The Entertainer! - Jan. 2017 by Times Media Group

PHX METRO » JANUARY 2017

MOVIE

magic ASU STUDENTS BRING ‘CAR DOGS’ TO THE BIG SCREEN

YEARS + WASTE MANAGEMENT

PHOENIX OPEN

Driving success with Barrett-Jackson

A LWAY S O N

Andrew Dice Clay

Styx

Taylor Dayne

Saturday, January 14

Sunday, January 15

Friday, January 20

David Spade

George Thorogood & The Destroyers

Elvis Lives

In The Ballroom

Friday, February 3 In The Showroom

In The Ballroom

Saturday, March 3 In The Ballroom

P L A Y

I N

In The Showroom

Saturday & Sunday, March 11 & 12 In The Showroom

S T Y L E

For tickets call the box office at 480.850.7734 or visit ticketmaster.com 1 01 & TA L K I N G S T I C K W A Y | S C O T T S D A L E | T A L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T . C O M Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

THE AUTOMOTIVE LIFESTYLE EVENT OF THE YEAR

JANUARY 14-22 | SCOTTSDALE, AZ

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

CONTENTS

22 ON THE COVER

SOLD! Barrett-Jackson brings one-of-a-kind trophies like Steven Tyler’s.

SPARKING INTEREST

ASU students, Film Spark and top-name actors bring “Car Dogs” to the big screen.

TOGETHER FOREVER

Fans reveling in the return of Rick Astley.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

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

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Steve T. Strickbine steve@entertainermag.com

editor in chief

Robbie Peterson

rpeterson@timespublications.com

associate editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

art director

Erin Loukili erin@entertainermag.com

designer

Jaclyn Threadgill

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Armadillo Grill keeps it simple and super.

circulation director

Aaron Kolodny aaron@entertainermag.com

contributing writers Joseph J. Airdo, Alison Bailin Batz, Dave Clark, Chad Haire, Kenneth LaFave, Cassidy Landaker, Megan Marples, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, M.V. Moorhead, L. Kent Wolgamott

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

Top 25 • Ice Skating • “X” and “Julius Caesar” • Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon • Mark Tarbell • Barrett-Jackson

ONE COPY PER READER

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 25 AZ Star Talent and Modeling Management Firm • Toro • Rick Astley

THE TOURIST

Tour Du Jour • Golf Section

THE ARTIST

“The Illusionists” • Arts Calendar • “Fiddler on the Roof” • Chris Botti

THE CRITIC

MAJOR LEAGUE FUN D-backs Nation comes together for Fan Fest. THE HIGHROLLER

THE SHOWMAN

Coming Attractions • Ask Our Experts! • The Report Card • “Car Dogs”

Taylor Dayne • Casino Entertainment Calendar • Best Casino Events in January • Chubby Checker

The Neal Morse Band • Live Music Calendar • Chase Rice • The Maine • Little Mix

THE DINER

THE GLADIATOR

THE NIGHTOWL

Best Food Events in January • Happy Hour Guide • Mad Mixologist • Arizona Donut Company • Diner Insider • Armadillo Grill

THE CRAFTMASTER

Beer Over Here • Great Beer Pairings • Hops—The Spice of Beer • BeerFinder Directory • Beer Tenders • James Swann

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January’s Best Sports Events • D-backs Fan Fest

THE YOUNGSTER

The Best Nightlife Events for January • Umek • Astrology

The Funnel Cake • The Best Family Events in January • Disney on Ice

THE THINKER

100

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2017 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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JANUARY EVENTS

“THE

8THOF THE WONDER WORLD. ...” —Joe Heard, former White House photographer

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203 W Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

1 East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201

Tickets: 800.880.0188 ShenYun.com/AZ Prices: $70–$150

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE METROPOLITAN

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Gearing Up for Barrett Jackson 22 Rock and Run 18 Tales of Betrayal 15

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Afterglow

JANUARY 1 Once the clock strikes midnight, it’s officially 2017. If you’re not ready to end the celebration, check out Afterglow, the official Decadence after party. Featuring three rooms of music, an outdoor patio with fire pits and more drinks when it hits 6 a.m., Afterglow can put off your New Year’s Eve comedown as long as possible. Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, 2 a.m., $30.

“Cooking with the Calamari Sisters”

TO JANUARY 29 Two over-the-top Italian sisters from Brooklyn show you how to cook with passion as they sass their way through their fictional cable television shows. The comedy dives into showtunes, pop, Italian songs and cuisine, and a warning for guests that for better—or worse—they might be trying some of these dishes. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.254.7399, herbergertheater. org, times vary, $49.50-$55.50.

Phoenix Suns vs. Miami Heat JANUARY 3 The sun battling against the heat?

Sounds like a pretty hot court. Phoenix squares off against Miami for the Suns’ first home game of 2017. It’s been a rough season for Arizona basketball, but the team has a chance for redemption against the equally ranked Miami Heat. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, nba.com/suns, 7 p.m., $19-$2,025.

Love Letters with Brenda and Kurt Warner

JANUARY 5 The Warners take the stage in “Love Letters,” a play that follows a love story from second grade to adulthood, as told through letters, notes and cards. Though time doesn’t stop moving, the characters learn that sometimes your first love is the hardest to forget. Brenda and Kurt, the former Cardinals quarterback, take on the roles for a one-night engagement. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, 480.837.9661, fhtaz.org, 8 p.m., $18-$25.

Fiddler on the Roof

JANUARY 6 TO JANUARY 29 Arizona Theatre Company celebrates its golden anniversary with a production of the classical musical “Fiddler on the Roof.” Whether you know the story or not, you’ll for

sure recognize songs like “To Life,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “If I Were a Rich Man.” The story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives and tradition is a Broadway favorite. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.254.7399, herbergertheater. org, times vary, $46-$85.

Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, 7 p.m., $7.

Farm to 5K

JANUARY 7 Here comes a slightly rustic twist to the Phoenix 5K. Farm to 5K will feature farmers and ranchers from across the country. The course will take runners through downtown Phoenix and to a festival area with food trucks, music and games. Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank. In front of Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.635.3600, bit. ly/2hZ3vs4, 7:30 a.m., $25.

Star Wars: The Music

JANUARY 13 What is “Star Wars” without the opening theme? The Phoenix Symphony takes on the John Williams’ score for the night, performing pieces from all the films, including last year’s “Episode VII.” Bring your lightsaber and robe to this symphony show—you may not get another excuse to wear it till the next movie! Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, phoenixsymphony. org, 7:30 p.m., $39-$83.

Viceland @ SMoCA: Russia and USA JANUARY 12 The final screening of “Viceland @ SMoCA” surveys motherhood in Russia and the United States. A postscreening discussion features guests Laurie Stoff, faculty affiliate at the Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies at ASU, and Shontell Di Nello Lege’, project coordinator at AZ Common Ground. Scottsdale Museum of

Arizona Coyotes vs. Winnipeg Jets

JANUARY 13 The Coyotes have had a difficult season, but this game against the Winnipeg Jets may give the team— WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

and fans—the boost it needs. After all, hockey lovers aren’t giving up on Mike Smith, Shane Doan and their teammates anytime soon. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3200, nhl.com/coyotes, 7 p.m., $17.50$319.50.

musicians Wil Baptiste and Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester, takes the stage for a free concert in Peoria. The group spent this fall composing music for Fox TV’s “Pitch” and traveling the country on its UNITY tour. Black Violin aims to use music as a means for breaking down barriers and social stereotypes. Peoria Centennial Plaza, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, 623.773.7137, peoriaaz.gov/specialevents, 6 p.m., free.

“Chicago! The Musical Big Gay Sing Along” Simply Sinatra

JANUARY 14 AND 15 Start spreading the news! The music of Frank Sinatra returns to the state under the direction of Robert Franz. This tribute, featuring vocalist Steve Lippia, will take listeners on a journey of Sinatra’s biggest hits, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got the World on a String.” Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, phoenixsymphony. org, times vary, $25-$89.

UFC Fight Night: Rodriguez vs. Penn

JANUARY 15 UFC Fight Night is back, pitting Yair Rodriguez against B.J. Penn in the ring. If you’re not lucky enough to snag tickets to this fan-favorite show, catch the match on television or a smartphone. When UFC Hall of Famer Penn takes on up-and-comer Rodriguez, you’ve got a story right out of a movie. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, ufc.com/phoenix, 4 p.m., $40-$175.

Styx

JANUARY 15 Come sail away with Styx! The classic rockers have four decades of hits to fall back on, including, of course, “Come Sail Away,” “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade.” The crowd will be singing, hands will be waving and there might even be a few lighters up in the air. Seats are selling quickly for this intimate performance. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Phoenix, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., $35-$225

JANUARY 19 The FilmBar presents its next selfproclaimed “Big Gay Sing Along” with “Chicago!” as the musical of choice. Catherine Zeta-Jones dukes it out against Renée Zellweger in a battle of luxury, fame and fortune. And there is a lot of dancing and singing somewhere in there, too. Arrive early for giveaways and drink specials. FilmBar Phoenix, 815 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.595.9187, thefilmbarphx.com, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., $14.

Explore Arizona: Starry Night

JANUARY 19 Hear about the stars from some of their most passionate fans. Astronomers will speak about their experiences and teach attendees about planets, the moon, stars with the help of telescopes. Adventurers will also receive a sky map for January so they can continue to gaze at home. Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3839 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa, 480.984.0032, bit.ly/2h9Jdw5, 7 p.m., $10 (ages 17 and under free.)

Disney On Ice: Worlds of Enchantment

JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 22 If you’ve haven’t seen Disney On Ice, you’re missing out on a nostalgic, fantastic and chilly adventure. Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the audience through an exciting show featuring their favorite characters’ stories and songs…all from their ice skates! Worlds of Enchantment features film staples like Lightning McQueen from “Cars,” Woody and Buzz from “Toy Story” and, of course, Anna and Elsa from “Frozen.” Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, times vary, $11.25-$100.

An Urban Night Out at The Strand

Black Violin

JANUARY 18 Black Violin, featuring string WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

JANUARY 20 The Strand Urban Italian is a downtown Phoenix favorite. It celebrates great food and friendships with its Night Out specials. The restaurant will be filled with music, courtesy of Kyle Phelen, and boutique wines. Take a chance and try

something new! Wine representatives will be around to answer questions and provide recommendations. The Strand Urban Italian, 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.253.1600, thestranditalian. com, 5 p.m., call for reservation.

chocolate painting and chocolate martinis. The Saguaro Scottsdale, 4000 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.308.1100, scottsdalefest.org, 8 p.m., $60-$70.

SkaFest

JANUARY 27 TO JANUARY 29 The Desperado Film Festival has become one of the more popular Arizona film festivals over its eight years. Featuring full-length films, shorts, documentaries and narratives, Desperado specializes in LGBT-related subjects. This year’s selections include “Fair Haven,” “Strike a Pose” and “Real Boy.” Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.787.7276, desperadofilmfestival.com, times vary, $56 (for 10-film pass).

JANUARY 21 Get your loafers, tartan jackets and straight-leg jeans, SkaFest is coming to Yucca Tap Room. This year’s festival features The Toasters, Warsaw Poland Bros and 2 Tone Lizard Kings. Expect some choice brews from sponsor group SKA Brewing. Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.4777, purplepass.com/skafest, 7 p.m., $15.

Bernadette Peters

Desperado Film Festival

JANUARY 21 Bernadette Peters is one of Broadway’s biggest stars. You might recognize her from “Mozart in the Jungle,” “Into the Woods,” “The Goodbye Girl,” “Annie Get Your Gun” or several other TV shows or movies. She’s been nominated for seven Tony Awards and nine Drama Desk Awards. Expect classics, hits from her musicals as well as songs from her six solo albums. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, 520.621.3341, uapresents.org, 8 p.m., $25-$85.

Dogs’ Day in the Garden

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Monster Energy AMA Supercross

JANUARY 25 TO FEBRUARY 12 If you’ve got a soft spot for Sherlock Holmes and his sarcastic smarts or if you have an affinity for Ken Ludwig, playwright of mayhem, this show is up your alley. “Baskerville” tells the story of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and his most notorious case: the family curse mystery of “The Hound of Baskervilles.” Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre.com, times vary, prices vary.

JANUARY 28 Paws up for the return of Desert Botanical Garden’s ode to dogs! Canines are the VIPs for a day as guests are invited to bring their pooches for walks on the trail, doggie meet and greets and to practice doga—dog yoga! Proceeds will benefit the Arizona Humane Society. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., garden admission $20-$22 and $4 for dogs.

JANUARY 28 Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the world’s premier stadium motorcycle circuit. The 17 races take place in some of the largest venues in North America, including University of Phoenix Stadium. Each week, riders across the world, like Cooper Webb, Trey Canard and Ryan Dungey, fight it out on tight, fast and challenging tracks. University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, universityofphoenixstadium.com, 7 p.m., $15-$135.

Grape Arizona Wine Event

The Chocolate and Wine Experience

JANUARY 27 Some may consider chocolate and wine a match made in heaven. Hosted by the Scottsdale League for the Arts, the event features local craft beer and wineries as well as local chocolatiers. For those looking to get a little more hands-on, there will be a s’mores station, spiked hot chocolate,

JANUARY 29 The Grape Arizona Wine Event is back for its seventh year. Patrons will celebrate with a “cheers!” and 16 local wineries. Admission covers wine tasting tickets for suppliers ike Caduceus Cellars, Chateau Tumbleweed, Passion Cellars and Wilhelm Family, and dishes from local area restaurants. Proceeds benefit Phoenix Rotary Club Charities. Heritage Square Park, 116 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, 602.604.8221, grapearizonawineevent.com, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., $65-$75.

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Outdoor ice rinks in the Valley—no, really!

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

“That would be wasting money.”

in the past, be aware that CitySkate handles admissions differently now. It breaks each day into multiple two-hour sessions—two sessions on Mondays to Thursdays and three sessions on Fridays to Sundays—with a limited number of passes per session to cut down on crowding and lines. CityScape, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, phxicerink.com, various times through January 8, $15-$25.

Justin Ferris » The Entertainer!

ven with our lower winter temperatures, Phoenix will never get “cold” as those who live north of us understand the term. In the Valley of the Sun, the temperature might dip below freezing once or twice and that’s about it. For the rest of the country in the sub-zero grip of Old Man Winter, “freezing” would be a welcome improvement—a big reason more than 300,000 snowbirds temporarily relocate here each year, and a decent number choose to make it permanent. Still, there are some perks to the extreme cold that would be nice to experience, such as freshly fallen snow, snow days off work and ice skating. No matter what, we won’t get the first two in the Valley—a move or visit to Flagstaff would be in order—but, surprisingly, we can ice skate. Now, we do realize that the Valley offers several indoor ice rinks that operate year-round, but we mean outdoor ice skating. An outdoor ice rink seems absurd in the face of our sometimes 70-degree winter daytime temperatures, but a few organizations do undertake the expense and technical difficulty to make it work. Here’s where you can enjoy the fruits of their efforts.

CITYSKATE HOLIDAY ICE RINK Smack-dab in the middle of downtown Phoenix you will find a decently sized outdoor ice rink. If you skated here

HOLIDAY ICE AT THE WIGWAM The famous Wigwam luxury resort offers a modest outdoor ice rink to the public through January 7. Don’t expect to pull off any fast or fancy skating, but casual skaters and families will enjoy it. And it happens to be the least expensive rink on the list. The Wigwam, 300 Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, wigwamarizona.com/event/ holiday-ice/, various times through January 7, $5-$8.

ICE SKATING ON THE FARM Schnepf Farms has transformed into a Winter Wonderland with snow sledding and a 3,400-square-foot outdoor ice rink. Aside from general skating, “Pond Hockey” games take place and there is even a Winter Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek, schnepffarms.com, noon to 8 p.m. daily except Tuesdays through January 15, $12.

SKATE WESTGATE For 2016, Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale will keep its usual Thanksgiving-only ice rink open through January 8. You can find it in Fountain Park. Certain nights offer special deals, discounts, various entertainment options and more, so check the website before you go. Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, westgateaz.com/skate/, various times through January 8, $10-$13.

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Malcolm X and Julius Caesar plays come to Arizona Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

an Belknap, artistic director for New York-based The Acting Company, sees plenty of similarities between his new drama about civil rights leader Malcolm X and the revival of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. “Both stories are about betrayal and political leadership gone awry,” Belknap says. “What do we do when people disagree about leaderships and the result of one of the most violent political acts is assassination.” The company is bringing both plays to Arizona in January and February. They will appear at the Herberger Theater Center Januar 31 to February 1; Mesa Arts Center February 2 to February 6, and NAU’s Clifford E. White Theatre February 10 and February 11. The company, founded in 1972 by John Houseman, will present the world premiere of Marcus Gardley’s “X” and a revival of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” which will be presented in repertory at each stop. The two dramas examine the charismatic leaders who rise only to fall victim to rivalry, resentment and retribution. Gardley is a multiple award-winning playwright whose works include “Desire Quenched by Touch” (The Acting Company Off-Broadway production), “The House That Will Not Stand” and “The Gospel of Lovingkindness.” Belknap directs “X” and Devin Brain, The Acting Company’s associate artistic director, directs “Julius Caesar.” It takes special actors to portray assassinations on stage, Belknap says. “You have to remember it’s a play,” he says. “You have to find a different vocabulary to create an assassination on stage. From that standpoint, you can’t do it realistically, but it opens the possibilities of how you can do it theatrically. “We have a great group of actors this year who are really, really talented. Jimonn Cole is playing Brutus and Malcolm X.” Cole is a theater veteran who was trained at Juilliard. “X” was commissioned Gardley two years ago, and will make its premiere in Phoenix.

“X” and “Julius Caesar” will feature the same company of actors, Belknap says. “They’re going to reflect one another through their performances, in both stories,” he says. “Repertory is on display here. In ‘X,’ what’s important is his change of platform after he went to Mecca. “I think so much of what people remember of Malcolm X is violence and resistance and wanting to create separatism between races. He had a reimagining and reinvention on a holy pilgrimage to Mecca and wanted to form a coalition around acceptance. Right around that time, he was assassinated.” Belknap says all the principals involved in the stories were “terrific astute people and wonderful orators.” “These are vital stories that need to be told right now,” Belknap says. “It’s our hope that these stories will enact audience members to think about change.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

“The other magazines offered me ridiculous prices, poor distribution and NO digital or creative options!”

“X” and “Julius Caesar”

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix, 602.258.9481, herbergertheater.org, 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 31 (“Julius Caesar”) and 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 (“X”), $25. Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theatre, One E. Main St., Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 2 and Friday, February 3 (“X”) and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 4 (“Julius Caesar”), $30. NAU’s Clifford E. White Theatre, 1 S. Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, 888.520.7214, 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 10 (“X”), 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11 (“Julius Caesar”), $8-$14.

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RUN

THE

AROUND TOWN

Music helps inspire runners at the Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Marathon Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

t’s atypical for music to blare beyond the earbuds of runners throughout a race course. The Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Marathon is an exception. More than 24,000 racers will not only run to their own tunes, but to those of local bands throughout the 5K and10K courses that will wind through the Valley on Saturday, January 14, and Sunday, January 15. Every mile and a half, there is a different performer playing punk, hip hop, classic rock or pop music. “We’re all about having fun,” says Nathan Kopp, the event manager. “Our company is open to runners of all ages and ability levels. We are just trying to focus on a fun time for runners.” Celebrating its 14th year in the Grand Canyon State, the marathon has become a “must-run” for local fitness fans, their families and out-of-state travelers. This year’s event stretches two days: a 5K on Saturday and the marathon, half marathon and 10K on Sunday. Arizona’s race also has a bit of history to it.

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“When your ad is seen by over 1 million people a year who have money in their pockets... You win.”

“We’ve had a lot of elite runners at the Arizona race. The half marathon world record was set here,” Kopp says. Saturday’s 5K is entirely contained in Tempe Beach Park. Marathon runners on Sunday will start their half marathon in downtown Phoenix, while 10K runners take off on University Avenue in Tempe. All races will finish at Tempe Beach Park, where runners and their families will be treated to more music. On Sunday, Toad the Wet Sprocket will headline a postrace show from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In addition, runners and the public are invited to a free Health & Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday, where they can find their favorite running gear vendors, nutrition information and apparel. The expo is also where runners will pick up their bib and materials. So, if you’re looking to get your weight loss resolution on track, or if you’ve been curious about racing, the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon is the perfect event.

Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Marathon

Saturday, January 14, and Sunday, January 15. For more information, visit runrocknroll.com/arizona.

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FROM CHEF TO

PERSONALITY

Mark Tarbell surveys the field he innovated as new host of ‘Check, Please!’ Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

ark Tarbell knew Phoenix would be a food town long before it became one. “There was a leadership in place in the 1980s,” the chef and restaurateur recalls. “Vincent was probably the first,” Tarbell says, referring to the classic French restaurant that flourishes on East Camelback Road. “Vincent brought panache to the Valley. After that, it was Christopher Gross (of Christopher’s), and then it was a combination of hotel

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restaurants doing very well. This set up dining out as a ‘thing to do.’” Tarbell opened the Phoenix restaurant that bears his name in 1994, continuing the Valley trend toward innovative cuisine and setting a standard for consistency over the years. Now, Tarbell is taking his love of food, restaurants and the Valley to TV screens, as the new host of “Check, Please! Arizona” on Arizona PBS. He will be seen on new episodes this month, kicking off the series’ seventh season. Each episode of “Check, Please! Arizona” features three restaurants reviewed by ordinary citizens. The reviews

take the form of a roundtable discussion with the host. Tarbell replaces Robert McGrath in that role. McGrath, founder of Roaring Fork restaurant, launched the show and guided it through its first six seasons, four of which won Emmy Awards for local programming. It’s a whole different kind of gig from whipping up some chicken fennel sausage to go with your housemade ribbon pasta. “I facilitate the energy and conversation of people, many of whom have never been on television before,” says Tarbell, explaining the host’s job. “Then there’s a second part I do, which is scripted. It’s all new to me, but the producers have been wonderful about it. They’re really pushing me, but I like learning new things.” Television cooking shows were a vital part of the national surge in restaurants and innovative cuisine, Tarbell believes, making his new job all the more pertinent to food culture. “There’s always been something that I love to do, and that’s to help and promote restaurants in Arizona. This show does that very well in a textured way.” In every episode, each of three guests suggests a restaurant and they eat at all three. They then share their views at the roundtable with Tarbell. Design and ambiance are elements of the discussion, but the focus is the food, whether it’s a well-made hamburger, a perfectly grilled salmon, or an excursion into ethnic cuisine. Like all broadcast work, there’s more to it than meets the eye. For the new season, Tarbell taped as many as three episodes a day. “The first day on the job was 10 hours long,” he remembers. As of the end of season seven, “Check, Please! Arizona” will have covered 250 Arizona restaurants. Tarbell has no intention of giving up his restaurant for broadcast fame. Tarbell’s has navigated the changing course of cuisine fashion over 22 years to come out with a reputation for balancing new ideas with consistent quality. Tarbell, the only winning challenger on Season 5 of “Iron Chef America,” has received numerous awards. He was nominated for “Best Chef – Southwest” by the James Beard Foundation, and Tarbell’s won a “Best Restaurant” from Food and Wine magazine. But as he cloistered himself in his business, he didn’t get out much. Taping a season’s worth of “Check, Please! Arizona” last fall opened him up to a whole new world. “This show has pushed me out into the community, and what surprises me is there is no problem finding quality restaurants. I’ve been thrilled with the places I’ve discovered. I was at one the other night that I’d never heard of, and it was great.” And what was this eatery that charmed Tarbell? “I can’t talk about that. You’ll have to watch the show.” Look for “Check, Please! Arizona” on Arizona PBS, and check out past seasons at azpbs.org/checkplease.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

16/17

“Trust me, my friend... When you deal with the pros, your worries fade away.”

Giacomo Puccini

Madama Butterfly Puccini’s breathtaking masterpiece takes audiences to the pinnacles, and depths, of human emotion. Feb 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm Feb 5 at 2:00 pm Symphony Hall

With tender duets and the most breathtaking arias of all-time, Madama Butterfly encompasses a lifetime of hope and anticipation, betrayal and despair. Set in the idyllic village of Nagasaki, Japan, an innocent geisha’s love for an American naval officer leads to the ultimate heartbreak and tragedy. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Sandra Lopez as Cio-Cio-San Presented by

Tickets: $25-$135

azopera.org 602-266-7464

O fficial Airline

Official Hotel

Official Piano

ScottsdaleArts.org

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GEARING

Barrett-Jackson riding high after 46 years WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

Barrett-Jackson styles its events as The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions. But it’s much more than that. Upward of 350,000 visitors are expected at the 46th annual Scottsdale auction, January 14 to January 22, at WestWorld. Private jets will jam the tarmac at Scottsdale Airport. And forget reservations at the area’s top restaurants and hotels—they’ll be packed as well. Bidding on more than 1,500 exotic and collectible cars, trucks and other vehicles will be the main event, headlined when Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler roars onto the auction block in his 2012 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, and when the 1960 Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle (CERV) 1 used by Zora Arkus-Duntov in his advancements of the Corvette in the 1960s goes under the gavel. Tyler is more well known, but ArkusDuntov—known as the “Father of the Corvette”—is a legend in the car world, and his CERV “stands as one of the experimental landmarks of GM history,” according to Barrett-Jackson officials. Collectors also will be drooling over a 1970 Plymouth Superbird, part of the Charlie Thomas Collection of more than 140 vehicles up for bid. What makes it special? This, per Barrett-Jackson: “The original V-code 440/390hp Six Pack V8, backed by a 4-speed transmission with a pistol-grip shifter. It’s ready for spirited driving, with the optional A33 Trak Pak and Dana 60 rear, and features Mopar’s iconic Tic-TocTach, radio, power steering, power front disc brakes and tinted glass.” Don’t let the tech talk scare you off. These cars are glossy, gorgeous eye candy, even for the uninitiated, and it’s a gas to soak in the excitement as the bids soar north of $1 million. But the action doesn’t stop at the auction block. Not by a long shot. In the last 20 years, CEO Craig Jackson has steered the event to a far broader spectrum of activities, with symposiums on car restoration and collecting, an opening night gala, auction nights dripping with celebrities and mega-bucks, arena polo (yes, horses), automobilia auctions, and “Ride ‘N Drives” and thrill rides presented by Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. And there’s shopping—acres of it in the massive exhibit space. Memorabilia, cars, motorcycles, boats, jewelry, art, apparel, classic gas station pumps and just about anything else you can imagine are on display. “People come here from all over the world—last year from all 50 states and 14 foreign countries,” Barrett says. “It’s a lot of fun, and that’s what we try to make it.” The auction appeals to the 1 percenters who can drop six or seven figures on a car, and it also appeals to the man—and in growing numbers, the woman—who wants to get into car collecting, Jackson says. “We sell entry-level cars for people who want to buy a car, play with it and learn,” he says. “That’s what a lot of our live stage is about. We have our experts up

there to explain the car, trying to educate people and get them into the hobby.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR Barrett-Jackson started in 1967 as the Fiesta de los Autos Elegance charity car show, organized by Craig’s father, Russell Jackson, and Russ’ friend Tom Barrett to raise money for Scottsdale arts. To date, it has raised more than $91 million for charity. “The car show evolved into an auction in the 1970s when Tom Barrett was having a change in his domestic relations, and he needed to sell some cars,” Jackson says. “It was phenomenal for a local car show because Tom had collected a lot of the world’s greatest cars. They were nucleus of the first auction.” “Tom and my family worked together putting on the first car show and auction,” Jackson says. “My mom ran the office and Tom worked on the auction block because he was a larger-than-life personality and very gregarious. My dad ran a lot of the operations with my brother, Brian.” Craig started off on the bottom floor, running the trash crews and the drivers. “I worked my way up through the years. I was in seventh or eighth grade when I started, and I was driving cars at the auction before I had my driver’s license.” The love of cars coursed through the Jacksons’ blood. “My brother raced cars back in the ’60s, and he had a race shop,” Jackson says. “My dad had a restoration shop. Back then we only did one auction a year, and then the rest of the year my dad would go find cars to be restored, and my brother and I restored them all year long and we’d put them in the auction.” Russ Jackson died in 1993, and Barrett retired shortly after. Just two years later Brian, then 49, died, leaving Craig and his mother, Nellie, to run the business. The next generation isn’t working with the auction—yet. “I didn’t have a lot of choice, so I’m trying to give my kids a little more choice,” Jackson says. “My daughter worked here a couple of years. We both decided it was good for her to get other world experience. She’s learning a lot and hopefully she’ll come back to the company and bring that knowledge with her. “My son is still in high school. I’m letting him follow his passions, but I’m also mentoring him along the way.”

“When my brother passed, Steve Davis (now Barrett-Jackson president) and Gary (Bennett, vice president of consignment), said how can we help. I said to Steve, while I’m on the block, why don’t you help out in the office. He stepped in, and five years later Gary Bennett joined us. “I’ve got guys who have been with me more than a quarter century. I was fairly young when my brother died, and people rallied around. We all have the same goal: how to produce the world’s best automotive lifestyle event.” The team continued to look for ways to raise interest in car collecting. That led to television coverage, first with Speedvision (now SPEED). “Speedvision launched their network in 1996 and played the auction on tape,” Jackson says. “The next year it went live. Today, we’re on Velocity and Discovery and Discovery International. That propelled the collector car industry because it took us out to millions of people who didn’t know what car collecting was about, and introduced collector cars to the masses.”

MILLIONS FOR CHARITY As the company has grown, it’s held fast to its commitment to charitable causes. Colon cancer claimed the lives of his father and brother, and in their memory, in 2010 Craig Jackson established the Barrett-Jackson Cancer Research Fund at TGen. The auction has raised nearly $2 million for that fund, and it continues to raise money for several other charities. Barrett-Jackson vets the charities and works with the auction’s automotive sponsors to augment money raised by the bids. “General Motors has been very helpful, and so has Ford,” Jackson says. “We’ve come up with this great formula to sell these charity cars. We sell the cars, and we don’t take any fees. Buyers write the checks right to the charity.”

Tyler is a case in point. “His car is a monster,” Jackson says. It’s the fifth of only 12 Hennessey Venom GTs ever created and first of the Spyder convertibles. In March 2016, it recorded a top speed of 265.6 mph, making it the world’s fastest convertible sports car.” Every dollar of the hammer price will benefit Janie’s Fund, a partnership with Tyler and the Youth Villages nonprofit to help girls who have suffered abuse and neglect. It’s expected to raise well more than $1 million. In addition to charities, the city and state benefit from the auction, Jackson says. “It’s like having a Super Bowl every year.” A study sponsored by Barrett-Jackson and the City of Scottsdale reports the auction produces an impact of $169 million in direct spending every year. The event generates more than $6 million each year in tax revenue for Arizona, nearly $2 million for Scottsdale, and nearly 1,500 direct and indirect jobs, according to the study. And the auction continues to expand. Today there are four—in Scottsdale; Las Vegas; Palm Beach, Florida; and Mohegan Sun, Connecticut. “I get people flying in from all around the world to come here, so if you live here locally, you’ve got to come at least once and take advantage of what BarrettJackson is,” Jackson says. “I was at the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500 this year and I can’t tell you how many people told me, ‘You’re on my bucket list. I’ve got to make it to Barrett-Jackson.’”

Barrett-Jackson

WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.421.6694, barrettjackson.com, various times Saturday, January 14, to Sunday, January 22, tickets start at $10.

GROWING THE BUSINESS When he took the reins, Jackson was determined to take the business to the next level. “I saw as the World War II generation was passing that we needed to evolve in a few ways, and change a lot of what we were doing—the type of cars we were selling—and to bring younger people into the industry as a hobby,” he says. “Otherwise we were going to end up being the last buggy whip makers. “When I took over my goal was, how do I take it from just a small auction and make it something that the whole family, people from all over the world would want to come to.” Jackson credits a long list of collectors and friends who helped on BarrettJackson’s journey. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

DREAM YOUR WAY OUT Calling All Dancers, Actors, Singers, Musicians and Models

FULL p24

Open auditions begin January 2nd, 2017 at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

(800) 454-3966 azstartalents.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

SEARCHING FOR

STARS Scottsdale talent firm is one-stop shop for future entertainers

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

Z Star Talent and Modeling Management Firm wants to turn aspiring entertainers’ dreams into realities. Based at Scottsdale Fashion Square, AZ Star Talent and Modeling Management Firm is headed up by a team dedicated to doing just that— Dionne Warwick’s son Damon Elliott, and entrepreneurs Star Clark and Ali Zaidi. “It is a talent management firm that is going to act as a wellspring and fulfillment house and conduit for a group of individuals who don’t have a chance to be in Los Angeles regularly,” says spokesman Chris Bridges. For a nominal fee, AZ Star Talent and Modeling Management Firm will direct and guide clients, such as actors, models, dancers, singers and artists, he adds. “Let’s say there’s a young actress,” Bridges says. “We will be looking for the right sorts of casting opportunities for her,

be it independent films or documentaries. If they’re models, we have modeling coaches who will take them through exercises that get to the heart of their abilities.” AZ Star Talent and Modeling Management Firm’s talent appears on runways, in print ads, television shows, commercials, modeling and multientertainment industries. Bridges says the firm’s experience offers clients expertise in development, marketing and placement. The firm’s photographers will provide above-par photographs, and clients will learn about the inner workings of a great photo shoot. It will also create press kits and keep the entertainers visible through traditional and social media. The team is ready to do so. “Star handles the makeup, etiquette and she’ll be involved in writing the curriculum. Damon is handling anything music-based. He’s a music artist and producer. He comes from one of the most pedigreed families, which includes second cousin Whitney Houston. His legacy incudes Keyshia Cole, Pink, Christina Aguilera and the Pussycat Dolls. As a

matter of fact, he just scored the new Rhonda Rousey piece.” Plans also call for Elliott to film his TV show in the Scottsdale Fashion Square offices. The segments will be used to provide visibility to clients, although a deal with a network has yet to be worked out. It has aired in Las Vegas. But there’s more than just talent guidance. Bridges says if the firm can build more dreams, society will build fewer prisons and add value to society. “So, when you accept our guidance and being to understand the power of your imagination, you will then begin to understand the power of how to ‘Dream your way out.’”

Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 1453, near Ted Baker and H&M, Scottsdale. For more information, call 800.454.3966 or visit azstartalents.com.

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TORO! TORO! TORO! The making of a menu at the Pan Latin restaurant Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

lthough it only opened a few years ago, Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar has conquered the stomachs of Valley residents, with its menu of Pan Latin cuisine, which artfully combines the distinct flavors of South and Central America with ingredients rooted in the Japanese and Chinese Peruvian cultures. Not to rest on their laurels, celebrity chef Richard Sandoval and Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar executive chef Forest Hamrick recently put their heads together on an innovative new menu that boasts whole branzino frito, char siou braised beef short rib, ceviche mixto, ancient grain salad and ropa vieja empanadas. Last month, as they put the finishing touches on everything from ceviche to sea bass, The Entertainer! was given a behindthe-scenes look at the method behind their mouthwatering madness.

Richard, take us back to the beginning—how did you get your start as a chef? Growing up in Mexico City, I would join my grandmother in the kitchen and gather around her large table with family to enjoy lively Mexican feasts prepared from scratch. From her, I learned to respect fresh, authentic, ingredients and create the vibrant flavors that turned family dinners into celebrated events. Meanwhile, my restaurateur father—owner of Madeiras in Acapulco and Villa Fiore also in Acapulco—imparted lessons in service and restaurant management. Their passion was contagious. So WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

much so, that even though I would initially grow up to be a professional tennis player touring the world participating in prestigious matches, I had such a passion for food that I decided to enroll in the Culinary Institute of America. Upon graduation, I gained the attention of New Yorkers when I opened Savann. By 1997, I opened Maya, my flagship modern Mexican restaurant in New York. Richard Sandoval Restaurants (RSR) is now a leading international restaurant group with over 40 concepts spanning the globe.

Richard, what inspired you to create the Toro concept? And how has is grown in recent years? My inspiration was the meals I remember enjoying at my grandmother’s house every Sunday. The whole family would get together and we would enjoy my grandmothers cooking. The dishes were served family-style and we would all enjoy with great wines and tequilas. I’ll never forget the joy of sitting around the table enjoying great food and sharing stories. I wanted to create a casual restaurant with a sharing menu where friends and family could come and share small plates in a great atmosphere.

Forest, how did you get your start? I didn’t set out to become a chef. In fact, I initially went to school for psychology, and then nursing. It wasn’t until I took a part-time job at an oyster bar in San Diego that I found my calling, though you would never guess it from week one. On one of my first days on the job, which happened to be the same week as my wedding, I was eager to show I could shuck an oyster with the best of them. The result? I ran the knife all the

way up that oyster, but neglected to stop once I hit my fingers. Thankfully, my kitchen colleagues sprang into action, using coffee grounds and an onion peel of all things to stop the bleeding so I could get to the emergency room. Two days later, with my hand wrapped up and stiches in place, I walked down the aisle to marry the love of my life. It has all been uphill from there, in more ways than one.

Forest, tell us about your journey to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess and to Toro? After a few years shucking oysters— which I did master, by the way—I took a chance and moved to Arizona to enroll in culinary school. At the time, you had to complete an externship as part of the program. I got lucky, securing the externship of a lifetime at Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn. There, I met my first real mentor in Chef Patrick Poblete. I would stay on with Lon’s well after the graduation—for several years, in fact, eventually becoming their sous chef. From there, I helped open a few spots in Scottsdale before joining the Princess team in 2003. All these years later, I am still here!

Forest, you must have some amazing culinary stories from your decade-plus at the Princess. I’ve had the pleasure of working with master chef Richard Sandoval for so many years at both La Hacienda and Toro, so the stories abound. A few years ago, I traveled with him to the James Beard house in New York City. Perhaps the only thing that topped that was traveling to Mexico to prepare a feast for the governor of Puebla, who was hosting 300 world leaders in his city.

Richard, how do you go about developing a new menu at any of your concepts with the in-house talent? Take us through the process? I enjoy developing menus seasonally and locally—so first we discuss ingredients which will be in season, then we discuss direction we want to take (meaning any inspiration we might have from recent travels visiting restaurants etc.), then we discuss ideas. After that, we get together and try the dishes and discuss presentation, flavor profile and technique. Once we make these adjustments, we taste again to finalize and add to the menu. We also have what we call “test kitchen” menus where the chefs take a trip to certain countries to get inspiration for dishes. Upon their return, we taste the dishes they have created from their trips (typically 30 dishes) then we discuss and make adjustments. Typically, about five dishes will make the cut.

Forest, what would our readers be surprised to know about you? I’ve been visiting Mexico for 40-plus years and have both spoken and written the language fluently my entire life. In fact, I speak better than many of my Mexican friends. My wife, who is Hispanic, says I have the “heart of a Mexican and the body of an American.”

Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar

Scottsdale Fairmont Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.585.4848, scottsdaleprincess.com.

TOP OF THE POPS

AGAIN

Rick Astley talks No. 1 album, rickrolling and never giving up Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

nglish soul singer Rick Astley remembers the exact moment he wanted to be a pop star. “I was on a school trip to a big house in the country, where we would do projects and blah, blah, blah,” Astley says via telephone from England. “On Thursday, we watched ‘Top of the Pops,’ and Depeche Mode was on it. All the girls just reacted to it in a certain way. “I said, ‘Yep. That’s what I want to do.’” Astley has had a similar effect on women since the ’80s, when he scored hits with “Never Gonna Give You Up,” “Together Forever” and “It Would Take a Strong, Strong Man.” He’s once again become hip, thanks to the rave reviews he’s received for his eighth album “50,” his first U.S. release since 1993’s “Body & Soul.” In the United Kingdom, it hit No. 1. “Hitting No. 1 was freaky to be honest,” he says with a laugh. “It was a bit weird. I’m especially proud, though, because I played all the instruments, I wrote all the songs, I produced it. “I feel a bit more invested in the songs because I literally made that record behind my kitchen in a studio I have there. I’m at a place in my life where I’m not relying on it becoming a hit. It won’t kill me if it doesn’t become a hit, either. It’s just new music that I really enjoyed making.” His live shows—some of which

include him covering AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” with him on drums—have garnered just has positive reviews. Astley admits he’s surprised at how fans have embraced him once again. The time to really strike, he says, would have been 10 years ago, when he was the subject of a viral internet meme called “rickrolling.” In this prank, web users were tricked into seeing the video for “Never Gonna Give You Up” when they follow a link teasing to something different. “It hasn’t done me any harm,” he says with a laugh. “In a bizarre way, it put me in people’s consciousness in a very small way. All of that helps. “But it comes down to me wanting to make a record under my own terms, for the fun of it. People would tell me, ‘It’s time to get off your ass and make a new record.’ That eventually made me feel confident enough to make one. It’s not about feeling brave enough to do it. You have to be willing to fail. I think that goes for a lot of things in life. If you can expect that, then when you get over that point, you can do something you really want to do—like make a new record.” Astley last came to Arizona to attend a friend’s wedding in Sedona, but will return on Sunday, January 22, for a seated show at the Marquee Theatre. “I’ll be doing all the old hits,” he says. “I’m afraid they’d take me out and lynch me if I didn’t. I retired for a very long time and didn’t sing those songs. I only started

doing them again 10 years ago. I’ve got good memories of those times. “Music does that for everybody, without making us feel like old people. It’s nice to be transported back to moments in our life with music, or a movie or by seeing an old friend. I get that. When I see bands from when I was growing up, I’m desperate for them to sing those songs that mean something.” So what brings Astley back? “I’m a big fan of Crowded House,” he says. “That’s probably the band that I’ve seen the most live. ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over,’ that’s my and my wife’s song. I have the lyrics written into the engagement ring. “When I hear certain records of theirs, it takes me back. It’s not how we met, but they were the records we were listening to a lot when we got together.”

Rick Astley

The Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 22, $35-$50.

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Located on Historic Route 66 at mile marker 87, 29 miles east of Kingman, AZ.

(928) 769-1800

KeepersOfTheWild.org

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE TOURIST

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. Anything is fair game, so expect us to also clue you in to popular destinations of merit. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-of-akind attractions, let us point out the best of the mileposts. As we peel back the first few pages of what’s in store, we’ll bet you find more than one item that should be on your bucket list. Enjoy!

CRAFT BEER | WINE FOOD | LIVE MUSIC 4 color with rich black

Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou 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

(480) 610-2337 TheBrassTap.com

The Brass Tap The Brass Tap at Mesa Riverview has 60 taps and more than 240 different beers in bottles and cans, making it the best craft beer experience in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Come on in and enjoy great beer and fantastic pub fare. It opens at 11 a.m. daily. The Brass Tap was recently awarded the Arizona Society of Home Brewers ASHy Award for Arizona Best Craft Beer Bar—East. The owners of The Brass Tap are proud and grateful for receiving the award as it comes from an organization that appreciates craft beer. So, if you haven’t been to The Brass Tap, stop in and check out its constantly rotating 60 handles of great craft beer. 1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104, Mesa Riverview, Mesa, 85201. 480.610.2337 (BEER), brasstapbeerbar.com/Mesa

CrackerJax Family Fun and Sports Park Pig & Pickle Looking for an eclectically different place to dine and drink? There’s no better place to go than Pig & Pickle, where there are no “me too” dishes or boring bar food. The best local craft beers, a fantastic wine selection, hand-crafted cocktails and fresh baked bread compliment a menu that defies a brief description. At the famous P&P, the knowledgeable staff helps you blend a variety of tastes to create a unique dining experience. Open for lunch, dinner, happy hour and latenight adventurers. Closed Mondays. 2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 85251, 480.990.1407, pigandpickle.com

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, 85254, call 480.998.2800, CrackerJax.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 85638, 520.457.3456, okcorral.com

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GOLF SECTION

THE

BACK NINE T

Billy Mayfair looks back on storied career in Arizona golf

John Davis » Sponsored Feature

he name Billy Mayfair is synonymous with golf in Arizona, to the point that the Arizona Golf Association presents the Mayfair Award annually to the golfer with the best weighted scoring average. Mayfair grew up at Papago Golf Course, along with many other budding young stars, under the tutelage of the legendary Arch Watkins. After leaving Camelback High School, he became an All-American at ASU and won the Haskins Award as the top player in college golf. He also captured the U.S. Public Links and U.S. Amateur championships and has accumulated five PGA Tour titles, including the only playoff victory on that tour over Tiger Woods.

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For much of the past decade, his career has been hampered by physical issues, but perhaps even more by the distractions of a contentious, prolonged divorce and a five-year legal battle for custody of his son, Max. Along with various injuries, he also had to overcome testicular cancer, which required surgery. He is in remission. Mayfair’s life and career took “a very positive turn” in 2013 when he married former ASU golfer Tami Proctor. He now has full custody of Max and has made lifestyle changes that improved his health, including the loss of 30 pounds. He turned 50 in August and headed to the Champions Tour. In his first event, the U.S. Men’s Senior Open, he tied for second, one shot behind winner Gene Sauers. Recently, the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame member answered nine questions about his experiences in golf, his “second career” and the joys of family life

What has your experience been like on the Champions Tour? It has been wonderful. I am having the greatest time. It’s very competitive, don’t get me wrong, but it’s so much fun playing again with guys I have known for so long. It’s great getting caught up with everybody, but come Friday it gets serious because we’re all champions out here and we all want to win again. Guys tell me that on the Champions Tour you never have a bad day, and I think that’s true. To qualify for the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at Desert Mountain, that would be a great way to end the year.

You’ve had a lot of success in USGA events. Why do they fit so well? I think, first of all, I’m a very patient player. At USGA events, par is not a bad score and I have a tendency to make a lot of pars. I hit fairways and greens and try to stay away from the big numbers and at the end of the day if you’re around par, you’re in contention. It’s not a birdie-fest and I think that’s why I’ve had success in those events.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

In Association with The Arizona Golf Association

Foothills Golf Club

Does your playoff victory against Tiger Woods have special significance for you? It sure does, absolutely. When it happened (1998), you didn’t know what Tiger was going to accomplish the rest of his career and he has done so many amazing things. So, to be able to say I’m the only guy who beat him in a (PGA Tour) playoff, that’s a feather in my cap. It makes me smile every time someone brings it up.

You have five playoff losses on the PGA Tour. Did the one against Vijay Singh in the 1995 Phoenix Open sting more than the others? Yeah, it did. I had a putt on the 72nd hole to win and I thought I made it, and then made a bogey on the first playoff hole. When that happens, it hurts because you want to force the other guy to make a birdie to beat you. Out of all the second-place finishes, that was the hardest one to swallow because it’s my hometown event and I always wanted to have my name on that list of winners.

How difficult was it to focus on golf when you were going through the divorce and custody battles? It was very difficult because it consumed so much of my time and energy. It was nice when I did get on the course and could turn my phone off and not talk to lawyers. For a few hours, that was my safe zone. But once I got off the course, it was very time consuming with messages and phone calls and worrying about my son. Because it took so much of my time, it was hard to stay focused on golf and this is a game that demands a lot of focus in order to play well.

On the flip side, that led to your current marriage to Tami. How has that impacted your quality of life? Tami has been an absolute blessing. She’s my soulmate and I’m so happy to have her in my life, and to also have full custody of Max. For Tami and me to be able to be part of his life every day and watch him grow up and be parents … golf is great but to have a happy family unit

is so much more important. For my 50th birthday, Tami asked me what I wanted to do and I said, “Let’s all go play Papago together.” To be able to do that with my family on the course where I grew up, you can’t have a better 50th birthday than that.

Did Max inherit your passion for golf? He’s gotten into it a lot more in recent years. Baseball was his main sport early on, but he had an interest in golf and really enjoys playing now. He can move it out there pretty well, too. There are times when he out-drives me. He can’t match my irons or my putting so he’s not quite there yet, but the day he beats me will be the happiest day of my life, trust me.

This exquisite, par-72, championship links-style course offers nearly 7,000 yards of lush, rolling fairways, blue lakes and 65 challenging bunkers in harmony with a rocky desert terrain. One of the top courses in Phoenix, the Tom Weiskopf/Jay Morrish design has earned a four-star ranking from Golf Digest and with four sets of tees, appeals to golfers of all skill levels. If those skills could use improvement, enjoy a full, 300-yard, mountainside driving range with targets, a 5,000-square-foot putting/ chipping green, plus a large practice bunker/pitching area for short game refinement. If all this golf activity makes you hungry, the Sunset Grill dishes up tasty breakfast, salads, sandwiches and snacks with gorgeous course views. Foothills GC also has excellent facilities for indoor/outdoor weddings or special events, too. 2201 Clubhouse Drive, Phoenix 480.460.4653 or TheFoothillsGC.com

You also have dealt with some physical issues in recent years but appear to be very fit right now. How are you feeling? I feel really good. I dropped 30 pounds over the last couple years and have kept it off, which has helped my game. I’ve made lifestyle changes as far as diet and exercise. Three years ago, at the end of the season, I knew I was too heavy and really didn’t feel good, but I didn’t do it just for my golf game. I did it for my overall well-being, and I’m proud of the fact that, not only have I lost the excess weight, but I’ve kept it off and improved my life overall. I feel younger than 50 and better than I have in several years.

What does it mean to you to be such an important part of Arizona golf lore? It’s an honor. When you look at all the great golfers and the history of golf in Arizona, I’m very proud to be associated with that. I love playing in Arizona and I love the people here. Arizona has given me a lot and it means the world to me. Because of that, I try to help out with junior golf and other areas of the game. Anytime I can give back a little bit, it makes me even happier to be a part of it. This story was originally published by AZ Golf Insider, a partner of The Entertainer! Magazine.

Painted Mountain Golf Resort

The Painted Mountain 18-hole championship golf course offers great conditions, amazing amenities and excellent value. It features a complete golf resort experience that’s open to the public, and annual memberships are available. Our par-70, championship golf course and complete short game practice facility offers tournament and league play. Come and enjoy exceptional dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner, served daily, with live entertainment at the Painted Mountain Restaurant, Patio & Lounge. Shop at the Trends Sports Boutique for fine ladies’ and men’s golf apparel, as well as women’s fashions, unique gifts and accessories. Ask us about scheduling a charity golf tournament fundraiser as Painted Mountain is the perfect venue. Come see why we are your place to play! 6210 E. McKellips Road, Mesa 85215, 480.832.0156 (tee times), 480.832.0158 (dining reservations), PaintedMountainGolf.com

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GOLF SECTION

In Association with The Arizona Golf Association

TO THE GREENS Waste Management Phoenix Open balances partying and golf

Tim J. Randall » The Entertainer!

aste Management Phoenix Open chairman Andy Markham contends that Scottsdale is a great golf town. His tournament builds on that belief by bringing tourists and Arizonans alike to enjoy golf, food and music Monday, January 30, to Monday, February 6. “We provide a really great time and have incredible corporate and municipal partners,” Markham says. “The event brings people out in droves. It is the place to be in the Southwest at that time of year.” Now in its 31st year at TPC, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has a long and storied history of phenomenal golf dating back to the 1930s. “The event was started by the Thunderbirds, a local community organization, to promote the Valley of Sun through sports,” Markham says. “Through the years, it became a hit with celebrities, golf professionals and fans.” That is an understatement, as Markham anticipates that the 2017 event, dubbed the “The Greatest Show on Grass,” will draw record crowds of more

than 600,000—despite a conflict. “The final round of the tournament will again fall on Super Bowl Sunday,” Markham says. “That makes for a good, fun and festive week.” The roster of past winners is a who’s who of golfing legends including Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller. In the TPC era, greats such as Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Tom Lehman have prevailed. In recent years, the next generation of talent has hoisted the championship trophy, with last year’s victor 24-year-old Hideki Matsuyama. “We want patrons to have the opportunity to see the best players in the world,” says Markham, who is a Thunderbird. “We are going to continue to see a great field this year.” That great field includes last year’s sixth-place finisher Will Wilcox. “I’ll remember that week last year for the rest of my life for a few reasons,” Wilcox says. “First, it’s not often when you get to play in front of a crowd that makes you feel like you’re a quarterback in the Super Bowl or pitcher in the World Series. You definitely get that feeling at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. That crowd is incredible and so into it. I was also putting so well that week last year. I

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finished seventh in putting distance. The greens were great. It was just an overall great week and I’m thrilled to have finished inside the top 10.” Attendees understand that there is more to the Phoenix Open than golf; the atmosphere is a compelling draw. Whether it is the Coors Light Birds Nest, the event’s music series, or the electrifying Par 3 16th hole that defines energy and passion for raucous and perfervid fans, the emotion is palpable throughout tournament week. “This year, the Birds Nest over four days will have eight headliner acts,” Markham says. “2017 will have six expanded skybox areas around the 15th and 16th holes and 350 new bleacher seats. We also will enlarge the 2016 Bay Club area.” The environment has become more vibrant since Tiger Woods’ famous 16th hole ace in 1997. Incredible noise and energy flowed down from the stands. “We are very careful to balance the golf with the party fun,” Markham says. “We have great fans and we make sure that everyone has a good time and a few attendees do not ruin it for everyone.” It seems that there is no stopping the momentum of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Each year

the Thunderbirds, sponsors and partners outdo themselves to provide the world’s best golfers with the canvas to dazzle patrons, while also catering to guests who want the entire entertainment experience. “In the last five years, we have expanded the 16th hole skyboxes from 240 to 270,” Markham says. “I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you what the event will look like in the next five years. Our team gets creative and when there is demand we will figure out the supply.” One such interesting evolution could potentially be the addition of the adjacent Champions Course to the tournament to broaden the player field and enliven the Pro-Am. “We are considering that in the future,” Markham says. “For now, though we thought that would not be fair today for our patrons and sponsors.” It is not just the fans who win at the annual event. In 2016, the Thunderbirds raised $9.3 million for charities, making the total amount of $111 million over the life of the tournament, according to its website. “This is the people’s open,” Markham says. “We have great fans, a great tourney, great weather and a great time.”

Waste Management Phoenix Open

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

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Tee it up at Palm Valley Golf Club and enjoy two of Arizona’s great courses. Just minutes from the Arizona Cardinals Stadium, Jobing.com Arena and all the West Valley Spring Training facilities. The Palms Course is an open traditional design by renowned architect, Arthur Hills. The Lakes Course designed by Hale Irwin, is an exceptional mid-length layout that emphasizes the importance of an accurate short game. Come out and enjoy these two phenomenal examples of Arizona desert golf. FOR BEST RATE GUARANTEE BOOK ONLINE AT

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Ring In The NEW YEAR!

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE ARTIST

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

A PRIVILEGED CAREER

Trumpeter Chris Botti puts 100% into his ‘job’

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

rumpeter Chris Botti expects to be on a plane or playing every day until April 10. His “home,” as he calls it, is in a New York hotel, and he hopes to drop an album in the summer. This hectic schedule keeps Botti alive—physically, emotionally and professionally. “I view this as a privilege,” he says. “When you’re writing on a piece of paper at 10 your grown-up dream and it actually comes true, there’s no room for complaining. Yes, I have to get up and get on a plane. The upside is so much more positive than anything I would ever have hoped for.” The Grammy Award winner opens the 26th Arizona Musicfest Winter Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, at Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. Returning to the Valley is a happy occasion for Botti. “I have a lot of friends there,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve played so many different venues there. I’m on the road so much that I kind of enjoy the process of going from city to city, meeting people and playing shows. We’re always looking forward to coming back.” Botti calls his musical journey a “13-year tour”—one that garnered him a Grammy Award. He says it’s flattering to have won the prize for his album “Impressions,” but it’s not why he works as a musician. “It’s a nice little conversation piece,” he says. “A musician’s real Grammy Award is when we go to Scottsdale or Los Angeles or Sydney, Australia; how long does it take for that promoter to have us back. “Playing for an audience is really our Grammy Award, too. It’s that sense of accomplishing making the audience feel very, very satisfied and come back time and time again. To a musician, everything is touring and the Grammy is a very nice thing to talk about.”

Chris Botti

Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, 480.840.0457, azmusicfest.org, 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 27, $34-$64. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Emphatics: Avant Garde Fashion 1963-2013

ARTS

CALENDAR EMPHATICS: AVANT GARDE FASHION TO JANUARY 16

TO JANUARY 16 View a rare archive of avant-garde contemporary fashion pieces from 1963 through 2013, collected by the owners of an exclusive boutique in Pittsburgh. Pieces on display come from renowned designers such as Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, and more. Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 602.257.1880 phxart.org

It’s a Dog’s Life

TO JANUARY 22 Experience and explore hands-on activities that give us a glimpse into the life and social impact of man’s best friend—the domestic dog and their wild cousins, including wolves, foxes, jackals and dingoes. Learn and then build your own dog house using various materials. i.d.e.a. museum 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa 480.644.4332 ideamuseum.org

Dragons and Vines ITZHAK PERLMAN JANUARY 12

TO SEPTEMBER 4 This unique exhibition at The MIM features a collection of instruments that have been added an imaginative touch. Instruments include guitars, banjos and a ukulele, adorned with materials such as abalone, copper, gold and more. Musical Instrument Museum 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix 480.478.6000 themim.org

OVER THE TOP BY CONNIE TOWNSEND

“Fiddler on the Roof”

IT’S A DOG’S LIFE TO JANUARY 22

JANUARY 6 TO JANUARY 29 One of Broadway’s most cherished classics is known for such iconic songs as “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” Arizona Theatre Company celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives. Presented by Arizona Theatre Company Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix 602.256.6995 arizonatheatre.org

“The Night of Shorts”

TO SEPTEMBER 4

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JANUARY 6 TO JANUARY 8 Brelby Theatre Company presents an evening of shorts, featuring the work of seven playwrights. Ilana Lydia, Jamie Maletz, Jessie Tully & Mia Passarella, Jaren Navenma, Chelsea Frandsen and Allison Bauer each use their imagination to create and inspire through their own work.

Brelby Theatre Company 7154 N. 58th Drive, Glendale 623.282.2781 brelby.com

The Mesa Arts and Crafts Festival (MACFest)

JANUARY 7 AND JANUARY 21 Pieces from established and emerging artists can be seen during this popular outdoor festival. In addition, participants will also find crafters, food, jewelry, photography and handmade soaps. Admission is free and there is ample parking near the event. Downtown Mesa N. MacDonald Street between Main and Pepper streets macfestmesa.com

Itzhak Perlman with Rohan de Silva

JANUARY 12 Born in Israel in 1947, Itzhak Perlman is arguably the world’s most famous violinist. Perlman has played to audiences around the globe, which has given him superstar status in the classical music world. Being honored as a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award is just one of his accomplishments. Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6560 mesaarts.org

Kick-A Showcase

JANUARY 12 TO JANUARY 14 Best known for its annual vampirethemed performance at Halloween time, Scorpius Dance Theatre entertains at other times of the year as well. This show features dance compositions and stage performances created by the troupe’s dancers and director Lisa Starry. Presented by Scorpius Dance Theatre Phoenix Theatre’s Hormel Theatre 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix 602.254.2151 scorpiusdance.com

“Annie”

JANUARY 13 AND JANUARY 14 The sun will come out tomorrow. This new incarnation of the world’s best-loved musical will entrain audiences of all ages. Join Annie for an unforgettable good time and a soundtrack of iconic tunes, including “Hard Knock Life.” Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6560 mesaarts.org

“Camelot”

JANUARY 13 TO FEBRUARY 14 A variety of returning Arizona Broadway Theatre alumni come together for a magical tale of romantic love. Set in

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Camelot, the story follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. A delicious menu with choices ranging from herb marinated beef tri-tip to paprika chicken enhance the experience. Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria 623.776.8400 azbroadway.org

This show for the entire family will feature comedy antics, juggling feats, music and technology. Nizer makes the impossible possible and the improbable probable. This is comedy juggling at its best! Queen Creek Performing Arts Center 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek 480.987.SHOW qcpac.com

“Alley Cats: DooWop Drive-In”

JANUARY 14 When not entertaining U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Alley Cats have opened for Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld and Joan Rivers (to name a few). The group performs music from the 1950s and ’60s, as well as hilarious comedy. Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert 480.279.7184 higleyarts.org

ANNIE JANUARY 13-14

ALLEY CATS JANUARY 14 THE ILLUSIONISTS JANUARY 17-22

“The Illusionists – Live from Broadway”

JANUARY 17 TO JANUARY 22 See an acclaimed escapologist hold his breath for four minutes while trying to escape an underwater cage. This is just one of a full showcase of illusions from a variety illusionists. Audiences around the world have been mesmerized by the display, which has been compared to the works of Houdini. ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe 480.965.3434 asugammage.com

Mark Nizer 4D – A New Dimension in Entertainment JANUARY 14

S T RICT LY LIMIT ED ENGAGEMEN T!

JANUARY 6 – 29

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A SUPREME EVENING OF JAZZ JANUARY 20

Baskerville

JANUARY 25 TO FEBRUARY 12 Put your thinking caps on and join Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they try and crack the mystery of “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” Expect a mystery served with some fast-paced comedy. Will the duo solve the case before a family curse takes hold? Phoenix Theatre 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix 602.254.2151 phoenixtheatre.com

Scottsdale Arts Walk – Local Edge

ANDRA MCDONALD JANUARY 28

MARK NIZER 4D JANUARY 14

“The Marvelous Wonderettes”

JANUARY 17 TO APRIL 18 More than 30 classic ’50s and ’60s musical hits are performed in this offBroadway production. We learn about the lives of four teenage girls at the Springfield High School prom. Hale Centre Theatre 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert 480.497.1181 haletheatrearizona.com

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

DRUMLINE LIVE JANUARY 28

JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 5 With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this Biblical saga has been seen by millions around the globe. Embark on a series of old world adventures, brought to life with vivid colors and a highenergy soundtrack. Lyrics by Tim Rice | Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Fountain Hills Theatre Company 11445 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills 480.837.9661 fhtaz.org

A Supreme Evening of Jazz

Drumline Live Saturday, January 28 · 8pm Full season listing

ChandlerCenter.org 480.782.2680 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

JANUARY 20 Enjoy an evening of jazz performed by international artists Stephane Trick and Paolo Alderighi. Renowned for their twin grand piano performances, this husband-andwife duo come to Phoenix as part of this benefit concert for ASU students at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Tickets include reception with buffet and drinks. Beus Center for Law and Society 111 E. Taylor Street, Phoenix 602.730.3300 oconnorinstitute.org

JANUARY 26 The galleries in Old Town Scottsdale celebrating the 41st anniversary season of “America’s Original ArtWalk.” Every Thursday, a different theme allows visitors to experience art in a while new way. From western and Native American art, to a car show with live artists. Something new awaits every time. On January 26, the theme is “Local Edge.” Old Town Scottsdale Marshall Way north of Indian School Road to Fifth Avenue scottsdalegalleries.com

Audra McDonald

JANUARY 28 Audra McDonald is a six-time Tony Award winner and has received critical acclaim for her performance as Billie Holiday on Broadway. She will perform a medley of tunes from her songbook and will be joined by her Tony-nominated husband Will Swenson, along with Seth Rudetsky on piano. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale 480.499.TKTS scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Drumline Live

JANUARY 28 A talented and versatile group of musicians and dancers come to the stage to present an energetic and athletic marching band experience. The show is created by the team behind the TV series by the same name and the movie “Drumline.” Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler 480.782.2680 chandlercenter.org

NEW CONCERTS COMING TO THE MIM MUSIC THEATER Bryan Sutton Band with Molly Tuttle

Matt Haimovitz: The Bach Suites – Overtures to Bach

Saturday, January 7 | 7:30 p.m. A nine-time IBMA Player of the Year and former Kentucky Thunder band member, Bryan Sutton shares the stage with Nashville flat-picking guitarist Molly Tuttle.

Sunday, January 15 | 7:00 p.m. “Ferociously talented cellist who brings his megawatt sound and uncommon expressive gifts to a vast variety of styles.” —New York Times

Dar Williams: Return to Mortal City

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Opening Act: Amy Haimerl Sunday, January 8 | 7:00 p.m. “Dar Williams, one of America’s very best singer-songwriters . . .” —New Yorker

John Paul White

Opening Act: The Kernal Tuesday, January 10 | 7:00 p.m. Former member of the Civil Wars, “White’s voice was meant to be heard on its own . . . nearly every song conjures fresh sonic adventurousness” —NPR

Martin Sexton

Opening Act: The Accidentals Friday, January 13 | 7:30 p.m. “. . . a soul marinated voice that can easily be compared to the likes of a young Steve Winwood or Van Morrison.” —Rolling Stone

Andy McKee Saturday, January 14 | 7:30 p.m. “Andy McKee, one of the finest percussive fingerstyle guitarists on the contemporary acoustic-music scene.” —Acoustic Guitar

Monday, January 16 | 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17 | 7:00 p.m. “It isn’t merely the grace and power of their dancing or the beauty of their singing that rivets the attention, but the sheer joy and love that emanates from their being.” —Paul Simon

Steve Tyrell Thursday, January 19 | 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 20 | 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. One of the best interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Tyrell “sings the great songs the way they should be sung.” —Woody Allen

John Jorgenson Gypsy Jazz Quintet Sunday, January 22 | 7:00 p.m. “Jorgenson—a Gypsy jazz ambassador as well as one of the great country pickers.” —Premier Guitar

Del McCoury performs Woody Guthrie Thursday, February 2 | 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 3 | 7:30 p.m. An evening of unheard lyrics by America’s folk poet, Woody Guthrie, is set to music by the most awarded artist in the history of bluegrass: Del McCoury.

For tickets or full concert series lineup, visit MIM.org/concerts. 2017 Concert Series sponsored by

480.478.6000 | 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85050

LOVE, W FAMILY, COMPASSION— AND LAUGHS

Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

Arizona Theatre Company returns to big musicals with ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

hen lyricist Sheldon Harnick attended the Tokyo production of his musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” he couldn’t believe what he saw: sold-out audiences every night and lines at the box office that stretched around the block. How could a musical about a Jewish family in Russia be such a smash hit in Japan? He asked one of the show’s Tokyo producers to explain. The answer startled him: “Because it is so Japanese.” Japanese? Yes, and Russian and American and probably Spanish and Malaysian and Egyptian. The universal themes of family and tradition explored in this 1964-vintage musical transcend all boundaries, those of time as well as nations. “This is a story about a specific group of people at a certain time. But everything it deals with everyone has experienced,” says Eric Polanyi Jensen, who plays the lead role of Tevye in Arizona Theatre Company’s production of “Fiddler.” The performances begin Friday, January 6, at

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

the Herberger Theater Center. “Fiddler on the Roof ” musically relates the tale of Tevye, a dairyman in the small Jewish community of Anatevka in 1905. He, his wife and daughters, and the rest of Anatevka face the challenge of engaging the modern world while maintaining their traditions. (The opening number is called “Tradition.”) Thus, the title image of a fiddler trying to “scratch out a pleasant tune” while staying balanced on a rooftop. As Tevye’s daughters find husbands, one by one their choices challenge the values of family and community. “Every parent knows this situation. It’s the difference between what you think your kid will be and what they want to be,” Jensen says. “The question is, how far to bend?” It’s not just the story, but how the story is told that makes “Fiddler” a perennial. “The score is gold, and the book (script) manages to create a whole community of characters, a town full of people,” says David Ira Goldstein, ATC’s longtime artistic director, and the stage director for “Fiddler.” It is Goldstein’s last season, and he decided to go out with a classic musical that is very large in scale, as opposed to some of the more current,

small-scale musicals that dominated the company’s recent seasons. “You need a lot of actors to do this show. You can’t do it with fewer than 27 people. Years ago, we did ‘My Fair Lady’ by cutting the cast down to 20. But in ‘Fiddler’ there’s no chorus per se. Every person onstage is a certain character,” Goldstein explained. Goldstein’s take on the show’s universality extends to the current state of political affairs: “This is not a political show, but it brings to us in a very human way what it means to lose your home.” As the show progresses, the Jewish settlement is subjected to repression and pogroms—politically motivated attacks—until at last, the community is kicked out altogether. “It’s about deportations and refugees. You can’t watch this without thinking of what’s going on in the world. From the sniffles around me during previews, I think it succeeds in humanizing something that’s very abstract,” Goldstein says. “Getting people to walk in other people’s shoes—that’s what theater does best.” The music, by Jerry Bock, draws on the tradition of Jewish folk music. Its songs

include the perennial hits, “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset.” Despite the references to deportations and the struggle between tradition and modernity, “Fiddler on the Roof ” is also rife with jokes, written originally for the first man ever to play Tevye in the show, rotund funnyman Zero Mostel. An extended sequence where Tevye conveys to his wife, Golde, a dream in which their daughter, Tzeitel, is seen to marry the young man she loves rather than the rich old man to whom she is betrothed, is a classic of Broadway comedy. The show is an ensemble work requiring all 27 members of the cast to bring the town of Anatevka alive. But it is the character of Tevye, which originally appeared in the short stories of Sholem Aleichem, that serves as a lightning rod for the emotions and embattled traditions of the disappearing past. “It’s such a beautiful role with so much heart and passion and humor. Those don’t come around very often,” says Jensen, who previously played Tevye in a Goldstein-directed production in Seattle. One of only a handful of musical roles for mature stage actors—others include Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady” and Don Quixote in “Man of La

Mancha”—it brings with it a number of challenges—like facial hair. Tevye is supposed to sport a thick beard, but Jensen says he barely had time to grow one between his last role, which required him to be clean-shaven, and last month’s opening of ATC’s “Fiddler” in Tucson. (The company produces in both cities.) “It’s a show about hope more than anything,” says the now fully-bearded Jensen. “Hope for people who may fight among themselves, but who find a way to embrace each other and move forward.” In short, it’s about family in the biggest sense of community and humanity. “I think that the biggest universal truth is love and compassion for family. We all have our different faiths and we hold them as fast as we can, but the desire for family and for belonging holds us together.”

“Fiddler on the Roof”

Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.256.6995, arizonatheatre. org, various times Friday, January 6, to Sunday, January 29, tickets start at $46. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

‘THE AVENGERS’ OF MAGIC

Illusionist known as ‘The Inventor’ revels in the emotion of his profession Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

t age 10, Kevin James knew what he aspired to be. “A magician came to our school and did a show, and I instantly knew that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” says the magician known as “The Inventor” in the Broadway magic show, “The Illusionists.” “That never changed. In college, I had friends who were 20 years and old and still didn’t know what they wanted to do. I did,” James recalls. Coming to Gammage from Tuesday, January 17, to Sunday, January 22, “The Illusionists” features seven major magicians, each with a different specialty and persona. The cast could be dubbed “The Avengers” of magic, with James called “The Inventor.” “The director said, ‘Imagine you’re a magic superhero. What would your superpower be?’ And because I create all my own illusions, ‘The Inventor’ came to mind.” James was hooked on magic at a young age, not because of the tricks involved, but because of the emotions of wonder and surprise that surround a magic show. “That’s the biggest and best-kept secret in magic: That the secrets don’t really matter so much as the story and emotion and having some connection with the audience, resonating with them,” James says. James grew up in Jonesville, Michigan, a small town that lacked a magic shop. Fortunately, a nearby town WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

was home to a yearly magic festival, and it was there that he learned the basics of his future trade. James made lifelong friends at the festival, including Jeff Hobson, who is also in “The Illusionists.” Creating a magic act is not that different from creating a song or a story. “I have notebooks full of notions. Sometimes a wonderful piece of music moves you, or a plot line. And then you start looking for an effect to go with it,” he says. Matching the effect to the inspiration can take months—even years. “You write it down even if you don’t have a way to do it right then. You let it sizzle in your brain, and then one day, you see how it might work. It’s sort of like a puzzle, where you work it from the end to

the start. Along the way, you’re careful to bring out the pluses and hide the minuses.” One of James’ most popular illusions is the sawing in half of a man. Some have figured out how the sawing happens, but no one can figure out how he puts the two back together. “Magicians have to hide their technique,” James says. “A singer who hits a high note is showing off how well she can do that. But a magician has to keep everything looking easy and natural. Otherwise it’s just juggling.” Magic appeals to millions of people, even though everyone knows it’s just, well…an illusion. Why is that? “People get caught up in the visuals and the humor and the story. They laugh and enjoy themselves too much to worry about how it all works.”

James’ favorite magician is Penn from Penn and Teller, whose creations, he says, “are absolute brilliance.” The magician’s biggest frustration so far in which career is sharing his name with a certain comedian. Has he thought of changing his name? “You know, I’ve been using this name for a long time before the other Kevin James got famous. I think I’m gonna keep it.”

“The Illusionists”

ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, various times Tuesday, January 17, to Sunday, January 22, $20-$125.

COMING

ATTRACTIONS ity Jones) illness, a less-than-sympathetic grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) and bullying classmates, finds a most unlikely ally when a monster appears at his bedroom window. Ancient, wild and relentless, it guides him on a journey of courage, faith and truth. Opens January 6.

“The Founder”

PG-13 - 115 MINUTES Michael Keaton plays Ray Kroc, a salesman from Illinois who meets Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California, sees franchise potential and maneuvers himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire. Opens January 20.

“A Dog’s Purpose”

“20th Century Women”

R - 118 MINUTES Annette Bening plays a single mom and boardinghouse landlord who, during the summer of 1979, decides the best way she can parent her teenage son (Lucas Jade Zumann) is to enlist her young tenants—a quirky punk photographer (Greta Gerwig), a mellow handyman (Billy Crudup) and her son’s shrewd best friend (Elle Fanning)—to serve as role models in a changing world. Opens January 6.

PG - 120 MINUTES A devoted dog finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. Stars include Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson and Josh Gad. Opens January 27.

“Hidden Figures”

PG - 100 MINUTES Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe play brilliant women working at NASA, who serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history—the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation’s confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world. Opens January 13.

“Patriots Day”

“A Monster Calls”

PG-13 - 108 MINUTES Lewis MacDougall plays a boy who, while dealing with his mother’s (Felic-

R - 130 MINUTES Mark Wahlberg plays a police sergeant who, in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Kevin Bacon, John Goodman, J.K. Simmons and Michelle Monaghan also star. Opens January 13.

“Paterson”

R - 115 MINUTES Adam Driver plays a bus driver who observes the city as it drifts across his windshield, overhears fragments of conversation swirling around him and writes poetry into a notebook. He also supports his wife’s (Golshifteh Farahani) newfound ambitions while she champions his gift for poetry. Opens January 20.

“Gold”

R - 90 MINUTES Matthew McConaughey plays a modern-day prospector who, desperate for a lucky break, teams up with a similarly eager geologist (Edgar Ramirez) and sets off on an amazing journey to find gold in the uncharted jungle of Indonesia. Opens January 27.

For more movie reviews, in-depth celebrity interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, tune in to breakthrough entertainment 11 a.m. to noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com. Email film writer Joseph J. Airdo at joseph.airdo@gmail.com. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What were the best movies of 2016? Ask our experts!

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE YEAR:

“Sing Street”

“Sing Street” belts out a beautiful tune about love, creativity and ambition—one to which anyone can relate. The huge-hearted musical drama from “Once” and “Begin Again” filmmaker John Carney is infectiously optimistic as it tells the story of a boy who comes of age in a variety of ways. Aside from entertaining viewers with incredibly charming characters, an amusing sense of humor and a spectacular soundtrack of original songs, it inspires them to find enchantment in their own lives, chase it to the ends of the earth and then drive it like they stole it. Runners up: “Eddie the Eagle,” “Me Before You,” “Trolls,” “Desierto,” “Hush,” “13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi,” “The Finest Hours” and “La La Land.” RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE YEAR:

“A Monster Calls”

There were so many incredibly moving films this year, picking just one as my favorite was not easy. But, the film that left the biggest impression was Director J.A. Bayona’s “A Monster Calls.” Filled with whimsy, emotion and a lot of love, the story about a young boy dealing with his mother’s terminal illness hit close to home, and left a permanent mark on my heart. With incredible special effects and touching performances by newcomer Lewis MacDougall and veterans Sigourney Weaver and Felicity Jones, this is one not to miss. Runners up: “La La Land,” “Hell or High Water,” “Arrival” “Hidden Figures” “20th Century Women,” “Loving,” “Fences,” “Moonlight” and “Manchester by the Sea.” M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH:

“Manchester by the Sea”

This Kenneth Lonergan drama carries a punishingly harsh tragedy at its core which makes it hard to take. But there’s no denying the power of Casey Affleck’s performance, as a soul-wounded man forced back into human interaction when his teenage nephew needs a guardian. Michelle Williams also hits her big scene out of the park as Affleck’s ex. Runners up: “Florence Foster Jenkins,” “The Eagle Huntress,” “Paterson,” “Dr. Strange,” “Star Trek: Beyond,” “Queen of Katwe,” “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Morris From America,” “Life, Animated” and “Miss Hokusai.”

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS JOSEPH J. AIRDO is a film critic, producer and onair personality for Breakthrough Entertainment, a talk radio show airing 11 a.m. to Noon Saturdays on KPHX 1480 AM and BreakRadioShow.com that shines a spotlight on the practical perspectives of the topics and themes explored in movies. He has a pet duck named Frozen who is as opinionated about movies as he is. Email him at joseph.airdo@gmail.com.

The Report Card Joseph

Randy

“20th Century Women”

“Allied”

“Bad Santa 2”

“Elle”

“Fences”

“Hidden Figures”

“Jackie”

“La La Land”

“Lion”

“Man Down”

“Manchester by the Sea”

“Miss Sloan” “Moana”

B A

“Nocturnal Animals”

“Office Christmas Party”

“Paterson”

“Rules Don’t Apply”

RANDY MONTGOMERY is 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.

“A Monster Calls”

“Sing”

M.V.

M.V. MOORHEAD has won five first-place Arizona Press Club awards for criticism. His reviews and other writings appear in other Valley publications as well as 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

LIGHTING A

SPARK ASU students fan filmmaking flames to create ‘Car Dogs’

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

SU visiting film professor Adam Collis will pretty much do anything for his students. One day, however, he jokingly told his boss that he was going to create a feature film and give the kids internships so they could earn professional and college credit. “My boss at the time had asked me to put my underclassmen on the thesis films,” recalls Collis, who is based in California and flies to Phoenix to teach at ASU. “There were too many students, so I jokingly suggested the film idea and this sort of professional immersion program. “He said, ‘Do you have a script?’” Somewhat panic-stricken, Collis remembered his former student and Scottsdale native Mark King and his short story “Car Dogs.” What started out as a joke, evolved into an amazing opportunity for ASU students and alum. “What we managed to do with ‘Car Dogs’ is to create an opportunity for 85 students and 15 recent alum to learn from these Oscar winners and Hollywood professors while getting academic credit and first feature film credit,” says Collis, who did the film in conjunction with his Film Spark, a career accelerator/industry innovation organization in Santa Monica, California. “Breaking in is the hardest part. Now they have somebody to call when they move to Hollywood. They have that initial relationship. Many of our students are now thriving in Hollywood.” “Car Dogs” will debut Friday, January 27, in Harkins Theatres across the Valley. “We want to make something special happen in Phoenix,” he says. “Our hope is that we’ll put it in theaters across Phoenix and let everyone know this is a very special event for Arizona. It’s worth your time to go to the theater and check this out. “If that does well, what we could ultimately do is create an entirely new way to release an independent film. Usually, filmmakers go the festival route and you’re lucky if you’re accepted by Sundance.” “Car Dogs” stars Patrick J. Adams of “Suits,” comedian/actor George Lopez, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding’s” Nia Vardalos and Oscar winner Octavia Spencer. “It’s about a well-meaning sales manager and his team of car salesmen who have to accomplish this impossible sales task by the end of the day—selling 300 cars by 5 p.m.,” Collis says. “It highlights

the pressures of dog-eat-dog capitalism.” Adams plays Mark, and leading the pack is sales vet, Christian (Lopez). Hot on his heels is Sharon (Vardalos). As the clock ticks, their outrageous tactics step up, with each salesperson ready to do whatever it takes to be top “car dog.” But for the character of Mark, the stakes are much more than just a paycheck. A graduate of ASU and Chaparral High School, King as well as Collis call “Car Dogs” a “real Arizona story.” “It’s a script written by a Scottsdale native,” Collis says. “The story is set in Scottsdale. It’s shot in Scottsdale by students at ASU. It’s going to be shown by the fifth largest theater chain, Harkins, which is based in Phoenix. “That’s the exciting thing about this. It’s just so Arizona. The Papago Mountains are featured so strongly in this. Inside Arizona jokes are made throughout the movie. I think that’s one of the real exciting things about this.” The set was an abandoned car lot near the Papago Mountains. To fill the dealership with cars, King reached out to around the Valley. “To make it legitimately look like a car dealership, we needed cars, obviously,” he says “We had $4.5 million worth of inventory—170 to 180 cars. It was pretty spectacular.” The cast will surprise viewers, Collis adds. “Suits” star Adams steps out of his comfort zone, while Lopez tackles a dramatic role.

“It’s a George Lopez that you’ve never really seen,” Collis says. “When we think of George Lopez, we think of him one of two ways—stand up or sitcom. But he’s an amazing dramatic actor. This is a movie that’s a comedic drama. His role is so understated and he plays it so well. He’s really underappreciated in his acting chops. I think you’ll be very surprised when you see it.” Longtime project King grew up in the car sales business, having washed automobiles at his father’s dealership. He penned “Car Dogs” as a short as a college student and immediately it was embraced by Hollywood heavyweights. “I literally wrote the first draft nine years ago,” King says. “Josh pushed me to stick with it. I had a voice and a movie that needed to be told. Adam and Josh were big cheerleaders from the get go.” “Josh” is actor Josh Hopkins (“G.I. Jane,” “The Perfect Storm”) and the two became fast friends. Initially, Hopkins was set to play King’s character in the film, but as they aged, that became improbable. “As Josh got older, they started passing the script among their buddies,” Collis says. “When it came time to film, Josh said, ‘Nah, let me play the bad guy. That’s more appropriate.’” Hopkins says it wasn’t difficult to perform in a movie that was so close to his friend’s heart. “Seeing how hard he worked and

seeing his dream come to fruition was one of the most wonderful working experiences of my life,” he says. “First, I love the part. I love the movie. I love the director. I love the writer. I love the cast. I mean literally ‘love.’ “It was a unique experience to come to work where there was a shared happiness. We all felt we had ownership. This was all our project. We’re going to do this together. No matter what happens here, we will treasure this experience for the rest of our lives.” King was thrilled to work with students, too. There wasn’t a time when he thought, “Great, Adam is going to frickin’ destroy this great piece of material.” “Having the students around was a real joy,” King says. “When you make a movie in Hollywood, everyone thinks they have the right idea—from the script supervisor, to the costume to the grip to the best boy. Here we were with completely green people, but it was so cool. The students were learning and soaking it all up. Slowly, they started forming opinions.” Hopkins adds, “That was a really beautiful thing to watch, to see them blossom from day one to the last day of shooting. The first week Adam was trying to get things done. By the last week, they were on the ball. I thought, ‘Look at them: They’re filmmakers.’” For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/CarDogs/.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE DINER

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

Happy Hour Guide 52

Mad Mixologist 54

AZ Donut Co 56

Armadillo Grill 62

JANUARY FOOD EVENTS Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

Grand Wine Festival: Tasting & Marketplace

JANUARY 7 Join wine aficionados from around the state to enjoy the vino that Arizona offers. Representatives from the four wine-growing regions will offer tastings, seminars and an auction. Thirty wineries will sell glasses, bottles and cases of more than 200 wines. Heritage Square-Lath Pavilion, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, thegrandwinefestival.com, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., $15-$20.

Sculpture & Wine Festival in Fountain Hills

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15 Meander through the aisles of stunning sculptures while sipping on fine wine and noshing on snacks. Guests

can see artwork created with copper, wood, clay, bronze, stone, steel, glass, metal and various other mediums. Avenue of the Fountains, 16810 E. Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, 480.837.5637, thunderbirdartists.com, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $3.

Second Friday Night Out

JANUARY 13 One Friday a month, various galleries and businesses open their doors at night for a party—and that includes restaurants. Guests can shop and dine their way around downtown Mesa between Center Street and Country Club Drive. This month’s theme is Medieval Mayhem. Downtown Mesa, on Main Street, between Country Club Drive and Center Street, 480.890.2613, 2ndfridaynightout.com, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., free.

Chocolate and Wine Experience JANUARY 27 Chocolate and wine is the perfect combination. With general admission, guests can sample an unlimited amount of chocolate and have up to 12 free drink samples. Early entrance tickets are available for those wanting to sample the most popular items an hour before general admission. This event is hosted by Scottsdale League for the Arts, which is a nonprofit organization that gives money to art education programs around the Valley. The Saguaro Scottsdale, 4000 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.945.7193, scottsdalefest.org, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., $60-$75.

Tacolandia

ral year and features unlimited taco samples from more than 30 taquerias around the Valley. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., $25-$45.

Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival

JANUARY 28 AND JANUARY 29 Learn about the benefits of being a vegetarian at this annual festival that features more than 65 vendors and exhibitors. The charity for this year’s event is Mercy for Animals. Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, azvegfoodfest.com, times vary, $30-$75.

JANUARY 28 Tacos take center stage at Margaret T. Hance Park during Tacolandia. This delicious event is in its inaugu-

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HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Brat Haus

3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. $2 off all drafts, $1 off bottles, cans, liquor and wine and food specials

Hard Rock Café

3 S. Second Street, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3.50 domestic bottle and draft, $4.50 select craft beer, $5 premium well, house wine and double shot of Fireball

Buck & Rider

Hungry Monk

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

Lucky Strike Bowling

Craft 64

Luxe Lounge

4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Weekdays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday 9:30 p.m. to close $6 signature cocktails, house pours and featured glasses of wine

1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all alcohol, but ask about daily specials! For example, Wednesday is $3 pints of craft beer all day!

4222 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 20831 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 117, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 domestic pints, $4 local pints, domestic aluminum bottles and premium well drinks, $5 house wines

50 W. Jefferson Street, #240, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft/import drafts and well drinks, $4 premium cocktails, house wine and food specials

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all beers and $2 off all wines

16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and all day Sunday $3 well drinks, house wines and 16 oz. domestic drafts

Dirty Dogg Saloon

10409 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. $1 off domestic beers, well drinks and call

Duke’s Sports Bar & Grill

7607 E. McDowell, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $3.50 domestic drafts and bottles, $5.25 house wines and $8.99 domestic pitchers

El Chorro

Pure Sushi Colony

5538 N. 7th Sreet, Suite 110, Phoenix Daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sat/Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $3 off regular-priced cocktails, wines by the glass and sake. $2 off regular-priced bottles of beer. Wide selection of sushi, appetizers and signature cocktails and Japanese beers & bombers.

Rehab Burger Therapy

7210 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to close on Thursdays $1 Off all party starter appetizers, $1.50 PBRs, Domestic Pints $2.50, Premium Pints $3.50, $1 off shots, wines by glass and specialty drinks

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and food specials

Stockyards Steakhouse

5009 E. Washington Street, #115, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $2 off draft beer and Saloon Snacks, $3 domestic bottles, $4 well drinks and $5 house wine with complimentary tenderloin sliders

Old Town Tavern

SunUp Brewing Co.

Park Place Bar & Grill

TapHouse Kitchen

7320 E. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bucket of beers (five beers for two people): $12 domestic, $16 Mexican imports, $20 premium

7373 E. Scottsdale Mall, #6, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. See a full list of specials at www.peterscuisineaz.com.

322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 select appetizers and $1 off beers

Hilton Village, 6137 N Scottsdale Rd #108, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 7 Days! 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. $2 off all draft beer, spirits and wine on tap. $2 off all beer flights, house wine. $2 off all Tap House Kitchen custom cocktails, Tap “House" Margaritas and $1 off all well drinks. And more!

Philly’s Sports Grill

Tutti Santi

EVO

Pig & Pickle

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Pure Sushi Bar & Dining

5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley Monday through Saturday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $3 glass of house wine and domestic bottled beer and $5 El Chorro Margaritas and well drinks

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale Daily 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. $3 beers, $4 well drinks, $5 wines and $6 cocktails

Five locations across the Valley Daily 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight $2.75 well drinks, $3.25 domestic drafts, $3.50 house wine and several food specials

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1826 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix Daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday through Thursday (Excludes UFC, Boxing, ASU events) 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. $4.50 Select appetizers, $3 Domestic Drafts, $3.50 Premium Drafts, $5 Guinness 20oz., $3.50 Coastal Vines Wines 2922 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 select small dishes, select cocktail and select wine and beer

20567 N. Hayden Road, Suite 100, Scottsdale Mon-Fri, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sat/Sun 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $3 off regular-priced cocktails, wines by the glass and sake. $2 off regular-priced bottles of beer. Wide selection of sushi, appetizers and signature cocktails and Japanese beers & bombers.

6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale Monday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Select beers $3, well drinks $3 and select glasses of wine $5

9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa, 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; Brewery: 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to close $3.50 Uncle Bears craft pints, domestic bottles, wells & house margs, $4.50 22 oz. Uncle Bears crafts, guest craft pints, Deep Eddy cocktails & house wine, $5.50 22 oz. guest crafts & sangria

Wasted Grain

7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale Wednesday through Sunday, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Scottsdale’s Longest Happy Hour $5 shared plates, $5 drink specials

IT DOESN’T

MAKE YOU

BAD “Delicious and full bodied. A genuine, no-nonsense, 100% corn, well-made American pot still vodka that deserves every accolade.” Paul Pacult, Editor, Spirit Journal

MAD MIXOLOGIST

Getting down and dirty with the Valley’s hottest shot slingers He has invigorated the beverage program for many of JNK’s concepts nationwide, not to mention helping to launch the program in 2008 for Scottsdale’s Roka Akor, which specializes in contemporary Robata Japanese cuisine, along with sushi, sashimi, tempura and extraordinary desserts. He oversees Marigold Maison, located in Phoenix, as well. He is passionate about working with resident talent to integrate locally inspired products and ingredients. This continuous focus on developing solid relationships allows Roka Akor to carry exclusive items that couldn’t be found elsewhere. Going even further, he pursued and earned certification as a Sake Professional by the Sake Education Council and is an established judge for the Los Angeles International Wine competition. The Entertainer! Magazine recently sat down with this multifaceted and multitalented mixologist to dish on all things behind his bar.

Tell me about the oddest drink request you’ve received. Several years ago, I had a customer ask me to make him a cocktail with every single flavor of Stoli. Yes, everything from the raspberry and blueberry to the vanilla and orange. He wanted it mixed with both Red Bull and cranberry juice—and then finished with two straws, for some reason I have yet to understand. He even named his concoction—the Tall Cat.

far beyond the traditional London Dry options used for years. It should be noted, in fact, that London Dry is coming out with some great options if that is your spirit of choice. Mixology scientists are playing with the botanicals in gin more and more every day, and it makes for some impressive stuff to pair with that tonic more and more. And, if the juniper flavor is the issue, I recommend trying Malfy, Hendrick’s, St. George Rye to switch things up a bit.

What is one cocktail would love for us to feature in the magazine this month? Well, because we just celebrated the New Year at the stroke of midnight on January 1, what better cocktail to feature than “The Midnight Hour,” crafted by our Roak rock star, Alex Riddle.

What do you like about this drink? In short, it transports you to a cabin in the Canadian woods in front of a perfect fire. Don’t believe me? Come visit and give it a taste.

What is your No. 1 pet peeve when working? Eye contact. Look up! If you aren’t looking up from your drinks and well, you aren’t connecting with the guests, greeting new guests or making sure everyone has what they want and need. Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

ob Holder started working in the food and beverage industry in 1999. Thanks to a great mentor in Paul Carter—known for his work with Tarbell’s and the Boulders Resort— by 2000 he got his first big break leading the wine and spirit program at Barcelona Restaurant Group in Scottsdale. He would go on to develop successful programs throughout the Valley before partnering with Roka Akor’s parent company, JNK Concepts, in 2008. There he embraced the opportunity to hone in on his true passion for wine and spirits in a unique fine dining atmosphere.

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What is your go-to drink when you’re at a bar other than your own? I love a good vesper martini, which was invented and named by Ian Fleming in the 1953 James Bond novel “Casino Royale.” Though it was only ordered by Bond that one time in that one novel before his much more famous request—a vodka martini, shaken, not stirred—the vesper variation stuck.

What does ordering a gin and tonic say about a person? I think it means they have quite good taste. It is the National Drink of Spain, for example! Gin is one of the most exciting spirits on the market right now—going

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR

1.5 ounces Basil Hayden’s 1 ounce Maple Carpano Vermouth 3/4 ounce lemon 1/4 ounce walnut oil 1 egg white 1 dash Bitter Truth Spiced Chocolate Bitters Dry shake, then hard shake with ice. Strain into snifter or rocks glass, top with a drop of chocolate bitters.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Do The Dillo! NOT your ordinary sports bar.

Lunch Dinner Drinks Off-Track Betting Happy Hour 44 TVs (17 Hi-Def) Pool Tables Late-Nite Menu

AWARD-WINNING MEXICAN FOOD FOR OVER 38 YEARS! Family Owned and Operated In Arizona Since 1978 HAPPY HOUR & LUNCH SPECIALS DAILY • DINE IN - CATERING & TAKE OUT

Best Food in Town!

PHOENIX

AVONDALE

1133 E. Northern Ave. (602) 274-5881

765 N. 114th Ave. (623) 266-6003

SCOTTSDALE 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Building #21 (480) 367-0469

carlosobriens.com

1904 E. Camelback Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85016

ESTABLISHED 1997

(602) 287-0700 MyArmadilloGrill.com

HUNGRY? COME EAT AT SCOTTSDALE’S BEST HIDDEN GEM!

Stargazing, Homemade Tortillas, Fresh Southwestern Cuisine & AZ’s Best Margaritas offered nightly on our award winning Patio. Proudly Celebrating 15 Years of the Valley’s Finest Margaritas & Tortillas

Featured on the Food Network’s “Best Of” Show (480) 945-4567 6910 EAST MAIN STREET, SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 WWW.OLDTOWNTORTILLAFACTORY.COM

At Hilton Village 6137 N. Scottsdale Road #108, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 480.656-0012 www.TapHouseKitchen.com SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMS • BREWERIES • VINEYARDS WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

LIVING THE

DREAM

Cambodian couple conquers the sweet tooth at Arizona Donut Company Meghann Finn Sepulveda » The Entertainer!

PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO

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ot donuts, madefrom-scratch breakfast sandwiches, pastries and real fruit smoothies—they are all on the menu at the Arizona Donut Company. The 24-hour locally owned Tempe donut shop is serving up these homemade favorites and more. Sokly and Lyn Chamroeun came to the United States from Cambodia nine years ago. The couple began working at a Valley donut shop and spent time in nearly every role including baker and cashier. They knew that someday they wanted to open a shop of their own. On December 11, 2012, Sokly and Lyn opened Arizona Donut Company at 1030 W. Broadway Road in Tempe. The shop serves nearby neighbors, local business professionals and ASU students. “We have a lot of experience operating a donut shop,” Lyn says. “We always wanted to have our own location.” The Chamroeuns are quick to share their secret to success: serve fresh, hot donuts daily. Arizona Donut Company bakes their donuts and other menus onsite daily—something not a lot of chains do. Delivery is available, too. “We make our donut frosting, including flavors like cherry, cinnamon crumb and toasted coconut, which is toasted fresh every morning” Lyn says.

Donut fillings such as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry are also made in house, as are the apple fritters. Those looking for something more savory can chose from a handful of breakfast sandwiches like the sausage and egg on a croissant. “We scramble and cook all the eggs and bake fresh croissants and bagels,” Lyn adds. For lunch, the donut shop offers tuna, ham and cheese, turkey and roast beef sandwiches, all of which are served on a croissant or roll. Plenty of beverage options are available including coffee. Hot and iced coffee are available along with cappuccinos, mochas, hot chocolate and green tea. Smoothies are a favorite among customers. “We use fresh fruit, such as mango and strawberry, in all of our smoothies,” Lyn says. Other flavors include lychee, pineapple, peach, blueberry and banana. Sokly and Lyn are thankful they have experienced business success. The couple would like to open another Valley location. For now, they are simply appreciative of the community’s overwhelming support. “We’re so grateful for our customers,” Lyn says.

Arizona Donut Company

1030 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480.968.1321, azdonutco.com.

Historic Mining Camp Restaurant

Open Daily at 11am

Happy Hour 11-6 Daily

Free WiFi

REHABBURGERTHERAPY.COM

THE TREATMENT YOU CRAVE!

OME S E W A TOTALLY LY FREE TOTAL BILE APP O REHAB M

OLD TOWN SCOTTSDALE

7210 E. 2ND STREET. SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85251 (480) 621-5358

COMING TO TEMPE! 21 E. 6TH STREET. TEMPE, AZ 85281 (480) 773-7307

DINER

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

INSIDER Phoenix’s Best Broths Pays to>> Eat Pizza! Jasmine It Kemper The Entertainer!

Evan Baltman » The Entertainer!

Contrary to popular belief, Phoenix can get pretty cold in the winter. If you’re feeling the full effects of the temperature drop, or just feeling a little under the weather, then maybe nice, hot soup is the meal for you. Every cuisine has its signature soups and, in Phoenix, there’s no shortage of restaurants to serve them. Looking for a good tom kha gai, wonton or matzah ball soup this winter? Well, here are some of the best places to find them. Da Vang A major staple of Vietnamese cuisine, pho is an amazing brothy soup usually served with beef, herbs and rice noodles. Da Vang serves up a variety of soup, but its signature bowl, the Pho Da Vang, is a delicious beef soup with vegetables and plenty of flavor. Of course, there are many other great tasting dishes to try as well. Da Vang has an excellent selection of Vietnamese sandwiches and some of the tastiest noodle dishes around. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day except Wednesdays, Da Vang is the pinnacle of Vietnamese food in AZ for prices you can’t beat. Da Vang Restaurant, 4538 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, 602.242.3575.

Chompie’s The best of New York’s delis all rolled into one, Chompie’s has it all. Of course, this also includes its famous matzo ball soup, which is made fresh daily. Matzo ball soup isn’t its only comfort food. Try the chicken noodle soup as well. Stop by and get a colossal Reuben and soup of your choice to reminisce about the Big Apple. Chompie’s, 9301 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.860.0475, chompies.com. Other locations in Glendale, Tempe, Chandler and Phoenix.

Sala Thai Tom kha gai will get your mouth watering just thinking about it. The steamy coconut milk chicken soup gets special attention at

䔀䰀䤀吀䔀Ⰰ 唀一䤀儀唀䔀 ☀

䤀一伀唀刀䈀䄀刀

䴀䔀䴀伀刀䄀䈀䰀䔀⸀⸀⸀

伀一伀唀刀倀䄀吀䤀伀

䄀吀䰀䄀䬀䔀倀䰀䔀䄀匀䄀一吀

every Thai restaurant, and Sala Thai is no exception. Served with tomatoes, herbs, mushrooms, lemongrass and a whole lot of spice, this dish is bursting with flavor. A great choice for sharing with friends, the soup goes well with Sala Thai’s great selection of noodle and curry dishes. Sala Thai Phoenix, 10880 N. 32nd Street, Suite 29, Phoenix, 602.971.1293, salathaiaz.com.

Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe

䨀伀䤀一唀匀䄀吀伀唀刀圀䤀䰀䐀䰀䤀䘀䔀圀伀刀䰀䐀娀伀伀䰀伀䌀䄀吀䤀伀一吀伀䐀䤀一䔀圀䤀吀䠀吀䠀䔀匀䠀䄀刀䬀匀Ⰰ 䘀䰀䄀䴀䤀一䜀伀匀Ⰰ ☀ 䄀一䄀䰀䈀䤀一伀䄀䰀䰀䤀䜀䄀吀伀刀℀ 䐀䤀䰀䰀伀一ᤠ匀䈀䄀夀伀唀䰀伀䌀䄀吀䔀䐀䄀吀倀䰀䔀䄀匀䄀一吀䠀䄀刀䈀伀刀䴀䄀刀䤀一䄀Ⰰ 䤀匀吀䠀䔀倀䔀刀䘀䔀䌀吀䜀䔀吀䄀圀䄀夀吀伀䐀䤀一䔀刀䤀䜀䠀吀伀一吀䠀䔀䤀一伀唀刀䐀䤀一䤀一䜀刀伀伀䴀圀䄀吀䔀刀℀

Nordstrom Marketplace Café at Scottsdale Fashion Square is well known for its amazing tomato soup—and rightly so. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich and there’s nothing else quite like it. Nordstrom Marketplace Café, Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7055 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 480.429.1610, fashionsquare.com/ Directory/Details/207003.

China Chili Chinese takeout is synonymous with orange chicken, Mongolian beef and, of course, won ton soup. The dumpling soup is great to share with friends and family, and serves as a great accompaniment to any meal. China Chili is well aware of this and is home to the best won ton soup in town. Its wide-ranging soup menu also includes hot and sour, egg flower and tofu mushroom soup, to name a few. China Chili, 302 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, 602.266.4463, chinachilirestaurant.com.

倀䰀䔀䄀匀䄀一吀䠀䄀刀䈀伀刀䴀䄀刀䤀一䄀

圀䤀䰀䐀䰀䤀䘀䔀圀伀刀䰀䐀娀伀伀簀㘀㈀㌀⸀㔀㌀㔀⸀㐀㈀㐀㤀

䄀刀刀伀圀䠀䔀䄀䐀簀㘀㈀㌀⸀㔀㘀㘀⸀㠀㄀

吀䠀唀一䐀䔀刀䈀䤀刀䐀簀㘀㈀㌀⸀㤀㜀㤀⸀㔀㌀㔀㌀

䐀䤀䰀䰀伀一ᤠ匀䈀䄀夀伀唀簀㤀㈀㠀⸀㔀㄀⸀㈀㈀㈀㜀

䘀伀䰀䰀伀圀䐀䤀䰀䰀伀一ᤠ匀䬀䌀䈀䈀儀圀圀圀⸀䐀䤀䰀䰀伀一匀刀䔀匀吀䄀唀刀䄀一吀⸀䌀伀䴀搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀䀀琀栀攀稀漀漀㄀㘀㌀㌀㔀眀渀漀爀琀栀攀爀渀愀瘀攀氀椀琀挀栀昀椀攀氀搀瀀愀爀欀Ⰰ 愀稀㘀㈀㌀⸀㔀㌀㔀⸀㐀㈀㐀㤀搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀琀栀甀渀搀攀爀戀椀爀搀㠀㜀㘀眀琀栀甀渀搀攀爀戀椀爀搀爀搀瀀攀漀爀椀愀Ⰰ 愀稀㘀㈀㌀⸀㤀㜀㤀⸀㔀㌀㔀㌀

搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀愀爀爀漀眀栀攀愀搀㈀㔀㠀㔀渀㔀㤀琀栀愀瘀攀最氀攀渀搀愀氀攀Ⰰ 愀稀㘀㈀㌀⸀㔀㘀㘀⸀㠀㄀搀椀氀氀漀渀ᤠ猀䈀愀礀漀甀瀀氀攀愀猀愀渀琀栀愀爀戀漀爀洀愀爀椀渀愀㐀㈀㈀渀㠀㜀琀栀愀瘀攀㤀㈀㠀⸀㔀㄀⸀㈀㈀㈀㜀

漀昀昀

⨀洀椀渀椀洀甀洀瀀甀爀挀栀愀猀攀漀昀 ␀㌀㔀

一伀吀嘀䄀䰀䤀䐀圀䤀吀䠀䄀一夀伀吀䠀䔀刀伀䘀䘀䔀刀匀⸀ 漀渀攀挀漀甀瀀漀渀瀀攀爀琀愀戀氀攀⸀ 渀漀琀瘀愀氀椀搀漀渀挀愀琀攀爀椀渀最漀爀搀攀爀猀⸀ 䔀堀倀䤀刀䔀匀㄀⼀㌀㄀⼀㄀㜀䔀

PAC12 and BIG10 on the

BIG SCREEN AIR HOCKEY • JUKEBOX • BILLIARDS BOARD GAMES • DARTS • GIANT JENGA

3002 N ARIZONA AVE, STE 1 • CHANDLER, AZ 85225 • (480) 621-6004 • LOCALPLAYYARDBARGRILL.COM WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

GOOD A NEIGHBOR

Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

Armadillo Grill keeps it simple and super

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rmadillo Grill has that “Cheers” vibe—and that’s just how owner Brenda Lambrecht likes it. “The number of friends, couples that have come out of The Dillo—that’s what people call us—is amazing,” she says. “We have a lot of regulars. One group comes in every Thursday night. They met each other here about 15 years ago, and they became friends.”

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

Think BBQ!

(Or Ribs, Chicken, Pork, Brisket & Turkey)

OREGANO DiSPENSARY Pizza • Pasta • Salads • Cocktails

3222 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 314-5599 www.frasherssmokehouse.com

VER 1 BILLI N S LD! SINCE 1910

KOSHER BAKERY! WE CATER!

BREAKFAST!

LUNCH! Secret Menu Item!

nybagelsnbialys.com | (480) 483-NYBB | 10320 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85253 | M-F 6:30am – 5pm | Sat/Sun 6:30am – 3pm

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The Dillo has been boasting this “everybody-knows-your-name” vibe for nearly 20 years. “I was a GM for Keg restaurants in Vancouver, British Columbia,” Lambrecht says. “I grew up there. I came here in 1996 with a business partner to open our own restaurant. We wanted to be a neighborhood bar and grill with good food—a comfortable place where you don’t have to dress up to go out to dinner.” After five years, her partner wanted to move on, so Lambrecht bought him out, and today is sole owner and manager. About 13 years ago, Lambrecht put in off-track betting owned and operated by Turf Paradise, and took over space that had been a legal office next door. Now it’s a spiffy dining area, separated from the bar by a wall of windows. The main room has a large bar, tables, pool tables and TVs—lots of them—44 high-definition screens in fact. That’s one reason The Dillo was voted the No. 1 place to watch a Cardinals game by Thrillist, an online magazine. I like the companionable buzz in the bar, especially when the Cardinals are playing, but for quiet conversation, try the side room. There’s also an outdoor dining area. Before my visit with Lambrecht, I had driven by the grill hundreds of times and was frankly unimpressed by its unassuming exterior. It’s hardly eye-catching. “I hear that a lot,” Lambrecht says. “I need to put a big sign up that says ‘Do not judge a book by its cover—come on in.’” The Dillo features an eclectic menu with the usual bar food—burgers, wings, fried pickles, pasta, tacos, enchiladas, mac and cheese, meatloaf (which I tried in a great grilled sandwich on sourdough) and gluten-free selections. But wait, as they say on TV, there’s more: Thai chicken skewers with housemade peanut sauce; seven banded armadillo salad, the grill’s version of a Cobb salad, with cheddar, bacon, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives and cucumbers; and a chicken and brie sandwich on focaccia that caught my eye for a future visit, as did the seared tuna and salmon. All the food is made to order, Lambrecht says. “The onion rings are an onion when you order them. We slice, batter and fry them fresh.” Whatever you do, don’t miss the papadillos, a house specialty made with mashed potatoes, bacon, cheddar and chives rolled into balls and coated with panko crumbs then fried and served with ranch dipping sauce. They remind me of arancini, an Italian standard made with

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rice formed into balls, rolled in crumbs and fried. The papadillos were beautifully crispy—not a drop of grease—with creamy, cheesy centers, perfect with football and beer. My order had cheddar; other times they might have bleu or jalapeno cheese. The bar is focused on craft beer and cocktails. “We have people come in who are into the cocktail scene, and we have some mixology drinks but on the whole we’re more traditional,” Lambrecht says. “We’re switching up our menu in January, and there will be a whole new happy hour,” Lambrecht says. You’ll have to visit to see what’s new, however, because they were still finalizing details at press time. One thing you can count on though. They’ll still have those papadillos. Lambrecht is working out the new menu with chef Azael Becerra. “He started as a line cook in 1998, I think he was 17 at the time,” she says. “He moved up to sous chef and then chef. He does pretty much everything for the kitchen.” Lambrecht gives her long-time team members, like Lambrecht, credit for Armadillo Grill’s success. She has other longtime staff. Her second in command has been there 12 years; a couple of her bartenders have been htere 10 years. “It’s been a rollercoaster, but we’ve succeeded by hiring good people, having great food, and keeping a positive attitude,” she says. Steady customer Lisa Mikes agrees. As I was talking with Lambrecht during a recent visit, Mikes, who had been working on a laptop in a booth near us, stopped by to chat. “I come here four or five times a week,” says Mikes, owner of Lotus & Lava bracelets. “The atmosphere and the food are great—the beef stroganoff is amazing. I work at home down the street, and I can just hop on the bus and come here and eat and do my bookwork. “I come here to work because they’re so pleasant. They know my name, they make me feel welcome.” It’s notable that the bar feels comfortable and welcoming to lone women customers—and Lambrecht likes that, too. “They feel safe coming to the bar, or to have a bite to eat. They don’t feel out of place, and that’s important.”

Armadillo Grill

1904 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.287.0700, myarmadillogrill.com.

“That’s a Damn Fine Donut!”

MADE LOVINGLY FRESH DAILY

ARIZONA

DONUT CO.

SAVE UP TO

$100

when you purch ase 50 dozens or m ore

1030 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 968-1321 www.AZDonutCo.com OPEN 24 HRS | OPEN ON HOLIDAYS

CALL FOR DELIVERY: (480) 429-9529 • (480) 529-1582 WE PRICE MATCH ANY COUPON DELIVERY ALSO AVAILABLE

0 2 Craft Beers on Tap!

Locally Sourced

Lunch • Dinner • Brunch

At Hilton Village 6137 N. Scottsdale Road #108, Scottsdale, AZ 85253 480.656-0012 • www.TapHouseKitchen.com SUPPORTING LOCAL FARMS • BREWERIES • VINEYARDS

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE CRAFTMASTER

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer Over Here

Drink up at any of these Valley beer events this month St. Archer and Mike Hess Tap Takeover

JANUARY 5 Join Crescent Crown for a California tap takeover at Lucky Break with St. Archer Blonde Ale and Mike Hess Brewing. Lucky Break, 1807 E. Baseline Road, Suite 101, Tempe, 480.345.1000, luckybreakaz.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free admission.

London Bridge Renaissance Faire

JANUARY 6 TO JANUARY 8 Sure, there is live combat fighting and jousting, archery, knife-throwing, skill games and knighting ceremonies, but there is a beer garden, too. Scarf that turkey leg and swill some beer in the cool climes of Lake Havasu. Lake Havasu State Park, Lot 4, and English Village, 171 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, 928.846.7093, londonbridgerenfaire.com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. January 6 and January 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. January 8, $5-$15.

Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15 Visit the beer garden in between viewings of hot air balloons at the Nautical Beachfront Resort. The event also features balloon night glow, sky divers, arts and crafts, antique and classic cars, carnival rides, dog shows, kids’ events, kite displays, balloon rides (tethered and unteth-

ered), live musical entertainment and food vendors. Nautical Beachfront Resort Golf Course, 1000 McCulloch Boulevard, Lake Havasu City, 928.486.7979, havasuballoonfest.com, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., admission starts at $15.

BrewHaHa

JANUARY 21 Fifty local, regional and western breweries show off more than 100 craft beers, as jazz musicians provide the soundtrack. Hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings are available, too, in the name of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. NAU’s High Country Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.853.4292, flagstaffbrewhaha.com, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., $40-$80.

Chocolate and Wine Experience JANUARY 27 Chocolate and wine is the perfect combination. With chocolate beer, too? We’ll take it! With general admission, guests can sample an unlimited amount of chocolate and have up to 12 free drink samples. Early entrance tickets are available for those wanting to sample the most popular items an hour before general admission. This event is hosted by Scottsdale League for the Arts, which is a nonprofit organization that gives money to art education programs around the Valley. The Saguaro Scottsdale, 4000 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.945.7193, scottsdalefest.org, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., $60-$75.

Gatekeepers 6 Alarm Firehouse Cook-off Showdown

JANUARY 28 Six Valley firehouses, paired with six local restaurants, turn up the heat and showcase their culinary creations in a blazing cook-off showdown, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital. While the kitchen heats up, the bar will be chillin’ as bartenders from across the Valley showcase their creative and technical skills by concocting delicious cocktails in the mixologist competition. Allstate Appliance Showroom, 15250 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, http://bit.ly/2hG1KMH, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., $45.

FestivAle by Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

JANUARY 28 FestivAle offers a casual and fun evening for all beer drinkers. Beer enthusiasts can sample handcrafted, high-end seasonal beers from the finest brewers. The event also features a silent auction, passed hors d’oeuvres, giveaways and music. Monorchid Creative Studios, 214 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602.224.0068, thanson@cff.org, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., call for charge.

Brewers Bowl Craft Beer Festival

FEBRUARY 4 Looking ahead, the third annual Brewers Bowl craft beer festival takes the field in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Created to showcase the growing craft beer scene in Arizona, the Brewers Bowl features tastings from nearly 20 local breweries, plus live music and food trucks. Prior to the event, breweries can submit beer samples for a chance to be crowned the beer champion. The winning brewery will take home bragging rights and a prize that is modeled after the Vince Lombardi Trophy, showcasing a life size pony keg in place of a football. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank, a food cooperative dedicated to providing emergency provisions to the community’s hungry. Old Town Scottsdale, on Brown Avenue between Third and Fourth avenues, brewersbowl.com, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., $35-$55.

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GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

COLD BEERS & CHEESEBURGERS

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

BEER

Brewery: Four Peaks (Tempe/Scottsdale) Style: Kölsch Ale Name: Four Peaks Sunbru The Kölsch style—as one might guess from the name—originates in Cologne, a great beer-drinking city in Western Germany. Sunbru Kölsch-Style Ale goes down easy and has a soft, dry finish with a low-but-balanced bitterness and a light to medium body with a very delicate flavor. It’s reminiscent of a Northern German pilsner, with a less hoppy, smoother flavor and aroma. Sunbru has a clean, malty, chardonnay-like aroma and dry, refreshing finish.

DISH

“Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers is not one’s basic burger place, as our menu features only fresh ingredients with all items made in house daily. Our award-winning burgers are all hand formed from fresh, never frozen, ground chuck to create a tasty selection of mouthwatering half-pound burgers. Add to that our five types of award-winning mac-n-cheese, classic sandwiches such as our slow-roasted prime dip, club and a staff favorite, the buffalo chicken featuring our housemade buffalo sauce. We also feature hand-crafted salads, charbroiled hot dogs and a tasty selection of appetizers such as grilled drummettes, sliders, hellfire chips and much more. You will quickly see that, although we specialize in them, we offer much more than burgers. Let’s get to the good part, the beer. Our beer menu consists of over 150 beer choices on draught, bottled or canned. The beer menu will be ever-rotating to make sure that we keep up to date as new products hit the market. Taste the tap. Don’t forget to check out our Beer of the Month, which is usually a seasonal beer priced at only $4 pints/$5 mug all month long.” —Will Prichard, beverage director/regional manager of Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers

Dish: Steakhouse Truffle Burger The Steakhouse Truffle Burger, like all Cold Beers’ burgers, are made with 80/20 ground chuck, which is extremely flavorful but when grilled with their special seasoning and eaten alongside a beer it only offers additional layers of flavor. This burger is topped with garlic aioli, gruyere cheese, bacon, white truffle oil, thyme roasted tomatoes, herb butter, baby greens and caramelized onions. The Four Peaks Sunbru is a great light bodied crisp session beer that highlights the subtle delicate flavors of the Steakhouse Truffle Burger without overpowering any of the individual elements that make it so special. The pairing goes especially well with the combination of truffle oil and the herb butter, in fact, which brings out the crisp notes of the beer in a most refreshing way.

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers seven Valley locations, coldbeers.com.

HOPS—THE SPICE OF BEER

Dave Clark » The Entertainer! ne man’s bitterness is another man’s paradise. India Pale Ale, IPA for short, is the most popular sub-style of craft beer and is meant to showcase one of the four main beer ingredients, the hops. Hops are flower-like plants that grows on vines called “bines.” These flowers, known as strobiles, contain two very important components to beer: alpha acids and essential oils. Though these two components make up only a small part of the flower and a minute portion of the overall plant, they contribute greatly to the finished product of the beer. Alpha acids impart bitterness to the beer. A chemical reaction known as isomerization takes place when hops are boiled during a brew. The hops need to be at least in the 180sF, but preferentially at boiling temperatures, to release and convert these bittering acids. Besides bitterness, alpha acids also provide the resiny quality in the mouthfeel of highly hopped beers. The essential hop oils provide the flavor and aroma that is the showcase of WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

a hop-forward beer such as an IPA. Being very volatile, it’s important for brewers to add these hops very late in the boiling process so they don’t burn off. To get maximum hop aroma, they are often added after the beer is chilled, a process known as dry hopping. This contributes a lot of aroma and some flavor, without increasing the bitterness. Hops come in several different formats for brewers. Whole hop cones, pellets and extract are the most popular, with pellets being the most common form used by professional brewers. Terroir is a huge factor in how the hop will taste and smell. Though most of the world’s hops are grown near the northern and southern 48th parallels, the country of origin makes a very big difference. In America, hops grown in the Pacific Northwest (mainly Washington and Oregon) contain a big citrus, pine and/or grapefruit essence. Cascade and Centennial are two well-known American hops. Bell’s Two Hearted Ale is a great example of a beer using American hops. In Germany, the world’s largest hop producer, the hops are much more floral and spicy.

In fact, the best German hops are considered “noble” and are prized by brewers. Noble hops are often showcased in lighter beer styles such as pilsner, helles, Kölsch and marzen. In the United Kingdom, hops are much earthier, with subdued aromatics. East Kent Goldings and Fuggles are signature hops from this region and Bass Ale is a beer that showcases these. In the southern hemisphere, the hops are somewhat fruity, somewhat citrusy. Nelson Sauvin is a prized hop sourced from New Zealand and these hops are featured in Alpine Brewing’’ Nelson IPA. Besides providing the aromatics and bitterness to the beer, hops also provide the beer with antibacterial properties. This helps to preserve the beer. Hops also provide head retention to the beer’s foam, which is why your IPA usually has a thick white foamy head which persists and clings to your glass as you enjoy your beer. Dave Clark is a Certified Cicerone, nationally ranked BJCP Judge and former professional brewer who lives in Gilbert.

BeerFinder DIRECTORY Where to find the best craft beer bars in town

Craft 64

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!

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.

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

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

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

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

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!

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

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

Garage Wine and Tap

1534 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix With a small selection of great beers and a reputation for outstanding food, Garage should be on your list.

Thirsty Lion

2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway Tempe Plenty of great taps and plenty of room to hang out, let someone else do the shopping at Tempe Marketplace.

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

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.

Brat Haus

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

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

Fox Cigar Bar

1464 E. Williams Field Road Gilbert Cigar fans, this should be your stop for cigars and great craft beer. Enjoy a walk in the humidor, the dark wood bar and a patio that is perfect for a cigar and a beer.

Philly’s Sports Grill

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).

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

Main Ingredient Ale House 2337 N. Seventh Street Phoenix A charming old home is the location for this Coronado neighborhood hangout spot.

Pig & Pickle

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

House of Brews Sports Bar

825 S. Cooper Road Gilbert Is it a sports bar or a craft beer bar? It’s both!

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

W O N AR C O T TE , PIN

O I ZO D ON & A

THA

B R E WE

BEER TENDERS Bartenders who really know their beer Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

athan Ward works as Upward Projects’ Postino’s “rover”—a part-time manager, part-time server, part-time bartender and 24/7 beer enthusiast. Not exactly known for its beer, Postino boasts 25 varieties, including several local favorites from San Tan, Huss, McFate and Four Peaks. Through its beer program, it also celebrates personal favorite breweries from neighboring regions and ensurse there is a beer to fit everyone’s style on the menu, from IPA to Belgium to seasonal offerings.

What do you think makes craft beer special? In the United States, we’re not restricted by the same brewing and purity laws as European brewmasters, and we’ve only just begun to revolutionize the science behind craft beer. And it is only fitting we apply science and innovation to the brew, given the science it has (albeit accidentally) given us. Did you know, for example, we have beer to thank for pasteurization? It’s true. In 1876, Louis Pasteur discovered that beer was fermented not by chemicals but by yeast. He noted that bacteria, mold, and wild yeast were often responsible for the sour beer that plagued France and other countries. With this new understanding, he and other scientists began to refine techniques that could contain impurities and quality control for beer could be effectively implemented. The process was pasteurization.

How did you get your start in craft beer? I grew up in Mesa, and got my start in the hospitality industry, working as a busser at Ruby Tuesday. While not the most glamorous of positions, I enjoyed the industry and eventually worked my way up through other local restaurants, before making my way to Postino. Soon after, I had the chance to attend a beer tasting with the company, and sampled a Rochefort Brewery Trappist Ale. Trappist beers are brewed in monasteries by or under control of Trappist-Cistercian monks. Only 11 Trappist-monasteries are producing beer in the world—and after trying one I was hooked. After that, I went full beer nerd, buying every book on the topic and studying like I never had before. I highly recommend “Beer Tasting” by Randy Mosher, “Brew Master’s Table” by Garrett Oliver and “Great Beers of Belgium” by Michael WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Jackson. I eventually became a certified beer server and am studying for my certified cicerone certification.

What is your favorite part about the beer culture in Arizona? I like to fancy our people as mad scientists, but in flannel and wearing chucks over the lab coats. Look at the geniuses over at Historic Brewing, who can throw fresh cherries and vanilla bean into a porter, and make it liquid beer-dessert. Or the team at Mother Road Brewing, who is putting Northern Arizona on the craft map with its unique brews. And while I don’t myself brew, I love all the science behind every beer, from the yeast and bacteria to the breakdown of starches.

Why is Postino East—or any of the other Valley Postino locations— the perfect place for craft beer? In addition to always carrying local and regional beers along with some of our super-secret favorite finds, we have something extra special up our sleeves these days. Brent Karlicek, our beverage director, eight fellow Upward Projects craft beer enthusiasts, and myself developed a collaborative beer with our friends at Black Market Brewing Company in Temecula, California. This India Pale Ale, dubbed The Cosmic Hop Project, is available at several of our concepts: Postino, Federal Pizza and Joyride Taco House. We have more than 25 beer offerings. Just a sampling of what we have right now includes Victory Brewing Prima Pilsner, Sierra Nevada Kellerweis, Odell 90 Schilling Amber, Four Peaks Hop Knot IPA, Lindemans Framboise, Great Divide Colette Saison, Orval Trappist Pale Ale and Alpine Hoppy Birthday Session IPA, to name a few.

What is your favorite beer? Choosing a favorite beer is like choosing a favorite child! Right now, I really love Tower Station IPA. It smells like cereal when you crack it open. I am also a huge fan of Prairie Artisan Ales, a small third wave brewery from Oklahoma that only got distribution in Arizona very recently. And if you have never tried them before, be sure to give traditional Lambics a shot. You will not be sorry.

Postino East

302 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 102, Gilbert, 480.632.6363, postinowinecafe.com.

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BEER GEAR

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

BRÖÖ Invigorating Craft Beer Shampoo and Conditioner is serving up brew for your ‘do. The blend of microbrewed beer and premium natural ingredients give bathers a buzz of daily hair detox. The “invigorating mixology” taps all-malt, freshly hopped craft beer and peppermint to energize every strand. Top with a kick of caffeine to stimulate hair follicles and finish with a shot of BRÖÖLuxe, a natural alternative to silicone, for daily hair rehab. The intoxicating Malted Mint scent is 100% natural, with notes of mint, geranium and rosemary. Don’t worry, you won’t smell like a frat house when you’re done. $7.49 Target and Walmart

Award-Winning Beer from the Last Frontier

Brewed and bottled in Juneau, Alaska. alaskanbeer.com

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Beer with the King

James Swann » The Entertainer!

WHAT’S THE I

(BEER) STORY MORNING GLORY?

t’s no secret that Arizona’s beer industry is growing by leaps and bounds, but is it growing too quickly? Is there too much beer here? There seems to be an Arizona brewery popping up every three months or so. An incredible influx of beer labels

from all over the country are appearing in bars and on store shelves weekly, too. Is it getting to be too much? This “more is better” theory is making things a bit rough and tumble. I am sure that hardcore beer enthusiasts are for more growth in the market, but can it support the growth? Are there enough craft beer drinkers out there to make this worthwhile? Can they drink beer 24 hours a day? For a brewery, moving into a new market is a daunting task. You must own five to six times the number of kegs or “shells” because you never know how long it will take to sell your product. Furthermore, because the competition is growing so rapidly, a brewery must now put (and pay) a person in the market to assure the product is being properly represented. Chandler’s SanTan Brewing Company has at least six people in the local market, covering everything from bars and restaurants to grocery and convenience stores. Amazing, right? Obviously, I do not yet have the answers to these questions but am curious to see how it’s all going to shake out! What I can tell beer geeks out there is this: “Wake up morning glory. I hope you are quite thirsty.” Until next time, cheers. The “king” of the Valley beer scene, James Swann owns the craft beer and pizza pub Craft 64 in Old Town Scottsdale and lives for Arizona culture.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

NOW AVAILABLE INTRODUCING UNIBROUE’S NEW FACE WELCOME TO THE TEAM VIC! À TOUT LE MONDE ALE IS A REFRESHING AND ARTISANAL BELGIAN STYLE DRY HOPPED SAISON. IT IS BREWED IN HONOR OF THE MUTUAL PASSIONS AND FRIENDSHIP OF MEGADETH’S DAVE MUSTAINE AND UNIBROUE’S BREWMASTER JERRY VIETZ. THE LABEL PROUDLY FEATURES A SYMBOL THAT IS SYNONYMOUS TO MEGADETH,THEIR WELL-KNOWN MASCOT VIC RATTLEHEAD.

WHEN DAVE AND JERRY’S PATHS RECENTLY CROSSED DURING A MEGADETH SHOW IN QUEBEC CITY, THEIR MUTUAL PASSIONS FOR HEAVY METAL AND CRAFT BEER INSTANTLY SPARKED AN INTEREST FOR A MEGADETH BEER BREWED BY UNIBROUE. AND SO À TOUT LE MONDE ALE WAS BORN, INSPIRED BY THE MOST POPULAR HARD ROCK SONG TO FEATURE A CHORUS SUNG ENTIRELY IN FRENCH, AND WHOSE VIDEO CLIP IS IN THE HALL OF FAME OF QUEBEC’S MOST POPULAR TV MUSIC SHOW. IT IS BREWED AS A TRIBUTE TO ALL THE FRIENDS OF HEAVY METAL MUSIC AND BELGIAN STYLE ALES IN QUEBEC AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

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REVISITING THE HITS

Taylor Dayne discusses her iconic songs and Cheetos Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

rammy-nominated singer Taylor Dayne is relishing the revival of her hit “Tell It to My Heart,” thanks to a Cheetos commercial. In the TV spot, a father tells his kids to quiet down because the song is on the radio. “It’s a classic record,” Dayne says. “It’s an amazing, classic record. I’m blessed to have a few of those—‘Love Will Lead You Back’ and ‘I’ll Always Love You.’ ‘Tell It to My Heart’ is impactful and iconic. It’s like ‘Dance Dance Dance’ from Chic. You just want to get up and dance. It’s not like I wanted to change the world with that song. I was 21 or 22 and just wanted to get noticed.” Dayne certainly did that. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for best pop vocal, female, for her song in 1988. “Tell It to My Heart” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The “iconic” song will be part of her set when she performs Friday, January 20, at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale. With each show, he gives a little piece of herself to each fan, she says.

“For me, a concert has to tell a story,” Dayne says. “It’s like my theater show. It has a beginning, a middle and an end. I have to take fans on some sort of journey so, by the end of the show, they know me. “You feel so connected at shows like those. It’s a beautiful thing. I leave it on the dance floor, so to speak.” Nearly 30 years after “Tell It to My Heart” exploded, Dayne is hoping to release a new album and she hints at a memoir. “I had 18 Top 10 hits,” she says. “The first 10 years, you’re not breathing. You’re not moving. When you come up for air, you think, ‘Who am I? Who do I want to be in this industry?’ “Of course the industry has changed so dramatically, but I’m enjoying the ride more now. I enjoy my fans more. I take it in deeper. I don’t worry every day about not being No. 1 on the charts. I’m not fighting for that place. I’m owning it now.”

Talking Stick Resort

9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 8 p.m. Friday, January 20, $25-$65.

JANUARY 14-22 | SCOTTSDALE, AZ | Barrett-Jackson.com

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE HIGHROLLER

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

JANUARY 3 The Office and Friends Trivia

JANUARY 11 Mancini The Band

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Karen & Marcus

Miguel Melgoza Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 4

JANUARY 12 Mike & Ted

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Thaddeus Rose

JANUARY 13

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 5 Mike & Ted

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 6

Timothy B. Schmidt

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 14 Mogollon

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Queen Nation - A Tribute to Queen

JANUARY 15

Gregory Wolfe

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 7 Dave Mason

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 10 Stanley Serano Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 19

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Bandstand Shows

Walkens Trio

December ’63: A Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

JANUARY 16 Fairchild Blues Tribute Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 17 Stanley Serano Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 18 Silhouette

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

2 Shades of Blue

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 25 Yesterday Once More Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Walkens Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 20

JANUARY 27

Taylor Dayne

Fan Halen - A Tribute to the Music of Van Halen

Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Desert Dixie

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 20 AND 21 Fortunate Son: A Tribute to John Fogerty & CCR

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

JANUARY 21 Static

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 24 Stanley Serano Trio

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Harry Luge Band

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 28 The Drifters

Vee Quiva Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Live Mixed Martial Arts

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, wingilariver.com

Soundwave

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

JANUARY 31 John Eric Duo

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, harrahsakchin.com

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THE BEST CASINO EVENTS IN JANUARY Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, 8 p.m., $30-$55.

Timothy B. Schmit

Queen Nation: A Tribute to Queen JANUARY 6 AND JANUARY 7 Queen Nation performs some of the legendary band’s greatest hits like “We are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The band has been called the world’s best Queen tribute act by the likes of Ryan Seacrest and Mark Cuban. Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, 480.850.7734, casinoarizona.com, 7:30 p.m., $15.

Dave Mason

JANUARY 7 Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason brings his soulful voice and unsurpassed guitar playing to Talking Stick Resort for a nearly sold-out show. During this performance, the founding member of Traffic will highlight his 1970 album “Alone Together,” which featured ‘Only You Know and I Know.” Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E.

JANUARY 13 An American musician, singer and songwriter, Timothy B Schmit is best known for his work as the bass guitar player and singer for the Eagles and Poco. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles and has become a successful solo artist. The Lounge, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, https://www.caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin, 8 p.m., free.

The history of The Temptations is a lesson in contemporary American pop. The Temptations kicked off their career in Detroit in the early 1960s, but they didn’t turn into stars until four years later when Smokey Robinson penned “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” A slew of hits followed, including “My Girl,” “Since I Lost My Baby” and “I Wish It Would Rain.” The current lineup includes Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Larry Braggs and Willie Greene Jr. Desert Diamond Casino’s Diamond Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com, 8 p.m., $20$45.

Andrew Dice Clay

JANUARY 14 One of America’s most controversial comics, Andrew Dice Clay, returns to the Valley to play Scottsdale. The only performer ever banned for life from MTV, Clay was the first comic to sell out Madison Square Garden two nights in a row. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, 8 p.m., start at $40.

The Temptations JANUARY 13

Styx

JANUARY 15 “Come Sail Away” with this iconic band when they arrive at the Salt River Grand Ballroom on January 15. This legendary group has been bringing their widely popular arena rock

to crowds all over the world, and for quite some time. With four decades of hits like “Lady”, “The Grand Illusion” and “Blue Collar Man”, a night with this band is a sure-fire way to have a good night out. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, 8 p.m., $35-$185.

Who Loves You: A Tribute to Frankie Valli

JANUARY 17 Who Loves You: A Tribute to Frankie Valli brings back to the stage the songs of not only Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, but other artists of the area including Dion and the Belmonts, The Big Bopper, The Righteous Brothers and more. Desert Diamond Casino’s Diamond Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com, 3 p.m., $10-$25.

Taylor Dayne

JANUARY 20 Taylor Dayne’s numerous best-selling gold and platinum albums have produced 17 Top 20 singles like “Tell It to My Heart,” “Love Will Lead You Back” and “Prove Your Love.” She has sold more than 75 million albums and singles worldwide, earning three Grammy nominations. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, 8 p.m., starts at $40.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

TWISTIN’

TIME

IS HERE

Chubby Checker boasts his show is ‘the best’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

ock ‘n’ roll legend Chubby Checker is sure that his show is the best that any music fan will see. “I don’t care who you see—whether it’s someone who makes $1 million a night or $20 a night—my show is the best show you’re ever going to see,” Checker says. Calling from Pennsylvania, “The Twist” singer is so sure that he doesn’t need to explain his reasoning. “Because it’s the best show you’re ever going to see,” he says. “Other people get their music played and perform in front of thousands of people. I have the best show that’s on stage and it’s been that way for a very long time.” Concert goers can see for themselves when Checker performs at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom on Friday, February 3. Playing in front of his fans is “the greatest feeling” for him. “This has been going on since I’ve been in the 11th grade when I had the song ‘The Class,’” Checker says. “That was before ‘The Twist.’ My first song was No. 34 on the charts, so I was spoiled immediately.” When his two subsequent songs failed to live up to their expectations, Checker begged his mom to talk to God.

“I told her I was a ‘has been’ already,” says Checker, the father of former Phoenix Mercury player Mistie Bass. “She always had a hook up with God. She said he had a vision that I was going to make a song that was going to cover the whole Earth. It wasn’t going to be my song, but I would be famous.” A record company then called and asked him to cover Hank Ballard’s “The Twist.” “By the time I was graduating, the song was being played on the radio and the whole world was going to change because of it,” Checker says. “People don’t realize the power of that song. It changed the dance floor like Edison changed the lights in the room, or Alexander Graham Bell changed the way people talked to each other. “I’m sure you’ve danced with somebody and you’re looking at each other. Whatever you were doing, that’s what I brought to the dance floor.” Checker explains that these days African-American performers are being disrespected. Radio stations are owned by conglomerates that separate channels into genres, which doesn’t serve black artists. “Look at the touring schedules across the world,” he says. “All the white kids are getting the major tours because they’re getting all the airplay. People go after what they hear. “I’m sure there’s a big venue in

Chandler and very few black people play there. In all the big cities in the world, in the big stadiums there, black kids never play there, except for Rihanna or Beyoncé. Bruno Mars—he’s Hawaiian. “But that’s it. They have separated us so much. We struggle for airplay. That’s why we do as many interviews as we can. We need to let people know we’re around.”

Chubby Checker

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, 800.946.4452 wingilariver.com, 8 p.m. Friday, February 3, $29-$70. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE GLADIATOR

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THE ARIZONA ROCK ’N’ ROLL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 10K & 5K JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15

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Phoenix Suns vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

JANUARY 7 Led by LeBron James, the 2015/2016 NBA champions journey to the Valley to take on the Suns. The Cavs took both games in the series last season, but guards Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker will try to turn the tables and dethrone “King James.” Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, nba.com/ suns, 6:30 p.m., tickets start at $52.

Arizona Coyotes vs. Winnipeg Jets

JANUARY 13 So, see if you follow this. The Winnipeg Jets come to face off against the Coyotes. The Jets re-entered the NHL in 2011, formerly the Atlanta Thrashers. And as for the Coyotes, they were previously the Winnipeg Jets when the franchise left the league in 1996. Still confused? Come and watch some great hockey to figure it all out. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, nhl.com/coyotes, 7 p.m., $15-$180.

The Arizona Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K

JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 15 A rock concert meets a running event at The Arizona Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. An expo highlights the best in health goodies on

Friday, while participants can run at the distance of their choosing and enjoy a great mix of music on Saturday and Sunday. Toad the Wet Sprocket headlines the Marathon and Half-Marathon runs and local entertainment imbues energy through each mile of the course. Starting line: Van Buren and Second streets, Phoenix. www.runrocknroll.com/Arizona/ Marathon, 7:50 a.m., various prices.

Grand Canyon University Basketball vs. Seattle University

JANUARY 21 Grand Canyon University attempts to secure a Western Athletic Conference victory when the Seattle Redhawks arrive to take on the ’Lopes. Coach Dan Majerle has built a solid program and his young team plays hard, having kept early-season contests against Penn State and Louisville competitive. Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, gculopes.com, 7 p.m., $4.75-$9.

back at the TPC in Scottsdale. The tournament begins on Thursday February 2, but on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday check out the world’s greatest PGA tour professionals take on the challenging and exciting desert layout during their practice rounds. The Waste Management Phoenix Open melds sport and fun, and patrons can enjoy great golf during the day and fantastic music at the Birds Nest during the evening. TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, https://wmphoenixopen.com/, various times, free admission on Monday and Tuesday, otherwise tickets start at $40.

SHOW US YOUR GAME FACE! Join us for our Daily Specials

MON ----------- Super Burger - $3.95, Turkey Burger - $3.95, Tenderloin - $3.95 TUES ---------- 10 oz Prime Rib, Fries & Salad - $11.75 WED ----------- 30 Super Salads - $8.95, BBQ Ribs - Half Rack $10.75 THUR ---------- BBQ Ribs - Half Rack $10.75 w/Cole Slaw, Beans or Fries! FRI ------------- Shrimp Platter $9.50 SAT/SUN ----- Breakfast until 11am. Make Your Own Bloody Mary Bar until 4pm.

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ASU Basketball vs. Washington

JANUARY 25 Pac-12 play continues with this intriguing match-up between the Sun Devils and the Huskies. Both teams are looking for a conference victory and Coach Bobby Hurley and guards Shannon Evans II and Torian Graham lead the charge to build their resumes for an NCAA tournament bid into “March Madness.” Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, thesundevils.com, 3 p.m., $7-$50.

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D-BACKS NATION

W UNITE

Sports’ most fan-friendly team proves it once again with Fan Fest

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Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer! ith the Subway D-backs Fan Fest’s move to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the team’s CEO Derrick Hall is promising unprecedented access to players, coaches and broadcasters from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 18. “We moved it for two reasons,” Hall says. “No. 1, the date we were looking at was booked here at Chase Field. We preferred the date of February 18, so we checked out Salt River Fields. It worked. Knock on wood, the weather’s perfect. There’s more space and we’re excited about the move. “That’s the perfect time of year for Salt River Fields. The grounds look phenomenal. The grass is ready for Spring Training and for the players. People really enjoy being out at the Spring Training facility.” Hall says that Salt River Fields’ space is conducive to holding an event of this magnitude. “We have larger fields for players to throw to the kids,” he says. “We can use our half fields. There will be more of a flow. There will be quality interactive Q&A sessions with broadcasters, front office staff, players and coaching staff.” D-backs brass is considering different concessionaires, food trucks and anything else festive. “The drawback for me at Chase Field was the grass was not ready,” Hall says. “It was dead and dusty, especially when we close the roof. This is a totally different look and feel. We’re excited about the opportunity.” There is one downfall.

“We would label the seats and fans could go and pick out season tickets from here,” Hall says. “But we’ll get around it. We’ll have mapping, and they’ll still have the opportunity to purchase season tickets out there.” One of the most popular parts of Fan Fest is the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Yard Sale, which has featured $3 T-shirts, 25-cent glasses, $5 baseballs, $30 practice jerseys, $2 bobbleheads, $3 backpacks as well as signage from Chase Field. “Proceeds go to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation,” he says. “We’re going to expand the yard sale as well. We can now increase the square footage and the amount of merchandise we have to sell there for the foundation.” Gates for the event open at 11 a.m. for season ticket holders and noon for the general public. “We open earlier for season ticket holders,” Hall explains. “They get first dibs for an hour before the actual gates open up to the general public.” Admission is free for Fan Fest, save for autograph sessions with the players for adults. Children 12 and younger will receive free autographs in a special area, while others can receive access to autograph sessions with a donation to the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Online autograph presales for specific sessions will be made available to fans prior to Fan Fest. Visit http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp for more information. It all goes with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ desire to be the most fanfriendly team in sports. “The point is to not really guard our players from anyone,” Hall says. “They’re as fan-friendly as any players I’ve ever seen. They really get it. “The response and feedback from them as been good. They enthusiastically embrace the concept. We never get pushback from them. That’s the way our players are. They like to interact with the fans. We’re very unique in that way, compared to other Major League baseball teams.” Sure, it’s exciting to meet players like Paul Goldschmidt, A.J. Pollock and David Peralta at Fan Fest. Hall finds another bonus. “Anytime we start planning for Fan Fest, we know that the season is right around the corner.”

Subway D-backs Fan Fest

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 602.462.6500, http://arizona. diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/fan_ forum/fanfest.jsp, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 18, free.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE YOUNGSTER

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE FUNNEL CAKE BLOG: WHAT’S NEW IN SOCAL

REBIRTH OF COOL

Classic Santa theme park reopens in Skyforest Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

he holidays may be over, but you can celebrate all year with the newly reopened SkyPark at Santa’s Village in the community of Skyforest, near Big Bear. It’s a mere five-hour drive from downtown Phoenix, on the scenic Rim of the World Highway. Santa’s Village opened Memorial Day weekend 1955 (one month before Disneyland). After 43 years, the theme park closed in 1998. Having sat vacant for almost 20 years, visitors can once again

experience the year-round holiday spirit. Owners Bill and Michelle Johnson have and tastefully restored the buildings on property. While some of the classic attractions are gone, new ones have been added, and others will open this year. The iconic feel of the 15-acre park has been preserved, rekindling nostalgia for those that visited years ago. Stroll the grounds and wander through the many gift shops and eateries. Attractions include a visit to Santa’s House, an ice-skating rink, a bouldering

room, a climbing tower, a bike track for kids, crafts, a train ride and various other experiences. “Arrow’s Adventure” offers a pedal car ride though a magical tunnel and around Castle Pond. “Gatherings,” a beautifully designed sit-down restaurant serves up contemporary cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting. Make sure and get a cookie from the Gingerbread House bakery! The mint chocolate cookie was to die for! The staff is incredibly friendly and go out of their way to ensure you are having

a great time. Various shows and storybook readings take place throughout the day. When the sun sets, characters gather for a parade and tree lighting. Future attractions include the reopening of the classic Bumble Bee Monorail, which will be pedal powered. A zip line, and hiking/mountain bike trails are being added, utilizing a portion of the property’s additional 200-plus acres. SkyPark at Santa’s Village is low capacity, outdoorsy and hands-on, and is not Disneyland—don’t expect it to be. You can show up 5 minutes prior to the parade without a crowd, employees will remember you as you walk around the park, and if you want a photo with a character, there isn’t an outrageous line. Plan a day trip to SkyPark at Santa’s Village, or make a vacation out of it by staying in one of the neighboring communities. Check SkyPark’s website for hours, tickets, attractions and road conditions, as the park is situated at nearly 6,000 feet in elevation!

SkyPark at Santa’s Village 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA skyparkatsantasvillage.com

For photos and additional updates, visit: facebook.com/theFUNnelCakeBlog • theFUNnelCakeBlog.com

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THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN

JANUARY Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

“DR. SEUSS’ THE CAT IN THE HAT” JANUARY 14 TO JANUARY 29

EXPERIENCE THE SILK ROAD JANUARY 14 AND 15

Experience the Silk Road

Zoolights

JANUARY 1 TO JANUARY 8 See the magnificent light displays at the Phoenix Zoo during the annual Zoolights. Kids can have fun on the Polar Slide, the carousel and with Santa Claus. There will be food and drinks along with a nightly snowfall at 7 p.m. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, phoenixzoo.org, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $12.95 to $19.95.

Snow Week

ENDS JANUARY 1 Visit the Arizona Science Center to play in the snow this winter. More than 60 tons of snow will cover the Science Center’s grassy lawn. There will be kid-friendly demonstrations throughout the day, some of which may be “explosive.” Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, azscience.org, times vary, included with general admission.

Archaeology for Kids

JANUARY 7 Kids can become junior archaeologists at the Pueblo Grande Museum by “excavating” a Hohokam pit house. They will learn how to properly dig and how to identify the artifacts, which can teach historians about the past. Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, 4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.495.0901, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $15.

JANUARY 14 AND JANUARY 15 Travel down the famous Silk Road and discover the many different cultures and music along the way. Families can participate in activities and watch musical and dance performances. There will be Silk Road-themed food, inspired by Asia and the Middle East. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., included with general admission.

“Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat” JANUARY 14 TO JANUARY 29 Children and adults will delight in seeing one of Dr. Seuss’ famous tales come to life. Watch the mischievous cat turn a rainy day to one filled with play. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, childsplayaz.org, times vary, $12 to $26.

Disney on Ice: Worlds of Enchantment

JANUARY 19 TO JANUARY 22 Four of Disney’s most beloved stories are told through Disney on Ice. First join Lightning McQueen and his fellow racers, and then dive into an adventure with Ariel and her friends. Fly to “infinity and beyond” with Buzz Lightyear and travel to Arendelle to meet Anna and Elsa. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 800.745.3000, talkingstickresortarena.com, times vary, $15 to $85.

SNOW WEEK ENDS JANUARY 1

“Annie”

JANUARY 13 AND JANUARY 14 Since 1977, “Annie” has been charming audiences across the globe. Check out the performances at the Mesa Arts Center and sing along to “Hard Knock Life” and the iconic “Tomorrow.” Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday, $35 to $75.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

A ‘FROZEN’ ADVENTURE

New Disney show drives ‘Cars,’ princesses and toys to the ice Meghann Finn Sepulveda » The Entertainer!

safer than gymnastics. For me, ice skating was a way in which I could express myself.

lsa and Anna, Lightning McQueen, Ariel and Prince Eric and, of course, Mickey and Minnie will come alive with the action-packed Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Enchantment Thursday, January 19, to Sunday, January 22, at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Ensemble skaters Benita Williams and Michaella Bradley shared with The Entertainer! Magazine their passion for ice skating and explained what life’s like on the road.

How did you balance the practice demands while growing up?

When did ice skating spark your interest? Williams: I did a school report on Olympic figure-skater Michelle Kwan, who ultimately inspired me to try ice skating when I was 10. After I began weekly lessons—which were not cheap for my family—it quickly became a passion and allowed me to be where I am today. Bradley: I was 8 years old when I attended an ice skating birthday party for the first time and was swept off my feet. I begged my mom for lessons and she agreed because she thought ice skating was

Williams: I was at the rink so often that I began working there when I was 16. I taught group classes and eventually became a private coach in between my own practice and studying. I also started sewing costumes and editing music for my choreographed performances at competition. After high school, I attended UCLA and received a bachelor’s in physiological science. Bradley: It got to a point where I had to choose between school and skating. My family and I decided that homeschooling was the best option because it would allow me more time to focus on ice skating and competing. I graduated from Beacon Academy in 2014.

Explain your first audition for Disney on Ice? Williams: I auditioned in Bakersfield, California, in 2014. When I learned that I was selected, I was so excited that I ran down to tell my coach and anyone else who would listen! I joined the cast of Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Enchantment and toured Western Europe in 2015.

Bradley: I was living in my hometown of Las Vegas when I learned about the audition. I was nervous but I looked at it as an opportunity to showcase my ability. In 2015 I was selected to join the cast and began my career with Disney on Ice Presents Treasure Trove.

Which scenes do you skate in for Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment? Williams: I am part of the pre-show, which is really fun and gets the audience up and moving. I also portray a salsa fish in the “The Little Mermaid” and a citizen of Arendelle throughout the Frozen segment. I really aspire to become a principal performer, something that I hope is achievable. Bradley: As an ensemble skater, I portray an enemy under the sea in “The Little Mermaid,” a green army soldier in “Toy Story” and a citizen of Arendelle in “Frozen.”

What’s life like on the road? Williams: This tour started in October and will continue through May. We usually have four or five days in each city including time on the ice to practice and get a feel for the venue. The cast is so

loving and it’s a really fun environment. Bradley: It’s a great opportunity to see the world and get to do what I love. I was always intrigued by this show. I hope to someday become a principal performer and portray Jessie from “Toy Story” because I can identify with her—she’s full of energy, positive, wild and bright!

Disney on Ice Presents Worlds of Enchantment

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, various times Thursday, January 19, to Sunday, January 22, tickets start at $11.25. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE SHOWMAN

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

LIVING

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

D ‘A DREAM’ Mike Portnoy fulfills his prog side with The Neal Morse Band

rummer Mike Portnoy is admittedly obsessivecompulsive about his calendar. The co-founder and former member of the prog metal/rock band Dream Theater needs to be to keep track of his projects. “Everything I do is so different from one another,” he says. “What I do with the Neal Morse Band is for the prog rock side of me. The Winery Dogs is the rock side of me. Twisted Sister is the straight-ahead rock-metal thing. Metal Allegiance fulfills the thrash side, and then Flying Colors is for the more alternative pop side. “All of these different things are so fulfilling and are smaller pieces of me painting the bigger picture of who I am.” Currently, Portnoy is focusing on press and rehearsals for the Neal Morse Band’s January 22 show at the Mesa Arts Center’s Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse in support of the concept album “The Similitude of a Dream.” “The only way to properly present it is to play it from start to finish,” he says. “Beyond that, we’ll be playing other songs from Neal’s catalog. It’s going to be a very thorough musical experience.” “The Similitude of a Dream” is loosely based on John Bunyan’s book

“Pilgrim’s Progress,” which chronicles the spiritual journey of a man from the City of Destruction to the place of Deliverance. The album only covers the first 75 to 80 pages of the book. “It’s a lot to tackle,” Portnoy says. “It’s not just Neal and I, but it’s all five of us collaborating. It was a very intense process. It’s not like a normal band. We all have other things going on, so when we come together, it’s a very intense and concentrated process. We wrote this entire double album in maybe 10 days or so. A lot of bands take that long to just write one song. We’re very fast-moving, very prolific.” Morse and Portnoy have launched four bands, but the one that has endured the longest is Morse’s namesake act. “Neal and I have done 18 studio albums, probably more than most bands’ entire careers,” he says. “Each one of them is something that I’m proud of. We’ve had quite a long career, the two of us. “We want to inspire each other and the music we make together drives us.”

The Neal Morse Band

Mesa Arts Center, One E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 6 p.m. Sunday, January 22, $75.

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LIVE MUSIC

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Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

JANUARY 1 Jerusafunk, Stig and House of Stairs The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

The Rocket 88s

Blooze Bar, 6 p.m., free

Jazz Alliance

Gold Bar Espresso, 7:30 p.m., free

Bill Dutcher

Cocomo Joe’s, 1 p.m., free

JANUARY 2 Alan DeQuina

Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free

JANUARY 3 Badflower, Sunday at Noon and Monaghans Dixon The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Vox Vocis and Televangelist Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Waters

Hannah Bones

C.A.S.A. Lounge, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 5 Extreme Acoustic Guitar

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

Modern Royal, Overslept, Wanderer, Silver & Gold and Tree Season The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Piñata Protest and Andy Warpigs Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Zona Road and DJ Delfia

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, 5 p.m., free

JANUARY 6 Peter Asher

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m., $40-$55

Jazz in AZ: Dennis Rowland, Diana Lee and Greg Warner

Big Nick & The Gila Monsters

Harry Luge

Jolie’s Place, 6 p.m., free

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin

The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $8

Whitney Peyton, Zack Hansen and Daniel Shapiro

Dar Williams and Amy Haimerl

Caught a Ghost

Melancholia and DJ Tristan/ Iseult

The Rock, 6:30 p.m., $13 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $3

TV Girl

The Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., $10

Moon to Sun, Promise to Myself, Cuervo and Glenclove The Rebel Lounge, 5 p.m., $8-$10

Rhythm Room House Rent Party w/ Mike Eldred Trio, Dave Riley and The Rocket 88s The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $10

Gonzo, DJ Shams and Louie Castle Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$40.50

Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., free

Bach & Haydn in Harmony

Catalina Foothills High School, 2 p.m., $45-$55

Former Friends of Young Americans, Heartless Bartons and The Halahs The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $5

Vinyl DJ Collective Valley Bar, 9 p.m., free

The Ganderers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Cheap Thrills with DJs Sean Watson and Jared Alan

JANUARY 9

Jenny Jarnagin and Sugahbeat at the Grand Wine Festival

Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free

Crescent Ballroom, 11:45 p.m., free

Heritage Square, 11 a.m., $15-$20

Alan DeQuina

JANUARY 10 John Paul White

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

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

The Expos, Closet Goth, Diners and Doomed to Bloom Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., tickets TBA

Black Rose Phantoms, Creepsville 666, Buried in Red, The Freak Billyz and Grimrose Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 7

The Joe Costello Project

Bryan Sutton Band with Molly Tuttle

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Catalina Foothills High School, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $45-$55

The Pressroom, 6:30 p.m., $35-$125

Remington’s Restaurant & Lounge, 7 p.m., free Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa, 6:30 p.m., free

Bach & Haydn in Harmony

Elvis’ Birthday Celebration with Laura Walsh, Brea Burns and The Mike Eldred Trio

The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $13-$15

Emby Alexander, Emily Davis and the Murder Police and Sydney Sprague

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Marquee Theatre, 9 p.m., $22.50

The Number Twelve Looks Like You, Stolas, Fero Lux, American Standards, Lifelink The Beta Machine and Vinyl Station

Thee Fines Lines, Cheap Hotels and The Halahs

JANUARY 8

Bach & Haydn in Harmony

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $38.90

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

The Devil Makes Three and Lost Dog Street Band

Whitney Peyton, Zack Hansen and Daniel Shapiro

Steve and Alix

JANUARY 4

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $55-$95

Club Red, 6:30 p.m., $13

Old Town Tavern, 8 p.m., free

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $45-$55

Espinoza Paz

The Dubliner Irish Pub & Restaurant, 9:30 p.m., free

Grave Danger, We Might Be Wasted, True Rivals, Contradiktion and Jack the Cat

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $35.50-$38.50

Dawes

JANUARY 11

Crescent Ballroom, $30 Dawes’ cheery-yet-heavy brand of folk begs to be screamed along to. Led by brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, the band offers “We’re All Gonna Die,” a new album whose songs are sure to be fixtures at their shows. Check out the album and guest appearances by Blake Mills, Jim James, Mandy Moore, Jim Keltner and Brittany Howard.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

DJ Shane Kennedy Valley Bar, 9 p.m., free

Djentrification

The Aggrolites, Bowcat, Mind Upside and DJ Evil Luck Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$21

DJ Reubot

Skull Drug, Terminally Ill and Psychedelic Medusa

Spinelli’s Pizza, 9 p.m., free

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 11

JANUARY 13

Bikini Lounge, 9 p.m., free

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Martin Sexton and The Accidentals

Dawes

Falling in Reverse, Issues, Motionless in White, Dangerkids and Dead Girls Academy

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$43.50 Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $30

Pink Martini

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., sold out

Itzhak Perlman

Centennial Hall, 7:30 p.m., $30-$186

Stitched Up Heat, Letters from the Fire, Dierdre The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $13-$15

Pride Through Strife, Zolopht and Poolsyde Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 12

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Marquee Theatre, 6 p.m., $27.50-$48

Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan, Mark Chesnutt Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $33.50$73.50

Timothy B. Schmit

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 8 p.m., free

Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

DJ Cocoe

Kamasi Washington

Valley Bar, 10 p.m., $3

Rob Kapilow: What Makes It Great

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Rialto Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $15-$60

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$53.50

Black Milk and Dungeon Destroyah The Nth Power

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $10-$12

Joe Diffie, Lorrie Morgan and Mark Chesnutt JANUARY 13

Celebrity Theatre, $33.50-$73.50 Country goes unplugged when three of the genre’s old-school hitmakers from the ’90s hit the stage together. Joe Diffie is known for songs like “Pickup Man,” and blonde starlet Lorrie Morgan scored hits with “Watch Me” and “Except for Monday.” Mark Chesnutt rounds out the trio with “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” a tune about—what else?—a redneck who shoots the jukebox when a sad song plays. Sounds like country to us!

Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, The Lique and House of Stairs The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Beat Bums, The Blank Waves, Run-On Sunshine, Harrison Hufman Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., tickets TBA

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Some Kind of Nightmare, We Might Be Wasted and Chairbreaker Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 14 Carmen Lundy

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

Andy McKee

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

Storm Large

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $29-$59

J Boog, Jo Mersa Marley and Jemere Morgan Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25

The Sugar Thieves

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

The Darts, Snake! Snake! Snakes! and Le Zets Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $6-$8

John Pizzarelli and Combo

Tucson Music Hall, 7:30 p.m., $15-$80

Andrew Dice Clay

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $45-$75

Matt Haimoitz

Liebknecht, Cervello Elettronico, Tristan and Hex Marrow Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Cadillac Angels

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $6

JANUARY 17 Consider the Source, Thank You Scientist and Captain Squeegee

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$16

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $53.50-$73.50

DJ Shane Kennedy Valley Bar, 9 p.m., free

Dan Layus (of Augustana)

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $26-$35

Pelican Johnny

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 18 Eric Johnson

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

Talib Kweli and Styles P Club Red, 8 p.m., $25-$28

Crowder Hall at University of Arizona, 8 p.m., $15-$45

American Wrestlers

Cheap Thrills with DJs Sean Watson and Jared Alan

The Noctambulant

Crescent Ballroom, 11:45 p.m., free

JJCnV

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JANUARY 15 Matt Haimowvitz

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

Louis Lortie

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $29-$69

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

AZ Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Fundraiser & Showcase The Rhythm Room, 3 p.m., $8

The All Native American Metal Fest

Steve Tyrell

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$48.50

2 Ball Screwball and The Grassfairies Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Rogue Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Micheal Marriott

JANUARY 20 Steve Tyrell

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

The Fab Four - The Ultimate Tribute Mesa Arts Center, 8 p.m., $29.50$54.50

Felly, Gypps and Healy

Yucca Tap Room, 5:30 p.m., free

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $15$50

JANUARY 16

Taylor Dayne

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $53.50-$73.50 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Tucson Music Hall, 7:30 p.m., $15-$86

Henry Gray, Oscar Wilson, Jimi Primetime Smith and Bob Corritore

The Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., $12-$15

Nomada

JANUARY 21

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50-$75

Chopper John’s 6 p.m., free

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $35$225

Brahms Requiem - Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Miranda Sings

Hamilton Leithauser Styx

Crescent Ballroom, $25-$35 The Maine has become the face of the Valley’s alternative music scene. Born and bred in Tempe, the pop act found fame with “Into Your Arms” and “Another Night on Mars.” It celebrates its 10th anniversary in its hometown with the company of homeboys The Summer Set, The Technicolors and Brighten. Expect a set spanning its 10-year career as The Maine preps for album six this spring.

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Mindwars

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

JANUARY 21

JANUARY 19

Entombed A.D., Full of Hell and Turbid North Club Red, 6 p.m., $17-$20

8123 Fest: Celebrating 10 Years of The Maine

Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $40-$55

The Toasters, Warsaw Poland Bros, 2 Tone Lizard Kings, Bowcat, Jack the Cat, The Effects Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., $15-$18

Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold, decker, Hostile Work Environment Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10

JANUARY 22 Rick Astley

The Maine, The Summer Set, The Technicolors, Beach Weather, This Century, Gorgeous War, Brighten

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $35-$50

Bernadette Peters

Centennial Hall, 8 p.m., $25-$85

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$45.50

David Bromberg

Great Good Fine OK and Flor

Crescent Ballroom, 1 p.m., $25-$35

The Neal Morse Band

Mesa Arts Center, 6 p.m., $75

John Jorgenson Gypsy Jazz Quintet

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Umek

Scarlet/Monarch Theatre, 10 p.m., $15

Chandler Center for the Arts, 3 p.m., $42-$58

Marching Church, Sleep Money, Bernardino Femminielli, Body of Light and Draa

Heavy Breather, Man Hands, Jade Helm, U.F.O. Dictators and Demolition Na’an

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

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Flashbulb and Five Step Path

Weezer Tribute, Arena Rock, Eric Clapton Tribute and Queen Tribute

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

Todo Mundo

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $12-$30

Soul Power Band

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

Cheap Thrills with DJs Sean Watson and Jared Alan

Crescent Ballroom, 11:45 p.m., free

The King: The Music of Elvis

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

JANUARY 23 Dear Nora, Stephen Steinbrink, Taciturn Ensemble, Koleżanka Trunk Space, 7:30 p.m., tickets TBA

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

The Cardboard Swords, Sundressed, Celebration Guns, Mimelight and Sideyard The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

Alan DeQuina

Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free

JANUARY 24 Seratones

Cody Jinks and Paul Cauthen

DJ Quezo Mann

Dorothy

Southwest by Midnight and Hello Swindon

Mesa Underground, 7 p.m., $13-$15

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

JANUARY 28

Leopold & His Fiction

The Hubcap Stealers and The Hardways

Audra McDonalds, Will Swenson and Seth Rudetsky

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $12.50-$14.50

Code Orange, Youth Code and Gatecreeper

Valley Bar, 10 p.m., $3

Stick Men

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $5

Anthony Mazzella

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Jeffrey Siegel

Go Betty Go, Welcome to the Midwest, Lightspeedgo and The Banter

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $25$39 The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

JANUARY 30

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $89

Lyfe Jennings

Caterpillars, Sundressed, Troubled Minds and Merit

Drumline Live

George Winston

JANUARY 27

Chandler Center for the Arts, 8 p.m., $34-$46

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls, Arkells and Will Varley

Dave Riley/Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band

Alan DeQuina

Livewire, 7 p.m., $26.50

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

Cheap Thrills with DJs Sean Watson and Jared Alan

JANUARY 31

Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Ace Frehley with Enuff Znuff, Mills End, Color of Chaos and Tricus

Orgy, Powerman 5000, Death Valley High and Knee High Fox

Safetysuit and Armors

Japhy’s Descent and Darkness Dear Boy

Crescent Ballroom, 8:30 p.m., $20

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Ang Li

Kid Ink and Vee Tha Rula

Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye

JANUARY 29

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $29-$49

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

Pepper

Livewire, 7 p.m., $23

Lucky Devils

The Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., free

JANUARY 25 Lemuria, Cayetana and Mikey Erg

Club Red

MIM Musical Interludes featuring ASU Brass Faculty

Musical Instrument Museum, 10:30 a.m., free w/ museum admission or $7

JANUARY 26 Juicy J and Belly

Livewire, 9 p.m., $20-$107.92

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $33.50

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $12-$37

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $40-$64

The Fremonts

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

Livewire, 9 p.m., $10-$25

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., free

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50-$38.50 Old Town Tavern, 7 p.m., free

Mike Doughty and Wheatus

Crescent Ballroom, 11:45 p.m., free

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20

Passafire

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $16

George Winston

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

The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $30

Run the Jewels, Gas Lamp Killer, Cuz and Spark Master Tape Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $30-$40

Down by Law, Guilty by Association, Undefined, Becoming Legends, First or Last

Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12

Young Musicians’ Winter Concert Musical Instrument Museum, 2 p.m., $23.50

aPRIL 6-9, 2017

FLORENCE, AZ

blake shelton // dierks bentley thomas rhett // chris young

4 DAYS. 40 ARTISTS. 1 EPIC EVENT TICKETS are AVAILABLE BY PHONE or ONLINE so purchase yours today!

countrythunder.com / 866.802.6418 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

‘THE AFTERPARTY TO THE PARTY’ Country star Chase Rice knows a thing or two about celebrating

Brooks, the Foo Fighters, Kenny Chesney, Eminem. I love listening to different kinds of music and different genres. It’s easy to do this for a living.” Playing for the troops is one of the most gratifying parts of his job, he says. “My grandpas were Air Force and Navy,” he says. “I love our troops. I love anybody who loves America. I can assure you that the people over there have a great sense of the same America that I have a love for. They’re willing to lay down their life for our country. There’s no greater honor for me than singing for somebody who’s willing to do that. “I enjoy that we have a freedom to say whatever we want. The only issue is people have opinions and people have thoughts of what America should be. We can’t talk about it. Everybody needs to chill out. We have freedom of speech, but if you have a problem with my views, then let’s talk about it. Shutting each other out ain’t going to do a damn thing. It’s too black and white. It’s too right and left. Let’s meet in the middle.” Music is one thing that can bring everyone together, Rice adds. The Birds Nest will do just that. “For the people who love my music, I’m going to make it a night for them,” he says.

Coors Light Birds Nest

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale. For more information, visit coorslightbirdsnest.com

Chase Rice and Jake Owen Wednesday, February 1, $65$300 Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

ountry star Chase Rice may not be a veteran of the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s Coors Light Birds Nest, but he can wrap his head around a good party. “Our shows and the word ‘party’ go hand in hand,” Rice says. “It’s an escape from reality for all of us—myself, the fans. That’s what I like to create. “We’re in our own heads with social media, work, school, whatever. When you show up to my show—myself included— you forget about all of that. We’re all just jamming to music for three hours.” Rice, who recently released the single “Everybody We Know Does,” will join Jake Owen for the first night of the Birds Nest, Wednesday, February 1. Country superstar Toby Keith and The Band Perry follow on Thursday, February 2. The next two days the festival will take a pop turn—Kaskade and Flo Rida on Friday, February 3, and Blink-182 and Steve Aoki on Saturday, February 4. “We’re doubling the talent this year,” says Dillan Micus with the Coors Light WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Birds Nest. “We’re giving it a true festival feel with multiple genres like country— not the country my mom and dad listened to, but pop, fun, upbeat country. Flo Rida, he’s hip hop, but he’s also Top 40 pop. Kaskade is a world-renowned DJ. Blink-182 is huge and we close it out with Steve Aoki, who throws one heck of a party.” Micus’ goal for this year was to bolster the lineup to reflect the magnitude of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which runs through February 6. “It’s the afterparty to the party,” he says with a boisterous laugh. “It adds another entertainment option. The capacity is 8,500 to 9,000. We’re already sold out for Toby Keith and The Band Perry. Tickets are flying off the shelf for Jake and Chase. We’re anticipating a full sellout.”

RENAISSANCE MAN Rice has dabbled in just about everything in his 31 years. Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Rice co-wrote Florida Georgia Line’s massive crossover hit “Cruise;” played football at the University of North Carolina and worked for NASCAR with the Hendrick Motorsports crew before

moving to Nashville to pursue music. Rice, who is working on his sophomore album, finished in the final three of “Survivor: Nicaragua” in 2010. “This is the longest I’ve ever spent doing anything,” Rice says about his passion for music. “Football was my life before, and then I did ‘Survivor’ and NASCAR. I found a home here with music. Going back, I loved Garth

The Band Perry and Toby Keith

Thursday, February 2, only $95 tickets remain

Flo Rida and Kaskade

Friday, February 3, $65-$300

Blink-182 and Steve Aoki

Saturday, February 4, $75-$350.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

IN THE

MIX Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

HOMETOWN

HEROES

Tempe’s The Maine celebrates a decade with 8123 Fest Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

usic fans: Can you finish this lyric? “I’m fallin’ in love but it’s fallin’ apart/I need to find my way back to...” If you answered, “the start,” you are probably no stranger to homegrown altrock like that of Tempe’s The Maine. Founded in 2007, The Maine is celebrating its 10th anniversary with 8123 Fest at the Crescent Ballroom with some of its peers on Saturday, January 21. This certainly isn’t a farewell party. “It doesn’t feel like, ‘Oh man, we’ve been doing this for a long time,’” says drummer Pat Kirch. “It feels like, ‘Alright, we’re just getting going here.’” The Maine began simply. Kirch and bassist Garrett Nickelsen were longtime bandmates and after their fellow musicians left, they auditioned singer John O’Callaghan, a friend of Kirch’s brother. Flash forward 10 years and The Maine is celebrating its success with five albums and multiple worldwide tours with 8123 Fest. The party begins on Friday, January 20, when The Maine will perform “Pioneer” from start to finish; it’s limited to 300 people who have 8123 Gold Tickets only. On Saturday, January 21, the festival takes over Crescent Ballroom for a full day of music with 12 bands, including The Summer Set, The Technicolors, Beach Weather, Brighten and The Maine playing full sets. The event on Sunday, January 22 is a free meet and greet with The Maine and friends. Kirch expects a fun, collaborative vibe with the other bands, all of whom are friends with The Maine. Some of the acts,

like The Summer Set, the band has known since they were 8 years old. “I think it’s going to feel like one giant show instead of bunch of individual bands,” Kirch says. “If anybody is into what we do, it’s going to be the best weekend they could ask for.” While the band tries not to get too nostalgic about the past decade, Kirch says he is excited to have a chance to look back with The Maine, who is working on its sixth album. “It’s going to be cool to take one day at this festival to sit and reflect on this and play a set of songs that reflect everything we’ve done over the decade,” Kirch says. The Crescent Ballroom was the perfect venue for the band who loves Arizona. After traveling the world for 10 years, The Maine, its management and its record label still operate out of the Valley. Kirch says the local music community plays a big role in that decision. “At first, I don’t think we could tell much of a difference between playing in Arizona and playing in Colorado or wherever,” Kirch says. “But over the years, there has become a kind of a pride that people in Arizona have. We’ve kind of become their band, which is awesome.”

hen Little Mix was formed via “The X Factor” in England, the five girls knew they were meant to

fill a niche. “When we first came out, there weren’t many artists who made you feel great,” says singer Jade Thirlwall. “We wanted to bring that girl power back and make women feel confident about themselves.” Upbeat songs like “Black Magic,” “Hair” and “Shout Out to My Ex”—the latter of which is from Little Mix’s latest album “Glory Days”—recall the energy of the Spice Girls. Apparently, listeners think so, too. “Glory Days” sold 96,000 copies in its first week, besting records by the Spice Girls and Destiny’s Child. “Shout Out to My Ex” debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart, making it Little Mix’s fourth chart-topping single. “It’s been our dream since we got together to be the biggest girl band in the world,” says Thirlwall’s fellow singer Leigh-Ann Pinnock. “That’s what we want to do. We’re heading in the right direction and it’s an incredible feeling.” Little Mix is putting that plan into motion in the United States by opening for Ariana Grande on her arena tour that kicks off in Phoenix on Thursday, February 2, at Talking Stick Resort Arena. “We can’t wait to hang out with Ariana and see her show every night,” Thirlwall says. “It’s going to be wicked. We just really want to impress her. “We’ve met her before because we’ve been on the same shows and stuff. She is just so lovely and it’s nice to know she’s supportive of the band. She

With a blend of ‘girl power’ and catchy tunes, Little Mix is hoping to crack America genuinely wanted us to tour with her.” The group—which also includes Perrie Edwards, the former fiancée of singer Zayn Malik, and Jesy Nelson— was formed in 2011 during the eighth season of the U.K. version of “The X Factor.” So far, it is the first and only group to win the competition. Its coronation single, a cover of Damien Rice’s “Cannonball,” was released on Simon Cowell’s label Syco Music. Like its performances on “The X Factor,” Little Mix intends to bring it to the Talking Stick Resort Arena stage. “It’s going to be a full-on spectacle,” Thirlwall says. “Hopefully, it’s going to be electrifying. We do get very nervous, though—especially at the start of the tour. We want to impress Ariana and her team, and impress the fans. The first few shows are more nerve-wracking than usual.” But 2017 is going to be about touring for Little Mix. Thirlwall says the group will hopefully bring recording equipment on the road so they can “strike while the iron is hot.” The quintet will continue to push its way into the U.S. market by showing it’s not a bubblegum act. “The biggest challenge, I think, for Little Mix, is showing people that we can write,” Pinnock says. “We’re not just four girls dancing on stage. There’s a lot more to it than that. We’re heavily involved in everything we do. “America is such a big market for us. We’ll be there for three months and we’re really going to work the market. And hopefully crack America.”

Ariana Grande w/Little Mix and Victoria Monet

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 2, $25.20-$195.20.

8123 Fest

The Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx. com, 1 p.m. Saturday, January 21, $25-$35. For information about the other events, visit fest.81twentythree.com. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE JANUARY 2017

THE NIGHTOWL

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS

FOR JANUARY The Marquee, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, 6:30 p.m., $25.

RICHARD VISSION JANUARY 13

Talib Kweli

Afterglow

JANUARY 1 Relentless Beats presents its first concert of the year with Afterglow, with DJs Shiba San and Justin Jay taking over Rawhide and three rooms of music until 9 a.m. A French DJ, San carries a deep connection with hiphop, but brings supreme dexterity and a deep selection of sounds from every inch of the spectrum. Jay, a Los Angeles-based DJ and producer, has already seen success that extends well beyond his years. As the youngest member of the Dirtybird family, Jay has been supported by the likes of Claude VonStroke, Jamie Jones and Disclosure. Don’t forget, the bar reopens at 6 a.m. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, relentlessbeats.com, 3 a.m., $20-$30.

Richard Vission

JANUARY 13 This globetrotting Grammy-nominated Canadian producer is shown love almost everywhere he goes. In 2006, he was ranked second as America’s Favorite House DJ, according to BPM Magazine. Vission’s remixes of of Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas, Steve Aoki and Enrique Iglesias have found their place in DJ sets worldwide. A concert from Vission is sure to be special. Gypsy Bar, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.732.5490, 9 p.m., $10.

Falling in Reverse

JANUARY 13 Falling in Reverse, Issues and Motionless in White hit the Marquee Theatre for a night packed with punk music. The Las Vegas-based band Falling in Reverse saw mainstream success shorty after its formation in 2008 with the release of “The Drug in Me is You.” The Marquee, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, 5:30 p.m., $27.50-$48.

JANUARY 18 Since he hit the scene as a member of Black Star in the late 1990s, Talib Kweli has been educating and entertaining audiences. It’s no wonder then that Jay-Z and 50 Cent said Kweli is one of their favorite rappers. Kweli delivered career-defining work with “Ear Drum,” his first album on his vanity label, Blacksmith Music. This polished collection of hits showcases his advanced lyricism and his penchant for picking music that resonates long after the song ends. Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.258.2733, 7 p.m., $25-$28.

Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, 9 p.m., $10-$30.

Matoma

JANUARY 27 Matoma, a Norwegian DJ and tropical house producer, is no stranger to great music. The classically trained pianist slowly became tired of the instrument and slid over to EDM where he has been enthusiastically embraced. His remix of “Old Thing Back” by The Notorious B.I.G. caused a stir when it charted in Norway, peaking at No. 2 on the official Norwegian singles chart. His name, synonymous with tropical house, is easy to find at popular EDM festivals like Lollapalooza or Tomorrowland. Maya Day & Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, 10 p.m., $15.

Wuki

JANUARY 21 Also known as Kris Barman, Wuki has been redefining electronic music with his unique mix of Detroit ghetto tech and Chicago footwork scenes. He creatively blends breaks, electro and house effortlessly into his trademark, hard-hitting club-shakers. He has showcased his work on imprints like OWSLA, Main Course, Fool’s Gold and Ultra, and received support from fellow EDM giants Knife Party and Skrillex.

Run The Jewels

JANUARY 29 Run the Jewels is the combined musical genius of rapper/producer El-P and rapper Killer Mike. Together, they fuse flavors from Atlanta, Brooklyn and elsewhere. El-P and Killer Mike are schooled in the music industry, so they know how to run a show. Be sure to catch these gems. The Marquee, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, 7 p.m., $30-$40. WUKI JANUARY 21

J Boog

JANUARY 14 Jerry Afemata, better known as J Boog, is a Long Beach reggae singer of Samoan descent. Splitting his time between Hawaii and California, J Boog has been working incessantly since the release of his 2007 debut album “Hear Me Roar.” His passion for reggae has landed him at the top of the charts internationally and earned him the Best Entertainer Award at the 2012 Irawma Awards in Chicago. Come and catch some good vibes with this legendary entertainer at the Marquee. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Umek starts 2017 off strong with Monarch Theater gig Melissa Szenda » The Entertainer!

FROM ‘BEHIND THE IRON CURTAIN’

echno legends don’t regularly make their way to Phoenix, but this month, Valley music fans are in for something special. Slovenian Uros Umek, known simply as Umek, is heading to Phoenix to perform at the Monarch Theatre on Saturday, January 21. Emerging from Ljubljana in the mid-1990s, the 40-year-old Umek kick started the country’s electronic music scene with enthusiastic parties around his home country. This put Slovenian techno on the map. In 1999, Umek founded Consumer Recreation and Recycled Loops, the latter of which he runs with Valentino Kanzyani. Recycled Loops formed the sublabel Earresistible Musick in 2001. Six

years later, Umek created the large techno label 1605. It has released more than 140 collections by 250 artists. In 2011, Umek started his own weekly radio show, “Behind the Iron Curtain,” and it immediately found its way into the hearts of techno lovers around the world. Umek has played some of the world’s biggest festivals and continues to captivate fans with his more than 100 annual gigs. Umek’s influence on the EDM world has not only shaped a genre, but inspired a movement.

Umek

122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, relentlessbeats.com, 10 p.m. Saturday, January 21, $15.

ODDLY ACCURATE ASTROLOGY What does January hold for your social life? Weiss Kelly, PMAFA » The Entertainer!

CAPRICORN »

December 22 – January 19 You’ll make your mark this month. Allow extra time or consideration for confrontations. Network on January 8 and update your list of personal and work contacts. Underline the period from the January 13 to January 31.

AQUARIUS »

January 20 – February 18 It’s not quite the time to make any definite plans or commitments, including some workrelated conclusions. Keep your agenda flexible until md month. Your social is filling up rapidly, expect an exciting major change of some sort that may occur by the third week or arrive with the New Moon on the 28th

PISCES »

February 19 – March 20 January gets off to a slow start, but this shouldn’t stop you from following through on your fun plans. Mars, which is in your sign until January 28, will motivate your creative edge. January is filled with things to do.

ARIES »

March 21 – April 21 Those last-minute holiday changes continue to plague you until Mercury goes direct on January 8. Your day-to-day routine will get back on track shortly thereafter. Follow through on your resolutions to attend more events and to reconnect.

TAURUS »

April 22 – May 20 Start your New Year off on the right foot by answering emails or phone calls. Mistakes can be easily made when Mercury is retro until January 8. Then, you’ll have more personal freedom. Circle January 13 and beyond.

GEMINI »

May 21 – June 21 The first week of 2017 will be somewhat foggy. You’ll have to play a game of wait and see until late January. You’ll receive numerous invites. Just remember: it’s best not to overreact to any monetary crisis. Take romantic encounters lightly.

CANCER »

June 22 – July 22 You’ll be disappointed the first week of the New year. Why not utilize this off period and spend some private time on your own. Your relationships will be highlighted during the Full Moon (on January 12), and it could bring that special someone into your life.

LEO »

July 23 – August 22 This year will be a game changer for you. Once you finish a few tasks, you are free to attend a slew of events starting the weekend of January 20. Dress your best and others will notice you! Try to connect with others.

VIRGO »

August 23 – September 22 Your goals and plans will run smooth, except for a few minor adjustments. This includes personal relationships. Circle January 13 to January 15 for entertaining

LIBRA »

September 23 – October 22 You can easily enjoy the numerous events to which you are invited. Expect the second half of the month to be socially demanding. You’re in your zone!

SCORPIO »

October 23 – November 21 You may not be able to control the things that hold you back. Instead, use this time to mull over options. Once the Full Moon arrives on January 12, progress will be made in work and personal matters. Lighten up and enjoy. Say yes to invites

SAGITTARIUS »

November 22 – December 21 Despite work and personal commitments, you can still have free time to enjoy local events and get togethers. It just takes planning.

Weiss Kelly is a Valley-based astrologer and Professional Member of the American Federation of Astrologers. For your personal 2015 forecast recorded on a CD, send her an inquiry email at weissastro@aol.com or call 480.600.7424.

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100

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

In Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year’s Day for

GOOD LUCK.

Hellawella reports that 34% of Americans

DON’T

CARE about resolutions.

Folks in

Florida are most likely to make New Year’s resolutions.

More vehicles are stolen on New Year’s Day than on any other holiday.

of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions.

Times Square visitors can write their New Year’s wishes on pieces of official Times Square New Year’s Eve confetti, that will then shower the area when the clock hits midnight.

In Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico families stuff a life-sized male doll called Mr. Old Year with memories of the outgoing year and dress him in old clothes from each family member. At midnight, the dolls are set on fire to burn away bad memories.

of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions, according to Forbes.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

45%

Be sure to eat LEAFY GREENS on New Year’s Day. Word has it that the more leafy greens a person eats, the more prosperity he or she will experience.

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