The Entertainer! Magazine - December 2022

CHRISTIAN

TOP25

Tempe Festival of the Arts DECEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 4

By Connor Dziawura

“A Christmas Carol: The Musical”

TO DECEMBER 29

A holiday tradition at ABT, this reimagining of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic about Christmas tidings and heartwarming generosity brings curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge to the Mainstage Theatre.

Classic tunes include “A Jolly Good Time,” “Christmas Together” and “Link By Link.”

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623-776-8400, azbroadway. org, various dates and times, see website for tickets

ZooLights

TO JANUARY 15

Sparkling luminarias and twinkling holiday lights brighten the Desert Botanical Garden at this yearly tradition. Walk the trails and observe the Valley’s beautiful plant life while taking in the atmosphere of the holiday season. There will be musical performances, other entertainment and more, including the Webster Auditorium’s enchanted winter village building activity. December 1 to December 4 is reserved for garden members only, while general audiences can stop by from December 9 to December 11, December 15 to December 18, December 20 to December 23 and December 26 to December 31.

Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480-941-1225, dbg.org, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select dates, $14.95-$49.95 or free for kids 2 and younger

A popular draw at the Phoenix Zoo each year, the latest ZooLights comes equipped with updated animal lanterns and light displays (more than 50 of them!), new music and light shows, and an enhanced Santa experience. Gather around the lake for a light show involving a 50-foot LED tree, and head over to the Monkey Village for nightly snowfall. And don’t miss out on the holiday safari presentations and community performances. Guest entry also includes admission to Dinosaurs in the Desert. Plus, for when you get hungry, there will be kettle corn and hot cocoa available for purchase as well as fire pits for making s’mores. Holiday gifts and toys will also be available for purchase. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602-2863800, phoenixzoo.org/events/ zoolights, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. on select dates, $25-$35 or free for kids 2 and younger

Holiday Pops

DECEMBER

With roots that run more than 50 years deep in Tempe, this twice annual festival (it’ll be back in the spring) features more than 350 artists from around the country showcasing a variety of mediums, plus a variety of entertainment including multiple stages of music; food, beer and wine; as well as the interactive Kids Block featuring activities, competitions and more. On Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Parkway and on Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash avenues. Dogs are welcome. Downtown Tempe, 480-3556060, tempefestivalofthearts. com, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, free admission

Apache Junction Holiday Program & Light Parade

DECEMBER 3

Those on the eastern edge of Maricopa County can stop by this annual event, bringing for the holidays vendor booths, arts and crafts, games, music, inflatables, food and an appearance from Santa. The main event runs from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Flatiron Park, with the tree lighting following at 6:30 p.m. and the parade then kicking off at 7 p.m. on Apache Trail between Phelps and Thunderbird. Nonperishable food will be accepted for donation to the Apache Junction Food Bank. This is the event’s 25th year. Apache Junction, 480-9828002, apachejunctionaz. gov/891/Holiday-Event, 3 to 6:30 p.m., free admission

Enchanted Holiday Festival

2 TO DECEMBER 4

When it comes to Holiday Pops, it’s all about the spirit of the season, whatever background you may come from. Covering all sorts of songs and traditions whether they’re sacred or secular, Holiday Pops is its own tradition. Enrico LopezYañez is conductor, Andrea Ross and Matthew Johnson are vocalists, and Thomas Bookhout is chorus master, with the show featuring the Phoenix Symphony Chorus. Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, phoenixsymphony.org/show/ holiday-pops, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, $34-$102

DECEMBER

Queen Creek Holiday Festival & Parade

DECEMBER 3

In support of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek, head on down to this East Valley town for a cool Saturday afternoon of familyfriendly holiday fun, including a parade and live local entertainment, including singing, cheer and dancing. Then, check out the vendors and grab a bite to eat. There will be a kids zone specifically for the youngsters, while Santa will be on-site for photos as well. The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. and a tree-lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. The event also ties in with a three-day carnival. Town Center, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, 480-8881709, queencreekparade.org, 2 to 7 p.m., free admission

3

Decorate ornaments, get your face painted, ride a reindeer pony, take some photos with Santa, try your luck in the raffle, participate in a gingerbread workshop, shop for the holidays from boutique vendors, grab a bite to eat and satisfy your sweet tooth with treats — all as part of this New River holiday celebration that’s sure to enchant attendees with the spirit of the season. 3Z Ranch, 48109 N. Black Canyon Highway, New River, https://bit.ly/3EDuvX5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10-$15 or free for babies 12 months and younger

ZONA Music Festival

DECEMBER 3 AND DECEMBER 4

Hance Park will be filled with the sights and sounds of some of indie’s biggest acts with this inaugural music festival. Beach House, Bleachers, and Tegan and Sara will headline the first day, with Portugal. The Man and Japanese Breakfast taking the second day, among a slew of other acts.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1218 N. Second Street, Phoenix, zonamusicfest.com, noon each day, $89-$349

Trans-Siberian Orchestra DECEMBER 4

Join TSO for an updated presentation of “The Ghost of Christmas Eve — the Best of TSO & More.” The symphonic metal band known for its take on Christmas classics and more will perform the rock opera followed by a second set of its other greatest hits. At least $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to charity.

Las Noches de las Luminarias DECEMBER 1 TO DECEMBER 31

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$99.50

Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market Pop-Ups

DECEMBER 7, DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 21

This December, shop for the holidays at The Vintage on Wednesday evenings, courtesy of the entrepreneurs who own the mixeduse facility and founded Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The Vintage Market Home storefront will feature curated gifts, home décor, artisan goods and antiques. There will also be live music, and the restaurant Chestnut will offer drink specials.

The Vintage Arcadia, 4418 E. Osborn, Phoenix, junkinthetrunkvintagemarket. com, 6 to 9 p.m. each day, free admission

The Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

DECEMBER 8, DECEMBER 11, DECEMBER 12, DECEMBER 13, DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 17

ALT AZ 93.3’s annual concert series is returning with a variety of headliners. The six shows feature, respectively, lovelytheband, the Struts, the Interrupters, Silversun Pickups, Story of the Year and Rome & Duddy. One dollar from each ticket sold will go directly to Lost Our Home, a nonprofit animal welfare organization. And in the name of holiday tradition, be sure

to wear your ugliest sweater!

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480829-0607, altaz933.com/ ugly-sweater-2022, various dates and times, $27-$67

“The

Elves & the Shoemaker”

DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 24

Performed with large rod puppets, this family-friendly holiday musical experience is about a poor shoemaker and his wife who receive some help from Santa’s elves.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org, 10 a.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $6-$12 or free for infants

“Holly

Dazed: A Festively Confused Cabaret”

DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 18

marketplace to holiday carolers, live music and entertainment including the Crown Kings, a tree-lighting ceremony, children’s activities, food and drinks (including a chili cook-off) and plenty more things to see and do, Stagecoach Village is keeping things merry and bright. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480876-6108, stagecoachvillagecc. com, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, free admission with toy or food donation to Operation Santa Claus

“The

Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley”

DECEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 23

Audiences can pick up where they left off last winter holiday season with this sequel show about festivities turned to chaos.

Presented by Arizona Theatre Company on the Center Stage, the new show features boisterous sister Lydia Wickham, her long-lost husband and the home’s downstairs residents, not to mention holiday scandal, misunderstandings and other shenanigans. The Herberger Theatre Center’s website describes it as a “celebration of family and forgiveness.”

Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602252-8497, herbergertheater.org, various dates and times, $25-$77

Written and directed by Jean Paoul C. Clemente and presented by the Order Chaos Theater Company on The Kax Stage, this “festively confused cabaret” humorously finds detail-oriented Lee’s classical piano holiday recital crashed by the lost Holly, though perhaps that’s for the better as it’s taken from polished but somewhat boring to having the Holly Dazed spirit.

Herberger Theatre Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602252-8497, herbergertheater.org, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, $27

“The Nutcracker”

DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 24

Every holiday season brings with it a slew of performances of this classic by different ballet companies. A classic tale featuring a young girl’s winter adventures, mischievous mice and the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy. With choreography by Ib Andersen, this Ballet Arizona and Phoenix Symphony production of Tchaikovsky-scored classic is a key rendition for Valley fans this winter. Symphony Hall, 2835 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602381-1096, balletaz.org, various dates and times, $35-$209

Western Holidays

DECEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 11

Head out West for three days of old-fashioned holiday fun in Cave Creek. From a yuletide artisan

“The Spirit of Christmas”

DECEMBER 10 TO DECEMBER 18

Hosted by Mark Hart, this is the Tempe Dance Academy’s 35th annual presentation of this energetic variety show. With two weekends of performances on the Mainstage, it incorporates more than 100 dancers, singers, a horse and carriage, special guest performers and a champion hoop dancer.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480-782-2680, chandlercenter. org, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, $30-$33

Adam Sandler

DECEMBER 11

The Sandman is back on the road for this stand-up tour with a surprise special guest. With a lengthy CV spanning from comedy classics like “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison” to acclaimed dramatic works like “Punch-Drunk Love” and “Uncut Gems,” and blending stand-up humor with song when he hits the stage, Adam Sandler is a comedy legend who needs no introduction. And these days, touring is rare for the actor.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-

379-7800, footprintcenter. com/events/adam-sandler, 8 p.m., $44.50-$1,497.50

Phoenix Festival of the Arts

DECEMBER 11

A decade of art, music and food in Downtown Phoenix — that’s how long this annual festival has been running. Anticipated are more than 150 art vendors specializing in mediums like ceramics, glass, jewelry and metals; live music on several stages; a family zone; food trucks ranging from tacos, burgers and hot dogs to ice cream; and alcoholic beverages from Dos Cabezas WineWorks and Hensley Beverage Company.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602-2543100, phoenixfestivalofthearts. org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, free admission

Ride a reindeer pony, get your face painted, snack on some treats, and get your picture taken with Santa. Admission includes a craft activity and raffle tickets. Plus, vendors will be on-site selling gifts and food.

Paseo Verde Park, 7561 W. Greenway Road, Peoria, https:// bit.ly/3tCiwTh, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., $10-$15 or free for babies 12 months and younger

Cirque du Soleil:

“’Twas the Night Before…”

DECEMBER 16 TO DECEMBER 24

Cirque du Soleil puts a spin on the classic Christmas poem with this festive show about a curious but jaded girl who finds herself in a world of colorful characters. The famed entertainment company’s website describes it as a “festive show about the wonders of sharing and friendship” and “a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, rip-roaring fun and hugely lovable characters that will become a new tradition for families to cherish.”

Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602-379-2888, cirquedusoleil. com, various dates and times, see website for tickets

and Abby to discover the lesson that with perseverance, anything is possible. Elmo meet and greets are also available at 1 p.m. both days and 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, sesamestreetlive.com, 2 p.m. Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Friday, $25-$70

Santa’s Enchanted Holiday Festival

DECEMBER 11

Like its New River iteration earlier in the month, Enchanted Dream Productions is back with the holiday fun, this time in Peoria.

Phoestivus

DECEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 15

Back for its 13th year is this annual holiday craft market, now taking place Downtown. On the docket this year are more than 200 small businesses, music, live art, food and drink — plus an appearance from Phreddie the Yeti. Other features include a rock climbing wall, the Phoestivus Pole and cards for writing grievances or gratitude. Pets are welcome. A fundraiser, the event benefits the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market. Community Food Connections accepts donations at points of entry. Downtown Phoenix, 720 N. Fifth Street, Phoenix, phoestivus.com, 5 to 10 p.m. each day, free admission

“Sesame Street Live!”

DECEMBER 29 AND DECEMBER 30

“Make your magic” with this magical show featuring everybody’s favorite characters from the neighborhood, like Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Grover, Rosita and Count von Count. When magician Justin visits to put on a magic show, the nonmagically inclined Elmo joins him

Decadence Arizona

DECEMBER 30 AND DECEMBER 31

Newly relocated from the East Valley to the West, everybody’s favorite New Year’s Eve EDM party is back! Subtitled “Ancient Future,” this year’s two-day lineup features an array of DJs and producers, from Flume to Louis the Child, Porter Robinson and Zeds Dead. This show is for ages 18 and older.

Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale, decadencearizona.com, 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday, 6 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday, $199-$1,099

DRIFT AWAY

FuelFest gives fans the ‘Fast & Furious’ experience

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Cody Walker was a new East Valley resident in December 2021 when he brought “Fast & Furious”themed FuelFest to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the first time.

It was an enthusiastic welcome to the Grand Canyon State.

“To have all these people come out for our first-ever Phoenix show was just phenomenal,” says Walker, flashing his trademark smile.

“It’s an old venue, but to be there and breathe the life that we breathed into it and have people come out was just something else. It was really fun.”

This year’s incarnation is from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 10, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The afterparty features Rick Ross and T-Pain at 9:30 p.m. at the nearby Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.

Co-founded by Walker and Chris Lee, FuelFest is an automotive celebration that incorporates entertainment and art. FuelFest fulfills the legacy of Paul Walker, Cody’s late brother who starred in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. A portion of the proceeds from every show goes to Reach Out WorldWide.

The nonprofit was founded in 2010 by Paul Walker. After a massive earthquake devastated Haiti, he spontaneously organized a relief team that responded to the disaster.

On the trip, he saw a gap between the availability of skilled resources and the requirement for such personnel in postdisaster situations. Upon returning from Haiti, Paul Walker established ROWW to fulfill this unmet need. Since Paul

Walker died, ROWW has remained a platform for like-minded individuals to make a difference in other people’s lives.

“I was thrown into a really weird position, like a really unique position,” Walker says looking down. “I’m just making the best of it and making it positive. FuelFest is also an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy the car culture and enjoy these things in a safe manner.

“We have a responsibility to create a fun, family-friendly environment for fans.”

Last year’s event featured a surprise appearance by Vin Diesel, and a visit from Tyrese. Craig Jackson and BarrettJackson sponsored the VIP experience. Walker says coyly he couldn’t confirm

who will be in attendance this year.

“We had a great time, and this year is just going to be bigger,” Walker says.

“We have to up the ante every time. This year, we have some pro Formula Drift drivers, including Matt Field, who are going to be there. We’re also going to have a top six team drift competition where they run tandem, side by side. Oh, and we’ll have drag racing.”

Field will be hosting ride-alongs for spectators.

“People have the opportunity to get in a real drift car and go drifting,” Walker says.

Teaming with FuelFest is the adjacent Radford Racing School. The driving and racing training center offers more than 80 performance vehicles, sedans, SUVs, Ligier JS F4 single seaters and gaspowered go-karts.

Walker and a small team organize FuelFests that are held around the world. This year, Walker is encouraging guests to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event, the seventh this year.

Walker smiles when he talks about the importance of FuelFest to Phoenix.

FuelFest

WHEN: 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 10 WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: fuelfest.com

“Phoenix is underserved,” he says. “We’re big enough to support professional sports, right? Like, where are the cars? I’m glad to be adding to it and contributing to it. There’s an opportunity there, because this is home for me now — and we’re loving living here.”

He chalks up the success of FuelFest to the films and the festival’s accessibility.

“Tyrese actually says it best when he’s at our shows,” Walker recalls. “He’s been a part of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise since the second installment with my brother, Paul.

“He says, ‘We’re on these closed sets and we make these movies, which then people go and watch at the theater. This is kind of like bringing ‘Fast & Furious’ to life.’ It’s an actual event that ordinary, normal people can go and experience and see screen-used movie cars from some of your favorite films. They can see all the drifting, the tire smoke, the music, some of the actors, some of the ‘Fast’ family from the films. It all comes together at FuelFest.”

FuelFest Afterparty with T-Pain and Rick Ross

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 10

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler

COST: Tickets start at $69

INFO: playatgila.com

PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

The Struts are killing rock redundancies

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

In the last two years, The Struts frontman Luke Spiller watched androgyny go mainstream.

“It’s almost commercialized in a weird way,” says Spiller, who has split his time between Burbank, California, and Devon, England, since 2019.

“With the rise of Yungblud and Maneskin and even, more recently, Palaye Royale, there are a lot of men wearing skirts, dresses and makeup. I think that’s great. But I want to see The Struts stand on its own and never take part in a trend, so to speak. I wanted to consciously make the band feel like a solid unit.”

So, the act is in the middle of a rebrand. The first hint was Spiller’s change of hair color. Valley fans can get a sneak peek when they play the Alt AZ Ugly Sweater Party with Girlfriends on Sunday, December 11, at the Marquee Theatre.

“I’m talking 1960s-esque sharp-suited bands like the Faces and the Carnaby Street look,” he says about the London street known for high fashion.

“It’s cool way to evolve but remain classy but bring a bit masculinity into the situation as well. I’m thinking one step ahead. I think the ladies are going to get kind of tired of men dressing up as women. We’re on the frontline of wearing suits.”

Spiller says the look will be unveiled at a handful of winter shows, including their show at the Marquee Theatre, but will be prominent during a major 2023 tour.

“It’s really important that now that that look is really heavily popularized that, instinctively, I want to take a left turn — musically as well,” Spiller says.

“We’re still making a ‘rock’ record, but it’s not like anything we’ve done before. There’s been a big popular rise in groups and rock in general. I think a lot of people are completely mad to now change their direction so to speak. But we’ve got three albums in the pipeline filled with rock bangers. I feel that The Struts and we don’t have to prove anything, like being a part of a rock revival so to speak.”

The Struts have been rocking for 12 years, he adds. The bands who are doing it now have only been together for three to four years. So, the band stays to itself, keeps motivated and strives to push the envelope.”

Spiller calls the music “more groove

based,” “slightly darker in points” and “lyrically a bit riskier.”

“The funny thing is I’ve been listening to a lot of rap music and I’m quite flabbergasted in the cancel culture,” Spiller explains.

“Rap music is in its hair metal phase. They’re literally pushing it as far as they can go and people are still digging it. I was in a club the other day after I did a show and there was a chorus that went, ‘All I want for my birthday is a big bootied ho.’ They’re getting down and loving it. No one’s asking if that’s appropriate. I think we’ve been, for good reason and for the most part, tiptoeing what we can and can’t say.

“As long as your intent is true and honest, you can do and say what you want and express it. Music has always trumped most art forms.”

Rock music, Spiller explains is redundant. Bands are all talking about the same topics — being heartbroken, killing themselves or depression.

“There’s no music out there being done by bands who are celebrating life, and being outspoken, wearing the vices on their sleeves and are clearly out there to have a good time,” Spiller says.

The Struts’ rebrand is coming at a good time. It follows their signing to Big Machine Records.

“To find a new label and simultaneously get back on the road in short bursts of time and reconnecting with fans is keeping us busy,” he says.

“We’re concentrating on new music, the rebrand and working out of LA. It’s a good little perfect storm.”

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Spiller is looking forward to playing

gigs like the Alt AZ Ugly Sweater Party. Christmas comes with fond memories, like when his sister received an Annabelle doll.

“It had a tabletop counter with a sink and nappies and stuff you use to look after it,” he says. “For some strange reason, my sister started playing with the toys I got; small soldiers or something. I was playing with this Annabelle doll for a week straight.”

In late December, he’ll return to the United Kingdom to collect more memories.

“I’ll be doing the usual, really—living in the pub because it’s going to be so cold and miserable,” Spiller says.

“There really isn’t that much to do in the small town where I live when the winter comes. I like to do pub quizzes and hang out with my family watching BBC television and probably gaining quite a few pounds.”

He admits he’s not particularly good at trivia nights. He kills on music and entertainment questions, though. Spiller has never won; instead he’s “come in last quite a few times.”

“Normally, I go with a date and we’re just two people with teams of six people,” he says. “We have a minus-5 brain disadvantage.”

The Struts w/Girlfriend

WHEN: 6 p.m. doors Sunday, December 11

WHERE: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe

COST: Tickets start at $27; all ages

INFO: luckymanonline.com

THE MORE THE MERRIER

David Archuleta invites fans to celebrate with him

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

David Archuleta has become known for his holiday tours. But when “David Archuleta: The More the Merrier Christmas Tour” comes to Arizona for two shows, the “American Idol” runnerup promises it will be more intimate.

“That’ll be interesting to see how that goes,” Archuleta says.

“I’m playing with the idea of just being me on stage. Usually, it’s a more of a grandiose kind of Christmas show experience.”

He’s playing Tucson for the first time on Thursday, December 22, at the Rialto Theatre, and the Chandler Center for the Arts on Friday, December 23.

“Being in a different place of life, instead of making it all big and epic and massive Christmas songs, I wanted it to feel more nostalgic,” he says.

“I want it to be like we’re reminiscing around the family room, just talking to

each other. I want to reflect on the good times. I’m looking back on the wonder of Christmas from an adult perspective this time.”

Christmas is special for Archuleta. From spending time singing carols with his family as a youngster to performing for them, he enjoys the holiday season.

“I feel like the Christmas tours that I’ve done have been a highlight,” he says about his holiday memories.

“My family comes to the shows and it’s fun to create a magical world for people to step into. For me, the shows get me into gear for Christmas Day. I’ve had time to really savor the Christmas spirit and magic. It’s like I’m celebrating it almost every night.”

Archuleta became a star when he was 16. In 2008, more than 30 million TV viewers watched him place second in season seven of “American Idol.”

Soon after, Archuleta’s single “Crush” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard

Hot 100 chart. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the track sold 166,000 downloads in its first week in the United States and subsequently more than 1.92 million digital copies to reach double platinum.

Three months later, his self-titled album went gold, selling more than 750,000 copies in the United States and more than 900,000 copies worldwide.

The Nashville resident is spending 2023 reflecting on his life. Recently, he publicly said he’s gay and he’s taking a break from the Church of Latter-day Saints.

“I think I’m going to do a little more self-discovery,” he says.

“I need to get some inspiration to create more music. I need to explore cultures, tour, make new friends and visit other parts of the world. I need to pull from some sort of inspiration. I’ve been in a drought with creativity for the last year.”

Still, Archuleta is excited about

coming to Arizona.

“It’s a great place,” he says. “It’s the neighbor of where I grew up in Utah. I’ve been able to go there a lot and make friends there. They’ve got some great restaurants in Arizona. It’ll be fun to go back.”

David Archuleta: The More the Merrier Christmas Tour

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 22

WHERE: The Rialto Theater, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $59.90 INFO: rialtotheatre.com

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 23

WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler COST: Tickets start at $39.90 INFO: chandlercenter.org, davidarchuleta.com

DREAMING OF A CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS

Switchfoot hits Mesa with first holiday tour, album

By Summer Aguirre

Christmases in Southern California resemble sipping hot cocoa around a campfire at the beach, and Switchfoot wants to share that experience this holiday season.

The San Diego-based rock band is on the road with “this is our Christmas tour,” which follows the November 4 release of its “this is our Christmas album.”

To wrap up its first nationwide holiday excursion, the band will make its debut at the Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater on Sunday, December 18. The group is excited to experience the different seasons across the United States while spreading the cheer of a sunny California Christmas.

“I can’t believe it’s actually here — we have been talking about making a Christmas album for years and we finally did it, so this is our first Christmas tour,” says bassist Tim Foreman. “We put a lot into both the album and the dreaming up of this tour. It’s been a long time in the works, and I can’t wait to get on the road and see this baby get off the ground.”

Alongside Foreman, Switchfoot consists of his brother, vocalist/guitarist Jon Foreman, drummer Chad Butler and keyboardist and guitarist Jerome Fontamillas.

The band kicked off “this is our Christmas tour” just after Thanksgiving Day, and will hit 17 cities across the country.

“It’s rare to play venues, at this point in our career, that we haven’t played before,” Foreman says. “That’s always exciting.”

The bassist is looking forward to fans taking away a lighthearted sense of community from Switchfoot’s performance, which is why they make music.

“We embrace that communal aspect at our show. It’s a special, almost sacred thing. Whenever you get a bunch of humans gathered together in one space, singing the same songs, it feels deeply human to do that,” Foreman says.

“So a sense of belonging, especially in

a world where we’re constantly reminded of our differences, you have a sense of unity, and Christmas is such a great time to do that.”

Each of Switchfoot’s shows is a true one-of-a-kind experience, as they rarely follow their setlists. Oftentimes, they scrap it altogether and play song requests shouted from the back of the crowd, which is what Foreman believes makes live music great.

“We feel like the people in the room are the most important part of the show,” he says. “So we take a lot of joy from being able to read the room and dive into the spirit of what feels right for that moment and who’s in the room.”

Because Switchfoot doesn’t have an opener for this tour, they’re performing two acts, beginning with a stripped down, heavily acoustic set followed by a “big rock show.” Fans can expect a blend of the band’s classic tracks from over the years and their new Christmas songs.

As a reflection of the members’ roots, the set designs include a campfire-like setup for the first act, with a beachy vibe captured in the second.

“We wanted part of both the album and the tour to bring the idiosyncratic nuances of a West Coast California Christmas to other parts of the country,” Foreman says. “The things that make Christmas in places such as California

are unique to the rest of the world, and (we) embrace that.”

“this is our Christmas album” has 12 tracks, the last of which “Hometown Christmas,” features NEEDTOBREATHE.

Although Switchfoot had been discussing the creation of a Christmas album and tour for years, its “real impetus” was the pandemic in 2020. Christmas was a highlight of the year, with many people stuck at home for the holiday season and leaning into the festivities and spirit early.

While putting together cheerful playlists of his favorite holiday tunes, Foreman realized that modern Christmas songs lack the ability to “fill space” the way he wants.

As a result, the band tackled the songwriting and recording process seeking to create a collection of songs that they “want to see in the world, to actually fill that void.”

“A lot of Christmas albums are made in the middle of summer. Our album was actually recorded for the most part during Christmastime of last year,” Foreman says. “So that also felt important for us, just to be able to be wholeheartedly immersed in the season.”

“this is our Christmas tour” commenced only two months after Switchfoot’s nationwide summer trek for

its 2021 album “Interrobang.” Their first full-blown tour since the pandemic, they looped around the United States with Collective Soul from July to September.

“I think one of the silver linings of having things taken away is that you no longer take them for granted,” Foreman says. “So, it was really special to get back out and play music in the same space as other people, look each other in the eyes and sing songs together.”

The band has plans lined up for the new year that they have not announced yet, so Foreman encourages fans to stay tuned.

“It’s a big year for us coming up because it marks the 20th anniversary of ‘The Beautiful Letdown,’ which was a really important album for us, and so we’ve got some things planned to celebrate that journey,” he says.

Before that, however, Foreman looks forward to a California Christmas with his family — sun, surf, sand and all.

An Evening with Switchfoot

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, December. 18

WHERE: 1 E. Main Street, Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, Mesa

COST: Tickets start at $34.75 INFO: 480-644-6500, switchfoot.com/pages/tour

‘DOO WOPIFIED’

Broadway veterans pay tribute to the greats — on their terms

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

With credits like “Jersey Boys,” “Motown: The Musical” and “A Bronx Tale,” a group of charismatic Broadway actors wanted to fill their off time with a special project that utilized their talents.

They founded The Doo Wop Project, which blends the classic sounds of acts like Frankie Valli and The Drifters with the 2000s’ Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz. In June, they were featured on PBS.

The Doo Wop Project will play three shows in Arizona in December— Tucson, Wickenburg and Chandler.

“We love coming to Arizona,” says singer Dominic Nolfi.

“Everyone’s ready to party when we come to Arizona. They’re ready to have a good time and we love that kind of energy. We’re high energy.

“We come from a Broadway background, so we’re used to performing a lot of shows in a week — sometimes eight in a week. When we started this group, we were doing three a weekend, maybe four at the most. We’re just full of energy and we leave people surprised. There is a lot more action and energy than people maybe expect.”

Back with its new holiday show, The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of doo wop from the classic sound of five guys singing harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio.

With Nolfi, Charl Brown, Dwayne Cooper, Russell Fischer, John Michael Dias and Sonny Paladino, the set will also feature non-holiday tunes.

For a taste of the show, visit https://bit. ly/DooWopProjectHoliday.

“The holiday songs we do are vintage, with the exception of the ‘Doo-Wopified’ George Michael’s ‘Last Christmas,’” Nolfi says. “But we do The Drifters’ ‘White Christmas,” which has a doo-wopy feel.”

As a child in San Francisco, singing came naturally to Nolfi. His mother choreographed musicals and is a dancer, so he grew up in rehearsal studios, he says.

“When they needed kids to be in the show, my brother and I were always

volunteered,” he adds with a laugh.

“We liked it. We ended up enjoying it. Both of us went on to do it professionally. My brother went on to a more lucrative field, but it’s in my blood these days.”

He went on to study youth acting at the acclaimed American Conservatory Theatre. He studied voice at the San Francisco Conservatory and attended the Boston Conservatory on scholarship, where he graduated with a BFA in theater.

Upon graduation Dominic joined the

The Doo Wop Project

WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursday, December 15

WHERE: Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress Street COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 520-547-3040, foxtucson.com

European production of “Grease.” It was there that he met his future wife Sonia Iannetti; they have a daughter, Vivienne.

Nolfi most recently performed on Broadway in Chazz Palminteri’s “A Bronx Tale – The Musical,” directed by Robert DeNiro and Jerry Zaks.

When the men formed The Doo Wop Project, it was just for fun. Nolfi says he’s pleasantly surprised at how it took off.

“This was an idea where we said, ‘We’ll do this a couple times for fun,’” he explains.

“Then people were like, ‘Can you do

The Doo Wop Project

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 16

WHERE: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler COST: Tickets start at $32 INFO: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org

this here?’ So we got an agent who said we could go all over the country if we did it right. We started with 10 gigs and three years later, we’re doing 60. That’s a huge jump. Now, this year, we might break 70.”

He says it works out nicely because it keeps them busy.

“We researched other groups that do this,” says Nolfi, who is writing and helping develop Broadway shows. “We thought if they could do it, we could, too. We have a Broadway pedigree that can help sell us, too.”

The Doo Wop Project

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 17

WHERE: Webb Center, 1090 S. Vulture Mine Road, Wickenburg

COST: Tickets start at $45

INFO: dewpac.org or thedoowopproject.com

BRINGING THE 305

Westgate gets a taste of South Beach, Cuba

By Samantha Rea

Anew South Beach-themed restaurant and nightclub is spicing up the Westgate Entertainment District.

“It’s a beautiful working environment from the people, to the drinks and the food,” says bartender Kia Snyder. “If you haven’t been to Miami and you just want a little taste of it, definitely come to Bodega.”

Bodega’s menu boasts the flavors of Miami and Cuba, coupled with fun tropical cocktails. Guests can choose from signature Cuban dishes, but they’re experimenting with other selections, said owner John Tsailakis. Some of the choices include Miami Heart burrito with scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese blend, tortilla chips, salsa verde, salsa roja, queso fresco and sour cream ($12); Cubano sandwich with ham, roasted pork, pickles, Swiss cheese, mustard and Cuban bread ($16); and Cuban bowl featuring marinated pork, coconut rice, black beans, plantains, avocado and mojo sauce ($16).

Other favorites are the guacamole trio dip with pomegranate or mango habanero or crispy pork belly and queso fresco ($19 for all three); and the Italian sub with ham, pepperoni, salami, red onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, provolone cheese all on Cuban bread ($16).

“Just like with anything, you want to see what the guest really is looking for,” Tsailakis says about future menu changes.

The formula seems to be working, per Bodega staffers.

“We’re getting booming nowadays, says Ashley Sandige, head server. “People know about us, and people are spreading the word. We’re getting parties, people are wanting to come spend their time and special events here.”

Tsailakis and Sandige are anticipating a significant uptick in business for Super

Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in early February.

“The Super Bowl is going to be insane, specifically at Westgate it’s going to be insane but Bodega, I know it’s going to be a grand time,” Sandige says.

Tsailakis says he learned firsthand about the Super Bowl frenzy when, in 2015, he and Salt Tacos y Tequila hosted the Patriots on short notice.

“We’re going to be staffed for sure. We’re going to be ready and just take things as they come,” Tsailakis said.

He said the establishment doesn’t have special plans for the Super Bowl but will be prepared in case teams or corporate groups want to use Bodega.

“It’s only going to go up from here at this point. We’re already busy but once people start knowing our name more it’s just going to get crazier in here,” Snyder says.

Tsailakis owns the restaurant with his father, Chris, who cofounded My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in 2001. When Tsailikis moved to Arizona after graduating from the University of Washington, the father-son duo opened Salt Tacos y Tequila before Bodega. Bodega is the fourth business Tsailakis opened in Westgate and the third restaurant opened by his team in less than a year. The others are Salt Tacos y Tequila in San Tan Village and the Shops at Norterra. Bodega is in the former Whiskey Rose space.

“We wanted to do something that had some of the same characteristics that people love about Salt with a different kind of vibe,” Tsailakis says. “We wanted to bring something that was food focused but also had the nightlife appeal for the consumer. We kind of thought, ‘Hey, what’s not here?’”

The Insider’s Guide to Arizona Entertainment

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

These parties will help us say farewell to 2022

By Luke Hertel

It’s time to ring in the New Year with these events around the Valley, ranging from parties and live music to luxurious dinners and a meal with a show. Celebrate the past 365 days while looking forward to the next year at numerous casinos, venues and restaurants, all putting on their own celebration in anticipation of the midnight hour.

CASINOS

Casino Arizona: “Ring in 2023 in The Showroom” Shake off 2022 this New Year’s Eve with the high-energy, dance-worthy Top 40 and Latin hits from Soulitify. The Manic Hispanic from MEGA 104.3 will emcee the countdown to 2023. Entry includes a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, balloon drop, party favors and a chance to win cash prizes.

Ring in 2023 in The Showroom

WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, December 31

WHERE: Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale

COST: Tickets start at $50 INFO: casinoarizona.com

Talking Stick Resort: “Glitter & Glow NYE Party”

Ring in the New Year with George Michael Reborn from 9:30 to 11 p.m. followed by Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience from 11:20 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets include four drinks, entertainment, party favors and a celebratory toast at midnight.

“Glitter & Glow NYE Party”

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 31

WHERE: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale

COST: $150

INFO: talkingstickresort.com

The Painted Cave Band

Ring in 2023 with The Painted Cave Band, which specializes in pop, rock and western hits, at We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.

WHEN: 10 p.m. Saturday, December 31 WHERE: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 N. Fort McDowell Road, Scottsdale COST: Free; 21 and older INFO: wekopacasinoresort.com

Prime New Year’s Eve

The Shula’s Steakhouse at Gila River Resorts & Casinos, Prime offers luxurious rooftop views of the Estrella Mountains. The dinner includes three courses and a dessert of the chef’s creation.

Prime WHEN: 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, December 31

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, 11th Floor, Chandler COST: $199 INFO: playatgila.com

CONCERT HALLS

Spafford Spafford will share its affinity to jams with Marquee Theatre crowds on Friday, December 30, and Saturday, December 31. Spafford paints a picture in real-time each night with a musical palette known only to each other. These shows have become a tradition.

Spafford

WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 30, and Saturday, December 31 WHERE: Marquee Theater, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe

COST: $35 INFO: luckymanonline.com

FESTIVALS

Decadence Arizona: Ancient Future Headliners include Black V Neck, Brett Ortiz, Chuwe, Cosmic Gate, Deathpact, DJ Pauly D, Dr. Fresch, Duke Duont, Ekonovah, Fisher, Flume, Hannah Wants, Kayzo, Liquid Stranger, Louis the Child, Malaa, Midnight Tyrannosaurus, Moon Boots, Nicole Moudaber, Porter Robinson (DJ set), Space Wizard, Subtronics, Tinlicker, Walker & Royce, Wooli, Yookie and Zeds Dead. (See related story in Nightlife) Decadence

WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, December 30, and Saturday, December 31 WHERE: Phoenix Raceway, 602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale COST: Two-day passes start at $199; 18 and older INFO: decadencearizona.com

RESTAURANTS

Luckys Indoor Outdoor NYE Celebration

Start 2023 with good tunes, booze and bubbles, and plenty of Christmas lights at Roosevelt Row’s neighborhood bar Luckys Indoor Outdoor. A DJ will spin all night. Guests can secure their seats by making table reservations on the Luckys website. Each table reservation comes with a bottle of sparkling wine and includes cover charge for all guests at the table.

NYE Celebration

WHEN: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, December 31

WHERE: Luckys Indoor Outdoor, 817 N. Second Street, Phoenix COST: Table reservations start at

$100; $10 cover. 21 and older

INFO: 602-441-4759, luckysphx.com

Very Vogue New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

Welcome 2023 with a “Very Vogue New Year’s Eve Extravaganza” at Kähvi Coffee + Cafe. The queens from Inferno Drag Show will host a modern drag ball, complete with bubbly, light bites, a twohour show, and plenty of dancing to ring in the new year.

Very Vogue New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

WHEN: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, December 31

WHERE: Kähvi Coffee + Cafe, 214 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix COST: Visit website for ticket information

INFO: 602-441-4759, drinkkahvi.com

OTHERS

FOUND:RE NYE Party

FOUND:RE will transform into a Barbie Dream House for the ultimate Come On Barbie Let’s Go Party New Year’s Eve party. The pink party includes, starting at 9 p.m., selfie stations, photo booths and life-sized Barbie and Ken boxes for photo ops, DJs, Barbie’s Beach Club, bouncy castles and surprises. Bottle service and overnight accommodations available.

FOUND:RE NYE Party

WHEN: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, December 31

WHERE: FOUND:RE Phoenix Hotel and Match Market & Bar, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: 602-875-8000; 602-875-8080, foundrehotels.com, matchphx.com

Prime

Kähvi Coffee + Cafe

PROMISE TO BE REAL

Tank Jones takes acting seriously

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Tank Jones and his 10-yearold son, Raejon Jones, have a special bond.

The Chandler residents share notes on acting and stories about the set.

Raejon appeared in three episodes of ABC’s “Big Sky” as Kai Dewell, while his dad stars in “Paul’s Promise,” with Linda Purl, Nancy Stafford, Ryan O’Quinn, Shari Rigby, Josef Cannon and Dean Cain. Tank coincidentally plays a character named Tank — Tank Lipkin — in the film.

“He and I have done seven projects together as father and son, but each film hasn’t been father and son,” Tank says.

“We did an episode of ‘Big Sky’ together. I love watching him grow. As a dad, getting the chance to act with him, we’re building memories that, hopefully, he’ll have for the rest of his life.”

“Paul’s Promise” is the true story of Paul Holderfield, a bigoted firefighter turned pastor, who started one of the first integrated churches in the American South.

In the 1950s, during the Little Rock Central High School crisis, Holderfield was a North Little Rock fireman and remembers turning his back on a Black man, hoping he would not recognize him, but he did. His childhood best friend Jimmy Lipkin approached Paul for a handshake, but Holderfield put his hands in his back pockets and refused to shake Lipkin’s hand.

Holderfield later told his wife, Barbara, that he would never treat a human being that way again. Ultimately, Holderfield started Friendly Chapel and F.L.A.M.E. (Feeding and Loving All Men Equally) to help others and spent the rest of his life giving back to anyone in need.

Dedicated to meeting people’s needs, Holderfield built an organization that has been serving others for 30-plus years, meeting the nutritional, emotional, physical, spiritual and health needs of others.

Upon reading the script, Tank knew this was the right project for him.

“They sent me the script and I was reading it at home,” he says.

“I got up and started walking around like I was a crazy person saying, ‘Nope, nope, nope.’ My wife was looking at me like I was crazy.

“I liked the script but the relationship between my character and his brother, the way they had written it, it couldn’t fly. This is late-1960s Little Rock, Arkansas. Everybody in the film is white, except me, my brother and his wife.

“We were fighting with each other. There had to be some kind of brotherly dynamic there, so people can see in these types of households that there’s still brotherly love there.”

He told producers Ryan O’Quinn, Michael Davis and Heather O’Quinn that there needed to be changes. They agreed.

“They were very gracious and very happy that I cared enough about the production to bring that concern to them,” he says.

“I worked with somebody else, and we wrote a scene that is included in the movie. It’s the scene of my brother and I on the porch talking to one another. People have said it’s one of their favorite — if not their favorite — scene in the film.

“Kudos to them for listening to me. At this point in my career, I don’t take every acting job. It has to be something I feel I can sink my teeth into. I have to be able to bring something to the table.”

The characters he’s considering must have meaning, too. Tank knew he accomplished that with “Paul’s Promise,”

which was executive produced by Michael Ilitch Jr. and Nick Ilitch. The Ilitch family owns the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, among other holdings, and founded Little Caesars Pizza in Detroit.

“With a movie like this, I knew it was going to be shown in multiple churches around the country,” says Tank, a bornagain Christian. “It’s important to see that type of brotherly dynamic so people understand we’re all human.

“I enjoyed working on it. I enjoyed working with the people on the film, Linda Paul (Minnie Holderfield), Nancy Stafford (Judy), Josef (Cannon), who plays my older brother, Jimmy. We had some wonderful times on the film. It’s a true story and I love doing true stories.”

As for Cain, he was a little confused by Tank’s behavior. He’s not a traditional method actor, but if he’s to have a confrontation with a character, he won’t connect with the person.

“I will do my best to avoid them,” he says.

“When we met, he came up to me when we were about to shoot. He looked at me and said, ‘Hi. I’m Dean.’ I didn’t shake his hand. He was like, ‘OK.’ We did the scene. It was very intense but it came off really nicely.

“When we finished, I said, ‘I promise you, I’m a nice guy.’ Everybody busted

out laughing. The producers, they all know me. Dean’s a professional. He laughed about it. He thought it was funny. The next film we worked on, we laughed about it, too.”

But the funny stories about Cain do not end there. Tank and Raejon were working on a Christmas film with Cain when Raejon had a question.

“He comes to me, my son, and says, ‘Dad, why does Mr. Dean look like Superman?’” recalls the ASU graduate with a laugh.

“I thought that was so hilarious. I said, ‘Tell him what you just told me.’ His response was, ‘Oh, bless your heart. I have to take your son home.’ He told him about ‘Lois & Clark.’ The irony was great. Dean is cool.”

The Illinois native has more than 20 movie credits to his name and also toured as a hip-hop artist.

“I still write but I don’t know if I’ll ever record anything,” he says. “I may just put out songs online and just have them live there. I probably will never tour again, like I had before. I have songs that I’ve written that some have said I should record. We’ll see. It’s not on the horizon as of yet. It is a thought.”

Paul’s Promise paulspromisemovie.com

YIPPEE KI-YAY, PUPPET LOVERS!

‘Die Hard’ has become a Christmas tradition

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

“A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol” are standards for the holidays.

As the owner/artistic director of the All Puppet Players, Shaun Michael McNamara is proving that “Die Hard” belongs there, too.

For the seventh year, his troupe is presenting “Die Hard: A Christmas Story,” a profane and mischievous program starring puppets. Complete with caroling, gun fights, F-bombs and puppet anarchy, “Die Hard: A Christmas Story” tells the tale of John McClane trying to save the day from master criminal Hans Gruber during a holiday party.

“Nothing is safe and no holiday memory unsoiled while the puppets wreak havoc on Christmas and bring a mischievous holiday spirit to all good little boys and girls,” McNamara says.

The production was born out of McNamara’s hatred of “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He respects companies that put them on,

but it’s the same old, same old.

“What I did with ‘Die Hard,’ in a cheeky way, I threw Clarence (from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’) and the three spirits in, so it’s part ‘Die Hard,’ part ‘A Christmas Carol,’ part ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and part insanity.”

Seven years ago marked McNamara’s first foray into holiday shows. He says it was fun to lampoon Christmas.

“Finding songs was fun,” he adds. “I thought a new Christmas tradition could be born out of what we’re doing. It’s becoming that R-rated family tradition.

“The fact that I don’t like kids is always going to make it R-rated. I don’t like catering to them. I have no interest in it. If there are kids, people are less likely to laugh at something rude. They’ll say, ‘I can’t believe they just said that, and I can’t believe that kid heard it.’”

The former Goodyear resident who now lives in Surprise, McNamara founded the All Puppet Players in Fullerton, California. He moved to the Valley with his wife for her job.

“My goal was to stay here for a year and then go back,” McNamara says. “Once I started pitching our shows

to theaters around the Valley, it took off — not quickly, mind you. It took a long time to get where we are. There was enough of an interest that I didn’t need to leave.”

The All Puppet Players gives McNamara an excuse to share his love of the 1980s. He adores everything about the decade.

“I’m an ’80s kid,” he says. “Puppets have always been in my life. I love The Muppets. I worshipped ‘The Dark Crystal.’ I was hooked on ‘ALF’ and ‘Explorers.’ You name it. If it had a puppet, I loved it.

“I think there was a part of me that was angry with my career trajectory. I wanted to be the next Jim Carrey.”

That didn’t pan out, but he’s doing well with the All Puppet Players.

“I looked to puppets with desperation, wanting to write my own thing and it turned into lampooning theater,” he says with a laugh. “It was a bit of a radical, throw a fit and see if anybody cares. It happened to work.”

He’s watched audiences get sucked in, not noticing the puppeteers after a while. The future sees movie nights, “try-me

shows,” puppet karaoke, sketch and larger stage shows for McNamara.

“We’re going to do ‘Attack of the Video Store,’ where it’s 2010 and our puppets run a video store,” McNamara says. “They get sucked into all of our favorite movies. I get to play with fun scenes and not have to do the whole show. Like with ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark,’ I can do just the boulder scene — which I’ve always wanted to do.

“But this show (‘Die Hard’) is just bonkers. It’s a bonkers, bonkers show. It’s the one show that I can almost guarantee will sell out. Plus, it’s Christmastime. ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas film. I don’t even know why there’s a debate.”

“Die Hard: A Christmas Story”

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. various days through December 30

WHERE: Playhouse on the Park Theater, 1850 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $42

INFO: allpuppetplayers.com

CINEMA CURIOSITIES

December brings new releases to theaters, streaming

By Connor Dziawura

The holidays are here, with families coming to or leaving town, and no shortage of festive events to occupy one’s time. Fittingly, a number of film distributors are looking to the season for their latest releases.

Some of these films are heading for a traditional theatrical model, while others are forgoing the big screen in favor of home viewing from platforms like Apple TV+ and Netflix.

But whether you prefer to get out and enjoy the company of strangers with snacks and drinks at a theater or you wish to invite friends or family over and make it a night from the comfort of your couch, there’s always something to watch this December.

“Emancipation”

DECEMBER 2

Inspired by the infamous 1863 photos of “Whipped Peter,” this historical film by director Antoine Fuqua stars Will Smith as an escaped slave who relies on his wits, faith and love for his family as he evades hunters while on the run through Louisiana’s swamps. One of the real-life photographs, “The Scourged Back,” is credited as contributing to growing public opposition to slavery. Rated R.

In theaters December 2 and streaming on Apple TV+ December 9, tv.apple. com

“Violent Night”

DECEMBER 2

Fans may debate the merits of “Die Hard” as a Christmas movie, but there’s no arguing with this action comedy, about a team of mercenaries who find themselves face to face with the formidable Santa Claus after taking hostages at a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve. Starring David Harbour as old St. Nick, “Violent Night” comes from director Tommy Wirkola (the “Dead Snow” franchise) and producers of such films as “John Wick,” “Atomic Blonde” and “Bullet Train,” to name a few. John Leguizamo, Cam Gigandet, Alex Hassell, Alexis Louder and Edi Patterson co-star. Rated R. In theaters, violentnightmovie.com

“Empire of Light”

DECEMBER 9

Set within an ’80s coastal English town, this “1917” follow-up from filmmaker Sam Mendes centers around the relationship between a cinema

manager facing mental health struggles and an employee who longs to leave behind the town and daily adversity, as well as the healing power of music, cinema and community. Starring Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Crystal Clarke and Tanya Moodie. Rated R.

In theaters, searchlightpictures.com/ empire-of-light

“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” DECEMBER 9

Visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro is the latest to bring to the screen the fantastical tale about a wooden puppet who comes to life. Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Gregory Mann, Tilda Swinton, Finn Wolfhard and Christoph Waltz are among those who lend their voices to this stopmotion musical adaptation of the classic children’s story. Rated PG.

Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/ title/80218455

“Spoiler Alert” DECEMBER 9

Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge star as Michael Ausiello and Kit Cowan, respectively, in this adaptation of Ausiello’s bestselling memoir of the same name. Described in its synopsis as heartwarming, funny and life affirming, it deals with the transformation and deepening of the couple’s relationship when one falls ill. Rated PG-13.

In theaters, focusfeatures.com/spoileralert

“Avatar: The Way of Water” DECEMBER 16

It’s been a while, but the one and only James Cameron is back 13 years after the smash hit “Avatar.” Stars like Zoe Saldaña, Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang reprise their roles in this long-awaited sequel, with Cliff Curtis, Joel David Moore, CCH Pounder, Edie Falco, Jemaine Clement and Kate Winslet adding on as newcomers. Taking place more than a decade after the first film, it follows new troubles, battles and tragedies for the Sully family. Rated PG-13.

In theaters, avatar.com/movies/avatarthe-way-of-water

“BARDO, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths” DECEMBER 16

Following the one-two punch of “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” and “The Revenant,” Mexican filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu took a lengthy hiatus. Now, he’s

back with “BARDO,” his first Spanishlanguage film since 2010. It follows the epic introspective journey of an acclaimed journalist and documentarian, played by Daniel Giménez Cacho, as he reconciles with the past, the present and his identity.

Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/ title/81249430

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” DECEMBER 21

Whitney Houston hits the big screen in this musical biopic directed by Kasi Lemmons (“Eve’s Bayou,” “Harriet”) and starring Naomi Ackie as the icon herself. The film follows her life and journey from New Jersey choir girl to internationally celebrated powerhouse vocalist. Stanley Tucci, Ashton Sanders, Tamara Tunie, Nafessa Williams and Clarke Peters are also among the cast. Not yet rated.

In theaters, iwannadancewithsomebody.movie

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” DECEMBER 21

The beloved swashbuckling feline returns for his first adventure in more than a decade. After eight of his nine lives are up, he embarks on a quest to find the Wishing Star and regain his lives with the help of former partner and nemesis Kitty Soft Paws. Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, Anthony Mendez and Da’Vine Joy Randolph lend their voices. Rated PG. In theaters, dreamworks.com/movies/ puss-in-boots-the-last-wish

“The Whale” DECEMBER 21

Five years after the polarizing “mother!” Darren Aronofsky returns with this adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter’s acclaimed play about a reclusive English teacher’s attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter. The pair are played, respectively, by Brendan

Fraser and Sadie Sink. The cast also includes Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins and Samantha Morton. Rated R. In theaters, a24films.com/films/thewhale

“Babylon”

DECEMBER 23

Wunderkind filmmaker Damien Chazelle travels back in time to 1920s Los Angeles for this Hollywood epic, about the era’s unbridled decadence and depravity. Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Diego Calva lead the ensemble cast of characters, whose rise and fall are followed in the film. Not yet rated. In theaters, babylonmovie.com

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

DECEMBER 23

Three years after his hit whodunit “Knives Out,” filmmaker Rian Johnson is back with the latest Benoit Blanc mystery. Set in Greece, “Glass Onion” follows detective Blanc (with Daniel Craig reprising his role) as he investigates another mystery. This film’s stacked cast includes Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Jessica Henwick and Madelyn Cline. Rated PG-13.

Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/ title/81458416

“White Noise”

DECEMBER 30

Based on Don DeLillo’s acclaimed postmodern novel, this adaptation by Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story”) centers around life’s mundane conflicts for an American family, as well as themes like love, death and happiness. Categorizing it as offbeat and cerebral, Netflix describes it as “hilarious and horrifying, lyrical and absurd, ordinary and apocalyptic.” Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig and Don Cheadle lead the cast. Rated R.

Streaming on Netflix, netflix.com/ title/81317320

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

THEY’RE SLEIGH-IN’ IT

These Christmas meals are worth the trip

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Christmas doesn’t have to be about slaving over a hot stove and washing dishes. Make it easier and head to a restaurant — just make sure to tip well. Here is a sampling of eateries celebrating the holidays this year.

CASINO ARIZONA

This holiday season, Casino Arizona is offering an array of dining options. Guests can enjoy a festive meal selection, offered at several price points.

THE EAGLES BUFFET

At Casino Arizona’s The Eagles Buffet, there’s a Christmas champagne brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The meal features a chef’s carving board with herb-crusted prime rib with au jus; citrus-glazed carving ham; and a chef’s omelet station serving eggs benedict, and shrimp eggs benedict biscuits. Also included are waffles; pancakes; French toast; assorted danishes; bagels; croissants; applewood smoked bacon; breakfast sausage links; scrambled eggs; southwest scrambled eggs and seasoned hash browns.

Other entrées and side dishes offered are mango tea roasted chicken with coconut rice; fresh baked salmon; beef raviolis with Puttanesca sauce; buttered corn; whipped potatoes with gravy; deep-fried fantail shrimp; shrimp cocktail; oysters on a half shell; smoked salmon and pickled herring.

In addition, housemade Mexican ceviche and assorted garden salads will be available with chicken noodle soup, menudo, fresh fruit, pastry chef’s

assorted desserts; fresh funnel cakes and an ice cream station. The cost is $29.95; children 12 and younger $12.95.

The Eagles Buffet will serve a Christmas dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. Similar to brunch, it will include a chef’s carving board with prime rib au jus and horseradish sauce; applewood smoked boneless ham; steamed crab legs with drawn butter; fresh Atlantic salmon; deep-fried fantail shrimp; smoked seafood platter; Chesapeake Bay oysters on half shells and shrimp cocktail.

The tamale bar will feature bone-in pork chops with sauteed mushrooms; rosemary roasted chicken; sausage ravioli with spinach cream sauce; primavera rice pilaf; haricot verts with toasted almonds; whipped potatoes; and asparagus with pearl onions.

Also on the buffet: assorted garden salads; French onion soup; domestic and imported cheeses; pastry chef’s assorted desserts and an ice cream station. For adults, $39.95 and children 12 and under, $14.95.

BINGO HALL

Christmas dinner will be offered at the bingo hall from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features honey glazed ham; French roasted winter vegetables; mashed potatoes; brown gravy and a dinner roll. For dessert, a Blondie Bar, $10.50

SALT RIVER CAFÉ

Christmas dinner at Salt River Café from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu will offer guests garlic and herb prime rib dinner with au jus, horseradish; parmesan mashed potatoes; sauteed green beans and a dinner roll. In addition, a fountain drink and espresso

brownie will be included, $12.95.

THE WILLOWS RESTAURANT

On Christmas Day, The Willows will offer two guest services. The breakfast special is from 6 to 11 a.m. and includes pot roast benedict with slow-cooked housemade pot roast; sourdough muffin topped with poached egg, hollandaise sauce and hash browns, $11.95.

Served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the roasted ham Christmas dinner has mashed potatoes, brown gravy, vegetable medley, dinner rolls and a choice of soup or salad, $19.95. Soup and dessert will also be offered a la carte, beef stew, $4.75 and apple crumble, $4.

CAZ SPORTS BAR

From noon to 10 p.m., the CAZ Sports Bar will include an option of small garden salad or loaded baked potato soup to start. For an entrée, steak and shrimp dinner includes a 6-ounce grilled sirloin, five fried shrimp, cheddar mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots and chocolate espresso tart, $24.50.

Casino Arizona

524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale 480-850-7777, casinoarizona.com

CULINARY DROPOUT’S BAR BLITZEN

Located at The Coop within Culinary Dropout Tempe, the limited-time bar features televised fires, over-the-top décor and merry cocktails.

They include Junior & Mrs. Mint with vanilla-infused vodka, creamy white

chocolate and peppermint schnapps and the Polar Espresso-Oh martini with espresso-infused vodka, cold brew and Spanish vanilla.

Bar Blitzen goers can also indulge in all their classic Culinary Dropout favorites, including the soft pretzel and provolone fondue or barbecue pork belly nachos. Plus, with yard games just outside The Coop doors, guests can enjoy spirit-filled competition on the cornhole field with their holiday beverages.

It’s closed Christmas Day, but it’ll still get visitors in the mood for the holidays through Monday, January 2.

Bar Blitzen 149 S. Farmer Avenue, Tempe culinarydropout.com

THE KIMPTON HOTEL PALOMAR PHOENIX AND BLUE HOUND KITCHEN & COCKTAILS’ BLUE BLITZEN HOLIDAY COCKTAIL POP-UP BAR

The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix and Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails are hosting their fifth annual Blue Blitzen Holiday Cocktail Pop-up Bar.

To ring in the season, Blue Blitzen is serving up festive cocktails and décor as well as holiday-inspired bites through Monday, December 26. For a more intimate experience, snow-globe winter igloos will be available to rent for up to six guests. Vinyl records, game and blankets are included in the fee, which start at $50.

Menu highlights include Cousin Eddie’s White Loafers, featuring homemade eggnog, bourbon, cognac

Culinary Dropout’s Bar Blitzen

Blue Blitzen Holiday Cocktail Pop-Up Bar

and rum; orange pomegranate butter board served with Arizona citrus whipped butter, pickled pomegranates, thyme, mandarins and toasted bread; Christmas in Killarney, made with Irish whisky and spiced pear liqueur; chimney potatoes, smoked potato croquettes topped with goat and manchego cheeses and cured tomato aioli.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix 2 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix 602-253-6633, hotelpalomar-phoenix.

com

MORNING SQUEEZE

Morning Squeeze is offering a holiday take-away box with everything needed for a fresh, hot breakfast on Christmas morning. The Holiday Breakfast Box includes a full breakfast and juice for 10 people for $140.

The package includes one meat quiche; one vegetable quiche; potatoes; fruit; French toast casserole and orange juice. It can be preordered from December 1 to December 20. It will be ready to pick up from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 23 and December 24 at Morning Squeeze Catering, 1725 W. University Drive, Tempe. Heating instructions included. Morning Squeeze Catering 1725 W. University Drive, Tempe 480-967-6610; takehome@ morningsqueeze.com

RUSCONI’S

AMERICAN KITCHEN

In celebration of Christmas, Rusconi’s American Kitchen has unveiled its Christmas Eve dinner menu. Served at 5 p.m. Saturday, December 24, the threecourse prix-fixe menu includes these options:

First course, choice of one: lobster bisque with gulf shrimp and lobster ravioli; baby field greens and Danish bleu cheese fritters with apple-pears, spice pecans and sherry vinaigrette; Sonoma goat cheese and arugula salad with watermelon radish, crispy chickpeas, prosciutto, Nixon Square Meyer lemon dressing, pan-roasted

shrimp and linguica sausage with vanilla-scented sweet potato, crustacean jus and chive.

Main course, choice of one: pomegranate glazed breast of duck with parsnip puree, roasted brussels and baby carrots and five-spice gastrique; parmesan and herb risotto with roasted mushrooms, baby carrots, broccolini and mild pepper jus; 21-day aged wood-grilled filet of beef tenderloin with truffle-scented potato puree, charred broccolini and red wine sauce; garlic- and herb-crusted rack of lamb with herbed yellow corn polenta, garlic confit, braised fennel, cured tomatoes and tarragon jus; pan-roasted striped sea bass with cured tomato, confit garlic, Schreiner’s Fine sausage, Ramona Farms’ tepary bean ragout and citrus emulsion.

Dessert course, choice of one: blueberry and white chocolate bread pudding with strawberries, vanilla and chocolate sauces; pumpkin cheesecake with caramel and vanilla sauce with bananas Foster crème brûlée with winter berries.

Cost is $69, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 480-483-0009 or via rusconiskitchen. com.

Rusconi’s American Kitchen 10637 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix 480-483-0009, rusconiskitchen.com

STK STEAKHOUSE

STK has specials for dine-in and take-out customers. Pre-order begins Thursday, December 15. The meals are available Friday, December 23, to Sunday, December 25.

For guests dining at STK, the $79 roasted prime rib dinner includes confit fingerling potatoes, green beans, port wine shallots and black truffle madeira sauce.

Take-out customers will pay $154 for two; $74 for an additional serving or $79 for a single serving of the same items.

STK

7134 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale 480-581-5171, stksteakhouse.com

TALKING STICK RESORT

Like its sister venue, Casino Arizona, Talking Stick Resort has something for every price point.

ORANGE SKY

Celebrate Christmas with a sunset view of Scottsdale. Located on the 15th floor, Orange Sky will offer dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Festive creations include roasted butternut squash soup with Beeler’s bacon lardons; crème fraiche; bourbon maple syrup, $16. Guests can choose between main entrées, pistachio crusted Chilean sea bass with Meyer lemon sauce balsamic glazed cipollini, and Carolina gold rice, $44; or an all-natural veal chop achiote glazed with three sisters roasted vegetables, sikil pak puree, $53. For dessert, spiced apple and blackberry crumble and caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, $14.

TASH

From 4 to 9 p.m., Tash will serve a flavorful twist on the traditional Christmas meal. To start, guests can enjoy a kale and spinach pomegranate salad, topped with pomegranate molasses dressing, cinnamon honey walnuts, pomegranate seeds with bleu cheese crumbles, $11. Tash will offer two main entree choices, including seared king salmon in creamy pesto sauce and sauteed asparagus, overdried tomatoes, including seared king salmon in creamy pesto sauce with sauteed

asparagus, oven-dried tomatoes, orangebasil gremolata, $37; or porchetta with crispy skin includes pork belly filled with rosemary, thyme, garlic-herbed applesauce, roasted fingerling potatoes and cipollini onions, $44. Lastly, a panettone bread pudding with spiced orange sauce served for dessert, $9.

OCEAN TRAIL

Ocean Trail is the spot for seafood lovers. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests can start off with a strawberry salad with field greens, chopped strawberries, red onions, walnuts, bleu cheese crumbles with raspberry vinaigrette, $14, followed by seafood ravioli stuffed with shrimp and crab, topped with andouille sausage, wilted greens in a Cajun cream sauce, $32. For dessert, guests will enjoy an orange-infused cheesecake with cranberry glaze, $9.

BLUE COYOTE CANTINA

Located just below the main gaming floor, Blue Coyote Cantina will serve Christmas dinner. Starting at 4 p.m., the main entrée will include adobo marinated and seared jumbo scallops, pineapple salsa al ajillo, jalapeno, zucchini fritters and fried plantains. For dessert, individual tres leches topped with strawberry and kiwi garnish, $39.

BLUE COYOTE CAFE

Starting at 11 a.m., guests can enjoy pistachio-crusted rack of lamb with cannellini bean puree, mint sauce and roasted baby carrots. Dessert will feature a flourless chocolate espresso cake with mocha crème Anglaise, $38.

THE ARENA POKER ROOM

The Arena Poker Room will host Christmas dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Start off with an iceberg lettuce wedge topped with bleu cheese dressing, bacon crumbles, diced tomatoes and chives for an appetizer.

For the main dish, a herb roasted prime rib with au jus, mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed broccoli. For dessert, old-fashioned gingerbread cake with spiced whipped cream, $40.

Talking Stick Resort

9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale 480-850-7777

talkingstickresort.com

Talking Stick Resort

Morning Squeeze

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

John Tesh: A Jazzy Swingin’ Christmas

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Desert Diamond Sahuarita Diamond Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, tickets start at $49.50, ddcaz.com

ZZ Top

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $45, 480850-7777, talkingstickresort.com

DSB: An American Journey

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, sold out, 480850-7777, casinoarizona.com

KC & Moonshine Band

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

One of These Nights: Tribute to the Eagles

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $25, 1-800-WIN-GILA, playatgila.com

Desert Diamond Band

9 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Mike Epps

8 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, $65, 1-800-WINGILA, playatgila.com

Dynamite Draw

8 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Powerdrive

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Cheap Trick

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Desert Diamond Sahuarita Diamond Center, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, Sahuarita, tickets start at $40, ddcaz.com

Tracy Lawrence w/Randy Rogers Band

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406

Maricopa Road, Maricopa, tickets start at $65.50, caesars.com/ harrahs-ak-chin/shows/calendar

Mick Adams and the Stones

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $20, 480-850-7777, casinoarizona.com

Country Image Band

9 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

The Mavericks: Very Merry Christmas w/JD McPherson

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $30, 480-8507777, talkingstickresort.com

Voyager: A Tribute to Journey

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, $25, 1-800-WINGILA, playatgila.com

T-Pain and Rick Ross

9:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $69, 1-800-WIN-GILA, playatgila.com

Diamond Rio: Holiday & Hits

8 P.M. SUNDAY, DECEMBER

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, $40, 1-800-WINGILA, playatgila.com

Mogollon

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Pat Benatar Experience

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $15, 480-850-7777, casinoarizona.com

Yuyines de la Sierra

9 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Harry Luge

8 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Matt Farris

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Priminition

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, AND SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24

Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Arizona Blacktop

8 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

WKP Sports & Entertainment, WeKo-Pa Casino Resort, 10438 Wekopa Way, Fort McDowell, free, 480-7894957, wekopacasinoresort.com

Hit Squad 17

9 P.M. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, free, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Ring in 2023 in the Showroom

9 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $50, 480-850-7777, casinoarizona. com. Hosted by MEGA 104.3’s The Manic Hispanic. Entry includes a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, balloon drop, party favors, and a chance to win cash prizes.

David Voss and Big Country

9 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

Cliff Castle Casino, 555 W. Middle Verde Road, Camp Verde, visit website for charge, cliffcastlecasinohotel.com

Glitter & Glow New Year’s Eve

9:30 P.M. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $150, 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort.com. Performers include George Michael Reborn from 9:30 to 11 p.m.; Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience from 11:20 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets include four drinks, entertainment, party favors and celebratory toast at midnight.

GEORGE MICHAEL REBORN

Robert Bartko offers fans everything they want

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Robert Bartko has George Michael’s look and sound down pat, complete with the tight jeans, black leather jacket and sunglasses.

But there’s no gimmick here. He didn’t choose the tribute. In fact, it was the opposite; it chose him.

“From the time I was in high school, I looked like George Michael when he began to emerge on the scene,” says Bartko, who leads George Michael Reborn.

“I could grow a full beard at 17. I was a football jock and sang in the drama club. Usually, those are very polarized worlds in high school.”

But friends and family saw something special — his uncanny vocal resemblance to Michael.

“In 1988, I went to his big show at the Orange Bowl in Miami. I thought I was going to lose my life that night,” Bartko says about the reaction to his look.

He spent the 1990s producing songs for rock acts like Korn (“A.D.I.D.A.S. Level X Mix,” “Wicked” and “All in the Family,” which featured Fred Durst) and dance artist Stevie B.

In 2018, he saw a resurgence of his

dance career. When a booking agent called him to perform, he said, “‘Man, you look and sound just like George Michael. If you could put together a George Michael act, we could book it a lot more than we could book you on your own.’ Again, it chose me.”

Thus, George Michael Reborn was off and running. Bartko, who recently played a gig for Dita Von Teese’s birthday, stages a retrospective of Wham! and Michael’s careers. He says he “nails” the whole “Faith” era.

“He’s a hard act to pull off,” he says. “It’s a hard vocal, especially in America where most think of 1988 George Michael, where he was just fighting fit trim. His vocal range was absolutely amazing. That’s what people remember.”

And fans lose their minds at his shows, which includes a New Year’s Eve show at Talking Stick Resort.

“I did a show in North Carolina and these women went absolutely crazy and were just tackling me,” he says.

“I thought I was really going to get hurt there. But at times, it is quite flattering because whatever I’m doing is working.”

WHEN: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, December 31;

from 9:30 to 11 p.m.; Who’s Bad: The

from 11:20 p.m. to 1 a.m.

WHERE: Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $150 INFO: 480-850-7777, talkingstickresort.com

Glitter & Glow New Year’s Eve

George Michael Reborn

Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

ALL ABOUT CHEMISTRY

Christian Fischer: The Arizona Coyotes are a brotherhood

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Christian Fischer doesn’t mind being the answer to a trivia question.

The Arizona Coyotes forward scored the first professional hockey goal at the team’s temporary home, ASU’s Mullett Arena in Tempe, on October 28 against the Winnipeg Jets.

“I’ll forever go down in the history books and be a trivia answer,” he says with a smile at the Ice Den in Scottsdale. “That’s something cool. I guess it’s something to hold on to, right?”

The 25-year-old Yotes alternate captain is enjoying his time at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena, which, besides hockey, houses concerts and wrestling matches.

“It’s obviously small, but I think the atmosphere is something that we haven’t had in Arizona for a little bit,” Fischer says. “It’s fun to play there because you can hear the crowd.”

The Chicago native had big compliments about the quality of arena’s ice.

“That’s the big thing,” Fischer says. “You’re probably going to hear it throughout the whole year. I think it’s one of the best ice surfaces in the league. I think every team that’s come in has probably said the same thing. It’s noticeably really, really good ice.

“There are a lot of cities you play in that have great ice — Edmonton comes to mind. It’s always fast and ours feels like that. It’s a big bonus.”

This year, Fischer is donning the alternate captain “A” on his sweater, along with Clayton Keller and Lawson Crouse. The Coyotes did not name a

captain this year.

“It’s a big honor,” Fischer says. “I think being between myself, Clayton and Lawson, we’ve all been here for seven years now. I think all of us share leadership qualities.

“It’s difficult when you come into a different team, new city. It’s pretty daunting. We always take those guys in,

and we make everyone feel comfortable.

“I think if you’d talk to any guy who’s played with us or for us in the last five, six years, they’d all say we have one of the best locker rooms in the NHL, when it comes to how tight we are and how much fun we have, and how much the guys care about each other.”

Fischer says every NHL player is invested in his team, but it’s different with the Coyotes.

“It’s a noticeable change from team to team and for whatever reason, I think

we always seem to have a really good locker room, a very good brotherhood that guys always talk about when they leave. I think a lot of it comes down to our head coach Bear (André Tourigny). He’s really big on brotherhood and hockey will take care of itself.”

The age range of the Coyotes players is about 18 to 35, Fischer says. But they do their best to support each other.

“We’re all humans,” he says. “It’s an odd working environment, but when you care about each other, you ask if they’re having fun, or if someone’s having a bad day. You take them out for a coffee, or if the young guys aren’t having a good week, you go to dinner with them.”

Their kindness comes from the heart and from their time with former Arizona

“That’s exactly what he was doing,” says Fischer, who called Andreoli Italian Grocer in Scottsdale the team’s “hotspot.”

“Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who was a close friend of mine and still is, was great for us. He would always take care of the young guys. He had me and Kells (Clayton Keller) over for dinner. That means a lot when you’re 18, 19, 20 years old. There’s a lot of pressure and anxiety and stress that comes with the NHL. I think that stuff goes a long way. We’ve learned from the past guys, and we take a lot of pride in that because that means a lot more than ice production and wins and losses. I think if you’re happy and close in the locker room, you’ll have a good team.”

Coyotes captains Shane Doan and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

SPORTS CALENDAR

By Nikash Nath

Phoenix Suns vs. Houston Rockets

DECEMBER 2

The Phoenix Suns will open December at home against a promising Houston Rockets team. Exciting young players such as Jalen Green, Jabari Smith and Kevin Porter Jr. will all likely appear for the Rockets.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $20, nba.com/suns

ASU Sun Devils vs. Stanford Cardinal DECEMBER 4

The Sun Devils men’s basketball team will host its first Pac-12 opponent of the year when it plays Stanford at home at the beginning of the month. Conference play will open for the Sun Devils during this matchup as well.

Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 5 p.m., tickets start at $16, thesundevils.com

Phoenix Suns vs. Boston Celtics

DECEMBER 7

The Phoenix Suns will look to make a statement against the reigning Eastern Conference champions the Boston Celtics. The exciting duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will likely hit the court for Boston.

Footprint Center, 201 E Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 8 p.m., tickets start at $36, nba.com/suns

Arizona Coyotes vs. Boston Bruins

DECEMBER 9

Following an eight-game road trip, the Coyotes will return home against the Bruins in what should be a compelling matchup. The Bruins claimed a 6-3 victory in October, during the second game of the season. The Coyotes will also be putting on “Full Moon Friday,” which will feature the first full moon for fans to experience in Tempe. Fans will be given a black T-shirt presented by Bally Sports Arizona.

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $166, nhl.com/coyotes

Arizona Coyotes vs. Philadelphia Flyers DECEMBER 11

The Coyotes take the ice again at Mullett Arena to battle the Philadelphia Flyers for their first matchup this year. The Coyotes will also celebrate “Throwback Night,” when the first 5,000 fans get a throwback T-shirt.

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 5 p.m., tickets start at $116, nhl.com/coyotes

Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots DECEMBER 12

Following their Week 13 bye, the Arizona Cardinals will open the second half of their season against the Patriots. Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and cornerback Jack Jones are likely to appear. Jones is a former Sun Devil who has already cemented himself as a top-tier cornerback in the league.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 6:15 p.m., tickets start at $81, azcardinals.com

Arizona Coyotes vs. New York Islanders DECEMBER 16

After their brief trip to San Jose, the Coyotes will return to the Valley for a long homestand. This matchup is the first after both teams failed to qualify for the playoffs last season.

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $124, nhl.com/coyotes

the No. 8-seeded Pelicans lost in six games to the No. 1 seeded Suns. C.J. McCollum, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are all expected to suit up for the Pelicans.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, 7 p.m., tickets start at $34, nba.com/suns

ASU Sun Devils vs. University of San Diego Toreros DECEMBER 18

Arizona State men’s basketball will return home after a long road stretch to take on the University of San Diego. Marcus Bagley and D.J. Horne will both likely suit up for the Sun Devils. Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, 5 p.m., tickets start at $10, thesundevils.com

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers

DECEMBER 19

The saga between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers will continue when the Lakers visit town. Lakers stars Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook will all be hopefuls to play. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $90, nba.com/suns

Phoenix Suns vs. Memphis Grizzlies

DECEMBER 23

The Phoenix Suns continue their long homestand when they get a visit from a young and intriguing Memphis Grizzlies team. Grizzlies’ stars Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. are expected to play for Memphis. The holiday game night includes Christmas-themed music and entertainment.

Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 8 p.m., tickets start at $70, nba.com/suns

Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DECEMBER 25

Rise up, Red Sea, for Christmas!

The Arizona Cardinals will kick off Christmas evening with a primetime matchup against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 6:20 p.m., tickets start at $137, azcardinals.com

Arizona Coyotes vs. Colorado Avalanche

DECEMBER 27

The defending Stanley Cup Champions will come to town to play the ‘yotes. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar are expected to don sweaters for Colorado.

Arizona

Coyotes vs. Montreal Canadiens DECEMBER 19

The Coyotes welcome the Montreal Canadiens, who defeated them 6-2 in October. Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 8 p.m., tickets start at $124, nhl.com/coyotes

Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards DECEMBER 20

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 7 p.m., tickets start at $212, nhl.com/coyotes

Arizona Coyotes vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

DECEMBER 29

The Coyotes will play their second game in three nights when the Maple Leafs visit them. Scottsdale native Auston Matthews and Ilya Samsonov are expected to play for Toronto.

Arizona

Coyotes vs. Buffalo Sabers DECEMBER 17

The Coyotes continue their homestand when they welcome in the Buffalo Sabers. Last season was one to forget, as the Sabers came away with just 32 wins and saw four other teams from the Atlantic division make the playoffs. This matchup will be the second and final time these teams play each other this season.

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 7 p.m., tickets start at $129, nhl.com/coyotes

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans DECEMBER 17

The Phoenix Suns will continue their lengthy homestand when they host the New Orleans Pelicans. Last season, the

The Phoenix Suns will play their third game in four nights at home when they take on the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingas. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 7 p.m., tickets start at $35, nba.com/suns

Arizona Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings

DECEMBER 23

The Arizona Coyotes will host the Los Angeles Kings just two days before Christmas in what should be an entertaining matchup. Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Quick are expected to play for Los Angeles. To celebrate the holidays, the first 5,000 fans will receive a Kachina holiday ornament.

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 7:30 p.m., tickets start at $149, nhl.com/coyotes

Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, 7 p.m., tickets start at $212, nhl.com/coyotes

ASU Sun Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats

DECEMBER 31

New Year’s Eve features a rivalry matchup in the college basketball world with the Sun Devils hosting the Wildcats in their first basketball matchup of the season. Marcus Bagley and D.J. Horne are expected to play for Arizona State. As for the Wildcats, after losing three starters to the NBA Draft, Kerr Kriisa and Courtney Ramey are expected to play for the Wildcats.

Desert Financial Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, noon, tickets start at $86, thesundevils.com

MERRY AND BRIGHT

Valley glows with holiday lights this season

By Summer Aguirre

With the holiday season comes many festive, colorful lights, and the Valley isn’t lacking any shine this year.

From Waddell to Gilbert, families all over Maricopa County can enjoy millions of lights glimmering on displays of snowmen, candy canes, reindeer and Christmas trees. Be sure to put on warm scarves and gloves for these wintery adventures.

ARIZONA LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT

To kick off the holiday season, look no further than this annual drive-thru light show.

Guests can cozy up in their cars while traveling through a sparkling expanse of over 1 million vivid lights synchronized to popular holiday tunes. For a different perspective, one can meander through the lights aboard the new VIP trackless train.

“Arizona Lights in the Nights is the Valley’s premier drive-thru light show that’s perfect for families and friends looking for a fun way to celebrate the holiday season,” says Allen Thompson, Arizona Lights in the Night operations manager, in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to this memorable holiday experience.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit local children’s charities to help brighten the holidays.

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through Thursday, January 5

WHERE: Thompson Event Center, 1901 N. Alma School Road, Mesa

COST: Tickets start at $39.95 per vehicle, VIP train rides are $150 to $250 depending on the reserved night INFO: arizonalightsinthenight.com

CHRISTMAS AT THE PRINCESS

A beloved holiday tradition in Scottsdale going on its 13th year,

Christmas at the Princess is a perfect way to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with loved ones.

Several highlights of the 65-acre winterscape include 6.5 million lights, two outdoor ice skating rinks, two festive train rides, sledding mountain, entertainment plaza and bustling holiday towns with rides and shopping, complete with Santa and his friends in attendance.

There is also a new Chateau Champagne retreat ideal for date nights, and VIP firepits and igloos.

This year’s Christmas at the Princess supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation as a charity partner.

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday to Sunday through Wednesday, December 14, 4 to 11 p.m. nightly through Monday, January 2

WHERE: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale

COST: General admission is $20 without a car, $80 with self-parking and $120 for valet, free for hotel guests INFO: christmasattheprincess.com

DESERT FARM LIGHTS

Get lost in West Valley’s first winter

dreamland.

With a cup of hot cocoa in hand, guests can enjoy a million holiday lights illuminating the interactive Desert Lights Walking Trail and a half-acre candy cane maze. There are also plenty of festive bounce houses, a giant gingerbread slide and super-sized games, with an assortment of food trucks featured nightly for a bite to eat.

It wouldn’t be the holidays without Santa, who will be present for photos every Thursday through Sunday evening.

WHEN: 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly through Sunday, January 1

WHERE: Justice Brothers Ranch, 14629 W. Peoria Avenue, Waddell

COST: Early bird pricing starts at $17 for adults, $13 for children ages 2 to 12 INFO: desertfarmlights.com

ENCHANT AT SALT RIVER FIELDS

For its launch in Scottsdale, “Enchant” is inviting families to embark on a journey to a 10-acre winter paradise.

“Our designers have been working hard all year to create a fantastic story and creating some of the most fun lighted elements to highlight our debut

at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick stadium where we can’t wait to introduce ‘Enchant’ with more new friends and families,” says “Enchant” Christmas founder and CEO Kevin Johnston in a statement.

Sponsored by the Hallmark Channel, the enchanting village will feature a walkable light maze, ice skating trail, Santa visits, live entertainment, dining, a festive shopping marketplace and more. As the topper to the holiday experience, a 100-foot Christmas tree will stand tall at the center of the grounds.

WHEN: Starting at 6 p.m. nightly through Sunday, January 1

WHERE: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale COST: Tickets start at $34 for adults and are $20 for children, ice skating is $18 for all ages

INFO: enchantchristmas.com

HOLIDAY NIGHTS IN LIGHTS

Families can visit The Wigwam for a holiday experience featuring a magical lighted trail through the resort, with princesses dressed in their winter gowns singing carols.

After a stroll on the holiday path, one can enjoy various local entertainment, train rides and s’mores and hot chocolate on the lawn.

The festivities support Goodyear Fire Department charities as they spread the holiday cheer to local families. Those who donate unwrapped toys receive a free hot chocolate and cookie at Wigwam Bar.

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays through December 23

WHERE: The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park COST: Free admission

INFO: wigwamarizona.com

LIGHTS AT THE FARM

To get into the holiday spirit, Vertuccio Farms will sparkle with 10 acres of more than 3 million lights synchronized to festive music that all

ages will enjoy.

The fifth annual walk-thru light show will also feature ice skating, miniature golf, pony rides, a petting zoo, a pallet maze and lots of games. A 30-foot-tall cornstalk Christmas tree will provide an eye-catching photo op for families and friends alike.

To complete the holiday experience, winter treats such as hot cocoa, fudge, cookies, pancakes and popcorn will be available at vendors. There will also be a rotation of food trucks offering a variety of meal options.

WHEN: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Friday, December 30

WHERE: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa COST: $15 entry Sunday through Thursday, $18 entry Friday and Saturday, children ages 2 and under are free, ice skating is $8 per 30-minute session

INFO: lightsatthefarm. com

MCCORMICKSTILLMAN RAILROAD PARK HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Hop aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad for a fun way to experience the bright holiday lights and displays around the McCormickStillman Railroad Park.

After their ride, families can take a spin on the park’s historic Charros Carousel and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from the general store. To top off the holiday experience, they can also meet Santa and his elves up until December

23 before they have to prepare for Christmas.

WHEN: 6 to 9:30 p.m. nightly through Friday, December 30 WHERE: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale COST: $15 per person INFO: therailroadpark.com

RIPARIAN AFTER DARK

After the sun goes down, the Riparian Preserve shines bright with holiday lights. This light show gives those who appreciate nature the opportunity to experience the preserve at nighttime with a holiday twist.

Taking a stroll around the grounds, one can encounter thousands of illuminating lights and displays of reindeer, Christmas trees and more at every turn.

Food and drink vendors from across the community will be on-site to serve guests holiday treats.

WHEN: 5:30 to 9 p.m. nightly Friday, December 9 to Tuesday, December 20 WHERE: Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert COST: $5 per person INFO: gilbertaz.gov

WORLD OF ILLUMINATION

The world’s largest drive-thru animated light show is popping up at three locations in the valley for the 2022 holiday season, bringing more magic to local families.

“World of Illumination is thrilled to be adding a third location to the Valley of the Sun,” says CEO Yakir Urman in a statement. “As we expand into yet another venue, we also push

the boundaries of what is technically and creatively possible to give our guests the most epic holiday experience imaginable.”

At each destination, spectators will find a different mesmerizing road trip: the new vibrant jungle expedition in Glendale, a sweet candy wonderland in Tempe and a musical-themed escapade in North Phoenix.

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. nightly through Sunday, January 1

WHERE: Candy Rush at Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe; Enchanted Safari at Desert Diamond Casino, Glendale; Rockin’ Christmas at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, North Phoenix COST: Tickets begin at $39.99 per car INFO: worldofillumination.com

ZOOLIGHTS

A twinkling adventure awaits at the Phoenix Zoo for one of the Valley’s favorite annual holiday light expeditions. Animal lanterns will be illuminated by millions of lights decorating a walkthrough expanse of the zoo grounds.

One can also encounter the prehistoric ages at the Dinosaurs in the Desert landscape, as well as nightly entertainment and visits from Santa.

New to this year’s attractions is the lake light show, which will take guests on a trip around the world — there may even be snow falling nearby at Monkey Village.

WHEN: 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. nightly through Sunday, January 15

WHERE: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix COST: $35 general admission and $30 for members online, children ages 2 and under are free INFO: phoenixzoo.org

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

By Connor Dziawura

DECEMBER 1

DJ Glen b2b Luke Andy

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $15-$20

Me First & the Gimme Gimmes Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $23-$53

Mojo Rising

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., tickets available at the door

Pijama Piyama

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Russell Dickerson

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

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

DECEMBER 2

AJJ

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $23-$25

Ben Hedquist presents Sleigher The Nash, 7 p.m., free

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $51-$86

Black Carl

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

Dusty Rug

The Underground, 7 p.m., $10

George Bowman Birthday Show! w/Geo Bowman, Lucius Parr, Bam Bam and Christina Chiles

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

Kirk Whalum

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$49.50

Kream Sunbar, 9 p.m., $20-$1,000

Phantom Planet Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $20-$25

Social Distortion

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., sold out

ZZ Top

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $35-$275

DECEMBER 3

Alice Cooper’s 20th Annual Christmas Pudding

Celebrity Theatre, 7 p.m., sold out

Blessed and Stuck Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $15-$18

Bluesman Mike Anderson and

the Blues Review Band

Mesa Jazz and Blues Theater, 7 p.m., $27.50

Carmela y Más

Musical Instrument Museum, 8 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Caro Pierotto: Bossa Christmas

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $5-$20

Celtic Woman

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $45-$150

Gem & Tauri

Darkstar, 9 p.m., $19

Illinois Jacquet Centennial Celebration: Bill Easley and The Lewis Nash Trio

The Nash, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., $20.80-$65

Lee Fields & the Expressions

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $28-$32

Modest Mouse

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., sold out No Consent

The Underground, 6 p.m., $10 Social Distortion Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $39.50 Yung Gravy and bbno$ Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $29.50-$49.50

ZONA Music Festival w/Beach House, Bleachers, and Tegan and Sara Margaret T. Hance Park, noon, $89-$349

DECEMBER 4

Anti-Flag

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $22-$25

Gypsy Soul

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

Katatonia

The Nile, 6:30 p.m., $30 MusicaNova Orchestra: The Schumann Legacy Musical Instrument Museum, 2 p.m., $33.50-$38.50

The Power Trio w/Bill Easley

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

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Footprint Center, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$99.50

Turning Point

The Nash, 3 p.m., $14.80-$45

MUSIC

Under the Mistletoe w/Nelly, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Lil Jon and More Desert Diamond Arena, 7 p.m., $124-$274

ZONA Music Festival w/Portugal. The Man and Japanese Breakfast Margaret T. Hance Park, noon, $89-$349

DECEMBER 5

Julieta Venegas

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $60-$80

The Meteors

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

Ramirez w/Germ and Haarper The Nile, 8 p.m., sold out

DECEMBER 6

Mark O’Connor

La Casa de Cristo, 7:30 p.m., $39-$74

Siames

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $30-$35

The Wallflowers

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $67.50-$97.50

Wicca Phase Springs Eternal Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $19-$22

DECEMBER 7

Hembree and Little Hurt

The Rebel Lounge, 6:30 p.m., $15-$18 Metz Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $25

South Mountain Community College Latin Jazz Band

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

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

Victim of Fire Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

DECEMBER 8

Benson Boone

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., sold out

Dave Clark

Local Jonny’s Tavern & Café, 6 p.m., free

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin

The Nash, 4 p.m., free Freddy Jay

Tempe Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $10-$15 Friday Pilots Club

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

Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” featuring Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley and Lindsey Webster

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$49.50

SCC Jazz Combos

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

Se Vende

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/lovelytheband Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $27-$57

DECEMBER 9

Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra featuring Dianne Reeves with Samara Joy Musical Instrument Museum, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., $69.50-$100.50

The Black Moods w/Royal Bliss

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

Erik, Sam & Ellis

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Geoff Tate w/Mark Daly

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$65

Kaivon

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $15-$20

Ray Volpe

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $18-$1,500

Rhythm & Blues Holiday Party w/The Soul Power Band

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

The Sheepdogs Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $20-$22

Sosa Darkstar, 9 p.m., $12.94-$17.25

DECEMBER 10

The Eighth Annual Holiday Extravaganza w/Wheelwright, Danielle Durack, Proper Pet and Joey Gutos

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

Cave In

The Underground, 7 p.m., $22

Fred Boswell Jr.

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Jackie Lopez and Nuance Jazz Trio Mesa Jazz and Blues Theater, 7 p.m., $24.50-$39.50

Jessica Audiffred

Sunbar, 9 p.m., $17.50-$1,500

Johnny Rawls

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

Kandace Springs

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., sold out

L.A. Guns

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $25-$35

Modern Color and Gleemer

Valley Bar, 6:30 p.m., $18-$20

Sunny Day Real Estate

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $36.50

Westend Darkstar, 9 p.m., $15.75-$21

Yuridia Arizona Financial Theatre, 8 p.m., $69-$149

DECEMBER 11

Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty)

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$36

Clark Gibson

The Nash, 6 p.m., $5-$10 or free for instrumentalists and vocalists who sit in The Long Fingers w/John Jorgenson

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

Marmalade Skies, A Musical Tribute to the Beatles

The Rhythm Room, 4 p.m., $20

The Phoenix Boys Choir: Home for the Holidays

Musical Instrument Museum, 1 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Tunic

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

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/The Struts

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27-$47

DECEMBER 12

Charley Crockett

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30

Harry Connick Jr.

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $50-$200

The Lucky Devils

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

The Underground, 6 p.m., $17

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/The Interrupters

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $31-$51

Wild Pink w/Trace Mountains

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

DECEMBER 13

Cactus Flowers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Capstan and In Her Own Words

The Underground, 6 p.m., $18

Exhumed

The Underground, 7 p.m., $18

Harry Connick Jr.

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $50-$200

Liam Kazar

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

Rod Wave

Desert Diamond Arena, 8 p.m., $30-$391

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/Silversun Pickups

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $34-$54

DECEMBER 14

Allman Family Revival

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $55-$121

Dave Koz & Friends

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., sold out

Dead Horses

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

Gary Hoey

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $23

The Nash Education Programs

Winter Concert

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

Soccer Mommy

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25

Squirrel Nut Zippers

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., $33.50-$49.50

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/Story of the Year

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $31-$61

DECEMBER 15

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin

The Nash, 4 p.m., free

Ethan Iverson Trio

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $14.80-$45

Gentri Christmas

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $42.50-$103

High Holidays w/Curren$y, The Far Side, Buddy, Phony Ppl and Mavi Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $49.50-$164.50

Senses Fail

The Nile, 6:30 p.m., $24

Stacked Like Pancakes

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

Tracers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

A Winter’s Eve Concert w/ David Arkenstone and Friends Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$49.50

DECEMBER 16

BossaNova 77

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Dominic Fike

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $70-$80

The Doo Wop Project

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $32-$52

Fear

The Nile, 7 p.m., $35-$40

Gladys Knight Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $45-$125

Madball

The Nile, 7:30 p.m., $23

Palm

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $16-$18

Peekaboo Sunbar, 9 p.m., $25-$1,500

Ranger Trucco Darkstar, 9 p.m., $13.50-$18

The Rare Occasions Valley Bar, 6:30 p.m., $18-$20

The Sugar Thieves

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

Trash Can Romeos

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Xtra Ticket

(Grateful Dead cover band)

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$28

ZeeCeeKeely, Herb N’ Life, Chad Rubin, Johnny and Clyde, and Chris Bowen Vibes

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

DECEMBER 17

Chase Petra

The Underground, 6:30 p.m., $15

The Crotty & O’Neill Sextet The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Grupo Firme

Desert Diamond Arena, 8 p.m., $523.25-$1,178.75

Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $39-$59

The Miracles Holiday Concert Musical Instrument Museum, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $64.50-$74.50

The Sandra Bassett Motown Christmas Special Mesa Jazz and Blues Theater, 7 p.m., $24.50-$39.50

Sub-Radio Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $15-$18 Tell All Your Friends Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Ugly Sweater Holiday Party w/Rome & Duddy Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $26-$67 Vampa and YDG Darkstar, 9 p.m., $20

DECEMBER 18

Arin Ray

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$120 Brubeck Brothers Quartet Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 6 p.m., $30-$58 Francine Reed

The Nash, 3 p.m., $14.80-$45 Holiday Harvest… a hearty helping of homegrown blues w/ Poppy Harpman & the Storm, Eric Ramsey, and Segal & Epoch

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

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $13-$15 Stan Sorenson

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

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7 p.m., $30-$202.25

DECEMBER 19

The Klezmatics: A Happy Joyous Hanukkah Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $44.50-$49.50

DECEMBER 20

Jinjer

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $37-$129

DECEMBER 21

NO SHOWS SCHEDULED DECEMBER 22

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin

The Nash, 4 p.m., free Lindsey Stirling Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $65-$125

DECEMBER 23

David Archuleta Chandler Center for the Arts’ Mainstage, 7:30 p.m., $39.90-$79.90

Misanthropic

The Underground, 7 p.m., $10

DECEMBER 24

Christmas Eve Blues Spectacular w/Bill Tarsha & the Rocket 88’s and Billy Watson The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $15

DECEMBER 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS! DECEMBER 26

NO SHOWS SCHEDULED DECEMBER 27

Straight No Chaser

Mesa Arts Center’s Ikeda Theater, 7:30 p.m., $25-$69.50

DECEMBER 28

NO SHOWS SCHEDULED DECEMBER 29

Bijou and Marten Hørger Sunbar, 9 p.m., $24-$1,500

Delphine Cortez and Joel Robin The Nash, 4 p.m., free Hi I’m Ghost Darkstar, 9 p.m., $19

Jim Brickman: A Very Merry Christmas w/Tracy Silverman and John Trones

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50

DECEMBER 30

Chaz Martineau

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10.80-$35

Decadence Arizona

Phoenix Raceway, 6 p.m., $199-$1,049

Exploding Oranges

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Jim Brickman: A Very Merry Christmas w/Tracy Silverman and John Trones

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50

Jimi Primetime Smith and Bob Corritore Blues Band

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

Spafford

Marquee Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $35-$70

XIXA

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$30

DECEMBER 31

Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., tickets available at the door

Decadence Arizona

Phoenix Raceway, 6 p.m., $199-$1,049

Jim Brickman: A Very Merry Christmas w/Tracy Silverman and John Trones

Musical Instrument Museum, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., $49.50-$69.50

New Year’s Eve w/Goldwax Revival, the Sugar Thieves and Japhy’s Descent

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

Spafford

Marquee Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $35-$70 We3 and Sheila Earley

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $22.80-$65

HO HO HOEY

Guitarist brings his holiday jaunt to Rhythm Room

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Hard rock and blues guitarist Gary Hoey remembers when he was young in Lowell, Massachusetts, he really wanted a Sting-Ray bicycle — especially after his mom let him try one in a store.

Just before that Christmas, the 10-year-old saw it hiding at his cousin’s house. He kept the exciting secret and acted none the wiser when he received it.

Christmas has always been special to him and this season he’s heading out on his annual jaunt, “Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour.” He’ll play The Rhythm Room on Wednesday, December 14, and the show will feature holiday tracks, “Hocus Pocus” and hits.

“I’m just happy to be back out there playing and doing the holiday tour, which is always just a fun time,” Hoey says. “People are excited and in a great mood. They come back with the same powerful energy.”

Hoey has been “desperately” working on a new album for the last year and a half.

“It’s a fun rock album,” he says. “It’s a

little more rock and blues this time. I’ve also been taking care of my 84-year-old mother who lives 2 miles away, which has been a joy.

“We’ve been doing ‘Coffee Time with Mom’ on my Facebook page. It’s a diversion from all the stress of everything.”

To promote the show, he’s been selling T-shirts and coffee mugs with “Coffee Time with Mom” on them.

“It makes her really happy,” Hoey says. “It got her through some hard times. That’s been a big part of my life.”

Besides his own album, he’s producing a record he co-wrote with Lita Ford.

“I feel like, for me, it’s about doing what you feel in your heart,” Hoey says. “I’m doing a holiday tour and surf music. I’ve always tried to do different things and stay fresh.”

Gary Hoey

WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 14

WHERE: The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $23

INFO: 602-612-4981, rhythmroom.com

‘A DREAM COME TRUE’

Mark Daly’s career has been one for the books

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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pub in Ireland when a woman asked him if he was playing original songs. He said yes and she suggested singing more of them.

The woman was Susan Tate, the wife of Queensryche lead singer Geoff Tate and that led to his breakthrough.

“People don’t usually ask for original music in a pub,” he says. “I told her, ‘No problem!’ So, we played some original tunes.”

The two chatted after the set and, by the end of the conversation, Daly was touring with Queensryche, “which is crazy,” he says.

“That was back in 2011,” Daly adds. “That’s what kickstarted my career. Our first show was the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. It was a sold-out crowd. I couldn’t believe we went from a pub with 10 people in it to that. It was like night and day.”

Since then, he has toured with the likes of Candlebox and Tate’s supergroup, Operation: Mindcrime. At 8 p.m. Friday, December 9, and Sunday, December 11, he’ll open for Tate at his “Geoff Tate’s 2022 Big Rock Show” at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix and the Rialto Theatre in Tucson, respectively.

Daly is touring to support his foursong EP, “Nothing to Lose.” He’ll showcase those songs as well as those from “Peace in the Panic,” an album set for release early next year.

The EP and album were produced by Avantasia guitarist Sascha Paeth. Daly’s friend, Clodagh Kearney, provided backing vocals on “Nothing to Lose”

Geoff Tate w/Mark Daly

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, December 9

WHERE: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $15

INFO: 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com

and “Bottled Up.”

“I recorded the whole EP in Germany,” he says. “We released it first — before the album — because we decided it would be crazy to go to the U.S. with nothing new to show. So, we rushed through the four-track EP. Two of the singles, ‘Gotta Run’ and ‘Crying Shame,’ have already been released.

“So, when it comes out, half of the EP has already been heard and the other half hasn’t.”

Daly describes his sound as raw and energetic, influenced by classic and modern rock bands. He enjoys moving on stage to really connect with the audience, with whom he meets at the merchandise table after gigs.

Paeth clearly understood Daly’s direction with his music, which was a hard rock slant. His previous album was more laidback.

“I really wanted to get into the hard rock stuff,” he says. “That’s where my passion is. That’s my style of choice. He played guitar and bass on the record with me as well. It turned out to be everything I wanted it to be. Working with Sascha was a dream come true, to be honest.”

Geoff Tate w/Mark Daly

WHEN: 8 p.m. Sunday, December 11

WHERE: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $30

INFO: 520-740-1000, rialtotheatre.com

Mark Daly was playing at a

HERE COMES THE BOOM

P.O.D. gives audiences myriad emotions at shows

By Alex Gallagher

Veteran San Diego-based nu-metal pioneers P.O.D. are bringing the boom on their tour with Jinjer by breaking out some of the heavier jams, according to vocalist Sonny Sandoval.

“We can play with the heaviest bands tonight and then tomorrow we can play with a reggae band or a Dave Matthews Band cover band since we don’t just have heavy songs and we love all kinds of music,” Sandoval says. “Since we’re out with Jinjer, We thought ‘maybe we should do our heaviest set?’”

Though most of the band’s setlist so far on the jaunt has been culled from the riff-heavy tunes on its breakthrough album, 2001’s “Satellite,” P.O.D. does plan to mix in soulful tunes to appease its faithful fanbase.

“We get that not everybody just wants a heavy set and they like the flavor that we put into the soulful stuff that we do,

so we try to mix it up,” Sandoval says.

Among those selections is the anti-gun violence anthem “Youth of the Nation” — a tune that Sandoval admits remains too relevant.

“We don’t want it to be relevant 21 years later,” he says.

“We were hoping that things would have changed and over the past 21 years, but it still resonates with people. When we hear the stories every night about ‘I remember this, and I remember that,’ it’s still heartbreaking.”

Though the tune prompts heartbreaking memories and stories for the band and its fans, Sandoval says he believes it reminds of the violence still happening around the nation.

“We play it as more of a reminder that this is still going on,” he says. “We still have gun issues to deal with, we still have violence and we still have mental illnesses and that’s why we started this thing in music.

“We wanted to make people think and to make people feel things. So, that

song always gets a crazy reaction. This tour has been more of a vibe where we’ve just started playing it and then the music alone causes a reaction that I can see in people’s eyes.”

Though “Youth of the Nation” is often a somber moment in an otherwise energetic setlist, Sandoval says the jaunt will include “Boom,” which is usually the band’s opening track.

“We have so many other fun songs that people know ‘Boom’ which has been in movies, video games and was even played during the World Series,” Sandoval says emphatically. “I guess it just comes from being around so long. Your music gets heard one way or another.”

Though the setlist generally begins with “Boom” and reaches an energetic nadir with “Youth of the Nation” in the middle, the rest of the show has dynamic tunes like the new song “Drop.” It will appear on a new album set for release early next year by P.O.D., which stands for payable on death.

“It’s heavy and it’s been getting a great

response,” Sandoval says. “It’s always cool to play the new stuff and if it was up to us, we’d be playing a few of those songs. But we only get 50 minutes (on stage).”

Still, the show changes nightly, but the closing number is the same.

“About 99.9% of the time, we are going to end the set with ‘Alive’ because it just leaves people feeling they went through a journey, we had fun together through the ups and downs, and now we’re going to end it off with just gratefulness and excitement with each other,” he says.

Jinjer and P.O.D. w/ Malevolence and Space of Variations

WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 20

WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $37 INFO: payableondeath.com and thevanburenphx.com

SOCCER MOMMY

Sophie Allison is living her musical dream

By Luke Hertel

Sophie Allison, better known as Soccer Mommy, says being a rock star was nothing more than a dream until a couple of years ago.

While Allison has been playing and writing music since age 5, she decided it was better to get a degree and pursue a real job.

“When I was in high school, it definitely became something like, ‘Yeah, obviously, that’s a dream,’” Allison says. “I’m never going to stop playing music, but that’s not a realistic life path, you know. How would I do that?”

Luckily, it all worked out.

However, in her earlier days, she didn’t receive a lot of advice and she didn’t agree with branding.

“I think when you’re first starting to make music, to record it, the best thing you can do is not try to act like you’re having this album drop and you’ve got to hype it up—but just to throw music out constantly,” she says.

“Keep just putting out as much stuff as you can and seeing what people like and seeing who gets drawn to what you’re doing.”

Soccer Mommy will see when she plays The Van Buren on Wednesday, December 14, to showcase her new album “Sometimes, Forever.”

This show marks Soccer Mommy’s second time at The Van Buren. It’s her first headlining gig. Previously, in 2019, she opened for Kacey Musgraves.

“Sometimes, Forever” is a more personal album with a core idea that no emotion, good or bad, is permanent, which can be both freeing and terrifying.

Key songs exemplify this idea like “Darkness Forever” and “Still,” which are much darker and ominous, and walk the audience through Allison’s psyche and battle with depression and anxiety.

While these songs are certainly laden with grief, they also provide Allison relief as a therapeutic way to get her feelings in order.

“I think that writing is a helpful way to just kind of get to the bottom of what you’re thinking,” Allison says. “When you’ve got so much swirling around in your head, it’s a good way to feel some sense of closure. I guess it’s some sense of like decisiveness on how to pinpoint what you’re feeling and how to describe it.”

While “Sometimes, Forever” has eerie and intimate moments, Allison says these are few and far between when it comes to live shows.

“I like to think the show is fun all the way through, while also (having) moments where it’s more intimate and stuff, but a lot of it is pretty upbeat and fun,” Allison says. “Honestly, we’re going to be playing most of the new album. Pretty much all of it. And then probably like four songs off of ‘Color Theory’ and ‘Clean.’”

Allison is an indie rockstar. Through three studio albums, 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and seven years as Soccer Mommy, she has hopefully made her 5-year-old self proud.

She owes all of that to her environment. The visuals that surround her every day, growing up or currently living in Nashville or trying to make it as a rockstar in New York, are what she says makes Soccer Mommy, Soccer Mommy.

“I think that, for me, nature and visually the things around me inspire…,” Allison says. “I connect feelings and experiences and emotions with the visuals that surround me with the things that remind me of this place that also is connected to this time in my life.

“So, for me, that kind of stuff is always very connected. I mean, I can even hear differences in the stuff that I wrote when I was in New York. I think that nature, like you can get so much out of it for writing. I think that whatever city I’m in, whatever landscape I’m seeing, whether it’s winter or summer, all this kind of stuff can definitely inspire a lot of different things for me.”

Soccer Mommy w/TOPS

WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 14

WHERE: The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $25 INFO: thevanburenphx.com

HIDDEN GEM

TwentyThree01 boasts creative drinks, fun times

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

When Chuck and Angela Fazio moved from a traditional real estate agency to a cloud-based international company, they were left with a beautiful building in Chandler.

So, the couple did what anyone would do. They opened a nightclub.

TwentyThree01 Bar & Nightclub is a hidden gem in Chandler. The Instagramworthy club marks a full-circle moment for Chuck, who worked with nightclubs in New York.

“The atmosphere is really great,” he says. “We have two patios, the bar, the dance floor. The front part is a lounge, and we also have an event center for comedy and fights.

“We want this to be a hub where people in the Valley know they can get entertainment — whatever it is.”

The music varies from Top 40 and EDM to Latin and country at TwentyThree01 Bar & Nightclub.

Ladies Night is every Friday in December, while Saturdays see the kitchen open until midnight and hookah available all night. Comedy nights and

concerts are also set for TwentyThree01 Bar & Nightclub.

On Ladies Night, women can enjoy drinks for $5 until midnight, while everyone can take advantage of happy hour starting at 4 p.m.

The menu is elevated bar food, with Korean fried chicken, popcorn shrimp, tuna tataki, chicken pot stickers, tomato and cucumber salad, pork and vegetable rolls, barbecue pork sliders and chicken yakatori. TwentyThree01 Bar & Nightclub also boasts spicy French fries, spicy tuna roll, California roll, Philly roll, bang bang shrimp roll and crunchy hidden spicy tuna roll.

The drinks are creative and range from a pecan old fashioned to banana espresso martini to tequila colada.

The Fazios say TwentyThree01 Bar & Nightclub wasn’t necessarily a dream; it was born out of necessity. Chuck moved here in 1998 and met Angela through real estate. He says they were both broke and almost exited the real estate business.

“By the grace of God, we went on to be one of the top agents in the country and the top teams in 2005,” he says.

“The next logical step was opening a loan brokerage. We slowly built and built and built. I had a vision of what if I

built the coolest real estate office. So, we started to look for spaces. I had a vision in my head.”

For the real estate office, Chuck obtained a class six liquor license and LG, a commercial custom builder, put its touch on the building. The bar, café and kitchen were all part of the real estate office. A game room was also featured.

“We built it to be the No. 1 singleoffice real estate brokerage in the world,” he says proudly.

“Out of this one location, we had

906 agents, and we did about $2 billion in production and sales. We are really well known in the industry, so we were approached by a cloud-based, forwardthinking company that’s international.”

EXp wanted Chuck and Angela to work there, but neither wanted to give up the office. They prayed, looked at the options and closed the brokerage.

“The industry laughed at us because they thought we lost our minds,” he says.

“It took me 16 years to go to 906 agents, and it took us three years to go to 1,000 agents worldwide. So, I have agents in India, Italy, Portugal, Canada, Mexico and, obviously, the United States.”

The couple have been dabbling in coworking, but the focus is on the TwentyThree01 Bar & Nightclub.

“The reason why we built up such a big brokerage is we believe in the community,” he says.

“We were into entertainment and that’s the reason why everybody loved us. We like to give back, so why not do something like this?”

DECADENT SET

Subtronics gives 1000% during live shows

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Jesse Kardon, better known as Subtronics, is admittedly a workhorse who will do anything to get his audience involved.

Expect that when he plays Decadence 2022 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale.

“Normally, the way my set works is I’m trying to do the absolute craziest thing I can do for every single set,” Kardon says.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do until we’re almost there. I do my absolute best and I try my absolute hardest to have as much new stuff as possible; the craziest new routines and edits as possible. For me, it’s important to give it 1000% effort and go absolutely full force, which is my usual modus operandi. Hopefully it totally shreds and I rip these kids’ faces off for sure.”

Kardon has a “big announcement” coming soon, but for now he’s touring in support of his debut album “Fractals,” which landed at No. 4 on Billboard Dance Charts.

Streamed more than 50 million times, “Fractals” features collaborations with artists such as Zeds Dead, GRiZ, Boogie T and Sullivan King.

Music is in his blood. His father was a rock music tour manager in the 1970s and 1980s. When Kardon was 5 his dad asked him which instrument he was going to learn.

“My ADHD ass said I want to hit stuff,” he says with a laugh.

“I played drums my entire adolescence. I got bored of it and wanted to make full songs.”

While in high school, he discovered electronic music and became enamored with the scene. Fusing his unique blend of cutting-edge sound design with hardhitting bass, Subtronics seeks to push the envelope with sound engineering. On the live front, he has built a rabid following with his high-energy sets and advanced mixing skills.

“When I was a teenager, I was obsessed. I was making entire songs electronically. I’m obsessed with making sounds that have never been heard before, never been discovered, completely new audio that’s never graced human ears.

“It’s like a painter trying to invent a new color. That pursuit of that became a total obsession. The better you get at producing music entirely from scratch, the more fun it gets.”

He says he was 19 when it really

kicked in. He’ll be 30 on December 23. Three to four years ago he started being satisfied with the art he was making.

IMPORTANCE OF ARIZONA

Arizona has been a strong market for Kardon. He opened for Zeds Dead at Rawhide and had an “absolutely crazy crowd response.”

He was supposed to headline Rawhide after that, but due to “political stuff going on,” the show was moved to what was then Gila River Arena. He admits he was a bit nervous.

He hoped for as many people as he would have at Rawhide. Instead, 10,000 to 11,000 fans showed up.

“It was the biggest headline show I’ve ever done, literally in my entire career” he says. “That’s when I realized Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix and the whole desert area is incredibly strong for bass music. They’re so intensely passionate.

“Everyone is super involved on the internet. It’s a luxury, an honor and a privilege to play for fans who are that dedicated and that knowledgeable. They’re cognizant of the effort I’m making. In the desert, they go really hard and get their aggression out. They love to mosh there. It’s such a fun activity. You see what a crazy, wild culture it is. It really reels you in. It’s a lifestyle.”

BRANCHING OUT

When his sell-out Cyclops Invasion Tour was cut short due to the global pandemic in 2020, Kardon seized the opportunity to continue reaching new audiences. He became an official partner on Twitch, produced 3D XR/VR livestream sets, dropped a Splice Sample Pack, pioneered socially distanced drive-in and pod events with Monster Energy as a sponsor, and launched the label Cyclops Recordings in December 2020. Subtronics’ label is home to his last four EPs, as well as multiple releases featuring the next generation of bass music producers.

“Fractals” yielded a 50-plus-date sold-out national headline tour, which featured state-of-the-art production and ground-breaking visuals.

The tour traveled with a custom-built stage, featuring a floating DJ table within a reflective black hole, dubbed “The Wormhole.”

Now for 2023, he’ll release “Antifractals,” his follow-up album featuring VIP versions from himself, as well as remixes from the likes of Virtual

Riot, Peekaboo, Wooli, A Hundred Drums and more of the songs from “Fractals.”

He’ll hit the road in 2023, as a 35date run co-produced by Live Nation and Insomniac’s Bassrush, kicking off January 13 at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center in Las Vegas.

“The most validating, most powerful serotonin rush isn’t getting a big response from people—as untouchable as a feeling that is,” he says.

“The No. 1 absolute best feeling is when I’m by myself, I have three days straight of writer’s block and I crack open an idea. I run around the house saying, ‘How did I do that?’ I personally feel validated.

“It becomes an addiction. If I’m not writing, I’m anxiously procrastinating. It’s painful, stressful and intimidating. As soon as I have a good idea, I’m over the moon and there are two days of total euphoria. As soon as I’m done, I’m like, ‘What now? What do I do?’ and the cycle repeats itself.”