Beehive, Lady Day and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. One of his next projects, developed in the troupe’s New Works Incubator, is Americano, about a Dreamer, featuring Mexican-inspired hip-hop music. It is expected to be a part of the Phoenix Theatre Festival of New American Theatre in March. With the nonprofits and charities, Barnard crafts entertainment to articulate messages and fundraising requests. He has directed 1,000-plus special events, a craft he learned while working as a senior show director for the Disney Corp. with a third mentor, Mike Davis, now with Universal Studios. In Anaheim, from an office at Disneyland, he worked on popular shows such as Pocahontas and Hunchback of Notre Dame. For community outreach, the company’s Partners That Heal program provides comfort and entertainment to children and families in health care and crisis facilities, such as Ryan House, for children and families in life-limiting or end-of-life experiences. And, a summer camp promotes confidence through interactive theatrical and dance experiences for children, teens and adults, for example, with SARRC. “I use the arts in musical and dramatic contexts,” Barnard explains. “These scenes are played out before
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the audience, so that they can learn be inspired and engaged to help the institutions.” At a recent event for Liberty Wildlife, which helps promote responsible stewardship, actors dressed as animals. “They presented their cases about their uniqueness and survival and the importance of the environmental circle,” he says. And, for an Arizona Diamondbacks-sponsored event for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Phoenix at the Kierland Resort, he created an all-star theme for its annual Youth of the Year awards. He created oversized baseball cards explaining their successes. “This helped the audience know where their money was going and how youths in danger have instead gone down a different path, nurtured by supportive citizens,” he says. With his new medal, Barnard will continue to celebrate how the arts have inspired him. “I have learned that the arts are invaluable to our quality of life,” he says. “They help make us strong, individually and together, inspiring conversation about significant subjects. They are not just entertainment but offer innovative, evocative ways to build acceptance, hope and tolerance within communities that embrace their remarkable promise.” For more information about the Ellis Island Honor Society, visit neco.org. For Phoenix Theatre, see phoenixtheatre.org.
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EXTRAORDINARY RIDES
2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium
C.A. Haire » The Entertainer!
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or decades, the Ford Mustang has been restyled, refined and improved to remain one of the more popular sport coupes sold. For 2018, more mechanical improvements and refreshing have been done, but the standout is this performance GT version. It’s not only more powerful than ever, but it can compete with some of the top-line European sports machines. Under the hood is a potent 5.0-liter V-8 engine cranking out 460 horsepower at a high 7,500 rpm. Half of GT models will have a new automatic transmission. With seven gears for the street, and three more for highway cruising, which equals 10, it provides a ratio that delivers maximum power delivery for any situation, yet improved fuel economy over previous models. Remaining GT cars will get a new sixspeed stick shift gearbox, with a smooth twin disc clutch and dual mass flywheel for smoother operation. It comes with a computer control that can launch the car from a stop light up to 4,500 rpm for quicker drag strip times.
This test Mustang was a premium model, which included everything offered from the factory, so was just over $50K. This included the performance package, with limited slip rear differential, larger brakes and upgraded tires. Next is the MagneRide suspension that provides firm traction, yet a smooth ride. Our favorite upgrade was the Active Valve performance exhaust. By the push of a button, you can choose normal sound, extra loud that will wake the dead, and attract every traffic cop on the street, or muffled quiet mode so you don’t disturb the neighbors at odd hours. We drove this Mustang for a week, and racked up over 650 miles. Fuel economy driving from Scottsdale to Prescott was an impressive 26 mpg. A few drag strip runs showed a 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds, but with higher octane fuel, it can go quicker. Top speed is computer-limited to 155 mph. For those who want maximum performance, there is the Mustang GT-350. It has a bigger 5.2-liter V-8, 526 horsepower, is quicker to 60 mph at 4 seconds flat, and will set you back about $60K. It’s only available with an old fashioned six-speed manual gearbox, but hardcore drivers wouldn’t have it any other way.
DEFYING STEREOTYPES
Singer Parker Polhill is set to prove millennials work hard, too Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
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arker Polhill has played collegiate football and starred in TV shows and film, but music is where his heart is. “Writing and singing music is what I love to do,” Polhill says. Polhill recently moved from Atlanta to Glendale to be closer to an unnamed investor who is determined to push him into the mainstream. He lives in the West Valley, but travels to Los Angeles one week per month. Polhill’s single, “On One,” featuring Jose Mud, channels Drake and The Weeknd. With a passion for music that began when he was 8 years old, Polhill recorded cover songs in his uncle’s home recording studio and released them on SoundCloud. He kept it up until he landed a headlining national tour and more than 10 million YouTube views. He attributes his success to his falsetto vocals combined with cinematic music videos. “I’ve been singing my whole life,” WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
says Polhill, whose music is available on iTunes. “I started really pursuing it as a career three years ago. My mom ‘discovered’ me when she heard me singing in the shower when I was 7 or 8. “She was surprised I could sing. At the time, my uncle had a band and a little home recording studio. He introduced me to the whole creative and writing thing when I was about 8.” From there, he participated in choir in junior high. In high school, he put music aside for football, playing cornerback and wide receiver. He played cornerback for a year at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, until something got in the way—his love of music. “I decided to make a career out of it,” he says. “I credit my mom and my uncle for getting me into the creative headspace.” Polhill is slated to release his first EP, appropriately dubbed The Intro EP, this month. “My music is pretty mainstream pop with some R&B and EDM undertones,” he says. “I’m from Atlanta. A lot
of the music I listen to is urban and hiphop, like Chris Brown and Nelly. I have that influence in my music. “I listen to hip-hop and rap; all pop music. I don’t love country, but I do like Brett Young and Sam Hunt, and the pop classics like John Mayer and Michael Buble.” His music isn’t all upbeat dance tracks, though. “I do have ballads and emotional music that really touches,” Polhill says. “I’m all about positive energy and bringing happiness; lyrics that people can relate to or feel the vibe of the music. There’s some kind of emotion with it. I want to have a positive effect. I want them to be able to say, ‘That made me happy.’” Polhill hopes to have an album out by 2019. He penned 46 songs for the EP and plans to write 80 to 100 before the new collection is released. He hopes his work ethic defies the stereotypes of millennials. “I want to make an impact on this whole generation,” Polhill says. “The stereotype is that we don’t work hard
and we expect everything handed to us. My parents were entrepreneurs. I grew up in a household where I had to work for whatever I wanted. “I want my music to inspire people to get out there and be willing to work for what they want and what they love.” For more information about Parker Polhill, visit parkerpolhillmusic.com.
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THE DOWNTOWNER
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HIP » AMBASSADORS » MUSEUMS » PRO SPORTS » HIGHRISES
DOWNTOWN LIFE Ambassador Guy Engard provides smiles and support to downtown denizens Madison Rutherford » The Entertainer!
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xperiences like walking from your favorite bar or restaurant to a sporting event or show and stopping along the way to snap a picture with street art or enjoy the shade of a newly planted tree are what bring people to a city center — and what keeps them coming back. Part of what keeps people coming back to downtown Phoenix is the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors, a team of 24 individuals who is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, employees and residents of downtown Phoenix. If you have yet to encounter an ambassador, they’re not hard to find — just look for a man or woman donning a bright orange shirt and a pin inviting passersby to ask them questions, which range from inquiries about parking and directions to restaurant recommendations and advice on activities to do downtown. You can catch an ambassador between Third Avenue and Seventh Street and Jackson Street and Fillmore seven days a week, 365 days a year. Guy Engard has been an ambassador since 2008, when he heard about the program from a former roommate. An Arizona native, Engard is a self-proclaimed people person and worked in retail before joining the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors. His outgoing personality, customer service skills and passion for helping people made him a strong candidate for the position. “I loved helping customers; I just really loved helping people who came in with a problem and offering solutions. Oftentimes that meant selling them a product, but that’s not what I was about,” he says. “Helping people and getting their feedback on how much my insight helped them was
really what I was after. Being able to just come out and be nice to people without really having to sell anything is a pretty good gig.” In addition to assisting those who approach him with questions, Engard says he is committed to cheering up everyone who crosses his path, even if that means simply smiling at a stranger. “It really seems to me that the energy that I put out is the energy that I get back,” he says. “I’ve definitely noticed that if I go out and I say hi to people and I’m not really excited, I’m not really putting my heart into it, then what I get back is not very good. But if I go out there and I’m high energy and really put my heart and my enthusiasm into it, I’ve seen it just wake people up that have a straight face, and then they carry out the energy that I put out there.” Downtown residents are used to seeing Engard smiling on street corners and greeting guests, but tourists are often a bit wary of the ambassadors and the role they play in the promotion and progression of downtown Phoenix. “Out-of-towners will look at me and I’ll say hi to them, and they’ll squint their eyes and look me up and down,” he says. “Sometimes they’ll just straight up ask me, ‘So what’s your deal? What do you do?’ So, then I’ll get to tell them what I do and offer my services however I can.” According to Engard, other cities have ambassador programs but Phoenix, in addition to being one of the first, is the premier when it comes to hospitality. “A lot of other cities have them, but they might be more geared toward security or parking enforcement or beautification of the streets, whereas hospitality is generally our primary focus,” Engard says. Engard says becoming an ambassador includes extensive training, in the
classroom and in the field. Ambassadors are given a training manual that includes policies, procedures and do’s and don’ts about different aspects of downtown. Trainees then shadow an ambassador to see how these protocols are applied in real time. “I remember my first day; if the guy who was training me had just left me where I was, I probably wouldn’t have found my way back to the office,” Engard says with a sheepish chuckle. “The shadowing is so important. We take personality tests and even try and match up different ambassadors with similar personalities, so we can retain more employees and just learn more about each other as people.” Engard says every day is different, but there’s certainly never a dull moment. Some days require him to roam around, while others entail standing near busy venues like Chase Field, Comerica Theatre or the convention center during shows and sporting events. The ambassadors are also dedicated to revitalizing the lifestyle and landscape of downtown Phoenix and its inhabitants. They focus on small things that can make a big impact and improve the things that already make Phoenix unique, like planting more trees throughout crowded areas to add more shade and increase walkability. “People have always complained about the heat in Phoenix and that’s a big thing. Our downtown, with the way it’s laid out, is still very walkable but we’re currently working on putting in even more shade trees than we already have,” Engard says. Engard’s job requires him to constantly expect the unexpected. He’s gotten some pretty quirky questions over the years, including everything from the winning lottery numbers to the meaning of life. If an ambassador doesn’t know an answer to a question, they have a radio to communicate with someone from
the ambassador headquarters, which is located at CityScape on Central Avenue and Washington Street. “As long as this person’s willing to wait, we can find the right answer for them and if it’s going to take awhile, I can walk them back to our office, get them something cold to drink and they can sit down and work out the problem there,” Engard says. “It’s pretty rewarding in that regard. I feel like I’ve always got some recourse.” At the end of the day, Engard says his job is about the growth of downtown and the people who live, work and play there, and improving their day-today lives. “I’m big on being a better person and trying to teach everybody else to be kind and be better to everybody and that’s kind of what I do every day,” he says. To reach the ambassadors, call 602.495.1500 or email ambassadors@ dtphx.org. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!
will receive a bobblehead as the D-backs take on the Rockies. With home-field advantage, we’ll see if those Coloradans can take the heat!
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/ dbacks, 5:10 p.m., $19-$190.
Wurst Festival Ever
JULY 21 Let’s beef frank, there’s no better time to ketchup with friends than on National Hotdog Day. Celebrate the annual occasion at downtown Phoenix’s go-to spot for brats, dogs and brews – Short Leash! With performances by local comics, participation from local chefs and a pun competition, you can bet your buns it’ll be a good time.
Short Leash, 110 E. Roosevelt Street, 602.795.2193, shortleashhotdogs.com/wurstfestival-ever, 5 to 10 p.m., $10 and $3 food samples.
ing emerged, inspiring features in Pitchfork, The New Yorker and Rolling Stone. Expect tracks from across its discography when the group plays The Van Buren in conjunction with its latest album, Twin Fantasy (Face to Face), a re-recording of the 2011 album in which Toledo played every instrument.
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx.com, 8 p.m., $22.
Real Wild & Woody Beer Festival
JULY 28 Brews, bites, music and AC! The Arizona Crafter Brewers Guild hosts more than 65 Southwest craft brewers with this indoor beer festival. From barrel-aged brews to specialty casks, there’s a little something for connoisseurs and novices alike. The festival will also feature a silent disco, rock wall and a gaming corner.
Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third Street, 602.262.7272, realwildandwoody.com, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., $57-$65 and $25 designated driver.
CHRISTOPHER LLOYD
Diamondbacks vs. St. Louis Cardinals
JULY 4 Nothing screams “America!” like baseball, hot dogs, Cracker Jack and fireworks! The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the St. Louis Cardinals in what’s sure to be an exciting game, culminating in a Fourth of July fireworks spectacular. Don’t forget to sport your finest D-backs red…and your white and blue, too.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/ dbacks, 7:10 p.m., $19-$210.
Disney’s Mary Poppins JULY 6 TO JULY 22 The only fitting word to describe this zany musical is “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” Mary Poppins, a woman of mystery, magic and music, shows up just when the Banks household needs her most. With infectious favorite tunes, dancing and costumes, you won’t regret taking this sweep down a chimney.
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $44-$73.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky
JULY 8 It’s sure to be a showdown when the Chicago Sky swings by Mercury turf, especially after Phoenix dominated when the two teams faced off in WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
June. With the home team fans on their side, the Mercury ladies are sure to play hard to seal another win and you won’t want to miss out, with limited tickets under $10.
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, mercury.wnba. com, 12:30 p.m., $9-$229.
Christopher Lloyd Goes Back to the Future JULY 14 Fire up the DeLorean! Doc Brown visits Arizona for a special screening of the Michael J. Fox and Steven Spielberg classic Back to the Future. In addition to seeing the flick that started it all, audience members will be able to pose questions of their own in a post-show Q&A with Christopher Lloyd. Splurge on the VIP ticket for a commemorative photo – time machine not included.
Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks
JULY 22 Former Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus never misses a beat and Crescent Ballroom never misses an opportunity to host the multitalented indie rocker. Touring on the heels of their latest release, Sparkle Hard, Malkmus and the Jicks are expected to perform favorites new and old, with a choice Pavement track sprinkled in here and there.
Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m., $24-$33.
JULY 30 So, you’ve got a car? Well that doesn’t quite impress this Canadian country-pop icon. With her Shania Now tour, Shania Twain is back after taking a break to record new music and play a Vegas residency. Touching on new tracks like “Life’s About to Get Good” and squeezing in the cuts that made her a legend like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “Any Man of Mine,” Twain always puts on a great show.
Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams Street, 602.262.6225, phoenixconventioncenter.com, 7 p.m., $49-$135.
Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies
JULY 21 Did you know that D-backs third baseman, Jake Lamb, is a 2017 AllStar and a University of Washington grad? Take him everywhere you go with Jake Lamb Bobblehead Night at Chase Field! The first 20,000 fans
Shania Twain
Car Seat Headrest
JULY 24 This lo-fi indie rock band began as a solo project for Virginian Will Toledo, before its online cult follow-
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 602.379.2000, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7:30 p.m., $25-$195.
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
PUNS AND BUNS
Third annual Wurst Festival honors the dog days of summer Madison Rutherford »
restaurants will be cooking up crowd-pleasing concoctions. Attendees can sample hot dogs for $3 a pop hat do beer, hot and wash it down with a beer for $5. dogs and puns Admission is $10. have in common? “That money is to help pay for the Well, nothing event itself but also pay the comics for really but they’re their time,” Moore says. “And so we can all par for the course at the Wurst reimburse the restaurants for their time, Festival Ever, an annual event presented effort and food.” by Short Leash Hotdogs that celebrates Local comedians will serve up National Hot Dog Day with creative laughs while attendees nosh and cuisine and comedy. network. There will also be a pun comThe event, which will take place in petition, which anyone is welcome to enter at shortleashhotdogs.com. To be Short Leash’s parking lot on Saturday, selected, contestants must answer a series July 21, is a block party-style bash comof questions to prove their pun skills. plete with tents and misting systems so According to Moore, attendees attendees can sip brews and sample dogs can also sign up the day of the event without breaking a sweat. in what is referred to as a “pun-in” and According to Short Leash’s TLR046_ENTERTAINER_AD_9.25x1.5_FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 a5/17/18 8:14toPM Page 2 participate in “pun-off” qualify. co-owner Brad Moore, eight other The Entertainer!
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Contenders will engage in a rapid-fire exchange of puns based on different categories announced by the emcee. If they take too long, repeat a pun or fail to come up with one, they get a strike; three strikes, you’re out. The last pun standing wins. “Last year, one of the categories was ‘construction.’ I think the two guys that were in the finals sat there for what seemed like 10 or 12 minutes and they just went back and forth with different puns,” Moore recalls. “It’s really impressive to see people who are so quick-witted.” The participating restaurants will also engage in a friendly competition to see who can come up with the most creative hot dog toppings, and hot dog connoisseurs across the Valley can submit their own combinations for
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a chance to be crowned the “Wurst Wiener in Phoenix;” wiener takes all. “They’re all going to come out and create their own hot dog and then either online or at our restaurant, customers can submit topping options of their own,” Moore says. “We’ll pick a winner from all of those and serve it at the Wurst Festival.” These aren’t your typical ballpark franks. Winning toppings have included everything from Brussels sprouts and bacon to popcorn and cheese curds. Don’t be discouraged if you have dietary restrictions — there will also be meat-free options. “At our restaurant, we always have vegetarian and vegan options,” Moore says. “And then, with the restaurants participating, we ask them to bring a veggie option of their own, too.” Moore says the Wurst Festival has no specific goal other than good old-fashioned fun and making the best out of the worst time of the year. “Obviously the summer months are the hardest time of year on us, so part of our rationale behind putting something together in late July is it’s something we can all participate in and hopefully make a little money, have a good event and reach a bigger audience,” he says.
Wurst Festival Ever, Short Leash Hotdogs
110 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, shortleashhotdogs. com/wurst-festival-ever, 602.795.2193, 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 21, $10.
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
THE REAL
DEAL
Real, Wild & Woody Festival celebrates southwest craft beer culture Madison Rutherford » The Entertainer!
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he Real, Wild & Woody Beer Festival will return to the Phoenix Convention Center on Saturday, July 28, bringing a bevy of adult beverages, from barrel-aged brews to creative cask ales and almost everything in between. The festival will allow local beer enthusiasts to sample rare and unconventional beers and rub elbows with more than 70 of the state and region’s best craft brewers. The event is hosted by Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, an organization dedicated to protecting and promoting the local craft brewing industry and its brewers, distributors and consumers through lobbying, legislation and events like Real, Wild & Woody. Rob Fullmer, the guild’s executive director, says the festival focuses on WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
three types of beer: “real,” which refers to beer created in casks, “wild,” which means making beer with other microflora beyond traditional beer yeast, which can add sour, earthy, tart or spicy flavors and “woody,” which is the practice of putting beer in wine or spirit barrels so the beer will exhibit characteristics of the wood or what was in the barrel before. In addition to showcasing innovative brew styles and unique flavors, the event features small-batch brews, seasonal specialties and “beer cocktails” like micheladas. Attendees can also expect activities other than the obvious — lots of beer. “We have some education components,” Fullmer says. “We had a rock climbing wall last year; we’re going to bring that back. We also feature local live music and it’s not done in a way that you can’t have a conversation. We want people to sample the music just like they’re sampling the beers.”
Some of Arizona’s top restaurants will also be serving up small bites to pair perfectly with the beer samples. Standouts from last year include grub from gourmet gastropub Pig & Pickle and sliders from Hopdoddy Burger Bar. “We have a number of small vendors who want to showcase their flavors,” Fullmer says. According to Fullmer, Real, Wild & Woody is a testament to the synergy between the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild and local breweries, as well as the close-knit community and vibrant culture that craft beer has created throughout the state and beyond. “What you see in Arizona is a result of some of our breweries volunteering to help this organization and us helping them build the kind of beer culture that we can all be proud of here in Arizona,” he says. The event’s location is also significant. Now in its fourth year, the festival is the first beer event held in the Phoenix Convention Center since its construction 30 years ago. Fullmer says events like Real, Wild & Woody help put downtown Phoenix on the map as a destination for craft beer. “Years ago, there wasn’t a brewery
downtown at all,” he says. “We’re going to see State 48 come downtown, Mother Bunch is right on the other side of Seventh Street and we’ve got a small brewery called Grand Avenue coming along soon.” He also says downtown watering holes like Copper Blues and The Whining Pig have also helped spearhead downtown Phoenix’s craft beer movement by continuously keeping local brews on tap. “Each of those businesses has been working with us to really feature Arizona products and we appreciate that, but that doesn’t happen without having great local breweries and an organization that supports them,” Fullmer says.
Real, Wild & Woody Beer Festival
Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.262.7272, realwildandwoody.com, 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 28, $57 regular price, $25 designated driver.
EX UN T R CO AO M RD M I ON NA R GR Y OU SK N IES D. . EYES ON THE SKIES. FEET ON THE GROUND. ENJOY IT ALL HERE. In the foothills of Arizona’s southeast mountains, Sierra Vista is all about amazing. Discover the just-right climate, breath-taking views, and fantastic flavors — only two-and-ahalf hours on speedy I-10, then 30 minutes south on Hwy 90. VisitSierraVistaAZ.com | 800-288-3861
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE TOURIST
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VACATION » SIGHTS » DAY TRIPS » ADVENTURE » EXPLORE » TRAVEL
TOUR DU JOUR Welcome to “The Tourist,” a section for the more than 40 million visitors to our state, as well as the locals. But we’re not stopping at the border. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-ofa-kind attractions, let us point out the best of the mileposts. Enjoy!
Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park The entire family will be entertained at CrackerJax! Experience a variety of attractions including go-karts, 18hole miniature golf course, 300-yard golf driving range with two levels and 66 bays, bumper boats, batting cages, the Bungee Dome, Alien Invasion Laser Tag, volleyball courts, Water Wars arcade, restaurant and more. Ideal for birthday parties and corporate events of all sizes. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Driving range is open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. 1601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.998.2800, CrackerJax.com
Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou is ready to serve its great food to diners in its new location—13 miles closer than its previous spot. Spend the day, choose a camp site or dine with us at this wonderfully huge venue that only Dillon’s Bayou and its award-winning barbecue can offer. Check out the general store, where you’re sure to find something necessary or unique. Our guests and employees are our greatest asset and we’re grateful for their loyalty. Visit one of our destination locations: Dillon’s Bayou at Pleasant Harbor and Dillon’s at The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. Four Valley locations, dillonsrestaurant.com
O.K. Corral Visit the actual site of Tombstone, Arizona’s legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and see Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday in daily reenactments. There are life-sized animatronic figures of the eight gun fighters, too. Experience the Corral as it was in the 1880s, with working blacksmiths, antique cowboy gear, Western buggies and four museum displays. Ticket includes admission to multimedia Tombstone history show and a copy of the October 26, 1881, Tombstone Epitaph newspaper with original reports of the gunfight. 326 E. Allen Street, Tombstone, 520.457.3456, okcorral.com
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SUMMER STAYCATIONS
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PERFECT TIMING
New custom-designed Residence Inn provides upgraded amenities in the heart of Ocotillo Sherry Jackson » The Entertainer!
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ituated in downtown Ocotillo on 4 acres, the newly opened Marriott Residence Inn Phoenix/Chandler South features spacious studios and suites, easy access to nearby attractions and large companies, plentiful amenities and some great staycation deals for Valley residents. The hotel is adjacent to one the area lakes, offering spectacular waterfront views. A Santa Barbara-style architecture with modern furnishings and décor fits in well with the overall Ocotillo ambiance. Walking, biking and running paths provide guests with multiple outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can relax in the several outdoor seating areas. Outdoor barbecue grills, firepits, a pool, spa and gazebo are also
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available to guests. “The setting is just spectacular,” Shakiera Helenic, says director of sales for Aimbridge Hospitality, which manages the new hotel. “The entire property is custom designed and upgraded. As you walk thru you can feel and see the attention to detail. It’s very well done.” The Residence Inn is situated near Chandler’s high-tech Price Road corridor and caters to business travelers in addition to area residents. “Timing couldn’t be better and demand more perfect,” Helenic says. “The surrounding area is home to many large employers, including Wells Fargo, Orbital ATK and PayPal. Intel and General Motor Financial Services both have announced major expansions recently bringing even more jobs to the area.”
The hotel’s light and open lobby provides views of the lake with floor-toceiling windows. A full bar with happy hour specials means guests can enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine or specialty cocktail. Three nights a week, guests can socialize in the lobby or outdoor space at The Residence Inn Mix. Mondays feature tasty sips and snacks. On Tuesdays, it’s grilling and chilling with cold beverages. On Wednesdays the hotel brings in local area food truck fare (for purchase), restaurant pop-in tastings or dessert. The four-story Residence Inn Phoenix/Chandler South has 142 guest rooms offering studio, one- and two-bedroom king and queen suites. All rooms and suites have full kitchens, large windows to let in natural light and separate living rooms, perfect for short or longer-term stays. A full, hot American breakfast is complimentary and hotel staff will even do your grocery shopping. Don’t want to cook? The hotel is within walking distance to several area restaurants including CHoP Chandler and The Living Room. For those tech-centered guests, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and electric car charging stations, Even the 24-hour fitness center is special. “You’re not just looking at a wall,” Helenic says. Ellipticals, treadmills and recumbent bikes all overlook the lake. You can also bring Fido as the Residence Inn is pet-friendly.
Looking for meeting, wedding or special event space? With more than 800 square feet of event space, the Residence Inn can accommodate groups up to 50 people. Onsite catering, free wireless internet and special group rates are available. Looking for a hotel more suited for business travelers? Aimbridge Hospitality also manages the TownePlace Suites Phoenix Chandler/ Fashion Center. This apartment-style hotel just opened fall 2017 and is within walking distance to Chandler Fashion Mall and several restaurants. “It’s a charming property with 109 rooms,” Helenic says. “Townplace Suites is designed to help business travelers while on the road with three different room types, a full breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full bar.” This summer, the Residence Inn Phoenix/Chandler South is offering a staycation package for area residents who want to come checkout the hotel. The package includes two nights/three days in a one-bedroom suite overlooking the lake, a welcome amenity, such as a cooler bag for cold beverages, and snacks, 2,000 bonus Marriott points and a $25 food and beverage credit at the Residence Inn Lobby Bar. For more information, visit marriott. com/hotels/travel/phxrl-residenceinn-phoenix-chandler-south or marriott.com/hotels/travel/ phxxc-towneplace-suites-phoenixchandler-fashion-center.
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
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SUMMER STAYCATIONS
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THE ULTIMATE SUMMER RETREAT
Get away from it all in the cool pines of Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch
don’t forget the MJ Cafe. in parts it’s one-way traffic The most important thing, only. On the way, stop off at the o need to drive all the Denyce says, is to “sit back, historic Cleator Bar (a.k.a. as way to Flagstaff to hang up your phones and Sponsored enjoy the Content Red Neck Yacht Club) for a enjoy cooler weather nature at its finest.” cold beverage before getting into and tall pine trees, The secluded mountain town Crown King. rown King, located less than celebrates its former mining town Celebrating a special event or wo hours north of Phoenix offers history and boasts the oldest- looking for a wedding venue? ool breezes, lots of history and standing, working saloon in the Bradshaw Mountain Guest enty of outdoor recreation. state, a 100-year-old general Ranch has an event center that don’t forget the MJ Cafe. in parts it’s one-way traffic >> The Entertainer! Set inSherry the Jackson Prescott National store says, and the oldest onecanonly.Celebrating accommodate 200-plus Sherry Jackson » The Entertainer! isone to most “sitof back, hang up your a special event The important thing, On the way, stop offorat the orrest and nestled in the room schoolhouses in Arizona. guests. Host a reunion, corporate andsays, enjoy nature looking for Cleator a wedding Bar venue?(a.k.a. 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Denyce says. ty-minister included. timateoutdoor summer retreat.recreation. Crown state, a 100-year-old general Ranch has an event center that King that sprung up along The Bradshaw Mountain Set in in Prescott National Park Theand Crowned King Mine was the Theaccommodate Bradshaw Mountain200-plus Guest Set Prescott National “It’s like anthetheoasis in the store one of the oldest onecan the road that connected the mine Guest Ranch hosts special and nestled and in the Bradshaw Mountains mine in the Bradshaw Mountains Ranch hosts special events throughForrest nestled in the largest room schoolhouses in Arizona. guests. Host a reunion, corporate ountains,” says Bradshaw to a saw millgiving constructed in set-events the11,year. in a 6,000 feet-above-sea-level the 1800s, root to the local out thethroughout year. On August Petey’sOn Bradshaw Mountains in basin, a 6,000 in “It definitely sets you back in retreat or other special occasion. Mountain Guest Ranch innkeeper 1888 and was used to assemble August 11, Petey’s Playground, Crown King is approximately 20 degrees of Crown King that sprung up Playground, a nonprofit corporation a feet-above-sea-level basin, tlement time,” Denyce says. Get married in long-term the providing one-room aryn Denyce. cooler than the Valley during the daymachinery. along the long providing short- and care Bythe road latethat connected 1897, nonprofit corporation Crown King is approximately 20 The Crowned King Mine was Chapel of the Crowned King, and 30 degrees cooler at night, providthe mine to a saw mill constructed in for pets of seniors, will be at the The Bradshaw Mountain Guest Crowned King Mine had a post short- and long-term care for pets degrees cooler than the Valley the largest mine in the Bradshaw in the colorful garden courtyard ing the ultimate summer retreat. 1888 and was used to assemble machinCrown King Event Center. Visitors anch provides lodging in Crown office,ery. aBycompany store, several of seniors, will be at trees the Crown during theanday degrees “It’s like oasisand in the30 mountains,” late 1897, Crowned Kinggiving Mine can among compete in and horseMountains in the 1800s, or thecornhole pine on the ing and has several options for saloons, Chinese restaurants cooler at night, providing the had says Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch atwo post office,local a company store, of property. shoe tournaments and kick back and root to the settlement sitors innkeeper including one-bedroom and aseveral feedsaloons, yard.two InChinese 1898, Taryn Denyce. restaurants ultimate summer retreat. Crown King that sprung upthe along The Bradshaw Mountain ites, oneor two-bedroom The Bradshaw a feed yard. In 1898,Railroad the Prescott “It’s like anMountain oasis Guest in Prescott the and & Eastern the road that connected the mine Guest Ranch hosts special Ranch provides lodging in Crown & Eastern Railroadtransportation was built, making bins or a Bunkhouse that can was built, mountains,” says Bradshaw to a making saw mill constructed in events throughout the year. On King and has several options for vistransportation to the mines in the southcommodate larger groups. And Mountain Guest Ranch innkeeper to the mines in the southern 1888 and was used to assemble August 11, Petey’s Playground, a itors including one-bedroom suites, ern Bradshaw’s much easier. hile you may feel away from it Bradshaw’s Taryn Denyce. much easier. machinery. By late 1897, nonprofit corporation providing one- or two-bedroom cabins or a Visitors to the area enjoy plentiful The still Bradshaw Mountain GuestVisitors l, youbunkhouse can stay Crowned King Mine had a post short- and long-term care for pets to the area enjoy that canconnected accommodate outdoor activities. Quad and ATV trails Ranch lodging in Crown ith free Wi-Fi and satellite up to 10provides people. And while TV. you mayplentiful are popular withactivities. rentals store, available nearby. of seniors, will be at the Crown office, a company several outdoor Quad King andfrom options for Hike feel away it several all, youofcan still and one of the many trails, fish at ull kitchens inhasmany the saloons, two Chinese restaurants ATV trails are popular with connected with freeone-bedroom Wi-Fi nearby Lake or around visitors including bins stay and suites offers all theand rentals andavailable aHorsethief feed yard. Inrelax 1898, nearby. Hike the satellite TV. Full kitchens in many a crackling camp fire. suites, oneor two-bedroom Prescott & Eastern fish Railroad onveniences of and home. Don’t one of the of the cabins suites offers that all thecan Evenmany getting totrails, Crown King isatan cabins or a Bunkhouse was built, making transportation el likeconveniences cooking?of Crown King nearby Horsethief orBee relax home. feel like adventure. Take theLake Bumble exit accommodate largerDon’t groups. And to the mines in the southern as three restaurants in town. cooking? Crown King has two restauoff aI-17 North (exitcamp 248) and head west around crackling fire. whileinyou may feel away from it on Bradshaw’s much easier. rants town. The Mill menu featuresEven the graded road about 28 miles. he Mill menu features a worldgetting totoCrown King isThe all, you can still stay connected Visitors theold area world-famous beer bread, ribs, road follows along the railroadenjoy bed mous awith beer bread, ribs, lobster, an adventure. Take the Bumble Wi-Fi and satellite lobster,free salmon, homemade cornedTV. and in partsoutdoor it’s one-way traffic only. On plentiful activities. Quad lmon,beef homemade corned beefof Bee off I-17 (exit 248) Full kitchens in the many the exit and cabbage. At Prospector the stop offNorth at the Cleator andway, ATV trails arehistoric popular with nd cabbage. the Prospector Smokehouse Grill smoked meats Bar (a.k.a. ason thethe Redgraded Neck Yacht Club) cabins At andand suites offers all the head and westavailable road rentals nearby. Hike mokehouse, and Grill dominate the menu. a cold beverage before getting into conveniences of smoked home. Don’t aboutfor 28 miles. The road follows one of the many trails, fish at most important thing, eats dominate the menu. AndDenyce feelThe like cooking? Crown King alongCrown the King. old railroadLake bed or and nearby Horsethief relax
herry Jackson >> The Entertainer!
King Event Center. Visitors can compete in cornhole and horseshoe tournaments and kick back and listen to live music by Todd Perroud. Prizes, food and raffle tickets will be available. September 29 will bring the second annual Wheels of Freedom Horseshoe Tournament to the Crown King Event Center. King Event Center. Visitors Proceeds frominbythe event will listen to live music Todd Perroud. can compete cornhole and benefit the nonprofit Wheels Prizes, food and raffle tickets and will be horseshoe tournaments kickof available. September will bring the Freedom which provides back and Project, listen to29 live music by second annual Wheels of for Freedom mobility solutions veterans Todd Perroud. Prizes, food and Horseshoe Tournament to the Crown and their families. raffle tickets will be available. King Event Center. Proceeds from the Whether it’s a bring weekend September 29 will the event will benefit the nonprofit Wheels second annual Wheels getaway, week-long vacation of Freedom Project, which provides of mobility for veterans and Freedom Horseshoe Tournament or quicksolutions day trip, the Bradshaw their families. to the Crown King Event Center. Mountain Guest Ranch and Whetherfrom it’s a weekend getaway,will Proceeds the event Crown King is truly a place to week-long vacation or quick day trip, benefit the nonprofit Wheels of relax and unwind amidst the cool the Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch Freedom Project, which provides pines and King mountains. and Crown is truly a place to relax mobility solutions forpines veterans and unwindmore amidst the cool and For information, and their families. mountains. visit crownking.com or call Whether it’s a weekend 928.632.4477. For more information, visit vacation getaway, week-long
ULTIMATE SUMMER RETREAT NTHE THE ULTIMATE SUMMER RETREAT Get away from it all in the cool pines of Bradshaw Get away from it all in the cool pines of Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch Mountain Guest Ranch
N N
has three restaurants in town. The Mill menu features a world-
around a crackling camp fire. Even getting to Crown King is
crownking.com or callthe 928.632.4477. or quick day trip, Bradshaw Mountain Guest Ranch and Crown King is truly a place to relax and unwind amidst the cool pines and mountains. For more information, visit crownking.com or call 928.632.4477.
WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
SIERRA VISTA
Bicycling, birding and ethnic food play important tourism roles
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
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udy Hector saw an ad for a Sierra Vista public affairs manager and instantly fell in love—even before seeing the southern Arizona city. “I flew into Tucson and rented a car,” she says. “The closer I got to Sierra Vista, the more I loved it. I loved it here and I wanted to be here.” Needless to say, Hector got the job. Hector—who also serves as marketing and tourism manager—is championing for others to consider Sierra Vista. In Cochise County, Sierra Vista is best known for its variety of birds, thanks to the high elevation and moist climate. Southeastern Arizona is an eco-crossroad with five life zones WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
within 5 miles. Habitats and species from the Sierra Madres of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sonora and Chihuahuan deserts can all be found in these “Sky Islands.” “Sierra Vista is one of the top birding places in the world,” she says. “A lot of birds are coming north in the summer from Mexico. Birders from all over the United States come here to birdwatch. The variety of birds is really incredible.” The League of American Bicyclists named Sierra Vista a Bicycle Friendly Community for its support of bicycle safety education opportunities, access to bicycle amenities like its 30-mile network of multiuse paths, and community events. There are 450 recognized Bicycle Friendly Communities and more than 100 honorable mention communities.
“There are 12 bike-friendly communities in Arizona,” Hector says. “We’re perfect for people who enjoy distance bicycling. U.S. Bicycle Route 90 comes through Sierra Vista and across the state. It dips down through Sierra Vista and over to New Mexico. It’s a really nice ride. “Within the city of Sierra Vista, there are 30 miles of paved, dedicated and assigned bicycle paths. We take our bicycling paths seriously.” About 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix, Sierra Vista boasts Ramsey Canyon Preserve, an interplay of geology, biology, topography and climate that provides a diverse habitat for plants and animals. The 280-acre preserve provides a haven for more than 170 varieties of birds, including 14 species of hummingbirds. Inside the visitor center at Ramsey Canyon Preserve is the kid-friendly “Please Touch Room” with bird nests, snake skins and other wildlife bits. Another of Hector’s favorites is the 56,000-acre San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, which offers more than 40 miles of riparian vegetation. It’s popular with bird watchers and docent-led tours are available. For a little creepiness, visit Fairbank, a ghost town along the San Pedro River in the conservation area. Sierra Vista’s hidden attractions are the ethnic restaurants in town, many of which are courtesy Fort Huachuca soldiers. “It has been a military and Army post since 1877, and soldiers there have been through every war and conflict around the world,” she says. “So when they return, they bring tastes and hankerings from other countries. We have
food here from everywhere the soldiers have been in the world. “Fifty percent of our restaurants are ethnic restaurants. We have one of the best German restaurants, The German Café, in the state. We have three German places here. There is Italian, of course, as well as Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese and Mexican. We’ve had some really great authentic-style Mexican restaurants here—not Tex Mex.” Fort Huachuca is Arizona’s last active Army post and the U.S. Army’s center for electronic weaponry, U.S. Army communications and military intelligence training. U.S. citizens without a valid Department of Defense credential will be subject to a background check before receiving a photo ID pass, valid for up to 30 days. Allow 30 minutes to complete the entrance requirements. Current vehicle registration and proof of vehicle insurance may be requested. Fort Huachuca is also home to the Military Intelligence Soldier Heritage Learning Center. It displays surveillance and espionage tools from the Civil War, the Enigma Machine, a Cold War-era U.S. espionage Jeep, a surveillance and a section of the Berlin Wall. Guests to the Brown Canyon Ranch can see a windmill that still pumps water, a tree-surrounded pond that provides a cool view and home to wildlife. Sierra Vista isn’t without special events like Art in the Park on Saturday, October 6, and Sunday, October 7, at Veterans Memorial Park. The nearly 40-year-old festival features about 200 vendors from across the Southwest. “It’s one of the state’s oldest and most varied markets,” Hector says. “I love to go. It’s all juried and you can find anything from fine art to doilies. There’s something for everybody.” The most important thing to know about Sierra Vista is the pleasant nature of the city, Hector says. “A lot of people say this, but what really struck me was the people are so friendly,” she says. “I know a lot of people say that, but I think it’s that way because it’s such a transient population. They don’t fool around with getting-to-know-you games because of Fort Huachuca. They’re really friendly and helpful. “I think we just need to get the word out about Sierra Vista. They haven’t been telling anybody about themselves. I’m trying to change that.” For more information, visit sierravistaaz.gov.
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
HUNGRY LIKE THE ‘WOLF’ Spago honors the past and celebrates the future
Laura Stoddard » The Entertainer!
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f a picture can say a thousand words, then perhaps a taste can say that many more. Or at least, such is the case when dining on the exquisite cuisine of worldrenowned chef Wolfgang Puck. At the newly opened (and reimagined) Spago, located within the Bellagio Resort and Casino, guests are treated to masterfully constructed entrees, elevated bar bites, classic and original craft cocktails, and desserts worthy of their own art exhibition, all in stunning surroundings. Residents and visitors are well aware of Puck’s presence in the Las Vegas scene, because basically, he set the scene. When he brought his restaurant Spago to Caesars Palace 25 years ago, it sparked something of a culinary supernova; the tendrils of its inception spreading across the country, inspiring the hearts and minds of chefs. Decades later, Las Vegas is a culinary epicenter for some of the best food in the world. The Spago that Puck brought to Las Vegas all those years ago wasn’t a new concept. In fact, he and Barbara Lazaroff opened the original Spago in West Hollywood in 1982. Today, there are numerous iterations of the flagship restaurant, as well as dozens of other Wolfgang Puck eateries dotting the globe, but Spago, to Puck, is probably the most important. “Spago is really the mother of all our restaurants,” Puck says. “That’s the beginning. Everybody has a mother, (and) we have to take care of our
mother. So, for me, it’s always special.” After several decades at Caesars, Puck felt that it was time to move the restaurant to a hotel with a clientele more on par with the essence of Spago. The result is a welcoming, elegant environment, located within the Via Bellagio shopping promenade, offering unobstructed, courtside seats to one of the most spectacular shows in the world: the ballet of the Bellagio Fountains. Designer Gelila Puck, also Puck’s wife, worked with architects to create a luxurious but casual space, and although Spago is the height of fine dining—a place of modern grandeur—it isn’t off-putting or intimidating. The bright interior features modern art pieces, rich hues, textures of leather, black iron and smoked-oak wood floors, brass adornments and contemporary, geometric chandeliers. The fact that Puck refers to Spago as the mother of all his restaurants is especially poignant, because cooking with his own mother in Austria as a child is what sparked his love of cooking. “I remember the smell of my mother making Wienerschnitzel,” he says fondly. “She used oil and pork fat, and you know, it’s like the smell of bacon; and then she put a bunch of rosemary in the oil and fried the Wienerschnitzel. I loved it so much that I ate only half, and I said I want to eat the rest for dinner.” The traditional flavors of Puck’s childhood are evident on Spago’s
menu, which features his beloved Wienerschnitzel, but most of the cuisine on the thoughtful, farm to table menu is California-inspired. Some of the inventive bar bites include smoked salmon pizza topped with dill crème fraiche and caviar, and spicy tuna tartare with pickled ginger and bonito flakes tucked into sesame-miso cones. Upscale “bar” food if ever there was. The entrees, served in several courses, include selections like roasted baby beets with citrus yogurt, pistachio, marinated feta, sorrel and mint; sweet corn agnolotti infused with sage and parmigiano-reggiano; and crispy skin Virginia black bass, accompanied by sweet pea puree, shallot confit and lemon froth. The masterful layering of textures and flavors makes each bite seem like a gift. Equally, Puck’s desserts, like the spiked lemon (a sinful creation of Japanese yuzu cream, chiffon cake and citrus mousse) are so beautiful you almost don’t want to delve into them. Almost. The beverage and spirits offered at Spago embrace Puck’s philosophy of incorporating creativity and world-class ingredients. As with the cuisine, they are as beautiful as they are tasty, and boast playful names like the Reel Around the Fountain and the Nowhere Fast. Guests are also fortunate to be able to choose from nearly a dozen wines from Puck’s private label. Although Puck tops the charts of today’s culinary Who’s Who, he had to start at the bottom and work his way up. At 14, he embarked upon a threeyear apprenticeship. He worked hard, peeled an unseemly amount of potatoes and onions, and even took solace in a vegetable cellar at one point to avoid a volatile chef ’s wrath. Cooking was and is an emotional thing for Puck, and he knew what he could become. “You have to have perseverance,” he says. “You have to persevere because not
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everything is easy. Today young people think, ‘Ah, it’s too difficult, let’s do something different.’ Sometimes (when) you start out you might not even know you have talent—you have passion. For me, it took me till I was about 19.” In the years after finishing his apprenticeship, Puck worked at many prestigious restaurants in France. He encountered celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Pablo Picasso, Sidney Poitier (who is the godfather of his children), and even the queen of England. And at the age of 24, he brought his considerable talents to the United States, first as a cook at La Tour in Indianapolis, and then to Los Angeles, as chef and part owner of Ma Maison restaurant. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Puck’s reputation is almost legendary. He and his restaurants have garnered countless awards and recognitions, from the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Service, to the bestowal of multiple Michelin stars, to a Daytime Emmy Award. He has been featured in film and television, is the official caterer for the Academy Awards Governors Ball, and the mastermind behind the Wolfgang Puck Companies. In addition to his restaurants, he has a line of kitchen and food merchandise, including cookbooks, canned foods and coffee products. In a word, Wolfgang Puck is a dynamo. And though he has reached the apex of culinary success (or has he? There are still chefs he’d like to work with; concepts he’d like to explore), it is a much more personal motivation that drives everything he does. “My motto, (when) it came out, was ‘Live, love, eat and drink good wine.’ But at the end, it’s family and friends, the most important thing really. You know, business obviously is very important, but if I die one day, I don’t want to have on my sign, ‘He was a great chef.’ I much rather would have, ‘He was a great father.’”
Spago at Bellagio Las Vegas
3600 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, 702.693.7111, bellagio.com. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Dinner is from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5 to 11 p.m. Friday to Saturday. The bar menu is available from 2:45 p.m. until close. For reservations, call the restaurant or visit opentable.com. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
UPCOMING CONCERTS AT THE MIM MUSIC THEATER SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA
DJANGO FESTIVAL ALL-STARS
Saturday, July 14 | 7 & 9 p.m. “They make you get up and dance, tap into the good natured, communal spirit characteristic of salsa at its timeless best” —Los Angeles Times
Tue. & Wed., July 24 & 25 | 7 p.m. The Django Festival All-Stars perform electrifying hot gypsy jazz in tribute to the great pioneering guitarist Django Reinhardt.
DAVELL CRAWFORD: TRIBUTE TO FATS DOMINO
AN EVENING WITH MARC COHN, WITH SPECIAL GUESTS: THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
Sunday, July 15 | 6 p.m. “Plain and simple, Davell Crawford is one of the most talented musicians alive!” —Blues Access
Thursday, July 26 | 7 & 9 p.m. Digging in the treasure chest of rich, evocative, soulful songs, Marc Cohn teams up with musical legends the Blind Boys of Alabama.
HENRY KAPONO: WELCOME 2 MY PARADISE! Featuring Henry’s “Duke’s on Sunday” Band and Guest Artist Johnny Valentine
JENNY AND THE MEXICATS Thursday, July 19 | 7:30 p.m. “[Jenny and the Mexicats] create this really impressive mix of rockabilly, cumbia, jazz, flamenco, and they perform it in both English and in Spanish.” —NPR Music
Sunday, July 29 | 7 p.m. “Kapono is one of the great island songwriters of his generation.” —Honolulu Star-Advertiser
MARIA MULDAUR
DOYLE BRAMHALL II
Friday, July 20 | 7:30 p.m. This iconic blues, pop, and folk singer continues to wow audiences with her grit and powerful vocals.
Tuesday, July 31 | 7 p.m. One of the most distinctive vocalists, guitarists, composers, and producers in contemporary music
DAVE ALVIN AND JIMMIE DALE GILMORE With the Guilty Ones
PARIS COMBO
Monday, July 23 | 7 p.m. Los Angeles roots-punk veteran and Texas country-folk hero share the stage for one incredible evening.
Wednesday, August 1 | 7 p.m. A fun-loving mix of swinging gypsy jazz, cabaret, French pop, and Latino and Middle Eastern rhythms
FOR TICKETS AND LINEUP, CALL 480.478.6000 OR VISIT MIM.ORG.
2018 Concert Series sponsored by
MIM.org | 480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE ARTIST
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CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION
DEBBY BOONE
LIGHTS UP THE STAGE
Grammy winner to star in ‘42nd Street’ in Tempe Lynette Carrington » The Entertainer!
T
hanks to her motherin-law Rosemary Clooney, Grammy Award-winning singer Debby Boone has fond memories of being in the Valley. “Probably the strongest memory for me was doing my mother-in-law Rosemary Clooney’s White Christmas tour,” Boone explains. “She included me in that and we put my kids in that very first show in Phoenix. I never dreamt something like
that could ever happen. It was a blast and we did it for many years.” She will create additional memories this month when she performs in 42nd Street, a production of Scottsdale Musical Theater Company at the Tempe Center for the Arts. She is co-starring with Charles Shaughnessy, who appeared in The Nanny and Days of Our Lives. The daughter of Pat Boone, she will play the slightly past-her-prime Dorothy Brock, a diva who is annoyed about having to audition for a new stage production. As Brock, Boone continues to expand her theatrical repertoire, which includes Broadway stints with Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers and Grease, as well as The Sound of Music, South Pacific and Camelot. “I’ve never actually seen the show (42nd Street) done live on stage, but I’ve seen the movie,” Boone says. “I’m very familiar with the music because so much of it is just standard popular music now. “Before I said yes, I read the script and listened to the music and it’s different than anything I’ve ever done in my life. I’m up for new challenges and experiences at this phase of my career.” The musical’s songs were a good fit for Boone’s natural range, which was showcased in her 1977 hit “You Light Up My Life.” “In musical theater, usually the challenge for me is that everything is too high,” Boone says. “I am a true alto. There are not a lot of leading roles written for altos, but this role
is. I think it would be challenging for most female singers to sing as low as the part requires.” Boone is looking forward to this Valley opportunity. “I love musical theater and I love working in a company,” she says. “There’s nothing quite like the energy of working with a full cast and an orchestra. I know Scottsdale Musical Theater Company is a delightful theater company and they put on great productions, so I’m really excited.”
42nd Street
Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.909.4215, scottsdalemusicaltheater.com, various times Friday, July 6, to Sunday, July 15, $36-$58. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!
The Big Radio Broadcast of 1941
ARTS
CALENDAR
TO JULY 29 Be transported back to the golden days of radio. A small-town radio station is excited to go live and broadcast across the country. When a freak snowstorm knocks out its news feed, it is up to the staff to recreate what was supposed to be fed to them.
Fountain Hills Theater Mainstage Too!, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661, fhtaz.org, times vary, $12-30.
MARY POPPINS JULY 6-JULY 22
Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced TO JULY 29 In true Agatha Christie style, this production leaves the audience in suspense, all within the cozy confines of Desert Stages’ intimate Actors Café in Scottsdale. Miss Marple is on hand for a murder after the time and place has been printed in the local paper in advance of the crime.
A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED TO JULY 29
TO JULY 29
Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.483.1664, desertstages. org, times vary, $22-28.
Disney’s Mary Poppins
ART WALK JULY 12
WORDPLAY CAFE JULY 12
JULY 6 TO 22 Celebrate Arizona Broadway Theatre’s 100th production with everyone’s favorite nanny—Mary Poppins—in this special presentation at the Herberger. With Mary in their lives, the Banks family will embark on zany adventures. Featuring the music from Disney’s legendary Sherman Brothers. Prepare for a “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” good time!
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $44-73.
Musical Schmoozicals JULY 9 TO JULY 19 Herberger Theater’s Lunch Time Theatre is a great way to catch a live production in a short amount of time. Whether it is on your lunch hour, or during the opening evening preview, each installment is different. This time around, Arizona native Johanna Carlisle tells stories and sings the showtunes that changed her world.
Herberger Theater Center, WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater.org, times vary, $7.
“Summer Spectacular” Art Walk
JULY 12 More than 100 galleries in Scottsdale’s Arts District offer visitors a wide variety of mediums. Stroll the galleries and take a break for a Hawaiian Shaved Ice (with an adult twist). Island music will keep patrons entertained on the streets, and numerous galleries will serve cool refreshments.
Scottsdale Art District, Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard and north of Indian School on Marshall Way to Fifth Avenue, scottsdalegalleries.com, 6:30 p.m., free.
Wordplay Cafe: Summer Series
JULY 12 Put your creative cap on! Local artists can present their work by showing up and putting their name on the list during this series where the community can become storytellers, poets and musicians. Presented by Mesa Arts Center. Facilitated by Creative Catalysts.
The Nile, 105 W. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7 p.m., free.
Opera and Gelato Film Festival
JULY 22 Opera in an hour: This is a great way to introduce young audiences to the art. The presentation will include an adaptation of the classic Cinderella fairytale from the San Francisco Opera. In addition, preshow activities will be available with the help of the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Gelato and refreshments will be available for purchase. Presented by Arizona Opera.
Roma and Raymond Wittcoff Black Box, 1636 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.266.7464, azopera.org, 1 p.m., free.
American Idol Live! JULY 24 See your favorite American Idols live on stage. The singing competition show has launched numerous careers and is watched by millions every season. This concert will feature the top seven contestants from the latest season, including the winner, Maddie Poppe, as well as a performance by season eight winner Kris Allen.
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $30-55.
The Art of Three in Conversation and Song
JULY 25 The art of the rhythm section will be performed by three living legends— Billy Cobham on drums, Ron Carter on bass and Kenny Barron on piano.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m., $50.
Avenue Q JULY 25 TO SEPTEMBER 9 You will probably want to leave the children at home for this puppet show! Poorly behaved puppets using R-rated language present a look at life after college in this critically acclaimed, audience favorite, musical comedy.
Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, times vary, $36-$86.
Jácome Flamenco presents CUATRO
JULY 27 Guitarist and artistic director Chris Jácome will artistically transport audiences to the streets of Seville for an evening of Spanish flamenco. Four performers will combine guitar, dance and song for a good time, while using their talent to blend traditional and modern styles of flamenco.
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 7:30 p.m., free.
In the New World, Johann Sebastian is Bach JULY 28 Latin Grammy nominated violinist Daniela Padrón is of Venezuelan-American descent and is a member of the world music band Gaêlica. During this extraordinary concert, Padrón will adapt Bach’s masterpieces with different folk rhythms, while accompanied by her band.
Umbrella Pop
THE ART OF THREE JULY 25
TO JULY 31 Not only have the artists from the Arizona Business Committee for the Arts found a way to shield shoppers at Tempe Marketplace’s The District from the summer sun, they have created a unique display installed above the walkways of the outdoor shopping area. Look for these creative pieces of art above you as you shop, dine and head to the movies.
The District at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.966.9338, tempemarketplace.com/pop, times vary, free.
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AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! JULY 24
JULY 25-SEPTEMBER 9
Upstairs & Around the Corner
CUATRO JULY 27
TO AUGUST 27 Barbara Kemp Cowlin is an Arizona artist specializing in multilayered abstract acrylic paintings. Pieces from her Askew Series can be viewed at The Balcony at London Gold. These works were inspired by, among other things, the sense of place, architectural details, the ambiguity of shape and perspective.
The Balcony at London Gold, 10441 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.367.1717, londongold.com, times vary, free.
Artful Play - Games and Toys
TO SEPTEMBER 9 Toys, games, a museum and handson activities? What a better way to spend a summer day? This unique exhibition features paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artworks related to games and toys. In addition, learn about play in other cultures and step back in time and experience vintage games.
i.d.e.a museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, 480.644.4332. ideamuseum.org, times vary, free-$9.
UMBRELLA POP TO JULY 31
UPSTAIRS & AROUND THE CORNER TO AUGUST 27
Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, 7:30 p.m., $20-$30.
TO SEPTEMBER 9
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
COMING
ATTRACTIONS an urgent new mission—this time alongside The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly). Michael Douglas also stars. Opens July 6.
the dark web. He and his friends soon discover someone has been watching their every move and will go to unimaginable lengths to protect the laptop’s horrifying secrets. Opens July 20.
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation
The First Purge
To push the crime rate below 1 percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized, the contagion explodes from the trial-city borders and spreads across the nation. Opens July 4.
Adam Sandler once again voices Dracula who, this time, takes his family on a luxury monster cruise ship. But the dream vacation turns into a nightmare when Dracula has fallen for the mysterious captain of the ship (Kathryn Hahn), who hides a dangerous secret that could destroy monsterkind. Additional voice talents include Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, David Spade, Kevin James and Steve Buscemi. Opens July 13.
Eighth Grade
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Elsie Fisher plays a teenager who endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school—the end of her thus-far disastrous eighth-grade year— before she begins high school. Opens July 27.
Amanda Seyfried reprises her role as a now-pregnant young woman who learns about her mother’s (Meryl Streep) past—to the tune of ABBA’s greatest hits. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard and Dominic Cooper also reprise their roles while Lily James portrays Streep’s character in her youth. Opens July 20.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Skyscraper
Ant Man and the Wasp
Paul Rudd reprises his role of one of the members of The Avengers who, while struggling to rebalance his home life with his superhero responsibilities, is confronted with
Dwayne Johnson plays a former FBI hostage rescue team leader and U.S. war veteran who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze. Framed for arson, he must not only find those responsible and clear his name but also rescue his family trapped inside the building— above the fire line. Opens July 13.
Email film writer Joseph J. Airdo at joseph.airdo@gmail.com. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
Unfriended: Dark Web
Colin Woodell plays a young man who finds a cache of hidden files on his new laptop only to be unwittingly thrust into the depths of
Tom Cruise reprises his role of Impossible Missions Force Agent Ethan Hunt, who takes it upon himself to remedy a mission gone wrong. When the CIA begins to question his loyalty and his motives, Hunt finds himself in a race against time—pursued by assassins and former allies—to prevent a global catastrophe. Opens July 27.
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE CRITIC
LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT
What movie should you see this month? Ask our experts!
JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:
Ocean’s 8
In some ways, Ocean’s 8—the all-female spinoff of the Ocean’s 11 heist flick franchise—is a superior film to its three predecessors. Its leaner-yet-still-well-rounded cast of characters is much more manageable for moviegoers who will appreciate the screen time each of the women receives to showcase her individual illicit talent. Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Anne Hathaway shine, keeping the buildup and fallout fascinating. However, the movie’s true star is the heist, which is entertainingly executed in a way that will have you on the edge of your seat in amazement over the con’s sheer genius. RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
It is always fun to reminisce about childhood and simpler times. It is even better when you can do so through a heartwarming and emotional documentary. Fred Rogers (a.k.a. Mr. Rogers) truly loved entertaining, educating and consoling children. His on-screen persona during his decades-long run on public television directly mimicked his true personality, which is examined by the filmmakers. This nostalgic look at the man, the show, the characters and the buzz around the show (good and bad) is sure to earn award nominations. A word of advice— bring a box of tissues! M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:
American Animals
This is the story of a 2004 plot by four college-age numbskulls to rob the rare books room in the library at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, after subduing and tying up the librarian. Writer-director Bart Layton counterpoints his painfully naturalistic dramatization with documentary footage—talking heads of all four of the chastened, contrite real-life conspirators. It’s expert moviemaking, one of the best-crafted films this year, but it’s also emotionally intense. Even though it doesn’t involve murder, the plot seems truly vile, from the outrage committed against the librarian to the fact that they were robbing a library.
ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS JOSEPH J. AIRDO has written news and entertainment content for several print and digital publications, appeared in a big screen commercial for National CineMedia, and spent nearly five years producing and co-hosting an entertainment-themed talk radio show. He resides in New River with his pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.
The Report Card
Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie
Joseph
Randy
Action Point
D
F
Adrift
C
C
American Animals
A
Gotti
D
C
Hereditary
C
B
The Incredibles 2
B
B
Ocean’s 8
B
B
Tag
B
D
Upgrade
C
C
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
B
A
M.V.
A
C
FILM FACTS SOUNDBITE SPOTLIGHT The Incredibles 2 last month set a record for the highest-grossing opening weekend for an animated film, far surpassing previous record-holder Finding Dory’s $135 million. The superhero sequel’s $71.5 million take on its first day of release topped the $70.5 million tally The Incredibles accumulated during its entire first weekend of release in 2004. The Incredibles 2 now holds the record for the eighth-highest-grossing opening weekend of all time for any genre.
RANDY MONTGOMERYis a Los Angeles-based film critic who lived in, and still loves, Arizona. Living within walking distance of multiple major studios is a dream come true for this long-time movie buff. While not sitting in the dark and munching on popcorn with extra butter, you can find him riding roller coasters and enjoying the arts. Email him at randymwriter@yahoo.com.
“Besides being very entertaining, this franchise does point out some of the issues of the human species today with some relevance. My character has always spoken out against that; he didn’t like the idea of animals being exploited for entertainment or money-making. In this movie, the villainy is tied in with capitalist greed and general stupidity. Those are a couple of Ian Malcolm’s favorite subjects.” - Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
M.V. MOORHEAD has won five first-place Arizona Press Club awards for criticism. His reviews and other writings appear in Wrangler News (wranglernews.com), Phoenix Magazine and on his own blog, Less Hat, Moorhead (mvmoorhead.blogspot.com). A native of Pennsylvania, he lives in Phoenix with his wife, kid and three Chihuahuas with five eyeballs between them. Email him at mvmoorhead@cox.net. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE DINER
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EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH
JULYFOOD EVENTS Megan Marples » The Entertainer!
4th of July Cookie Workshop
JULY 1 Prepare professional-looking sweet treats to celebrate the summer holiday. In this workshop, students will learn how to decorate 12 patriotic cookies with run sugar and royal icing techniques. In addition to the cookies, students will leave with decorating supplies to continue the job at home.
AZ Cake Shoppe, 4601 E. Carolina Drive, Phoenix, azcakeshoppe.com, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $65.
Fourth of July at SanTan
JULY 4 Stop by the SanTan Brewing Company to get a special meal for Independence Day. The meal is beer can chicken with a quarter rack of ribs, cucumber salad and baked beans. They will also be open for breakfast.
SanTan Brewing Company, 8 S. San Marcos Place, Chandler, 480.917.8700, santanbrewing. com, all day, special meal is $15.75.
101, Scottsdale, 480.596.5628, sweetbasilgourmet.com, 2 to 5 p.m., $60.
Character Breakfast with The Trolls
JULY 8 Dine on classic breakfast dishes while mingling with the characters from the movie Trolls. Guests can try pancakes, eggs, muffins, cereal, turkey bacon, coffee and juice. Kids can participate in dance contests and sing-alongs.
Skateland, 1101 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480.917.9444, https://bit.ly/1A9nC44, 10 a.m. to noon, $15 to $20.
A Midsummer’s Night Feast
JULY 13 Sit down to a four-course feast paired with five beers from executive chef Joshua Pace. Entrees include smoky sweet salmon and mosaic gelatin inspired by summer fruits. A vegetarian menu is also available.
SunUp Brewing Company, 322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, https://bit. ly/2kTfMgU, 6 to 9 p.m., $35.
Aloha Island Cuisine
Stir-Fry Superstars
JULY 7 Learn how to create a variety of stir fry-inspired dishes that are quick and easy to make. Some of the entrees include sesame ginger beef with green beans and brown rice or hoisin chicken fried rice with carrots and peas.
Sweet Basil Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite
JULY 17 Aloha Island Cuisine features food and flavors from the islands, their culture, crops and native ingredients. Students will learn to make pork pot stickers with soy and mirin dip; island fresh green salad with papaya dressing; chargrilled Hawaiian-style brined chicken with pineapple-ginger sweet and sour sauce; macadamia-crusted ahi tuna with pineapple-ginger salsa; Hawaiian-style beef grilled short ribs; authentic Hawaiian macaroni salad; and banana cake with rum whipped cream and toasted coconut.
Sweet Basil Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.596.5628, sweetbasilgourmet.com, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $65.
Summer Pasta Faves
JULY 19 Utilizing fresh and boxed pasta, participants will learn how to make summer-inspired meals. Dishes include a sausage, arugula and feta summer pasta salad as well as spaghetti with oven-roasted tomatoes and caramelized fennel.
Sweet Basil Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.596.5628, sweetbasilgourmet.com, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $60.
Winemaker Dinner
JULY 19 Mingle at a wine reception then indulge in a four-course dinner with wine from Rodney Strong Vineyards. The wine can also be purchased at a discount during the event.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, 7500 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, 480.444.1234, ext. 8650, scottsdale.regency.hyatt. com, 6:30 p.m., $95.
Dave and Buster’s Beer Dinner
JULY 19 Dave and Buster’s strays from games for an evening to host a beer dinner with Huss Brewery for adults and kids. The adult menu includes mini Chesapeake crab cakes with Orange Blossom Ale; roasted tomato and cucumber salad with raspberry wheat; grilled Thai chicken satay tenders with cucumber relish and Scottsdale blonde; Maker’s Mark glazed short ribs and oven-roasted potatoes with lemon aioli dipping sauce and Copper State Magic; and chocolate fondue with strawberries, graham crackers, marshmallows, brownie bites and pound cake, and Koffee Kolsch. Kids can enjoy grilled chicken satay tenders with cucumber relish and Grape Chill; pretzel dogs with a blue raspberry snow cone; chocolate fondue with strawberries, graham crackers, marshmallows, brownie bites and pound cake, with chocolate milk.
Dave and Buster’s, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, https://dnb.ticketbud.com/ brews-and-bites, 7 to 10 p.m., $50 for adults (includes fivecourse meal with beer pairing and $20 double game play), $25 for kids (includes dinner with nonalcoholic beverages and $10 double game play with unlimited videogame play).
Fondant 101
JULY 23 Learn how to make polished cakes and detailed embellishments with fondant. Students will study how to cover a cake and how to make drapes, bows and swags.
AZ Cake Shoppe, 4601 E. Carolina Drive, Phoenix, azcakeshoppe.com, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $65.
Prized Pies for Summer
JULY 28 Make a pie crust from scratch and then put those skills to the test by creating a variety of desserts, including a peach and strawberry crumb pie and a peanut butter banana mousse pie.
Sweet Basil Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale, 480.596.5628, sweetbasilgourmet.com, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $60. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Brat Haus
Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this Euro-inspired eatery and beer garden just launched its happy hour program from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Food and drink specials include $1 off all draft beers, $5 glasses of wine, $7 Haus cocktails, $4 fried pickles, $6 brat burgers, $15 giant pretzels, and a free brat for dogs. For late-night visitors, reverse happy hour is 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, when there is $2 off all draft beers, $5 glasses of wine, and $5 well drinks. As a new twist on “Sunday Funday,” guests can enjoy Stein Sundays with bottomless steins and mimosas for $20 from noon to 3 p.m. 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.4006, brauthausaz.com.
Buck & Rider
Happy hour is through 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, when patrons can enjoy $6 signature cocktails, house pours and featured glasses of wine and draft beer. Reverse happy hour is from 9:30 p.m. to close Thursday to Saturday. 4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.346.0110, buckandrider.com.
Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers
Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers lives up to its name, but offers more that. Check out the menu and see. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and includes domestic pints for $3, domestic alum bottles and Four Peaks pints for $4, and premium wells and house wines at $5. Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.
Copper Blues
At Copper Blues, headliners don’t just occupy the stage, they surround it in the form of tap handles and inviting service. Happy hour is offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday. 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.5005, copperblueslive.com.
Craft 64
Craft 64 specializes in local craft beer and artisan woodfired pizza. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily, when there is $1 off all local beers, five wines for $6, and small plates for $8. 6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.946.0542, craft64.com.
CRUjiente Tacos
CRUjiente Tacos offers taco therapy with deals on globally influenced tacos and cocktails. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and the modern taqueria recently launched reverse happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Specials include $3 for the Korean fried chicken, $3 short rib tacos, $3 pork belly tacos, $7 Tex-Mex-style queso, $7 chips and salsa, $5 on any of the tacos CRUjientes (beef, pork or lamb), $5 Premier CRU margaritas, $1 off all draft and bottled beer and $2 off wine by the glass. 3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.687.7777, crutacos.com.
Dirty Dogg Saloon
Dirty Dogg Saloon has built a reputation as a local watering hole. Happy hour is 3 to 8 p.m., with live music on Thursdays. Daily drink specials are also offered. 10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.368.8095, dirtydoggsaloon.com.
El Chorro
Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience with stunning views of the Valley’s most prominent landmark, Camelback Mountain. Happy Hour is 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays. 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 480.948.5170, elchorro.com.
EVO
EVO features recipes true to the Central and Northern regions of Italy, including risotto, alfredo, ragu and carbonara, Chef Steven Fowler strives to perfect a balance of simple yet robust flavors. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily. 4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.265.9814, evoscottsdale.com.
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Freezer’s Ice House
Freezer’s Ice House is the valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. $2 Tuesday’s (open to close): $2 Domestic Drafts, $2 Tacos, $2 per hour person pool time. ASU Night Thursdays (6 p.m. to close): free pool for the ladies and $2 drink specials. UFC Fight Night Saturdays: UFC pay per view is offered as scheduled with only a $5 cover charge to attend. $10 Pool Pass Sundays: Play pool all day for only $10. 83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282 “At the corner of Mill & Broadway”
Gallagher’s Sports Grill
Gallagher’s Sports Grill loves sports as much as it loves food, so it brings the two together. There are dozens of TVs and inspired dishes. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 p.m. to close Friday and Saturday. Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.
Hard Rock Café
Take a break from the heat and stroll into the musical oasis that is Hard Rock Cafe Phoenix. With the Flying V over the door, the Hard Rock Café features a fully loaded bar, food, memorabilia and music. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. 3 S. Second Street, Suite 117, Phoenix, 602.261.7625, hardrock.com.
Hungry Monk
Chandler’s The Hungry Monk pours 27 craft beers, with daily happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food specials run from 3 to 7 p.m. 1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, hungrymonkaz.com.
Lucky Strike Bowling
Happy hour is offered from 3 to 7 p.m. daily, and includes $5 food specials, $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails and select wine. 50 W. Jefferson Street, suite 240, Phoenix, 602.732.5490, bowlluckystrike.com.
Luxe Lounge
Experience UltraStar’s 21-and-older sports bar, restaurant and lounge that boasts 14 HD flat-screen TVs, four pool tables, Golden Tee Golf, soft tip darts and foosball. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays, and all day Sundays. Specials include $3 well drinks, $3 house wines and $3 domestic draft beers. Appetizers are $3 to $6, including cheese crisp, fried pickles, cheese curds, spicy Cajun fries, hoagie bread, cheese pizza and garlic cheese bread. 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 520.233.2426, ultrastarakchin.com.
Pedal Haus Brewery
Mill Avenue’s resident brewpub and beer garden, Pedal Haus Brewery offers beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. It features $2 off Pedal Haus beers and, spirits and $5 select wines while receiving $2 off all appetizers on the menu. “Sunday Funday” specials run all day and include $3 Pedal Haus beers, $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and $5 margaritas. 730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.314.2337, pedalhausbrewery.com.
Philly’s Sports Grill
Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. daily, and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday and specials include appetizer discounts. 1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe; 1402 S. Priest Drive Tempe; 4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix, phillyssportsgrill.com.
Pig & Pickle
Pig & Pickle handcrafts cocktails, bakes its own bread, makes its own aioli and grows its own herbs. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily. 2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.990.1407, pigandpickle.com.
Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale
Rack Scottsdale offers fine spirits in a laid-back environment. Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and features half-priced appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks and bacon cheese fries, $1 off beer and $2 off cocktails. It’s more than drinks, though. Pool is half price ($5) for the table. 3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.476.1035, rackscottsdale.com.
Rehab Burger Therapy
Rehab Burger Therapy was founded on the idea that everyone deserves a break from the daily grind. Happy hour is offered from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and 11 a.m. to close Thursdays. This includes $1 off “party starters,” wines by the glass and “rapid relief.” 7210 E. Second Street, Scottsdale; 480.621.5358, rehabburgertherapy.com.
Social Tap Eatery | Downtown Scottsdale
Downtown Scottsdale’s Social Tap Eatery offers happy hour specials from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday that include $4 Social Tap drafts, $5 select wines and discounted fan favorites like the double royale with cheese ($9), pulled pork sliders ($6) and social hour taco of choice ($3). Guests can enjoy an alfresco dining experience on the patio that overlooks Drinkwater Boulevard and Brown Avenue, or sit inside and watch the game or music videos on Social Tap’s two 90-inch TVs and 27 65-inch TVs in the restaurant and bar. 4312 N. Brown Avenue, Scottsdale, 602.432.6719, socialtapscottsdale.com.
The Stockyards
In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, opened its doors with a menu focused on its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib. Happy hour is 4 tto 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, when house wine, draft beer, saloon snacks, domestic beer and well drinks are discounted. Complimentary tenderloin sliders are also offered. 5009 E. Washington Street, suite 115, Phoenix, 602.273.7378, stockyardssteakhouse.com.
SunUp Brewing Co.
SunUp offers beer brewed on site, with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. 322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.8909, sunup.beer.
TapHouse Kitchen
TapHouse Kitchen of Scottsdale offers a menu by Chef Patrick Karvis centered around modern American cuisine, in addition to a respectable selection of craft beers. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. Special are plenty, with $2 off all draft beer, spirits and wine on tap, and $2 off all beer flights. Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, suite 108, 480.656.0012, taphousekitchen.com.
Tutti Santi
Tutti Santi’s menu offers Nina’s original recipes for Italian classics, from antipasti freddi to mozzarella caprese. Happy hour is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays. The late-night specials include live music. 6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale, 480.951.3775, tuttisantiristorante.com.
Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap
Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap’s extensive menu includes favorites like garlic parm fries, fried mozzarella, beer cheese soup, Cajun-spiced chicken salad, black and bleu burger, guacamole and prime rib. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 p.m. to close Sunday to Thursday. The kitchen closes at midnight Friday and Saturday at midnight, and at 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday. 9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa; 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, unclebearsbarandgrill.com.
Wasted Grain
Happy Hour is offered 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 4 to 9 p.m. Friday. 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.970.0500, wastedgrainscottsdale.com.
T S E B S T R SPO R! BA’S + 30
V 60 T ON TAP S BEER
Sum mer H Sund ours ay-Th urs Fr day iday 3-9 and Satu 11 A rd M-M idnig ay ht
We Offer The Finest Broaster Chicken Around! We are a unique venue featuring wood fired slow cooked BBQ ribs, Brisket and Pork slow smoked everyday on our second patio! We have a chef driving selection of unique sandwiches and appetizers and a salad selection that is amazing!
480.508.1000 • 7570 E. 6th Ave, Old Town Scottsdale
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
‘A CRAFTY, MODERN APPROACH’ Clever Koi puts a different spin on Asian cuisine Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!
C
lever Koi has been creating inspired Asian entrees since 2013, when the Central Phoenix location opened. The restaurant belies its façade. Upon entry, the part-Asian restaurant, part-craft cocktail bar patrons receive a warm and inviting experience. The bustling, open kitchen, which is adjacent to a stocked, classy craft cocktail bar, overwhelms diners’ senses with an array of mouthwatering smells as staff prepare meals. Laid-back, jazzy instrumental hip-hop sets the backdrop. Owners Nicholas Campisano and Joshua James, who followed with a Gilbert Clever Koi in 2016, have a storied background in the food industry, but Asian food piqued their interest. “Throughout the years we’ve always found our passion in food, beverage and hospitality, and just honed in skills and soaked in all the knowledge from each company we worked for,” Campisano says. “We definitely gravitated toward ramen. We loved ramen houses, steamed buns and dumplings, but we also loved the culture behind it. They’re very intricate and very passionate. They have systems that they follow. Their discipline is one of a kind.” Describing Clever Koi as having “a crafty, modern approach,” Campisano clarifies it’s not fusion, but more of an approachable, expansive take on the foods and regions they explore. “It was definitely something that was untapped in the market,” he says. “And we wanted to challenge ourselves. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
It’s all about learning new things and that’s what we’ve done over the years. We wanted to bring something to the Valley that was different, definitely paying homage to everything. “By no means are we a traditional Japanese restaurant or Chinese restaurant, but we bring a lot of that inspiration in from all over, but also other styles as well.” The restaurant melds flavors hailing from regions like Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan and Indochina. Clever Koi seasonally adds dishes and puts different twists on current meals. Sometimes the staff brings back classic favorites. “We feel with that you’re going to get the highest quality, the highest flavor, the most unique things. That’s why we change every season,” he says. Chef Anthony Dang inspired the menu. Employees have roundtable tastings and discussions on new offerings, Campisano says. This keeps the staff knowledgeable and collaborative. “Some of these dishes hit close to home for him (Dang),” Campisano says. “It’s nostalgic for him. They are things he grew up with. And what’s awesome about it is he wants to share that with other people. He wants to share that with our other cooks but also have input from our other cooks.” The restaurant’s XO noodles ($14), a modification of a previous choice, is a popular dish. It is based around yakisoba noodles and incorporates shrimp, scallops, pork belly, bean sprouts, pickled daikon, crispy shallots and an XO sauce. Though served in a hefty bowl, the dish itself isn’t necessarily heavy, but it does pack a slight kick in terms of heat.
“What’s awesome about this dish and why I truly believe there’s a reason why it tastes so good is because it’s very special to the creator,” Campisano says. “And I think when you put all that passion into something, everybody’s going to see it. Everybody’s going to feel it. Everybody’s going to taste it.” Campisano feels strongly about Clever Koi’s tart ($11), under the sharing section. “We roast red and golden beets and take a puff pastry that we make in house. We add whipped goat cheese, rosemary, and then we put this Japanese whisky molasses glaze on top. It’s just a really cool dish,” he says. “We used to have one before. We tweaked it a little bit to be a little bit more approachable, executed properly.” It’s all about keeping the choices fresh. But while old favorites may be sacrificed in favor of new meals, customers can branch out. “Say a guest comes in and they love something and maybe they’re a little bummed about it that it’s off,” Campisano says. “Now we have a few new dishes that we can show them that they can fall in love with as well. “It’s about nostalgia. Everybody feels that, but also it’s about maybe steering a little bit away from nostalgia. Because nostalgia kind of keeps you in that state. It doesn’t have you kind of branch out and venture and do more and try new things. But nostalgia always brings you back to the core of each dish.”
Clever Koi accommodates allergy and dietary restrictions, as noted on the menu. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available, as is customization. “We want our guests to be heard,” Campisano says. “Guests who have these dietary restrictions or choose to eat in a certain way shouldn’t be narrowed down to a few restaurants or a few places they want to go. We have options, great gluten-free options, great vegan options, dishes that can be modified to be either so everybody feels good coming in and trying new things. That’s our focus and what we want to do.” Campisano and James are successful with two busy Clever Koi locations, however, they have a new venture in the works for Scottsdale. Having once worked in an Italian restaurant, they’re planning to return to those roots by launching Fellow at ASU SkySong in September. “Those three are paying homage to what’s really important about family and great quality, simple food and enjoying each other’s company,” Campisano says. “We’ll do pastries and coffee in the morning and a full-service lunch/dinner and kind of bring everybody together for all meal periods.”
Clever Koi
4236 N. Central Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, 602.222.3474; 384 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 101, Gilbert, 480.306.4237, thecleverkoi.com.
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HUNGRY? BEST HIDDEN GEM COME DINE AT SCOTTSDALE’S
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PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO
GETTING COMFORTABLE
Moose & Bear brings Flagstaff feel and off-track betting to Mesa Lynette Carrington » The Entertainer!
T
PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO
he team who opened Frank & Lupe’s in Scottsdale and Ahwatukee has moved east to bring the Northern Arizona-inspired Moose & Bear Grill and Pub to Mesa. “We were looking for a concept that the neighborhood was craving and wanted, and that was a neighborhood sports pub instead of a Mexican restaurant,” says third-generation restaurateur Teddy Bernal, who co-owns Moose & Bear and Frank & Lupe’s with his brother, Eddie Bernal. Moose & Bear recalls a spacious lodge, complete with pine poles, a water feature and plenty of pine tree, bear and moose imagery. The tables and walls were designed by local artist John Tejada, who orchestrated the memorable artwork at Frank & Lupe’s. Befitting the restaurant’s name, the two themed house beers chosen by Bernal for Moose & Bear include Moose Drool and Hamm’s, which has a black and white bear as its mascot. Local beers from SanTan Brewing and Distilling and Papago Brewing Company will also be front and center at the bar. Additionally, there is a specially chosen selection of bourbons and whiskeys available. “Our menu includes selections of comfort foods and crowd favorites,” Bernal says. “We have everything from wings and Southwestern selections to massive baked potatoes with lots of toppings.”
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The dishes are separated into many sections, including “Trail Mix” (appetizers like artichoke jalapeno dip and zucchini and mushrooms); greens (salads such as Big Bear Caesar salad and Buffalo chicken salad); and main dishes (featuring meatloaf and tacos); “Bear Buns” and sandwiches like Mr. Moose (a cheddar burger), Mr. Hatch (New Mexican-style burger) and Buffalo (bison) burger. Moose & Bear boasts housemade sauces that are used at Frank & Lupe’s, including its green chile and poblano sauces. Besides the food, Moose & Bear offers off-track betting. The dining and off-track betting areas are separate. “I was told this area doesn’t have any off-track betting and it really fit the demographic for the area, especially with golfers and retired people,” he explains. “We built this for the local community and we’re happy that we can offer them someplace special to go with friends and family. This is not a bar, it’s a sports pub and everyone will feel welcome here.”
Moose & Bear Grill and Pub 118 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, 480.993.3210, mooseandbeargrill.com
UNEXPECTED
ADVENTURE Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen receives enthusiastic welcome Lynette Carrington » The Entertainer!
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ith an “Old World charm and a New World vibe,” Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen brings those two worlds together in East Mesa under leadership of an unlikely duo—Sam Arikat and Zoran Klisara. Arikat owns Sam’s Liquor in Scottsdale, while Zoran Klisara is the brains behind Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen in Scottsdale. The latter also opened Mastro’s and Mastro’s City Hall. He previously managed Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. Arikat says the joint venture, which opened in early May, was unexpected. “It was definitely not planned,” says Arikat with a laugh. “My ‘uncle,’ who’s not a blood uncle, owns the Fry’s Plaza at Power and Baseline. “One day, he was visiting me at my store in Scottsdale, Sam’s Liquor, and he said, ‘I just lost a tenant and it would be a perfect spot for a restaurant.” They visited the potential restaurant location and knew they had a great recipe for success. It was that simple. “Zoran wanted the location right away,” Arikat explains. “He suggested we go in as partners and I told him I didn’t have restaurant experience. He said it didn’t matter. ‘I see all the
potential in the world.’” The wheels were set in motion for Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen, named after Klisara’s son, Luca, and Arikat. The menu is focuses on fresh starters ($8-$12), such as bruschetta, grilled asparagus and rustic boards, and salads adorned with strawberries and rustic ingredients. Pasta and risotto selections include pappardelle Bolognese ($17), fettuccini carbonara ($16), shrimp scampi ($16) and penne arrabiata ($16). Other entrees include pollo Milanese ($17), New York strip ($24) and a mixed grill ($23). The duo found it important to bring something different to the neighborhood. “We’re not a chain and everything here is made from scratch,” Arikat says. Pizza will soon be added to the menu, and Arikat and Klisara are considering opening additional locations. “Now we’re in the exciting stage,” Arikat says. “We’ve opened the doors and people are ranting and raving about it. We’re getting nothing but five-star reviews and it’s getting busier every single day.”
Sam & Luca Rustic Kitchen
1959 S. Power Road (at Baseline Road), Suite 104, Mesa, 480.659.6716, samandlucaaz.com.
new location
coming soon! e3 dc ranch
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Staycation Giveaway VISIT Entertainermag.com/Staycation for your chance to win a 3 day 2 night Staycation from one of our resort partners. Contest runs from 7/1-7/24, limited to one entry per person. Winners will be contacted via email on 7/25/18. See contest rules for additional details.
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE CRAFTMASTER
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SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST
Beer Over Here
Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month Samantha Fuoco » The Entertainer!
Beer & Bags for Benefit Lights on the Lawn 2018
JULY 1 Enjoy a Cornhole extravaganza and tournament that benefits the #LOVEPUP Foundation. Gather a group of friends, get a team going and play cornhole while donating to the Arizona-based cause. Tickets include registration and play for a team of two players, and food and one beverage per player.
Continental Country Club/ Oakmont, 2380 N. Oakmont Drive, Flagstaff, 417.380.3357, eventbrite.com, noon to 5 p.m., $60.
Red, White, & Brew BBQ
JULY 3 Enjoy an American-style buffet festival with live music and craft beer tastings from Tucson breweries in the shaded confines of the Terezza Garden Patio & Lounge.
Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Road, Tucson, 520.529.3500, haciendadelsol.com, 6 to 9 p.m., $65.
Brews, Blues, & BBQ
THURSDAYS IN JULY Every Thursday night, enjoy live music from the Arizona Blues Project, all-you-can-eat barbecue specials and $1 off selected pints.
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480.488.1906., https://haroldscorral.com, 4 to 11 p.m., $19.99.
Flagstaff Food Truck Frenzy
and small portions of food from local restaurants and breweries.
JULY 14 Northern Arizona’s largest food truck festival includes more than 30 food trucks, local beer and live music. The suggested entry fee of $3 will be donated to Shadows Foundation.
Phoenix Convention Center, 33 S. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.586.6711, realwildandwoody. com, 2 to 6 p.m., $57.
Wizards & Wands Bar Crawl
Coconino Fairgrounds, 2446 Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff, 623.856.7990, eventbrite.com, 2 to 8 p.m., $3.
Dave and Buster’s Beer Dinner
JULY 19 Dave and Buster’s strays from games for an evening to host a beer dinner with Huss Brewery for adults and kids. The adult menu includes mini Chesapeake crab cakes with Orange Blossom Ale; roasted tomato and cucumber salad with raspberry wheat; grilled Thai chicken satay tenders with cucumber relish and Scottsdale blonde; Maker’s Mark glazed short ribs and oven-roasted potatoes with lemon aioli dipping sauce and Copper State Magic; and chocolate fondue with strawberries, graham crackers, marshmallows, brownie bites and pound cake, and Koffee Kolsch. Kids can enjoy grilled chicken satay tenders with cucumber relish and Grape Chill; pretzel dogs with a blue raspberry snow cone; chocolate fondue with strawberries, graham crackers, marshmallows, brownie bites and pound cake, with chocolate milk.
Real Wild and Woody Beer Festival
JULY 28 Celebrate more than 30 years of Arizona’s craft beer while enjoying brews, bites and live music. Tickets include 20 beer sampling tickets
JULY 28 Calling all Harry Potter fans 21 and older! Come hang out and drink with local wizards and witches throughout Scottsdale. The bar crawl includes knit scarves for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin, magical drinks, and a Wizards and Wands stadium cup.
Scottsdale Area Bars, 4420 N. Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, eventbrite.com, 5 p.m. to midnight, $15
Dave and Buster’s, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, https://dnb.ticketbud.com/ brews-and-bites, 7 to 10 p.m., $50 for adults (includes fivecourse meal with beer pairing and $20 double game play), $25 for kids (includes dinner with nonalcoholic beverages and $10 double game play with unlimited videogame play).
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
BeerFinder DIRECTORY Where to find the best craft beer bars in town
Craft 64
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Craft 64 is proud to offer 36 local Arizona beers on tap in the heart of Scottsdale. Arizona beers only!
4420 N. Saddlebag Trail Scottsdale Dierks Bentley has been known to kick back with a craft beer or two, and so can you at his digs.
Mellow Mushroom Pizza
2490 W. Happy Valley Road, 5350 E. High Street, 740 S. Mill Avenue Locations throughout the Valley Incredible Pizza and amazing beer make Mellow the place to go for a craft beer experience.
Freezer’s Ice House
83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe (At the corner of Mill & Broadway) Freezer’s Ice House is the valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy Hour is Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Specials throughout the week including: $2 Tuesday’s, ASU Night Thursdays, UFC Fight Night Saturdays, Pool Pass Sundays.
Papago Brewing Company
7107 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale The granddaddy of Arizona beer bars, there is something for every beer lover at Papago.
Boulders on Broadway
The Casual Pint Central Phoenix
530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe Boulders has the appeal of a neighborhood bar with a beer list that’ll make your eyes pop.
1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Whether you want great wings or great beer, Hungry Monk’s selection is tough to beat.
Copper Blues/Stand Up Live
Harvey American Public House
50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix Have a beer and a meal at Copper Blues before the stand-up show. You won’t even worry if it’s sold out.
1524 E. Williamsfield Road, Gilbert First class food and first class beer, all set away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Brat Haus
3622 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale The name says it all--brats, pretzels, Belgian fries and plenty of craft “bier” to make everyone happy.
Goldwater Brewing Co.
3608 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale This new brewery is already making waves with their desert inspired brews--and names. Check out their Scotch’Dale Scottish style ale.
Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers 4222 N. Scottsdale Road, 20831 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale Do we need to say more? The name spells out everything you need to know.
Spokes on Southern
1470 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe A comfortable bike-themed grill with 24 draft handles and food made from scratch.
Philly’s Sports Grill
Culinary Dropout
1826 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix Over 20 beers on draft, 15 craft beers on tap plus more selection in cans/bottles. Happy Hour: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Daily and Reverse 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sun-Thurs (excludes UFC, Boxing, ASU events).
5640 N. Seventh Street, 7135 E. Camelback Road Locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale Located at The Yard, Culinary Dropout has everything you look for in a great restaurant experience, especially great beer.
Scottsdale Beer Company
8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Quality craft beer made right here in Scottsdale. Happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and all small bites and starters!
Flanny’s Bar and Grill
Main Ingredient Ale House 2337 N. Seventh Street Phoenix A charming old home is the location for this Coronado neighborhood hangout spot.
Pig & Pickle
2922 N. Hayden Road Scottsdale A restaurant that focuses on balance and quality, Pig & Pickle doesn’t skimp when it comes to their craft beer selection, either.
825 S. Cooper Road Gilbert Is it a sports bar or a craft beer bar? It’s both!
The PERCH Pub & Brewery
232 S. Wall Street, Chandler Located in historic Downtown Chandler, this brewery and pub not only has delicious craft brews, but is also home to a collection of beautiful, brightly colored rescue birds!
TapHouse Kitchen
Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Taphouse kitchen has 20 handles of the most sought after craft beers, mostly local brew and 2 THK selection rotating handles that change with the season and taste of what we are craving at the time.
Ground Control
4860 N. Litchfield Road Litchfield Park Fresh roasted coffee and an ever-changing selection of good beer, including a fantastic import selection, make this one of the top spots in the West Valley.
The Brass Tap
1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104 Mesa Over 60 Taps of great craft beers and over 300 total craft beers from around the globe available! Casually upscale atmosphere, open-air patio that is cigar-friendly, nice menu, daily specials and knowledgeable staff. What more could you ask for!
Uncle Bear’s Brewery
1805 E. Elliot Road Tempe Home of the Third Thursday Tap Takevoer. The rest of the month is pretty good, too.
4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix Stop by to enjoy some local craft beer including Uncle Bear’s and other guest taps as well as delicious bites and a great happy hour!
is just one part of what we do... K IN e&
ap
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14 E. Pierce Street Phoenix The Phoenix Public Market Café is a casual urban hangout offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and great beer.
House of Brews Sports Bar
4626 N. 16th Street, Unit 102, Phoenix The Casual Pint Central Phoenix is a fun spot with an upscale yet casual atmosphere. Our expert “beertenders” can serve up craft beer by the pint from our tap wall, but the can or by the bottle to enjoy in our store.
Hungry Monk
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Phoenix Public Market Café
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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
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GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:
HELIO BASIN BREWING CO.
Allison Neri » The Entertainer!
“Helio Basin Brewing Co. strives to not only change what people think of bar food, but also elevates and showcases authentic Arizona cuisine, using locally procured and grown ingredients. The farm fresh, seasonally changing menu is purposely paired with our handcrafted beer and brings delightful surprises to customers walking in the door to a brewery! One of the more relatable items on the menu is Helio’s take on the Sonoran sausage paired with the house-brewed American IPA.” —Dustin Hazer, co-owner and brewmaster of Helio Basin Brewing Company
THE BEER
Brewery: Helio Basin Brewing Co. Style: IPA Name: American IPA A craft beer classic, the IPA can take on many different personas. Helio’s is an old-school, filtered and balanced American version at 6.5 percent ABV, 75 IBU. It pours a bright golden color with a soft white head. Notes of sweet caramel and pine on the nose, with a hint of citrus offer a great preview of what’s to come. The classic American hops complement the subtly sweet yet pleasantly dry flavors from the Cara malts. Hints of slightly sweet grapefruit plays well
with a moderate pine note and balanced bitterness and finished with a soft hint of “sweet.” Helio’s IPA is very approachable and delightfully drinkable.
THE DISH
Dish: Sonoran sausage Cost: $13 This dish is Helio’s take on a Southwestern classic. Former executive chef Tamara Stanger, who recently departed for Copper & Cotten in Tempe, masters a spicy house-made bratwurst that is smoked and carefully topped with a deliberate blend of bacon, duckfat
beans, stewed nopales, house pickled fresno peppers and onions, pico de gallo, ancient mustard, jalapeno pesto, cotija, crema and nestled in a fresh Bolillo. After taking a bite of the sausage, followed by a sip of the IPA, the citrus notes in the beer become more pronounced immediately. Soon after, a slow crescendo of spices become prevalent from the bratwurst and medley of toppings, thanks to the hidden acidity of
the hops. The savory flavors of dish suddenly fall quietly to the back end of your palate, finishing with the soft hints of the mesquite wood smoke and a pleasant caramel and pine note from the beer.
Helio Basin Brewing Co.
3935 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 602.354.3525, heliobasinbrewing.com.
Over 300+ Unique Craft Beers Pints & Singles for Here Growlers, Crowlers & Packaged to go Happy Hour 3-6pm Mon-Fri CENTRAL PHOENIX
Dog Friendly Patio Dog Treats & Dog “Beer” Available Trivia Tuesdays at 7pm SINGO Thursdays at 7pm Tasty Pub Grub
4626 N 16th St. Unit 102, Phoenix, Arizona 85016 | (623) 398-3636 @theCasualPintCentralPhoenix WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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CASINO ENTERTAINMENT
CALENDAR
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
JULY 5 Tina Vale
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 6 Johnny Rivers
Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com
The Police Experience: Tribute to The Police Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com
Mogollon
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 7 Lee Greenwood
Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com
Diplo and Mercer
The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, releasevip.com
The Police Experience: Tribute to The Police Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com
Mogollon
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
Desperado: The Premier Eagles Tribute Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, mazatzalcasino.com
JULY 12 Tina Vale
Thaddeus Rose Band
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 19 Tina Vale
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 20 Donny and Marie
Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com
Fortunate Son
Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com
The Hamptons
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
Christopher Cross
Desert Diamond Casino Sahuarita, ddcaz.com
JULY 21
JULY 13
Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com
Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com
Thaddeus Rose Band
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 14 Krewella
Casino del Sol AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com
JULY 26 Tina Vale
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 27 Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience
Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com
Dynamite Draw
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 28 Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience Dynamite Draw
Christopher Cross
“Guerra de Gallos,” live boxing Casino del Sol Event Center, casinodelsol.com
Fortunate Son
Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com
The Hamptons
Donny and Marie
Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
The Happy Together Tour
JULY 22
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
Fort McDowell Casino, fortmcdowellcasino.com
JULY 29 Retro Futura with Belinda Carlisle, ABC, Modern English, Tony Lewis of The Outfield, Kajagoogoo’s Limahl and Bow Wow Wow’s Annabella Casino del Sol AVA Amphitheater, casinodelsol.com
The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, releasevip.com
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6/26/18 3:20 PM
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE HIGHROLLER
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PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN
‘RETRO FUTURA’ F Limahl isn’t ‘too shy’ to dig on his peers for a laugh
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
ronted by frosted-tipped singer Limahl, Kajagoogoo had one of the biggest 1980s hits in the synthheavy “Too Shy.” Aided by heavy rotation on MTV, “Too Shy” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was the English band’s only significant U.S. hit. In Limahl’s home country, however, Kajagoogoo scored two more top 10 singles, 1983’s “Ooh to Be Ah” and “Big Apple.” Because Kajagoogoo couldn’t match the success of “Too Shy” here, the band and Limahl were dubbed one-hit wonders. It wasn’t until this summer—nearly 35 years later—that Limahl is touring the United States. “I’ve never performed in America,” Limahl says with a laugh via telephone from Hertfordshire, England. “I’ve done promotion. I’ve been interviewed by MTV. I’ve done radio interviews promoting the music, but I’ve never performed live. This will be the first time in 35 years. The best things are worth waiting for.” Retro Futura, a tour that celebrates 1980s music with Limahl, Belinda Carlisle, ABC, Modern English, Tony Lewis of The Outfield and Bow Wow Wow’s Annabella Lwin, comes to Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater on Sunday, July 29. A subset of the tour—Carlisle, Lewis and Modern English—hit The Van Buren’s stage in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 25. “What usually happens is, a promoter will contact the artist and say, ‘We want to book a tour with you,’” says Limahl, who also recorded the theme song for The Neverending Story. “That never happened until now. Paradise Artists approached me, and the tour works. It’s a great show, if you’re into ’80s music.” Limahl is in demand, touring Australia and Japan to acclaim, thanks, in part, to a Kajagoogoo reunion on the VH1
PHOTO BY MIKE PRIOR
show Bands Reunited and the subsequent concert at Scala in London. Born Christopher Hamill, Limahl says he has what many 1980s artists do not. “I can sing, unlike Milli Vanilli,” the 59-year-old starts with a laugh. “I still have hair, something that the singer from A Flock of Seagulls does not have. He’s now bald, so I’m grateful. I feel for the guy. He was famous for his haircut, right? “Hopefully, you’ll see I’m young and sprightly. I still have some life left in me.” Seriously, during his set, fans can expect to hear “Too Shy,” among other songs. “In these shows, the worst thing you can say to an audience is, ‘Here’s one of my new songs,’” says Limahl, who is studying acting in England. “At our shows, the average age is over 40 and there will be a smattering of young folks who kind of like the ’80s. “There is a value, emotionally, in the old catalog for people. It may remind them of their first date, their first holiday, their first kiss—whatever it is. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. I have no qualms in proudly saying it’s about the old catalog. ‘Old’ is sometimes construed as a negative word. I say it’s about the music people want to hear.”
Retro Futura w/Belinda Carlisle, ABC, Modern English, Tony Lewis from The Outfield, Kajagoogoo’s Limahl and Bow Wow Wow’s Annabella Lwin Casino del Sol’s AVA Amphitheater, 5655 W. Valencia Road, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 29, $25-$144.
Retro Futura w/Belinda Carlisle, Tony Lewis from The Outfield and Modern English
The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, thevanburenphx. com, 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, $40-$119. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
JULY’S BEST
SPORTS EVENTS
Evan Desai » The Entertainer!
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. St. Louis Cardinals
JULY 2 TO JULY 4 There is nothing better than celebrating America’s birthday with America’s pastime. So, head over to Chase Field when the D-backs take on Marcell Ozuna and company. On July 4, a fireworks show will follow the game.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m. July 2, 6:40 p.m. July 3, 7:10 p.m. July 4, tickets start at $16.
University of Phoenix Stadium as part of its 2018 Summer Tour. Highlighted by Paul Pogba, Alexis Sanchez and David De Gea, the team will take on Mexico’s Club America.
University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, universityofphoenixstadium. com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $27.
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC2
JULY 20 Phoenix Rising FC faces the Seattle Sounders for the first time this year in this Group B matchup. This is the only time the teams play in Tempe this season.
Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex, 751 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 8 p.m., tickets start at $17.
Manchester United vs. Club America
JULY 19 Manchester United stops at
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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies
JULY 20 TO JULY 22 Two 2017 playoff teams faceoff in a battle for the National League West division when the Rockies take a
trip to Arizona. It’s a celebratory weekend as well. The first 20,000 ticketholders receive a Jake Lamb bobblehead on Saturday. The following day join the snakes as they celebrate the birthday of their mascot, Baxter.
“the Chosen” Rosen and see why he’s the talk of the town.
University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602.379.0101, azcardinals.com, no charge.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m. July 20, 5:10 p.m. July 21, 1:10 p.m. July 22, tickets start at $16.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx
JULY 21 The Phoenix Mercury will try to defeat the 2017 WNBA champion Lynx in this Saturday evening battle. While the Mercury were one of the best teams in the league last year, they were unable to top the Lynx.
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, mercury.wnba. com, 7 p.m., tickets start at $27.26.
Arizona Cardinals Training Camp
JULY 22 The Arizona Cardinals’ training camp opens on July 21, and the following day it is open to the public. Check out rookie quarterback Josh
Golf Fore Miracles
JULY 28 Golfers from around the state will gather in the cool pines of Flagstaff to raise money for programs at Catholic Charities throughout Coconino County that help the homeless, foster care families and youth.
Continental Country Club, 2380 N. Oakmont Drive, Flagstaff, 928.774.9125, catholiccharities. org/golf, 7 a.m., various pricing.
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THE GLADIATOR
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CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE
CITIZENSHIP Family inspires David Peralta to become an American KELSEY GRANT/ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
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his Independence Day will be special for Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta. It will be his first since he obtained his U.S. citizenship.
“I feel really proud of myself for what I went through to get my papers,” Peralta says. It’s been quite a journey for the 30-year-old Venezuelan. He bounced between the minors, majors and independent leagues before getting a chance with the D-backs. The story is well documented around the water cooler. A young Peralta dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. He saw men in the “bigs” signing autographs, taking pictures with fans and smacking home runs—all things he yearned to do. But his first round in the MLB didn’t go well. He signed with the St. Louis Cardinals as an amateur free agent on September 26, 2004. Then a pitcher, Peralta was released five years later. When other athletes were starting the 2011 season, Peralta was greeting customers at McDonald’s. He used the money to commute between Florida and Harlingen, Texas, where he played indie ball. A Diamondbacks scout saw him play in a game for Wichita, Kansas, in
2012. On July 3, 2013, he inked a deal with the D-backs as a free agent. “It was tough,” Peralta says in a 2017 interview with The Entertainer! Magazine. “It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t hard. It was both ways. “The toughest part was having to leave my country to come here, to a new situation. I had to make a lot of phone calls. I didn’t have an agent. I had to do everything myself. It was hard. I used to be a pitcher. “I was trying to become an outfielder, on an independent team. But they didn’t know me. I didn’t have any numbers, and I wasn’t a hitter on a Major League team. It was hard to get an opportunity.” But someone did: Eddie Dennis, the manager of the WhiteWings. “He gave me the opportunity and I told him that that was all I wanted,” Peralta says. “I wanted the opportunity to show everything I can do. I started playing really well, putting up good numbers and building my way up. “I had to go through the hard times to get to where I am now. I went from
SARAH SACHS/ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
THE TRACK TO
sleeping on air mattresses during the season to here. It was tough, but it was an experience and I learned from that.” Since joining the Arizona Diamondbacks, Peralta has become a fan favorite. He amiably signs autographs and takes photos with fans. Through all those years, he heard “The Star-Spangled Banner,” wondering if that song would be special to him as well. He began considering the process before his wife, Jordan, gave birth to their daughter, Sofia, in 2017. Obtaining U.S. citizenship isn’t easy. Applicants file USCIS forms, get fingerprinted, attend a citizenship interview and an oath ceremony, if they pass. “It was a long process. I thought it was easy, but you have to study 100 questions and take a lot of practice tests. “My wife studied with me and helped me with the answers. She was telling me about the history. Every night, we studied and I was reading every night.” His worst fear was getting a strict immigration officer. “I was just hoping to be with somebody who was a nice person,” Peralta says. “I got lucky. She was really nice. We were talking and everything. We talked about baseball and she made me feel comfortable.” The immigration official asked Peralta the required questions: he nailed them. “I was ready for it,” he says with a laugh. “They were really hard ones, though, about World War II and everything. It was really intense in that moment.” When Peralta finished, he met Jordan in the lobby. “I gave her the sad face,” he says mischievously. “She says, ‘You have to be kidding me.’ When I told her I passed, she was mad.” The first thing he did after the test? Let all the information slip out of his brain. Subsequently, he joined about 100 others for his naturalization ceremony, an event his Venezuelan parents attended. “It was really nice,” he says with a wide grin. “I was feeling really happy. It was a special moment for me because my mom and dad were there, too. I took them to the ceremony. “I’m here and I’m going to stay. The thing is, this country gave me an opportunity to do what I love to do—play baseball—and be with the woman I love.” WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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ENCHANTED
ISLAND
Charming amusement park delights young and old
Julie Carlson » The Entertainer!
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ne of the Valley’s simple pleasures, Enchanted Island is a charming amusement park. Nestled in the heart of Phoenix’s picturesque Encanto Park, listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 12 Best City Parks in America, Enchanted Island is designed for children ages 2 through 10 and their families. An oasis in the city, Enchanted Island offers nine fanciful rides and a number of attractions geared toward young children. The highlight is the 66-year-old Encanto Carousel, one of the oldest continuously operating carousels in Arizona. Onsite is also a replica steam engine called the C.P. Huntington Train from which riders can tour the grounds. Both rides are wheelchair accessible and fun for inquisitive young ones. Kids can also take in the sights from up in the air on small two-seater replica planes called the Red Baron or ride a space ship on the Mini Enterprise. Both have an up-and-down motion. There’s also a whirl ride called Rock-n-Roll and a mini roller coaster known as the Dragon Wagon. Kids can team up with friends to defend their position against other team members
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with the use of water guns at Castle Clash, while adults can join kids on the Parachute Tower that rises upward and gently floats downward. Kiddie Cars and coin-operated rides such as a Batmobile, carousel, a horse, tug boat, and truck, are options. “We are always looking to add new attractions to the amusement park,” says Claudia Castaneda, who’s in charge of picnics and events for Enchanted Island. “Last year, we added a giant 30-foot climbing wall and two kiddie slides to the Splash Zone.” Always wanted to climb the Grand Canyon? Then check out Enchanted Island’s Grand Canyon Climbing Wall. After Super Bowl’s NFL Experience festivities ended in 2015 in downtown Phoenix, the NFL donated the attraction to the city of Phoenix. Because Enchanted Island leases the land for the park from the city, they in turn installed a part of the climbing wall at the park. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and cool off in the Splash Zone featuring flower showers, water mushrooms and a dumping bucket. After a day of fun, grab refreshments at Enchanted Island’s snack bar. They serve amusement park staples including popcorn, snow cones, ice cream sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken strips and beverages. “We host hundreds of birthday
parties each year and almost a 100 company events,” Castaneda says. “We also host four major special events during the year: an Easter Egg Hunt, Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Harvest Festival and our Winter Wonderland Express.” Rent the park for a private company event. The park can accommodate groups up to 10,000 people. Company picnics include all-day park rides, horseshoes, volleyball, pedal boats, a bounce house, a company banner and menu options. Companies can also have a DJ, face painting and a photo booth. The park is also a fantastic place for a
field trip, birthday parties and fundraising opportunities. There’s much to enjoy and explore at Enchanted Island, including the park’s friendly mascot Pete the Parrot.
Enchanted Island
1202 W. Encanto Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.254.1200, enchantedisland.com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, free admission, charge for rides and some attractions.
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE YOUNGSTER
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FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT
THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN JULY
Mckayla Hull » The Entertainer!
To Be Thirteen TO OCTOBER 14 To Be Thirteen gives museum patrons a glimpse into the lives of 250 young Americans through portraits and videos, all created by artist Betsy Schneider. Experience the turn of the century through kids’ eyes and open your perspective.
Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1880, phxart.org, various hours, $9-$18; free for ages 5 and younger.
Shark Week, OdySea Aquarium will be offering a variety of special programs, activities and educational opportunities for guests that are free with admission.
JULY 1 TO JULY 31 The month of July will be chalk full of shark frenzied fun at the OdySea Aquarium with the launch of its first SOS - Summer of Sharks. With more than 40 sharks and nine species living in the Aquarium, guests are invited to marvel at the largest and most diverse collection of sharks in Arizona. To celebrate
Mini Mud Run
Wildman Phil Presents: Animals Rock!
JULY 9 Kids who are interested in reptiles and other amazing animals will enjoy Wildman Phil’s Animals Rock! presentation. Visit with Phil and the various animals with whom he travels around town.
TO JULY 4 Join in on a 131-year tradition at this historic rodeo, which features eight performances and parades.
Summer of Sharks
Theater Works at Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623.815.7930, theaterworks. org, 7 p.m. $16-$38.
OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseaaquarium. com, various hours, admission is $34.95 for adults, and $24.95 for children.
Prescott Frontier Days & World’s Oldest Rodeo
Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 848 Rodeo Drive, Prescott, 866.407.6336, worldsoldestrodeo.com, 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on select days, prices vary.
the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab make appearances.
Summer Splash at Tempe Marketplace
THURSDAYS IN JULY Tempe Marketplace offers a summertime oasis with Summer Splash featuring visits by lovable princesses and daring superheroes. With free entertainment, photos, prizes and dancing, kids of all ages will enjoy this cool event. This month’s themes are “All-American Bash” with Captain America and Wonder Woman on July 5; “Princess and Pirate Party” with Belle and Cinderella on July 12; “Superhero Sensation” with Batman and Spiderman on July 19; and the visitors and theme on July 26 will be announced soon.
Tempe Marketplace, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 480.730.0205, tempemarketplace.com, 6 to 7:30 p.m., free admission.
Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road, Program Room 200, Mesa, 480.644.3100, mesalibrary.org, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., free.
Movies in the Courtyard
JULY 10 AND JULY 24 Fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean saga will love this. They can check out At World’s End on July 10, with a swashbuckler costume contest and braiding station; and On Stranger Tides on July 24, with a community art project and Sea Witch meet and greet
Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com, 6 p.m., free.
The Little Mermaid JULY 13 TO JULY 22 Go “under the sea” to witness the story of Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, and her dream to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above. Her friends Flounder
JULY 14 Mini athletes ages 2 to 10 can crawl, climb, run and jump through water, dirt and mud. Registration ends July 7.
Show Low City Park, 1100 W. Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, 928.532.4000, showlowaz.org, 10 a.m. (check in starts at 9:30 a.m.), $13.
Cool Summer Nights
JULY 19 Bring the whole family out for an evening of fun with water activities, treats and games.
Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.513.7586, shopdesertridge. com, 6 to 8 p.m., free.
What Is A Butterfly? Children’s Garden Class
JULY 29 Have kids age 5 and up with a green thumb? Take them to Dig It Gardens at Changing Hands, which will feature A Butterfly Is Patient by Dianna Aston.
Changing Hands, 300 W. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, 602274-0067, changinghands.com, 10 a.m., free.
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER PHOTO BY CORINNE SHIAVONE
DEFYING
CONVENTIONS
Deafheaven pulls out all the stops on ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love’ Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!
D
eafheaven drummer Dan Tracy speaks freely about his group’s new album, Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, which is slated to be released by ANTIon July 13. The album comes three years after the San Francisco band’s last project, New Bermuda. “The new project, OCHL, is definitely a departure from New Bermuda sonically and structurally,” Tracy explains over the phone. “I would say it is a little more of a return to form as far as (the second album) Sunbather’s structure in that there’s interludes, there’s variation in the track lengths, and we kind of just pulled out all the stops and went all out on this record.” The group – which also includes vocalist George Clarke, guitarists Kerry McCoy and Shiv Mehra, and new bassist Chris Johnson – made its debut with 2011’s Roads to Judah, but broke through with 2013’s Sunbather, both projects that eschewed black metal norms. Taking an atmospheric approach WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
to the genre, Deafheaven mixes black metal’s rudimentary elements – high, shrieking vocals and blastbeat drumming – with shoegaze and post-rock. New Bermuda switched things up, stripping back the interludes and many shoegaze elements, replacing them with an angrier edge. It served as an outlet for the group’s frustrations, which include an intense touring cycle and a shorter deadline to craft the album. Though not a misstep – it appeared on numerous critics’ best-of-2015 lists – it made for a heavier, shorter and arguably more direct listen. “I think that during New Bermuda we were kind of coming off of a really intense tour cycle and we were kind of touring the world in a way that maybe humans shouldn’t, pushing ourselves in ways that we maybe shouldn’t have,” Tracy says. “We were in kind of a dark headspace during that writing period simply because we were tired and we were a little strained as far as our scheduling. So, we kind of had to crank it out, so to speak. And, those guys spent a limited amount of time in the Bay writing with us. So, it was kind of a hectic period for us. “But this time around it’s completely different in that we had all the
time in the world. We could sit down and basically discuss what we wanted to fulfill with the record and basically just, like I said earlier, pull out all the stops and go all out and do everything that we wanted to achieve with New Bermuda but couldn’t.” Tracy describes the resulting sound as more positive, hopeful and emotional. This is apparent on lead single “Honeycomb,” which arguably has one of the group’s most varied and diverse arrangements yet, balancing melodic instrumental passages with jarring, aggressive transitions. The second single, “Canary Yellow,” follows in a similar vein. “We discussed how a lot of our past records have been very personal and a little introverted and self reflecting, and the idea with this one is definitely to look outwards and to try to basically just showcase everyone’s walk of life and just different outlooks on how we live our lives, and basically just get out of our little bubbles and see the world and describe it through songs,” Tracy says of the concept behind the album. Among descriptors used by ANTI- in promoting the album are the additions of “layered psychedelic vocals,” “intricate piano melodies” and “jazz-inspired
percussion.” Acknowledging these elements, Tracy says his contributions include experimenting with production techniques and adding percussion. “I use a lot of shakers, a lot of tambourines, and I even throw some sleigh bells on a song,” Tracy details. “We have a track on the record where I do a triple drum take where I actually record the same drum part but on top of each other three times, so you have kind of a natural reverb that we can work with in the production booth, and kind of work with that and make it sound really cool. “So basically just stuff like that where we took risks that we didn’t before, that we didn’t feel like we had the confidence to do before,” he adds. Being progressive and experimenting with different compositions runs in Deafheaven’s blood, and mood and tempo shifts are frequent characteristics of the band’s often lengthy songs. Due to its sound, which takes the ordinarily inaccessible sound of black metal, flips it and opens it up to outside listeners, Deafheaven has been controversial among some listeners but regarded as one of the leading forces in the recent wave of American black metal bands among others. Like its sound, Deafheaven’s artwork often stands out among others in the genre, eschewing supposed metal norms. Whereas Sunbather had a bright, minimal, pink cover, Ordinary Corrupt Human Love juxtaposes a grainy, black and white image of a woman in a scarf with a multicolored font. “We definitely tried to basically just ignore the fact that we need it to look like a metal album and just represent what we wanted to represent visually for the music and that was basically photography that encapsulates the city and what it’s like to live in the city and just different walks of life besides ours,” Tracy says. The group will kick off its North American tour to support the project on July 11 at Crescent Ballroom. Friends of the band Drab Majesty and Uniform will provide support. There’s “definitely going to be a little more multi-instrumental stuff going on stage and we are going to try to up our visual game for this tour,” Tracy hints. “So, can’t really reveal too much but we’re definitely going to try to have some surprises and some cool stuff going on.”
Deafheaven w/Drab Majesty and Uniform
Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, $18-$20.
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THE SHOWMAN
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LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING
‘IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK’ Fairy Bones shares its struggles via new video for ‘Incapable’ Mckayla Hull » The Entertainer!
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guitarist Robert Ciuca, bassist Ben Foos and drummer Matthew Foos. Louise and Ciuca have been friends for 11 years and found Matthew Foos via Craigslist. He later recruited his brother, Ben. “I think it worked really well because it was like two halves becoming a whole,” Louise says. Fairy Bones’ 2015 debut album, Dramabot, saw band members switching instruments, which led to a less cohesive sound, according to Louise. That’s been improved with 0% Fun. Set to play the Four Peaks Oktoberfest, Fairy Bones will release videos for each of 0% Fun’s
nine songs by December. Louise hopes fans can relate to the lyrics on any of their songs. “I’m a pretty self-aware person, but when you’re bipolar sometimes you’re even surprised by some of the things coming out of your own mouth,” she says. “Your brain is telling you to stop, but it’s somehow difficult. It’s like blind rage. When I realized something was wrong I reached out for help. I know that’s a tough decision for some people, but I wanted to be a good example for anyone struggling. Help is nothing to be ashamed of.” PHOTO BY RACHAEL SMITH
hether it’s through social media or her music with Tempe-based Fairy Bones, guitaristsinger Chelsey Louise isn’t afraid to share her struggles with mental illness. “I’m trying really hard to live a happy life and a positive life and I don’t always win, but I try (to share positivity) on Instagram and Facebook,” says Louise, who was recently diagnosed as bipolar. “I have a good number of followers and I don’t want to be depressed all the time. I want to give them good ways to deal and I want them know it’s OK to not be OK.” The Entertainer! Magazine is debuting the video for Fairy Bones’ anger-infused single “Incapable” online at entertainermag.com on Friday, July 13. In lieu of the band, the video features Valley dancer Madison MacDonald. “(The song is about) being in a relationship where you’re the one who’s depressed. You’re the one who’s sad and they don’t understand. I think it’s pretty universally relatable in terms of content,” Louise says. “The premise of the video was simple: When you have depression, sometimes seemingly easy tasks, like getting out of bed, having a shower or making food are like climbing Mount Everest. Madison and I wanted to portray that struggle through dance, and that’s exactly what she did.” The video was created by an all-female team including MacDonald; Louise as producer; Rachael Smith, director of photography, RaySquared Photography; and Ashli Scott, assistant. It was shot at Sneaky Big Studios in Scottsdale. “Incapable” is from the four-piece band’s sophomore album, 0% Fun, which was released in February. The
collection also spawned “No One Can Suffer Like I Can,” “Killing Me” and “Incapable.” Louise says the album touches on “themes of anxiety, depression and the pressures of maintaining the perfect Instagram façade. 0% Fun inadvertently echoed the same thoughts and feelings felt around the nation throughout 2017.” “We’re made to continue to work until we die and I think that sucks. It’s reality, though. We’re all poor,” Louise says about the struggles and pressures of millennials. In Fairy Bones, Louise is joined by
SEE FAIRY BONES’ NEW VIDEO JULY 13
The Entertainer! Magazine is debuting the video for Fairy Bones’ anger-infused single “Incapable” online at entertainermag.com on Friday, July 13. Keep an eye on The Entertainer! Magazine’s Facebook and Twitter for details!
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
JULY 9 Joan of Arc
The Lunchbox, 8 p.m., $10-$12
LIVE MUSIC
CALENDAR
Lee Perreira
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Petal w/Camp Cope
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15
UADA
Club Red, 6 p.m., $15-$18
Forth Wanderers
JULY 10
Karen Holloway
Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Fox Tucson Theatre, 8 p.m., $32-$157
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
J. Forte
Todd Snider
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., sold out
Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!
JULY 1 Brit Floyd
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 5 p.m., free
Party Favor
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $32-$42
Maya Day + Nightclub, noon, $10
JULY 6
JULY 2
The Rhythm Room, 7:30 p.m., $10
New Madrid w/David Barbe & Inward Dream Ebb
Bodie
The Fixx
Joel Maze
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Andy T Band
JULY 11
Young Country
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $19-$22
Smoke Me Out Tour 2018
Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $59-$326.63
Sugar Thieves
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6 p.m., free
JULY 14 Aaron Church
Salon Rock, noon, free
Daniel Caesar
Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $25-$45
Dan Lovelock
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6:30 p.m., free
Danny Duncan
Crescent Ballroom, 6:30 p.m., $25-$99
Jackson Browne
Symphony Hall, 8 p.m., $39-$250
James Intveld Band
The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$15
JULY 15
Citizen
Audien
Maya Day + Nightclub, noon, $10
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6 p.m., free
Deafheaven
Dorothy
Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12
Steve Cade
Zaris Adonis
Negative Approach w/Dayglo Abortions
Graham Benike Memorial Show
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
The Supervillains
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15
JULY 3 The Black Dahlia Murder w/ Whitechapel
The Pressroom, 6:15 p.m., $27.50-$30
Homesafe
The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $13-$15
Lee Perreira
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
The Mighty Might Bosstones The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $27
Underground, 6 p.m., $12-$15
JULY 7 Code Orange
Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20
Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $17-$20
The Waters
The Nile, 7 p.m., $16-$18
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns
The Wldlfe
The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $8
Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Grungefest w/Sliver, Ocean, Fooz Fighters, Allison Chains
JULY 12
Jimmy Nistico & Jazz Express The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Primus w/Mastodon
Eric Johnson
The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $15
Chad Freeman
Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17.50$67.50 The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., free
Mike Vax
The Nash, 3 p.m., $15-$25
Sydney Sprague
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 5 p.m., free
Witch Mountain
Club Red, 7 p.m., $10-$13
JULY 16 Foster the People
Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $29.50$59.50
Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $38.50$252.50
Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $40-$45
Shining Star
Flasher
Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $13-$15
Rest, Repose
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
The Smashing Pumpkins
JULY 17
Middle Class Rut Old Star
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6:30 p.m., free
Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12
Soft Ronnie w/GABI, Willetta
Club Red, 6 p.m., $13-$15
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17
JULY 8
Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., $24.25$274.37
Keith Murray
Castlecomer
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12
JULY 13
Neon
EDX
The 44s
Maya Day + Nightclub, noon, free
The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Insomniacs
Calabrese
The Rebel Lounge, 2 p.m., $8-$10
The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $15-$16
Marmalade Skies
Odd Man Out
The Rhythm Room, 3:30 p.m., $15
The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20
JULY 18
Matthew Thornton
Rita Coolidge
JD Souther
Snail Mail
Pub Rock, 8 p.m., $12-$14
JULY 4 Angel Vivaldi
Monarch Theatre, 9 p.m., $10-$250 Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Playboy Manbaby
Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free
JULY 5 Billy “Howl N Madd” Perry & Shy Perry The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $10 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $18-$20
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 5 p.m., free
Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $45-$60
Jay Som
Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15
JD Souther
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $45-$50
Kim Weston
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $45-$50
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
Reckless Kelly
Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$38
The Waters
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
JULY 19 Animals in the Attic
S. Carey
JULY 23
Sleeping with Sirens
Silent Planet
Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore
The Sugar Thieves
Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $15-$18 The Rock, 7 p.m., $15-$18
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $24.75-$449
The Lunchbox, 7:30 p.m., $7
JULY 21
The Breeders
Elizabeth Tighe
Dan Lovelock
Jeff Beck
Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$60 Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6:30 p.m., free
Jenny and the Mexicats
Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $35-$40
Stacked Like Pancakes
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12
Unknown Mortal Orchestra Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20
Salon Rock, noon, free Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $43.01-$375
Neon
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6:30 p.m., free
Pentatonix w/ Echosmith and Calum Scott
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 8 p.m., $25-$165.49
Wye Oak
Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $14-$17
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45
Hyatt Untapped – “Tapping” Into the Local Music Scene: Hosted by The Waters
Streetlight Manifesto
Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $18-$38
JULY 24 American Idol: Live! 2018
Django Festival All-Stars
Evaride
Maya Day + Nightclub, noon, $10
Club Red, 6:30 p.m., $16
Gorgon City
Esteban
Steve Cade
The Listening Room, 3 and 7 p.m., $65-$80
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Matthew Thornton
JULY 25
Obadiah Parker
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6 p.m., free
Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $24-$33
Thirty Seconds to Mars w/ Walk the Moon, K.Flay
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 6 p.m., $15-$230.82
Retro Futura Tour w/Belinda Carlisle, Modern English, Tony Lewis The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $40-$119
The Cadillac Three
Marquee Theatre, 7:15 p.m., $20-$35
Logic w/NF, Kyle
The Nash, 3 p.m., free-$20
Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$50
Femmes of Rock
The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $20-$35
Henry Kapono: Welcome 2 My Paradise!
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $40-$45
Joel Maze
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 5 p.m., free
Knife Party
Maya Day + Nightclub, noon, $15
Metalachi
The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $15
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $25-$143.72
JULY 30
The Waters
Cobi
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
JULY 26 Karen Holloway
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Marc Cohn w/The Blind Boys of Alabama
Quicksand w/Glassjaw
JULY 29
The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$8, or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in
Fit for a King
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6:30 p.m., free
The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22
Breathe Carolina
Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30-$35
Sugar Thieves
Jam Session: Dave Henning
Chris Isaak
Maria Muldaur
Salon Rock, noon, free
Car Seat Headrest w/Naked Giants
Pub Rock, 7 p.m., $15-$18
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 5 p.m., free
The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15
Danny Long Trio
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35-$40
The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $5-$15
Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12
Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $30-$55
Ballyhoo! w/Clint Stevens
Jude Poorten
De Lux
Lionel Estrada
Albert Castiglia
The Pressroom, 9 p.m., $20-$35
JULY 28
Mary Lattimore w/Julianna Barwick
JULY 22
Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $65-$100
The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $10
Guitar Shorty
JULY 20 The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10
Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $22-$42
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free The Lunchbox, 8 p.m., $10-$12
65
Musical Instrument Museum, 7 and 9 p.m., $35-$55
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Underground, 7 p.m., $12-$14
The Faceless
Club Red, 6 p.m., $18-$20
Lee Perreira
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free
Shania Twain
Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $25.20-$495.25
JULY 31
JULY 22
Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$85
311 w/The Offspring
The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m., $25 Glassjaw returned in 2017 with Material Control, its first new studio album in 15 years. Now, the group is embarking on a summer tour with fellow New York post-hardcore band Quicksand, who similarly made a long-awaited return last year. Quicksand’s Interiors is the group’s first new album since 1995’s Manic Compression. Together, the co-headlining bands are sure to bring songs new and old to the Van Buren stage when they pass through Phoenix this July. Glassjaw is pictured above.
JULY 27
Doyle Bramhall II
J. Forte
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 6 p.m., free
Josiel Perez’s All-Stars
The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20
Noise Pollution w/Mr. Crowley The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $14
Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $27.50-$310 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $30-$40
Supersuckers
The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $16-$18
Sydney Sprague
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa’s Center Stage Bar, 7:30 p.m., free WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
MAD MIXOLOGIST
Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers
BROOKLYN BREW 1.5 ounce vodka 1 ounce espresso .5 ounce Amaro .5 ounce amaretto syrup Top cinnamon rum cream
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!
H
ash Kitchen, one of the restaurant concepts owned by The Maggiore Group, is known for its impressive cocktail list, including its build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. With two bustling locations in Scottsdale, the a.m. eatery was looking for an expert who could take its craft cocktail game to the next level. Enter Arizona native Sheldon Wiley, who holds the Guinness World Record for “The Fastest Bartender in the World.” While his official title is director of beverage/corporate mixologist, Wiley is responsible for The Maggiore Group’s drink program. Other eateries include The Sicilian Butcher, Tomaso’s and Tomaso’s When in Rome. A graduate of Buckeye Union High School, Wiley wanted to be “so many things” growing up. His interests changed with the wind, but while “broke,” in college and single, he became a bartender and “made money, left college and I eventually met a spectacular young lady.” When he isn’t dreaming up impressive drinks, Wiley likes to DJ and spend WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
time with his wife and son. So, take a seat and see what makes this drink slinger tick.
Tell us about the oddest drink request you’ve received. I always find it odd when guests order a high-dollar Scotch, cognac, etc., and mix it with soda pop or an energy drink. Ultimately, people are free to drink what they’d like, and I reserve any judgment. Though, given the proper setting, I’ll make an effort to educate people in a manner that’s respectful to the guest as well as the craft/spirit. No snobbery though. Ever! What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working? It’s not even close—poor preparation! One thing you’ll likely never hear me say (to staff) is you’ve over-prepped. We should always make the strongest effort to give people what they want. This pertains to operations. I’m not one for faulting guests. More often than not, if I’m having a poor experience with a guest it has to do with my own mental state. Guests can definitely be difficult too sometimes. That’ll never change. A rewarding thing to practice is not taking it personal.
What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own? Rosé. I love rosé! I’ve spent many summers in the Hamptons and it’s grown on me! Many people don’t fully understand that it’s a vast category in the wine world, and most of them are not sweet. It’s a major misconception. What does ordering a vodka tonic say about a person? To me, this says they know what they want. I don’t overthink somebody’s drink choice. Remember, I’m the world-record-holding mixologist who orders rosé almost every single time. Ha! Tell us about the cocktail program at Hash Kitchen? This cocktail program is a lot of fun. Not only is it playful, the price points are a bargain. From flights of mimosas and the colossal build-your-ownBloody Mary bar, to the Craft Caffeine section that takes your espresso, matcha and cold brews to new heights. It screams fun. What is one cocktail you would love for us to feature in the magazine this month? The drink I’ve chosen is the Brooklyn
Brew from Hash Kitchen. It’s off our new Craft Caffeine menu. It’s important for readers, as well as industry professionals, to see where we draw our inspirations from in addition to the proper execution of these timeless libations. I’m thrilled that we’re moving forward as an educated culture. However, I’m a bit underwhelmed at how much further we need to go in some markets. There’s far too many savvy consumers out there these days for bartenders to fake the funk. Time to step it up!
What do you like about this drink? Vodka, duh! I love that this drink has it all. The amaro (herbal Italian spirit) blends beautifully with our housemade amaretto cordial. Adding saline solution blocks the bitterness while enhancing the sweetness of the espresso without losing its captivating aroma. Then, it’s topped with our housemade cinnamon cream rum for texture and garnished with a high five.
Hash Kitchen
8777 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.947.3214; and 14838 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.361.5228, hashkitchen.com.
THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JULY 2018
THE NIGHTOWL
67
SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE
THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR JULY Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!
Cash Cash JULY 3
DJ trio Cash Cash will bring its set to Scottsdale for a night swim party. Grab some friends, get some drinks, hit the dance floor and go for a swim set to the New York-based group’s tunes. Expect to hear songs like “Finest Hour” and “Jewel.” This show is 21 and older.
Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $10.
Justin Credible JULY 3
Shifting focus to the West Valley, Glendale’s Salt Tacos y Tequila will bring Justin Credible to the stage. Located at Westgate, the restaurant and bar is the perfect place for the Los Angeles-born and -raised musician to spin hip-hop, Top 40 and ’80s tunes. This show is 21 and older.
Salt Tacos y Tequila, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, 623.772.7282, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., free.
“Swing.” This show is 21 and older.
Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., free.
Night Bass w/AC Slater, Codes, Sinden JULY 7
Record label Night Bass’ Summer Phases 2018 tour is hitting a handful of venues across the country from July to September, with Monarch Theatre just one stop along the way. The Phoenix date will bring forth AC Slater, Codes and Sinden. This show is 18 and older.
Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $20-$35.
A-Trak JULY 13
Fools Gold Records mastermind A-Trak shall return. The Canadian DJ and producer – and one half of duo Duck Sauce, with Armand Van Helden – helped release early records from Kid Cudi, Danny Brown and The Cool Kids, among others through Fools Gold. Don’t miss out when he returns to the Valley this July. This show is 21 and older.
Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $10.
Angelz JULY 13
Joel Fletcher JULY 6
Australian DJ and producer Joel Fletcher is gearing up to bring his floor-rumbling electro house anthems to the Valley. In May, he released the tune “Lay Me Down,” but his powerful beats are more diverse, having remixed Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Savage’s
Over at Bar Smith, Quebecer Angelz will perform on the heels of a new collaborative EP with Moeazy, titled ZZ. This show is 21 and older.
Bar Smith, 130 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.
Triple Threat w/Infekt, Oolacile, MurDa JULY 14
Infekt, Oolacile and MurDa truly are a triple threat to behold. The trio
is sure to get things going when it brings its Triple Threat tour to Monarch Theatre. Dubstep fans get ready, as this show is sure to please, with heavy tunes set to rumble speakers and dance floors. This show is 18 and older.
Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15-$30.
Gorgon City JULY 20
Though it has been four years since Londoners Foamo and RackNRuin – collectively known as Gorgon City – released a joint album, the two have maintained a steady presence in the industry. They are continuing to build up their following and hype for their long-awaited second album, Kingdom, with a slew of singles. With features and collaborations ranging from The Fugees’ Wyclef Jean to Mikky Ekko over the years, the members of Gorgon City aren’t newcomers to the scene. So, check them out at The Pressroom during their new tour. This show is 18 and older.
The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $20-$35.
Christian Smith w/Wehbba JULY 21
Supported by Wehbba, Swedish techno DJ and producer Christian Smith is heading to the Valley this summer. Recently, he released the 2018 collaborative Count Zero EP with John Selway, and 2017’s solo Synergy album. Chock-full of plenty of dark, foreboding, bassy and atmospheric techno tunes, those projects should give an idea of what fans will see at Monarch Theatre. This show is 21 and older.
Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats. com, 10 p.m. $15.
Valentino Khan JULY 27
According to Valentino Khan via Facebook, his genre is “Everything.” This sentiment rings true, as the Los Angeles DJ and producer has worked with a variety of different artists. Early on, his production credits include artists like T.I. and B.o.B. He was also involved in Major Lazer’s massive 2013 single “Bubble Butt,” which featured Bruno Mars, Tyga and Mystic. Among his solo tunes, Khan has dance floor-ready club tracks like “Lick It” and “Pump,” just to scratch the surface. This show is 21 and older.
Maya Day + Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz.com, 10 p.m., $10.
TRAPFEST
JULY 27 TO JULY 28
“America’s Premier Trap and Bass Music Tour,” Trapfest is set to take on Arizona with two shows, two consecutive days in late July. The first stop is the Rialto Theatre, with The Van Buren a day later. Boombox Cartel and YehMe2 will perform at both shows, with Cray and Spag Heddy also set to perform at The Van Buren. Rialto Theatre’s lineup includes Bailo and Barely Alive. These shows are 18 and older.
Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson, 520.740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 8 p.m. July 27, $30-$55. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx. com, 9 p.m. July 28, $47-$72.
Maximono JULY 28
British-meets-German duo Maximono, individually known as Sebastian Wolters and Nick Hill, will bring its brand of house music to Tempe before July comes to an end. Wolters and Hill are set to spin some tunes for fans and concertgoers at the outdoor Shady Park. This show is 21 and older.
Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $15.
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THE METROPOLITAN | THE EXTRAORDINAIRE | THE DOWNTOWNER | THE TOURIST | THE ARTIST | THE CRITIC | THE DINER | THE CRAFTMASTER | THE HIGHROLLER | THE GLADIATOR | THE YOUNGSTER | THE SHOWMAN | THE NIGHTOWL | THE THINKER
YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS
Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin
Mckayla Hull » The Entertainer!
Great white sharks can smell a drop of blood in 25 gallons of water. Shark Week phenomena debuted in
1988. Many sharks don’t sleep because they may die if they don’t pump water through their gills to breathe.
ARE SHARKS THE SMARTEST FISH?
They do have the biggest brain of any fish.
Once sharks are born, they swim away immediately, starting their life on their own.
OdySea Aquarium is celebrating sharks throughout July.
Female sharks tend to lose their appetite before birth, so they don’t eat them.
WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM
Sharks can have up to
30,000 sharp teeth embedded in their gums at one time.
SHARK ATTACKS ON HUMANS ARE VERY RARE, BUT WE ARE THEIR BIGGEST THREAT. Thought having one baby was a lot? Imagine being a sixgill shark that can have a litter of up to
100 PUPS.
The chances of a human getting killed by a shark is 1 in 3.7 million. Humans are more likely to die from a
LIGHTNING STRIKE.
A TABLE FOR TWO? Phind it
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