The Entertainer! - Feb. 2017 by Times Media Group

PHX METRO » FEBRUARY 2017

CRAFT

MATTERS! KNIGHT LIFE CHIVALRY AIN’T DEAD

Craft beer movement roars forward

BILLY CRYSTAL

A LWAY S O N Arsenio Hall

Friday, February 17 In The Showroom

Australian Bee Gees George Thorogood Friday, March 3 & The Destroyers In The Showroom

Saturday, March 4 In The Ballroom

Jerry Riopelle Friday, March 10 In The Showroom

Elvis Lives

Saturday & Sunday March 11 & 12 In The Showroom

P L A Y

I N

Air Supply

Saturday, March 18 In The Ballroom

S T Y L E

For tickets call the box office at 480.850.7734 or visit ticketmaster.com 1 01 & TA L K I N G S T I C K W A Y

SCOTTSDALE

TA L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T. C O M

Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

CONTENTS

14 GLORIOUS BEER! ON THE COVER

Arizona Beer Week celebrates all things frothy. Our coverage begins here.

NEVER SAY GOODBYE

Bon Jovi isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ready to hang it up just yet.

MUSIC EVOLUTION

Branford Marsalis and Kurt Elling come together for an anticipated tour.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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

publisher

Steve T. Strickbine steve@entertainermag.com

editor in chief

Robbie Peterson

rpeterson@timespublications.com

associate editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski christina@timespublications.com

HOT DOG!

All-American classic takes on a new meaning at Sir Veza’s Taco Garage.

art director

Erin Loukili erin@entertainermag.com

designer

CONTENTS THE METROPOLITAN

Jaclyn Threadgill

circulation director

Aaron Kolodny aaron@entertainermag.com

Top 25 • Phoenix Insider • Craft Beer Movement • Arizona Cocktail Week • Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

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

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE 25 Extraordinary Rides • Phoenix Scottish Games • Bon Jovi • Adam Ant • Arizona Renaissance Festival

THE TOURIST

ONE COPY PER READER

Tour Du Jour • Bluegrass on the Beach • Golf Section

THE ARTIST

SENDING HEARTS RACING

“In My Life” • Arts Calendar • Blues Blast • Branford Marsalis • Billy Crystal

THE CRITIC

Coming Attractions • Ask Our Experts! • The Report Card • Sedona International Film Festival

THE DINER

NHRA finds it’s loved in the Valley THE GLADIATOR

THE NIGHTOWL

113

Best Food Events in February • Diner Insider • Street Eats Festival • Sir Veza’s Taco Garage • Eat Your Art Out

February’s Best Sports Events • NHRA • Tackle Trauma

Crush Arizona • The Best Nightlife Events for February • Wax Tailor

THE CRAFTMASTER

THE YOUNGSTER

THE THINKER

The Funnel Cake • The Best Family Events in February • Odd Squad! • Lost Dutchman Days

Great Beer Pairings • Arizona Beer Week Schedule • Beertenders • Beer Gear • Dave Mustaine • Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers • Alaska Brewing Co.

THE HIGHROLLER Casino Entertainment Calendar • Best Casino Events in February • Alec Davis

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THE SHOWMAN

103

Mustard Plug • Live Music Calendar • D.R.A.M. • AFI • JoJo • Lynyrd Skynyrd

116

You’re Not Gonna Believe This

ON THE WEB

For more coverage of Arizona’s entertainment scene, see entertainermag.com for stories about the anniversary of “Wayne’s World,” Ryan Shupe, Girl Scout Cookie Challenge, Dashboard Confessional, Young the Giant, Tony Orlando and Craig Robinson.

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2017 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe. For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the month prior to publication. Submissions are included based on available space and are used at the discretion of the editor. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations will not be returned unless it is specifically requested and submission is accompanied by a properly addressed envelope and sufficient postage. The Entertainer! makes every effort to authenticate claims and accurate times and event locations. We encourage readers to verify information prior to attending events or purchasing tickets. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES PROVIDED BY:

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FEBRUARY EVENTS

“THE

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

“

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“I just wish there is a way that I could cry out to mankinds, they owe it to themselves to experience Shen Yun.” —Jim Crill, veteran producer, watched Shen Yun 4 times

ER ! D OR DAY TO

MAR 7–8

MAR 14–19

MAR 21–22

Tucson Convention Center

Orpheum Theatre

lkeda Theater

260 S Church Ave., Tuscon, AZ 85701

203 W Adams St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

1 East Main St., Mesa, AZ 85201

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE METROPOLITAN

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Arizona Craft Brewers 14 Cocktail Week 20 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show 22

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

Waste Management Phoenix Open

TO FEBRUARY 5 The Waste Management Phoenix Open calls itself “The Greatest Show on Grass.” Considering the names, crowds and business it draws, the nickname might just be accurate. Whether you’re rooting for a golfer or trying to enjoy some February air, you can follow defending tournament champion Hideki Matsuyama and other pros as they “putt it out.” TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.4334, wmphoenixopen.com, times vary, visit website for ticketing packages.

Coors Light Birds Nest

FEBRUARY 1 TO FEBRUARY 4 Coors Light Birds Nest at the Waste Management Phoenix Open brings a huge flow of entertainment to

Arizona, including country music stars Toby Keith and Jake Owen, and EDM artists Kaskade and Steve Aoki. Chase Rice, The Band Perry, Flo Rida and Blink-182 round out the bills. TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.4334, ticketmaster.com, 6:30 p.m., see website for ticket prices. Toby Keith is sold out.

Ariana Grande

FEBRUARY 3 Ariana Grande has made a name for herself in pop music with songs like “Problem,” “One Last Time” and “The Way.” She is opening her “Dangerous Woman” tour in Phoenix, with a night of dance, attitude and high ponytails. Brit pop stars Little Mix and Victoria Monet open the show. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, 7:30 p.m., $25.20-$195.20. Tickets for the original date of February 2 will be honored.

David Spade

FEBRUARY 3 Comedian David Spade is no stranger to Arizona. He attended Saguaro High School and ASU before hitting it big with “Saturday Night Live,” “Joe Dirt”

and “Tommy Boy.” He steps under the lights to showcase his stand-up at Talking Stick Resort, fresh off Netflix movie, “The Do-Over” with Adam Sandler. Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort. com, 8 p.m., $40-$150.

Music in the Garden: Guitarras Latinas FEBRUARY 3 The Desert Botanical Garden reprises its spring concert series with Guitarras Latinas. The Latin percussion and acoustic guitar group plays songs new and old from Barcelona, Old Havana, Rio and Mexico. Guests can choose to eat the concert special, grilled mahi mahi tacos, or opt to dine at the venue’s restaurant. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 480.941.1225, dbg.org, 7 p.m., $25 members and $30 guests.

Monster Jam

FEBRUARY 4 Monster Jam celebrates 25 years of family-friendly entertainment and wheels spinning. Watch world-class drivers compete in monster truck racing and freestyle competitions. Participating vehicles include the goofily recognizable Grave Digger, Max-D and El Toro Loco. University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, universityofphoenixstadium.com, 7 p.m., $25-$135.

Matilda: The Musical

FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 12 Matilda, heroine of Roald Dahl’s novel of the same name, comes to life in this Tony Award-winning musical. Racking up 50 international awards, the musical follows Matilda, a girl with magical powers, and her school vendetta against Miss Trunchbull. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, times vary, $20-$175.

Broken Hearts Ball with Lindsey Stirling

FEBRUARY 10 Gilbert’s hometown girl is back with her “Brave Enough” show for the Broken Hearts Ball. Stirling’s electronic violin music and dance performances gained her a YouTube following, a place on “America’s Got Talent” as well as sold-out tours. She will be joined by Calum Scott and Broods. Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com, 7 p.m., $35.

City Lights Movie Nights: “Home” FEBRUARY 10 Viewers are invited to grab their picnic blankets and chairs to watch

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“Home” under the city lights and outer space. The movie follows Oh, an overly confident alien, played by Jim Parsons, who partners with Tip, voiced by Rihanna. The unlikely pair partners up to save Earth from intergalactic takeover. CityScape Phoenix, 1 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.772.3900, cityscapephoenix.com, 6:30 p.m., free.

Street Eats Food Truck Festival

FEBRUARY 11 AND FEBRUARY 12 Street Eats Food Truck Festival gathers all of Phoenix’s famed food trucks for an afternoon of sampling, drinking and music. The festival features over 30 food trucks, ranging in flavor from barbecue to grilled cheese to pie and pretzels. Festival goers are given tickets to redeem at different trucks for samples, allowing maximum tasting before filling up. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, streeteatsaz.com, 11 a.m., $12-$50.

Dancing with the Stars

FEBRUARY 11 Laurie Hernandez, Rio Olympics gold medalist and last season’s mirror ball trophy winner on “Dancing with the Stars,” joins the show’s longtime running dance tour. The jaunt features all new dance numbers, ranging in style from ballroom to modern with the likes of Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess and Val Chmerkovskiy. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 8 p.m., $30-$65.

Parada del Sol

FEBRUARY 11 The 64th annual event has grown to become one of the world’s longest horse-drawn parades. Following the march, is the Trail’s End Festival in Old Town. This block includes music, food, shopping opportunities and a kids’ area with games and pony rides. Downtown Scottsdale, 602.432.7941, paradadelsol.rodeo, 10 a.m., free.

Crushbrew Craft Beverage Festival

FEBRUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 19 Cocktails, spirits, craft beer and wine take over Scottsdale for two days. Winemakers from boutique wineries from Arizona, California and Oregon as well as top craft brewers from across the West bring their best wares. Attendees can also brush up on their own bartending skills with craft cocktail and distillery demos. Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, 602.284.1989, crushbrewfestival. com, times vary, $45-$2,200. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Crush Arizona

Jeff Dunham

FEBRUARY 18 Crush is back for its eighth annual dance music festival. Featuring artists like Black Tiger Sex Machine, Chris Lorenzo and DVBBS, couples and singles alike can dance together to some of EDM’s biggest names. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, rawhide. com, 5:30 p.m., $63-$109.

Loud Mouth Comedy Roadshow FEBRUARY 18 Cheech Marin hosts a collection of rising Latino comedians for a night of laughs. Nick Guerra, Erik Rivera and Marcella Arguello will all take the stage and Paul Rodriguez will make an appearance. Coming from a variety of entertainment and comedy backgrounds, they unite for one loud show. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 7:30 p.m., $20-$120.

’90s Bar Crawl

FEBRUARY 18 The bar crawl craze comes to downtown Phoenix…and brings AOL Instant Messenger, the Ninja Turtles and Rugrats with it. The bar crawl takes partiers through downtown Phoenix haunts like The Duce, Sky Lounge and Chambers, where they can get drink specials, a signature bar crawl cup and a ’90s soundtrack. Might want to leave the Furbies at home, though. Bliss/ReBAR, 905 N. Fourth Street, Phoenix, 602.796.1792, 90sbarcrawl.com, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., $18-$40.

Twenty One Pilots: Emotional Roadshow Tour

FEBRUARY 19 If you’ve turned a radio on at all this year, you probably heard a Twenty One Pilots song, like “Heathens,” “Ride” or “Stressed Out.” Tyler Joseph, Josh Dun, Chris Salih and Nick Thomas are back to Arizona after several sell-outs in the past year. They bring Jon Bellion and Judah & the Lion along for the ride. Tucson Arena, 260 S. Church Avenue, Tucson, 520.837.4766, tucsonarena.com, 7 p.m., $37.50-$47.50.

Secondhand Serenade

FEBRUARY 22 Secondhand Serenade celebrates its 10th anniversary with a tour of familiar faces to the alternative music scene. Their Tempe stop will also feature a Hawthorne Heights acoustic set, Ronnie Winter of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Kenny Holland. In words of one of their fan-favorite songs, “Tonight might be night that you will fall for them.” Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m., $20.

Wine for Woofs and Beer for Barks

FEBRUARY 24 Facings of America’s annual “Wine for Woofs & Beers for Barks” charity event is back for a night of local beer, wine and cuisine. The event will also feature live music and a silent auction. Mingle with celebrity judges such as Johnjay Van Es, of KISS FM’s Johnjay and Rich Show, at this benefit for the Arizona Animal Welfare League. Facings of America, 16421 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale, 602.955.9217, bit.ly/2josJO5, 5 p.m., $45-$60.

Disney in Concert

FEBRUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 26 Hear Broadway vocalists sing with the Phoenix Symphony to scenes and songs from Disney movies, projected on a screen above. Make sure to brush up on your “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “The Little Mermaid” and, of course, “Frozen” tunes. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, phoenixsymphony.org, times vary, $45-$109.

FEBRUARY 25 Comedian/ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his “Perfectly Unbalanced” tour back to Phoenix. The show features new characters as well as established favorites like Walter, Achmed and Bubba J. His show set a world record for “Most Tickets Sold for a Stand-Up Comedy Tour.” Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena.com, 5 p.m., $33.50-$46.50.

Phoenix Vegan Food Festival

FEBRUARY 25 The second annual Phoenix Vegan Food Festival returns with veganfriendly food, products and experts. Featuring vegan vendor favorites like Hummus Xpress and Bird’s Nest Baking Company, the festival will also have live chef demonstrations, live music and samples. VIP tickets get you early entrance, drink coupons and reserved seating for the demos. Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, 602.300.1475, phxveganfest.com, 11 a.m., $25-$50.

Dance Yourself Clean

FEBRUARY 25 For those suffering EDM withdrawals, Dance Yourself Clean brings an indie-pop dance party to Crescent Ballroom. Music throughout the night while be spun and inspired by artists like Capital Cities, Chairlift, Sleigh Bells and Icona Pop. Sweat out to your favorite indie vibes at the dance party sponsored by Lights & Music Collective. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12.

2017 NHRA Arizona Nationals

FEBRUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 26 This annual duel in the desert continues in its traditional spot as the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series’ second event. Come out and see racers top speeds in excess of 300 miles per hour. This top competition series includes the classes of Top Fuel Dragster, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, racewildhorse.ticketforce.com, 877.840.0457, 9:30 a.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday, $34-$61.

Chris Rock

FEBRUARY 25 His show was “Everybody Hates Chris,” but his large following suggests the opposite. Chris Rock brings his Total Blackout Tour to Phoenix, his first jaunt in nine years. He brings brand new material to the stage following his stint hosting the Academy Awards last year and his numerous films. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7 p.m., $49.50-$125.

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PHOENIX

INSIDER

Offbeat romance Valentine’s Day doesn’t always mean a box of chocolates or a romantic dinner. (But if romantic dinners are your thing, see Diner Insider.) There are plenty of romantic activities to do around the state. Some of these experiences include strolling through a butterfly garden, drinking wine and eating pastries on a train or attending a special Valentine’s Day chocolate festival. Glendale Chocolate Affair

FEBRUARY 3 TO FEBRUARY 5 Come to Glendale with an appetite for chocolate. Located at Murphy Park, vendors will serve up sweet treats and tours of Cerreta Candy Company will be offered. Times vary depending on the day but admission is free and all the treats will be ready and waiting. Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues, Glendale, 623.930.2820, glendaleaz.com, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. February 3, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 4 and noon to 5 p.m. February 5, free.

I Love Science Day

FEBRUARY 11 A must for couples who have a love for science and exploration, I Love Science Day is a fun-filled celebration of science that offers something for everyone. Visitors can observe ongoing scientific experiments and participate in science-based activities and crafts. Come and indulge in a love for natural history and science. Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, 480.644.2230, arizonamuseumof naturalhistory.org, 1 p.m., free with general admission.

Chocolate Lover’s Festival

FEBRUARY 11, FEBRUARY 12, FEBRUARY 14 Arguably one of Verde Canyon Railroad’s most popular events, this unique getaway blends the rich flavors of everything sweet with

magnificent views of raw, unspoiled nature. Fruit, pretzels and everflowing chocolate fountains await you on this romantic adventure. Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale, 800.582.7245, verdecanyonrr.com, 1 p.m., $129.

Valentine’s Date Night at Butterfly Wonderland

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The 53rd Annual

Phoenix Scottish Games Presented by Kilt Lifter™ Scottish-Style Ale

FEBRUARY 14 Arizona’s Butterfly Wonderland presents an unforgettable experience for couples with refreshments, butterflies and a movie. Running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event includes a showing of “Flight of the Butterflies” in the venue’s stateof-the-art theater. Pre-registration is required for this love-filled and special night. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com, 6 p.m., $25.

Valentine Cookie Decorating

FEBRUARY 15 Express your love through baking during this hands-on, instructor-led workshop. Attendees will decorate an assortment of Valentine-inspired cookies and work with royal icing. Couples will go home with sweet memories, six decorated cookies and a gift box. Smitholator Cookie Shop, 124 W. Main Street, Mesa, 480.969.5816, smitholator.com, 5:30 p.m., $28.

Saturday & Sunday, March 4 & 5, 2017 Steele Indian School Park 300 E. Indian School, Phoenix, AZ 85012 Gates Open at 9am

For more info and to buy tickets online visit ArizonaScots.com

Treat your scottsdale center for the performing arts

valentine!

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A happy accident has flourished into a stellar craft brew scene Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

B HERE’S TO

BEER

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eer helped civilize humankind. That’s a broad statement, but it has its roots in fact. No one can say for certain when and where the very first beer was brewed, but historians believe it may have been a happy accident about 7,000 years ago. The story goes this way: Wild grain was gathered and made into bread. Some was left out and got wet. Yeast that occurs naturally in the air fed on the sugars in the grain and produced alcohol, and voila! beer was born. It turned out the brew was a great way to preserve grain, provide nutrients and as a happy side effect, make people feel good. Reason enough to stop wandering, settle down, establish a village and start growing grain on purpose. Rob Fullmer, executive director of the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild, says that today, as small breweries and brewpubs proliferate, beer is helping again, knitting together neighborhoods and building a sense of community. Think of the neighborhood pub as the coffeehouse for this century, a place where old friends and new acquaintances gather for a cold one and conversation. Anyone who visits bars and restaurants in the state will have noticed the proliferation of taps and a sometimes bewildering array of styles and colorful names of local beers on the menus. From a handful in the ’90s, the number of brewers making craft beers in the state has grown to more than 90, Fullmer says. They’re brewing blondes, Kölsch, and IPAs; hefeweizen and wheat beers; stouts, porters and ales and pale pilsners. People who want to know more about the brews and the people who make them will find plenty of opportunities as they trek from bar to brewery to restaurant and back during the seventh Arizona Beer Week, February 9 to February 18 in locations throughout the state. Over the 10 days Arizona will be awash in suds, with dozens of events (check out arizonabeerweek.com for a

complete schedule), including dinners with brewers, beer-making classes, introduction of new releases, and collaborations between breweries and restaurants. Quirky fun events including Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing Socials (several are scheduled through the week), keep things from getting too serious. And there are plenty of other opportunities to match beer and food, among them SanTan Brewing’s Chimi week, with a different chimichanga and matching brews every day. The diversity of events parallels the diversity of Arizona’s craft beer industry itself. “To date, there’s really not an Arizona style of craft beers,” says Chuck Noll, division manager for Crescent Crown Specialty, a distributor of craft brews throughout the state. “There are breweries playing around with spruce tips from Arizona, pinecones, Sonoran white wheat. It’s a young industry.” Noll, a longtime aficionado of quality beer, moved to Arizona in 2002. There were craft brewers in the state then, he says, notably Prescott Brewing, Four Peaks and Thunder Canyon, but “it didn’t explode in terms of local brewers until the last four or five years.” It’s a national trend, Noll says. “People are looking for different flavors, for bigger flavors. They want to explore, to expand. You see it across the board— artisanal cheeses, artisanal meats, artisanal everything. Craft beer is just another expansion of that.” The brews also satisfy a growing demand for local products. When you think of craft beer, you may envision a bunch of guys with a lot of facial hair, wearing overalls, making beer and then drinking it. That’s changed, Noll says. “There’s still a lot of facial hair, but no overalls. And a lot of women are making craft beer these days.”

WHAT’S AHEAD? “We have a great beer scene and we’re building a great beer culture,” Noll says. “We still have plenty of room for growth in Arizona beer, though we may be getting to the saturation level on some retail shelves. You hear about a shakeout coming. I don’t see that coming per se, though poorly funded, poorly planned breweries may start falling by the wayside.”

GETTING EDUCATED Noll says it’s easy for people who want to learn about craft beers. Just start tasting. “I’d be willing to bet that at a non-busy time you could walk into any craft bar or brewery in the state and say, ‘Hey, I’m really trying to learn about beer. Can you

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Main Event Gates open at 9am with $2.00 Admission Fee Rodeo Ticket: $12-Adults $8-Kids

Thursday 23rd

Beer & Brat Part at Elks Lodge (Hwy 88 and Superstition Blvd.) 12-8 pm (Free Entertainment)

Friday 24th

Rodeo Performance 1:30 pm at the Rodeo Grounds Carnival & Vendors BLM Mustang Adoption

Saturday 27th

Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo 2017

Parade at 9 am (Downtown) Arts & Crafts Fair (Pinal County Complex) Rodeo Performance at 1:30 pm at the Rodeo Grounds Carnival & Vendors BLM Mustang Adoption Rodeo Dance from 7-11 pm at Elks Lodge #2349 (21 & over only)

Sunday 25th

Rodeo Performance 1:30 pm at the Rodeo Grounds Carnival & Vendors Kid’s Mutton Bustin’ after the rodeo

For more information go to our website: LostDutchmanDays.org or find us on Facebook! Early Camping opens Monday, February 27, 2017 ($22 per rig per night) All Camping Dry • Outdoor Stage Music Daily 10:00am ‘till Dusk NO Outside Alcohol NO Pets Allowed in Audience, Food Court or Vendor Areas BYO Chairs or Blankets for Grass Seating • No Refunds! Single Day Tickets: Friday or Sunday $20/person, Saturday $25 Purchase Single Day Tickets at Gate For Credit Card Ticket Orders visit www.bluegrassonthebeach.com or Call for More Information 209-480-4693

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

602-997-7575 9445 N. Metro Parkway East CastlesNCoasters.com

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ice #1 ChFo or Fun! 18 Rides

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JEFF AND LEAH HUSS

educate me?’ and the brewer or manager, if they have the time, will sit down and walk you through their beers and the key things to look for in tasting.” The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild also puts on occasional tastings. Check its website, chooseazbrews.com. Craft beer isn’t just growing, it’s growing up as an industry and getting involved in public issues that affect its businesses. That’s where Fullmer and the Guild come in. “We’re working to make Arizona a better place for everybody,” Fullmer says. “The pub experience helps us build closer communities. It gets us out of our houses and into meeting people.” Fullmer and his Guild members sometimes face opposition from people who don’t want a brewery or bar next door. While some people welcome the idea of a small brewpub in walking distance, others fear there will be added noise and traffic. “As a Guild, we’re getting better at supporting our members and working with people on issues including public transportation, common sense zoning and local ordinances,” Fullmer says. “I grew up in Milwaukee, a beer community, and there were outdoor beer gardens and spaces to enjoy a beer or a cocktail everywhere. I don’t know why it is so hard to get a patio approved in this city. “We’re getting to the point as an organization where we can represent breweries and have that discussion,” he adds. “I’m not saying we want free rein to open up wherever we want. Instead of individual businesses fighting that battle, we have the WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

tools not only to assist them and work with government but also to work with people in the neighborhoods. We won’t get anywhere if we go where we’re not wanted.” Beer Week will help in that effort, Fullmer says. “When they go to our festival, we hope people remember these businesses and want them to be part of the community.”

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BRANDS Arizona Beer Week is a great opportunity to taste a lot of beer and to meet the people behind the labels. People like Jeff Huss, who with his wife Leah owns Huss Brewing Company. Like a lot of craft beer makers, Jeff got into home-brewing first. That led to brewing school and a job as head brewer at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Chandler. He met and married Leah, then owner and manager of Papago Brewing Company. “I felt I’d learned everything that I was going to learn at BJ’s so I decided to split off and start our own brewery. We opened our doors in August of 2013. Leah stayed at Papago for a couple of years, then we needed her here.” Over the course of a year Huss might make 15 different styles of beer including five made year-round: Scottsdale Blonde, Koffee Kölsch, Husstler Milk Stout, Magic In The Ivy, and That’ll Do IPA, and other seasonals and specials. Today, Huss has about 15 employees. “The biggest difference for us in the last couple of years is the addition of cans,” Jeff says. “We started canning

CHUCK NOLL

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at the end of December 2014. Cans are more eco-friendly than bottles and maintain better quality. Now our beer can go anywhere—here at our tasting room, a beverage store, a bar, anywhere.” “Beer Week is a 10-day series of events that gives us the opportunity to get Jeff’s and other brewers’ stories out there in a unique way,” says Chip Mulala, who styles himself as “minister of craft beer” for Huss. “This will give people a chance to have beers that they may never have again. For example, Jeff’s got a beer called Juicy Fruit. He added peach and mango puree to our traditional Kölsch to make a nice fruity beer, then put it in old whiskey barrels to age.” That Juicy Fruit demonstrates “how far down the rabbit hole beer makers can go” to play with flavors, adding ingredients and tweaking techniques like roasting and aging, Mulala says.

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And speaking of rabbit holes, Huss and THAT Brewing are ending Beer Week on February 18 at Gertrude’s at the Desert Botanical Garden with a Mad Hatter Tea Party. “We’re encouraging everybody to dress up in their finest tea party attire,” Mulala says. “Every single beer is going to be infused with tea—all kinds of crazy teas—and that is going to be paired with tea-style food like finger sandwiches, as well as some other great things like coffee-rubbed pork loin.” Another unique offering at Beer Week is “State Bird,” a collaborative beer made by female brewers from all over the state. This will mark the second year the women have gotten together to produce a beer that will raise money for charity. Proceeds will benefit the Sojourner Center in Phoenix, the Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff, Wings for

Women in Tucson and the Prescott Area Women’s Shelter, in Prescott. Steene Routh, assistant brewer at Mother Bunch Brewing in Phoenix, was at Barrio Brewing Company in Tucson recently, working with a team of women to State Bird. “There are 22 breweries are represented in making this beer,” she says. “We have representation from all corners of the state. It’s a big undertaking—we’re putting in more than 1,000 pounds of grain. It will be distributed around the state at the participating breweries, as well as at Beer Week.”

Beer Week

ArizonaBeerWeek.com Arizona Craft Brewers Guild ChooseAZBrews.com

BEERS FOR

WINE-

DRINKERS Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

ou’re in the market for beer. You go to a supermarket or bottle shop and there are dozens of options on the shelf. Where do you begin? Chuck Noll, who stages beer tastings for wine drinkers, has some suggestions: If you’re a wine drinker, you start with a beer that complements the kind of wine you like. For example, I like Cava, méthode champenoise sparkling wine from Spain. Noll suggests Radeberger pilsner, which tends to be a little more carbonated than other beers, with a little bit of a hop (bitter) bite. Do you like a fruity wine like a Pinot Grigio or Riesling. “I’d put you in a fruit beer, possibly a wheat beer, like Orange Blossom wheat beer by Papago Brewing,” Noll says. “Maybe a strawberry blonde ale by THAT Brewery. If you’re Sauvignon Blanc drinker, I’d also suggest an IPA.” If a soft red Merlot is your wine of choice, Noll suggests a traditional porter, “maybe even a brown ale, something that’s got some dark roasted malts, maybe a little bit of a roasted, coffee flavor. Something like a Big Sky Moose Drool from Montana (there are some very powerful names in the beer business). The Huss Rice Pudding Porter has the spices from rice pudding in it. It has a little more sharpness than Merlot, but for someone who likes a more full-bodied Merlot it would be something to try.” If big, high-alcohol reds are more your style, “stouts would be obvious,” Noll says. “Big, complex bold flavors of those red wines match up very well with Belgian beers. I’d also look at Belgian-style beers like Tripel Karmeliet, a lighter Belgian beer but with a lot of that intense wine characteristic, and darker strong ales from Belgium, such as gulden draak.” Some people shy away at the cost of craft beers. They can run $15 for a 750 ml bottle, which can seem steep when compared with, say, a six-pack of Bud, but not when compared with wine. You’ll spend $15 on a bottle of wine and think you got a bargain, but you can spend $15 to $20 on a bottle of beer and get the best beer in the world,” Noll says. “It’s some of the least expensive enjoyment you can get in the world.”

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SHAKE,

STIR, MIX AND

Arizona Cocktail Week is back bigger than ever

MINGLE

Alison Bailin Batz » The Entertainer!

or one week each year, the art and science behind the perfect pour is celebrated across the Valley. From February 17 to February 24, Arizona Cocktail Week—the Southwest’s premier event for hospitality professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike—is set to take over the Valley, featuring everything from parties, spirit tastings and educational seminars, to cocktail competitions, drinks specials and cocktail-themed dinners. In its sixth year, the event has grown to host more than 10,000 people over the course of the week, with an even bigger turn out expected this year. Here is a guide on how to best sip your way through it all:

THE COCKTAIL CARNIVAL – FEBRUARY 17 Hosted annually at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, this kick-off to the week’s activities has quickly come to be known as Arizona Cocktail Week’s signature event. It’s no wonder why, between the Cirque du Soleil-style acrobats, contortionists and other performers mixing and mingling amongst more than two dozen tables, games, interactive attractions and booths from the world’s top spirit brands. Never been? Don’t be surprised to see an Alice in Wonderlandthemed booth with a “Drink Me” tonic, or to be offered to taste some boozy caramel corn. There is something for everyone including invitations for folks of every shape and size to visit “secret suites” within the hotel with bonus parties, games, attractions, food and drink. Tickets start at $40.

STORYTELLERS – FEBRUARY 18 Now a formal part of the award-winning AZ Storytellers Project, this event brings together celebrated chefs and mixologists from across Arizona to share their stories from behind the bars and kitchens that have put Arizona on the foodie map. During the event, eye-popping food and drink will be served family style under the stars in the Hotel Valley Ho garden while the chefs and mixologists come together to give guests a rare glimpse of their private lives and what drives them. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

The lineup of culinary superstars is being kept under wraps until just before the event. The proceeds benefit Careers in Culinary Arts Program, a nonprofit for disadvantage youth. Since it was founded in 1990 by author and culinary educator Richard Grausman, the organization has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships, provided job training and internships, college and lifetime career support, teacher training and product and equipment donations to classrooms. Tickets start at $150.

CRUSHBREW – FEBRUARY 18 TO FEBRUARY 19 Celebrating and promoting the craft beverage movement, Crushbrew Craft Beverage Festival is the only festival

where craft beer, small boutique wines, hard cider and artisan distilled spirits share center stage. The event, which benefits Southwest Human Development, will take place at the Scottsdale Waterfront and will also include food pairings, hourly cocktail, wine and/ or beer demonstrations and live music. Tickets start at $56.

ARTISANAL MARKET – FEBRUARY 20 The indoor/outdoor farmers market at the Hotel Valley Ho features locally sourced ingredients and proud local food/drink businesses boothing next to some of the most innovative spirits in the world. Think infused sugars, locally sourced bitters and even handmade

tonics along with newly released and favorite spirits. It is a feast for the senses—and samples are highly recommended. Tickets are $20.

LAST SLINGER STANDING – FEBRUARY 20 This event at The Yard in Tempe is the premier bartending competition in the Southwest. The competition brings together United States Bartenders Guild chapters from Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Austin, all of whom will send their best bartenders to compete for the title of the Last Slinger Standing. The winner walks away with the coveted Centennial Cup, a cash prize and a donation to his or her USBG chapter. Tickets are $10.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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HORSE HISTORY

ON DISPLAY

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show returns to WestWorld Erica Thompson >> The Entertainer!

he 62nd annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo reflects beauty, innovation and history, and from February 17 to February 27, this event marks the beginning of the Arabian Horse Association of America’s season. It is full of new and old attractions for horse lovers. “Arabians are the best horses on the planet,” says Taryl O’Shea, the show’s executive director. “It’s the only breed that I would ever own. They are so

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smart and loving and beautiful they are just amazing.” The Arabian breed is one of the friendliest, dubbed “golden retriever of the horse world” because of its loyalty and devotion toward humans, adds O’Shea, who has been with the show for 20 years. She has worked hard to create innovative attractions to promote human and animal interactions. The “Meet a Horse” and “Behind the Barn Tour” features are just two of the ways that the show offers patrons an up-close view of the horses. Patrons of all ages can to go behind the scenes to pet horses, take photos and

learn more about what makes these horses so special. “We have done a good job trying to engage people who come from around the world and our local people who want something fun that is not super expensive,” O’Shea says. The biggest draws, however, are the daily shows, like the Arabian native costume performances, during which the rider and horse wear costumes that start at $20,000. The costumes are not only beautiful, but they reflect the deep history of the Arabian horse and the Bedouin riders. The horse and rider wore light lines while riding across the desert in intense heat to keep cool. A deep sense of history resonates throughout the entire show. Arabian horses are the oldest domesticated breed of horse and most other breeds find their origins in Arabia. “The horses are regarded as royalty or the most prized possession,” O’Shea says. “They are still considered that way in the Middle East or in Europe.” It goes beyond pageantry, however. The show has a shopping expo of 300 vendors, 50 food vendors, arts and crafts, and events for children like a petting zoo. “Even if you do not like horses there is so much to see and do,” O’Shea said. For the more knowledgeable horse lover, there is a wide variety of events from which to choose. “Ask Dr. Laura” allows ticket holders to ask an expert questions. Owners can learn about horse training and purchase animals each year as well. The show offers two free admission days—Military Appreciation Day on Tuesday, February 21, and Family Fun Night after 5 p.m. Friday, February 24. Both encourage families to participate and learn more about the horses. O’Shea says she’s proud that the show is held in Scottsdale. “It is an amazing event that has grown to something that you cannot really explain to people until they come out there,” she says. “They do fall in love with it.”

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, westworldaz.com, scottsdaleshow. com, various times Friday, February 17, to Monday, February 27, tickets start at $10.

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

Open casting call February 18th, 2017 from 11am to 3pm at the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. If you are under 18 years of age you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

(800) 454-3966 azstartalents.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE EXTRAORDINAIRE

STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

2017 CADILLAC C.A. Haire » The Entertainer!

rying to choose between a luxury street car and sport utility for off-pavement fun can be a dilemma, but Cadillac solves this problem with its new XT5 by offering a vehicle that can perform both roles. This particular model was the upgraded Luxury Premium version. It had plenty of comfort goodies like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, navigation, rear view camera, power lift gate, leather trim, adaptive cruise control, and Bose 14-speaker stereo, just to name a few. With options like all-wheel drive, metallic paint and a spare tire, the tab reached $57K. For street commuting, the 310 horsepower V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission provided plenty of acceleration. The ride was very smooth, even on some rough city streets, and wind noise was low on freeway trips. We took the XT5 on some tight mountain roads, where the cornering ability was as brisk as many Cadillac sedans I have driven. Fuel consumption was 22 mpg overall, but did show 28 mpg on a long highway journey. To test off-road capability, this Caddy was taken to the Prescott National Forest, and a rough dirt road leading to the small community of Crown King. The vehicle’s high-ground clearance kept medium-sized rocks away from the oil pan, and that all-wheel drive traction made plowing through sandy washes hassle free. The excellent suspension design allowed driving over deep potholes without hearing nasty impact noises. No, the XT5 isn’t designed for more serious dirt trails, but light duty trips are just fine. We had only two complaints during this one-week test run. First, the infotainment system has no knobs, and can only be operated by finger touch control. This was easy enough to do sitting still, but awkward when driving. Also, the on/off engine management system shuts the motor off at stoplights to save fuel. Amazingly, there is no button to disconnect the system, but at least it’s smooth in operation. These are not deal breakers, just annoying. For potential buyers who want the luxury equipment we listed and more, Cadillac has its top model “Platinum” version. It is the ultimate XT5 for sure, but will set you back $63K.

XT5 CROSSOVER

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THE SCOTS

LOVE A PARTY

Scotland’s culture on display at 53rd annual games Tim J. Randall » The Entertainer!

hile St. Patrick’s Day is reserved for the celebration of all things Irish, a few weeks earlier Scottish pride will be on display at the 53rd annual Phoenix Scottish Games, Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4. “We are a family-oriented event that is geared toward the Scottish culture,” says Paul Bell, chairman Phoenix Scottish Games. “Our music, our food vendors, or merchandise vendors as well as the dance and athletic areas are all aimed to share the Scottish culture.” Held at Phoenix’s Steele Indian School Park, the Scottish Games present an array of activities from athletic competitions to dance events, music and education. “We are the largest of the four major WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Scottish events in Arizona,” Bell says. “We draw participants in the athletic area, the pipes area and in the Scottish dance area from all over the country and Canada as well as from time to time have competitors come from Scotland and parts of Europe.” Formerly known as the Arizona Scottish Gathering & Highland Games, the event is presented by the Caledonian Society of Arizona, a nonprofit organization with the mission of promoting Scottish culture through art, education and athletics. For more than 50 years, the games have brought together people “who share a common bond—Scottish heritage—and to expose others to our history and what part in that history the athletic events played,” he says. The Scottish journey begins with a familial investigation in the genealogy tent. The next stop is the dance, where participants vie for top honors.

“We have a competition in the Scottish dance area that has received national recognition, and participants are being judged by some of the highest-rating judges in the Scottish dance world,” Bell says. The food and beverage areas will feature beer like Kilt Lifter Scottish Style Ale, courtesy of Four Peaks Brewery, and dishes like traditional fish and chips. “We also will have Scotch whisky available, and during the day there will be tasting done where you can learn about the various flavors and types of scotch,” he says. Rock, folk and ethnic music will provide the soundtrack. “Our entertainment brings in a mix of high-energy, Celtic-flavored rock to quiet acoustic music in a bit quieter setting,” Bell says. “This year we will have the Wicked Tinkers back. They are a crowd favorite who get rowdy and raucous. They will definitely get the crowd wound up with their high-energy brand of Celtic rock.” Joining the Wicked Tinkers are local bands Traveler and Stoneybank, as well Canada’s Blackthorn. “We have always looked to bring in favorite performers as well as groups who bring a new flavor,” Bell says. There are also history-inspired sporting attractions. “Our athletic competitions use simple implements that were available to the common citizen soldier when the King of England made it illegal for Scotts to carry swords,” Bell says. “Large poles, the caber, are tossed from a run and the

object in competition is to flip it and keep it as straight as possible. Actually, all of the throwing events are scored on the same criteria, the stone and the hammer as well. There are also vertical competitions, the ‘weight over bar’ or WAB, where a weight, in lieu of a stone is tossed up and over a bar that is raised after each successful throw.” Participants range in age, gender and experience in the five events and are divided accordingly to compete. The festivities begin with Saturday’s opening ceremony, which Bell describes with enthusiasm and excitement. “It is one of the great highlights of the event,” Bell says. “We will have the massed bands take the field along with all of our various Clan representatives to officially open the games. Everything at the event comes to a halt when the massed bands come to life and start their march from the lower field up the hill onto the main field.” With more than 20,000 patrons expected to attend, Bell anticipates another successful Scottish Games. “We hope their visit is fun and entertaining, as well as educational,” he says. “We hope they enjoy themselves and plan to mark their calendar for next year’s event.”

Phoenix Scottish Games

Steele Indian School Park 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, arizonascots.com, 9 a.m. Saturday, March 4, and Sunday, March 5, $20.

‘A CURRENT

CLASSIC’

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

fter more than 30 years in the business, Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan doesn’t see his band as irrelevant or retro. Instead, he describes the New Jersey rockers as “current classics.” Apparently, he’s correct. The band’s 13th studio album, 2016’s “This House is Not for Sale,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with sales over 128,000. “It feels really good that we can gain those new fans,” Bryan says. “Our fans have been there for us, too, for some of the ride, all of the ride, and have kept us on the ride.” This “ride” has been relatively bumpy in the last couple years. “This House is Not for Sale” is the first studio album without longtime guitarist Richie Sambora. Guitarist Phil X is in Sambora’s place on the record and on the tour that hits Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix on Saturday, March 4. Bryan explains that Phil X has breathed new life into the band. “When you have new people, you have new energy,” he says. “If everybody’s on the same page, it makes beautiful music. You know, of course, we had some wonderful years with Richie, but if he WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

wants to move on in his direction, it’s one of those things that you can’t avoid. “We carry on because the premise of this record is roots and the fact that we’re still together and strong and love playing music together. Him leaving changed a little of the dynamics a little bit, I think. You can only control yourself and he just didn’t want to be here. So, that was his choice and we decided to carry on.” “This House is Not for Sale” is about integrity, Bryan says. That longstanding trait of the Grammy-winning band is notable. “John saw a picture, which is the album cover,” Bryan says of lead singer Jon Bon Jovi. “He looked at it and said, ‘This house is not for sale.’ It really represented integrity and how it’s not for sale. “We don’t want this to end. It started with my heart and my soul.” “This House is Not for Sale” is the focus of the tour, however, drummer Tico Torres tells fans to expect all the hits. “I mean, there are certain staples that people expect and probably deserve,” he says. “When I go to shows, I want to hear the songs that brought them to that pinnacle of success—and we want to try to keep those in there. “But we change our sets just about every night. And we have a big roster to pick from, so depending on the shows, we get to play with them and bring them in

Integrity is key to Bon Jovi’s longstanding success and out, which also makes it fresh for us and great for the audiences. You know, we try to do as long a show as possible to fit them all in.” Bryan adds, however, that the band doesn’t feel any expectations from outside sources to reinvent its live show. “We don’t have to do it. We want to do it,” Bryan says. “And we enjoy doing it and we love to do it. So, I think for us, we’re just going to go out there and pour our hearts out, and that’s what we’ve always done. So, it’s not a matter of anything except we’ve been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to go and play, and do what we love and love what we do. Since Bon Jovi’s first appearance at Farm Aid in Champaign, Illinois, in 1985, it has sold 130 million records and played nearly 3,000 concerts. It has countless gold and platinum records. Torres says it’s hard for Bon Jovi to kick back and appreciate those milestones. “We’re still going forward,” Torres says. “We’re blessed.” Bryan adds, “I think we do say, ‘Wow.’ We don’t go, ‘Wow, let’s stop.’”

Torres explains he’s unsure how long Bon Jovi will continue playing. “I think a lot of it is sticking to your guns and not trying to be anything but honest, and still be current sounding,” he says. “We’re doing interviews all day and one of the interviewers said ‘You know, I could tell right away it was a Bon Jovi song.’ “That’s a compliment. We still have that signature sound after so many years while growing. We’re not going to be doing ‘Livin’ On a Prayer’ over and over. If we stayed in that genre, we’d probably dry up. It’s not manufactured. It’s what life has given us to write about, and what we live and what we think about ourselves as musicians and artists who keep painting the picture.”

Bon Jovi

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800.745.3000, ticketmaster.com, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4, $15-$548.

A TABLE FOR TWO? Phind it

ANT MUSIC

1980s pop icon Adam Ant recalls ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

dam Ant loves Arizona. It’s when he arrives in the Grand Canyon State that he really feels like he’s in America. “It’s like a Western movie to me,” Ant says via telephone from England. “I remember the first time I was there. It blew me away.” Ant will return to Arizona to perform Adam and the Ants’ classic album “Kings of the Wild Frontier” in its entirety on Saturday, February 11, at The Rialto Theatre in Tucson. “I’ll be performing ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ in sequence, as I recorded it on the album,” Ant says. “I did it last year in the U.K. and now I’m going to bring it to the States and do it that way. It’s a bit of a challenge. Everybody knows WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

the album, so it has to be very accurate.” “Kings of the Wild Frontier” kicks off with the hit “Dog Eat Dog” and continues with “Ant Music.” The title track and “The Magnificent Five” also appear on the 1980 release. “It’s nice to do a piece of work like that from start to finish,” he says. “I’ll also do selections from the catalog. It makes for an interesting evening.” He understands the importance of playing hits like “Strip” and “Goody Two Shoes.” “It’s nice to play what people have enjoyed in the past,” he says. “If I see a band I like, I’d want to hear the hits. It’s slightly different, though. I think ‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ stood the test of time and fits in with the songs I recorded.” So, who has Ant seen recently? “The Foo Fighters, they were very good,” he says. “I saw Aerosmith in the park in London. I really enjoyed that,

too. That was interesting day out. I’ve done some of the European festivals, like The Isle of Wight, and you see some other bands around. I did a festival with Iggy Pop, who is always great to watch.” As a whole, “Kings of the Wild Frontier” is a complete piece of work, he says, that makes him proud. “I suppose every writer looks at an album as a story,” Ant says. “‘Kings of the Wild Frontier’ had very heroic characters on it. It was a reaction to the punk music that got very gray, political and sad. It wasn’t really the force it once was.” Because of this notion, English music media has described Ant as someone who changed the face of pop music. “It’s nice to hear that,” he says. “If you start tapping into that, though, your ego gets a bit big. I think that pop music, if you like, changes all the time. You go in with the intention of doing something

that doesn’t sound like anybody else, therefore, it’s a hybrid. “I wanted to go up a different musical stream with songs like ‘Ant Music.’ Pop music got a bit stale in 1980. I added a bit of color, a bit of heroism to it.” Now the torch has been handed over to the women of rock, like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, Ant says. “They have theatricality in their work,” he says. “They’re putting on a very big show.” Similarly, Ant was an innovator in the world of music videos. “Video was part of a very important revolution in music and the way it was appreciated,” he says. “I was lucky to be able to use the art school training I had to story board and come up with concepts of the videos to accompany the songs. It gave me access to America before I arrived there to do the tours. “It gave me a bit of a head start, if you know what I mean. The theatricality of it is what captured people’s imagination before they came to see the band.” He hopes that the audience here will appreciate him the way he appreciates the United States. “It’s a great audience over there,” he says. “I’ve always felt a great sense of welcome. I think they come and they expect a good show. If we do a good show, they come again. There’s a great deal of enthusiasm in the States for my music and I appreciate that.”

Adam Ant

Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress Street, Tucson, 520.740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, 8 p.m. Saturday, February 11, $32-$130.

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Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

e rises on a workday morning and dons his armor—all 100 pounds of it. Then it’s off to ride, pounding the turf from the back of a half-draft steed 16 and a half hands high. Warmed up, he proceeds to the core of his job: unseating mounted opponents in a joust. Face it: You may be cool, but you’ll never be as cool as a 50-year-old man who makes his living as a jousting knight. “It’s the best job in the world,” says Matthew Mansour, also known as Sir Maxximilian, the Jousting Earl of Braden. Hard to argue. Mansour and other jousters will provide the entertainment three times daily at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. The festival, a celebration of all things 15th and 16th century, will take place

Saturdays and Sundays February 11 to April 2, plus Presidents Day, February 20, at its usual site, a sprawling desert space located on U.S. Highway 60, east of Kings Ranch Road in Gold Canyon. The jousts take place throughout the day, while elsewhere in the festival jugglers are juggling, acrobats are acrobating, and throngs of people are paying to shoot arrows, throw axes, gawk at a gallery of ancient torture devices and find their way through a maze. Welcome to life circa 1500, as reimagined circa 1963. That was the year the first public “Renaissance faire” of record was held in Laurel Canyon, California. Since then, the production of festivals commemorating the arts and lifestyles of Renaissance-era Europe have proliferated into a high-profile business, with virtually every state in the union sponsoring one. Mansour got into the business via his love for horses, though he hails from just

WHO SAYS CHIVALRY IS

DEAD? How to make a living as a knight-in-armor

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

about the last place you’d imagine would be home to a future knight-in-armor: Manhattan, specifically midtown between Ninth and 10th avenues, or what used to be called “Hell’s Kitchen.” Horses and New York City? “There are actually about 500 horses in Manhattan,” Mansour says, “including police horses and Central Park carriages.” One day when he was 12, young Matthew was walking down Ninth Avenue when he encountered a life-changing sight. “A horse was pulling a stagecoach, and I thought it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen,” Mansour recalls. The stagecoach was a promotion for a Western-style restaurant. Matthew walked right up to the driver and asked if he could work for him. He got his first job: “I would wash the horses while the drivers sat in the bar waiting for the next ride.” It turned out Mansour was a natural rider and he grew into a horseman. When a driver mentioned he was starting a jousting show at the New York Renaissance Faire, Mansour tagged along and signed up for the gig. But it wasn’t so easy. It took about a year to learn to joust, training first with the lance on the ground, without armor, then adding the armor and finally practicing from on horseback. Add to that the skills of an actor maintaining the character and behavior of a knight. “This is what I do. I am a professional jouster,” he says. He’s also a professional businessman who owns the company providing jousting entertainment for the Arizona festival and three other fairs. Where is home?

“I live where the fair is,” he says, expressing a true wanderlust. That means Mansour will live east of Phoenix through early April, then go to Los Angeles, followed by fairs in the Chicago/Milwaukee area and finally, Charlotte, North Carolina. Each commitment lasts about two and a half months. “I am totally mobile,” he says, happily. Mansour is also training his two sons, aged 14, to grow up to be jousters. Over the years, Mansour has experienced a broken arm and “a few concussions” from his time on horseback with a lance. The sport—if that’s what it is—is for real, not staged. The winner is not pre-established. And the jousters really do try to hit as hard as they can to knock their opponent off his horse. That’s why they need real armor, which can cost between $4,000 and $10,000. As “Sir Maxximilian” (the two Xs are there, he says, because his character is “a little bit dirty”), Mansour dresses in black and owns the persona of a “bad guy.” But sometimes the “bad guy” will win. For those among us with daydreams of an era gone by, anyone on horseback in armor is always a winner.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon, renfestinfo.com, 520.463.2600, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays February 11 to April 16, and Presidents Day February 20, various prices.

eggstasy

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Quebe Sisters

american fiddle swing Feb. 14th - Feb. 18th

Feb. 21st - Feb. 25th PURCHASE TICKETS AT:

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE TOURIST

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

TOUR DU JOUR

Welcome to “The Tourist,” a section for the more than 40 million visitors to our state, as well as the locals. But we’re not stopping at the border. Anything is fair game, so expect us to also clue you in to popular destinations of merit. Whether it be nightlife, natural wonders, golf, resort diversions, amazing cuisine or one-of-akind attractions, let us point out the best of the mileposts. As we peel back the first few pages of what’s in store, we’ll bet you find more than one item that should be on your bucket list. Enjoy!

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

Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou Dillon’s KC BBQ Bayou is ready to serve its great food to diners in its new location—13 miles closer than its previous spot. Spend the day, choose a camp site or dine with us at this wonderfully huge venue that only Dillon’s Bayou, and its award-winning barbecue can offer. Check out the general store, where you’re sure to find something necessary or unique. Our guests and employees are our greatest asset and we’re grateful for their loyalty. Visit one of our destination locations: Dillon’s Bayou at Pleasant Harbor and Dillon’s at The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium. Four Valley Locations, dillonsrestaurant.com

(480) 610-2337 TheBrassTap.com

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

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

The entire family will be entertained at CrackerJax! Experience a variety of attractions including go karts, 18hole miniature golf course, 300-yard golf driving range with two levels and 66 bays, bumper boats, batting cages, the Bungee Dome, Alien Invasion Laser Tag, volleyball courts, Water Wars arcade, restaurant and more. Ideal for birthday parties and corporate events of all sizes. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; and 10 a.m. to midnight. Friday and Saturday. Driving range is open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. 1601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 85254, call 480.998.2800, CrackerJax.com

O.K. Corral Visit the actual site of Tombstone, Arizona’s legendary Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and see Wyatt Earp and “Doc” Holliday in daily reenactments. There are life-sized animatronic figures of the eight-gun fighters, too. Experience the Corral as it was in the 1880s, with working blacksmiths, antique cowboy gear, western buggies and four museum displays. Ticket includes admission to multimedia Tombstone history show and a copy of the October 26, 1881, Tombstone Epitaph newspaper with original reports of the gunfight. 326 E. Allen Street, Tombstone 85638, 520.457.3456, okcorral.com

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BLUEGRASS JAMS AND BEACH VIBES

Lake Havasu recruits the best of the genre’s music

Erica Thompson » The Entertainer!

o say Larry and Sondra Baker are passionate about bluegrass would be an understatement. The couple volunteered at bluegrass festivals in Northern California for years before producing events in Parker, Yuma, Kingman and Lake Havasu.

For 15 years, they’ve been the brains behind Bluegrass on the Beach at Lake Havasu State Park Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5. “This is one of the premier bluegrass festivals on the West Coast,” Larry Baker says. “The venue is right on the beach, making it a pretty cool site for anyone who goes to the festival.” He is proud of the success of the event, which draws some of bluegrass’ top bands. “We have been fortunate to hire bands that people want to see. not just bands from the local restaurant, but from all over the United States” Larry Baker says. In six of the last seven years, Baker has booked the International Bluegrass Association Award-Winning Entertainer of the Year. This year’s lineup includes bluegrass favorites the Boxcar Brothers, Bluegrass Etc., and Male Vocalist of the Year Danny Paisley and Southern Grass. Baker is excited to host the U.S. Navy Bluegrass Band from Washington D.C. The act only performs at one West Coast festival per year. Choosing Bluegrass on the Beach is a high honor for the festival, Baker adds. One of the most captivating parts of Bluegrass on the Beach is what happens in the campgrounds after the festival is over for the day. It is not uncommon to hear mandolins and banjos throughout the night. “Music starts after it stops,” Baker likes to say. “There is so much jamming that goes on in the tents and the RVs. If you can camp, do it. You can walk around and listen. About every few RVs there are people jamming and you can walk up and listen or jump in and join them.”

Bluegrass on the Beach

Lake Havasu State Park, Site 4, 699 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City, bluegrassonthebeach.com, 10 a.m. to dusk Friday, March 3, to Sunday, March 5, $20-$95.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

GOLF SECTION

In Association with The Arizona Golf Association

THE PLAYABILITY FACTOR

Phil Mickelson surpasses goals with McDowell Mountain Golf Club

hen the investment group led by Hall of Fame golfer Phil Mickelson bought McDowell Mountain Golf Club and immediately renovated it, the goal was as clear as it was simple. “I want to see the game of golf grow,” Mickelson said at the October 2011 grand opening. “I want to see kids get involved and spend some time on a golf course. I want to make it more playable, enjoyable and visually stimulating, and to give families an affordable place to play golf.” Fast forward five years, and McDowell Mountain has not only achieved those goals, but has surpassed them. Mickelson and co-owner Steve Loy have consistently pushed the “playability factor” of what they felt the Scottsdale layout was missing as The Sanctuary Golf Club. Players have responded to the increase in turf acreage, the removal of bunkers and even adding a portable shade canopy to the practice range. This year alone, players have called the course “so much better than a few years ago.” “Great upgrade in overall playing condition” and it “is always in good shape. The restaurant is a destination for my family every time I’m in Scottsdale.” “We have just over 4,000 homes in the immediate neighborhood of McDowell Mountain, and the local response to the golf course has been fantastic,” says Loy, Mickelson’s golf coach at ASU. “But it’s the positive feedback from our out-of-town players that has really let us know what we have done here is working.” Stretching to 7,072 yards from the back tees, the

Randy Heckenkemper-designed track will give players of all abilities a great test. And pass or fail, the Mesquite Grille features an eclectic menu of delicious offerings, as well as a daily happy hour that has become a local destination. To book your next tee time at McDowell Mountain Golf Club, visit mcdowellmountaingc.com or call 480.502.8200.

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GOLF SECTION

In Association with The Arizona Golf Association

Arizona Golf – Resort Style

Painted Mountain Golf Resort

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

Exceptional golf is a tradition at the Arizona Golf Resort. Well known for some of the most picturesque and challenging par three holes, the Arizona Golf Resort offers 18 holes of PGA-rated championship golf. The lush fairways are lined with massive cottonwood and eucalyptus trees, serene lake settings, mature vegetation, expansive fairways and gently sloping, well-manicured greens. The 6,542-yard, par-71 course boasts a slope of 120, a rating of 70.8 and offers an excellent test for all skill levels. Full practice facilities include driving range, putting and chipping green area and greenside sand bunker facility. Arizona Golf Resort also offers certified club fitting, PGA staff and instructors, individual/ junior lessons, and golf schools and clinics. Its retail shop features all brand-name men’s and ladies’ apparel, accessories and merchandise. Multiple popular dining options from snacks to fine dining are available. 425 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizonagolfresort.com Book tee times online or call 480.832.1661

Foothills Golf Club

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

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

LET YOUR GAME

Golf Digest, Palms Course

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

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Treat your

valentine!

KODO: DADAN 2017

The 7 Fingers

Feb. 10–11

Branford Marsalis Quartet With Special Guest Kurt Elling

Feb. 12

Thodos Dance Chicago

Black Arm Band

Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton

Rosanne Cash

Feb. 17

Sybarite5 March 2

scottsdale center for the performing arts

Feb. 25–26

March 3

Click Call Visit

ScottsdalePerformingArts.org 480-499-TKTS (8587) 7380 E. Second St.

Feb. 18

March 4

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE ARTIST

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

‘IN MY LIFE’

Beatles show pays tribute to the phenomena of Beatlemania Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

ndy Nagle has been fascinated with the story of Beatlemania. “I’ve been in music for a while and have never seen anything like the fascination and love for The Beatles,” Nagle says. “They are the most popular tribute in the world—more popular than Elvis, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.” He is one of the folks in the music business whose tribute show has flourished. He is the cowriter/producer behind “In My Life,” a musical retelling of The Beatles’ story through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein. The Long Beach, California-based show features the live music of renowned tribute band Abbey Road, featuring Chris Paul Overall (Paul), Nathaniel Bott (John), Zak Schaffer (George) and Axel Clarke (Ringo). Murphy Martin plays Epstein. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. “I always wondered about what is like to witness Beatlemania from The Beatles’

perspective,” says Nagle, who wrote the musical with longtime friend Tom Maher. “I wanted to look inside of the whole tidal wave that went on for nine or 10 years. We researched it and I read every book from sources who were there—everybody from studio engineers to the Beatles themselves. “When we saw events described two to three times by different sources, we would go with that.” Nagle hired Martin to play Epstein and to narrate the show. He meets The Beatles at the Cavern Club at the beginning of the show, while the musicians were still donning black leather jacks and smoking on stage. “Brian went into the Cavern Club and was impressed with them,” Nagle says. “He told them he wanted to be their manager. He was only 26 years old and didn’t have experience in the business. But he understood they had a real ability to connect with the audience. “He also cleaned them up—wearing the matching suits and adding the synchronized bows at the end of songs.” The phenomenon was “crunched” into a two-hour script, he says.

“The show has 33 songs in it,” he says. “So as the story goes, people not only get to hear The Beatles’ music, people get an understanding as to why the songs came and went on that particular point of their career.” An important part of the Sunday, March 12, show at the Herberger Theater Center is the string quartet of teens from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale. Seniors Alex Garza and Cameron Whyte and sophomores Davis Whyte and Austin Thurman will join the band for the songs “Eleanor Rigby,” “Yesterday,” “A Day in the Life,” “Hello Goodbye” and “Hey Jude.” “Yesterday” is played as a scene in which the Paul McCartney character plays the song for the first time for Beatles producer George Martin, with the songwriter explaining that he envisioned a string-quartet accompaniment. “We hired a local high school string quartet to bring in string accompaniment for some of the songs,” he says. “It’s nice musically because Beatles fans don’t get the chance to experience Beatles songs performed that require strings. ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and ‘Yesterday’ are the songs that really come alive in the theater because of

the kids. It’s a nice thing for the audience and for the kids. For a lot of the kids, this is their first hired gig. They get to see how a touring show operates from the inside.” The permanent cast members are all in their 20s and 30s, to accurately reflect the time in which “In My Life” is set. “We tried to cast people who can act and perform the music and sound like The Beatles,” he says. “We’ve learned so much about The Beatles and how they’re still loved. “My four musician/actors who play The Beatles, none of them were born when the Beatles broke up. People respect that, and they come to the meet and greet to tell us they still love the Beatles, even though they broke up 45 years ago.”

“In My Life— A Musical Theatre Tribute to The Beatles” Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.254.7399, herbergertheater. org, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 12, $46-$75.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Van Buren, between Second and Third streets, Phoenix 602.252.8497 herbergertheater.org

ARTS

“Matilda: The Musical”

CALENDAR Eye on Fashion

TO FEBRUARY 26 More than 600 items are part of this impressive fashion design collection, which makes the Phoenix Art Museum a unique resource in the industry. Each piece was curated by Kelly Ellman, and features a unique look at fashion history through her whimsical sensibility. From World War II parachute clothing, to the Chanel ensembles, to a variety of accessories, this exhibit is one not to miss. Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix 602.257.1880 phxart.org

“Madama Butterfly”

FEBRUARY 3 TO FEBRUARY 5 Start the month of love with the Arizona Opera. The story follows a geisha’s love for a naval officer, set in an idyllic village in Japan. Featuring tender duets and breathtaking arias, LA ESQUINITA FEBRUARY 9-26

the opera explores the depths of human emotion, heartbreak and tragedy. Sung in Italian with English Supertitles. Presented by Arizona Opera Phoenix Symphony Hall 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix 602.266.7464 azopera.org

“A Legacy of Justice: Sipuel v. Board of Regents University of Oklahoma”

FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 16 The true story of Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, a test court plaintiff in 1946 Oklahoma for the NAACP. Fisher fought to earn a law degree in the educational facility of her choice, a trial that would change the course of history. This is a “Lunch Time Theater” performance. Running time is approximately 45 minutes. Lunch can be ordered in advance, or brought with you. There is an evening performance on February 6 at 7 p.m. Herberger Theater Center Kax Stage

ROMEO AND JULIET FEBRUARY 9-12

FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 12 Broadway’s latest smash hit is based on the novel by Roald Dahl and features the sweet and zany antics of a young girl with a vivid imagination, and a sharp mind. Grab the family and see why it has not only been named “Show of the Year,” but has won 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards. ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe 480.965.3434 asugammage.com

“Romeo and Juliet”

FEBRUARY 9 TO FEBRUARY 12 There is no story more romantic than that of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare’s tale of two teenage lovers is set to a dance with choreography by Ib Andersen and music by Sergei Prokofiev. Grab your Valentine and spend the holiday weekend with Ballet Arizona. Preand post-performance chats give audiences an inside look at the production. Presented by Ballet Arizona Phoenix Symphony Hall 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix 602.381.1096 balletaz.org

“La Esquinita”

FEBRUARY 9 TO FEBRUARY 26 Mexican-American writer/performer

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“The Heroes of Olim”

FEBRUARY 9 TO FEBRUARY 19 Unlikely heroes rise from the most surprising of circumstances. When the kidnapping of the kingdom’s princess occurs, a common thief is forced to rescue her himself, when his warnings go ignored by the king. The story by Claire Howard is the winner of East Valley Children’s Theatre’s Aspiring Playwrights Contest. Presented by East Valley Children’s Theatre Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6560 mesaarts.org

“Beauty Speaks for Us”

FEBRUARY 10 TO APRIL 2 The Heard Museum opens the new Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Grand Gallery with an exhibit featuring more than 200 rarely seen masterworks, which come from private collections and the museums own catalog. Pieces span generations and cultures, and features pottery,

FEBRUARY 7-12

“BEAUTY SPEAKS FOR US” FEBRUARY 10-APRIL 12

BRANFORD MARSALIS AND KURT ELLING FEBRUARY 12

Rubén C. González presents a production featuring interlocking stories, with 10 characters set in a once-booming small border town, where promises from big business were broken. González tells the stories of those left behind when the town’s infrastructure is in disarray, through an amazing solo performance. Presented by Arizona Theatre Company Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix 602.256.6995 arizonatheatre.org

JASON LYLE BLACK FEBRUARY 14

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

CANAL CONVERGENCE WATER + ART + LIGHT FEBRUARY 22-26

textiles, jewelry, beadwork, functional art, paintings, basketry and carvings. Heard Museum 602.252.8840 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix heard.org

Carefree Artisan Gifts and Chocolate Festival

FEBRUARY 10 TO FEBRUARY 12 Everyone loves gifts. Everyone loves chocolate. Sweeten up your Valentine’s Day by visiting this exciting festival, located in the beautiful Carefree Desert Gardens.

Find the freshest and finest chocolate and confection vendors in the region, including fresh-dipped fruits and handmade truffles. Baked good and artisan gifts will also be available, and live entertainment will keep visitors entertained. Carefree Desert Gardens 101 Easy Street, Carefree 480.488.2014 carefreeazfestivals.com

Branford Marsalis Quartet with Special Guest Kurt Elling FEBRUARY 12

Legendary saxophonist, composer and bandleader Branford Marsalis comes to Scottsdale as a part of his national tour. Marsalis will be on stage with his saxophone, while accompanied by Kurt Elling, who will provide vocals. Joey Calderazzo will be on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Justin Faulkner on drums. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale 480.499.TKTS scottsdaleperformingarts.org

Scottsdale Philharmonic

FEBRUARY 12 The Scottsdale Philharmonic is a professionally trained symphony orchestra with 90-plus members that has been performing for six years. Its February concert will feature Wagner: Overture to Tannhauser. Mozart: Symphony #40 in G minor, and Respighi: Pines of Rome. Tickets and parking are free, but for a $15 donation, you can have a VIP preferred seat. Scottsdale Bible Church 7601 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale ScottsdalePhilharmonic.com

California Guitar Trio & Montreal Guitar Trio Friday, February 17 · 7:30 p.m.

WAR Saturday, February 18 · 7:30 p.m. Full season listing

ChandlerCenter.org 480.782.2680 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Jason Lyle Black - Valentine’s Date Concert

FEBRUARY 14 Are you still debating on what to do for Valentine’s Day? Look no further than the Higley Center for the Performing Arts. Award-winning concert pianist, composer and entertainer will perform his unique blend of talent. Black has performed for audiences around the globe, and has appeared on the “Ellen” show. Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert 480.279.7184 higleyarts.org

ETHEL Presents The River

FEBRUARY 15 Established in New York City in 1998, ETHEL is a string quartet that shares a quest for a common creative expression, while celebrating community. Its music crosses genres, and its Tempe performance continues the group’s successful nine-year collaboration with Robert Mirabal, a Native American musician and instrument builder. Audiences will be immersed in music, narrative and ritual. ASU Gammage 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe 480.965.3434 asugammage.com

Todrick Hall

FEBRUARY 18 Not only is Todrick Hall famous for

his widely viewed YouTube channel, but he has is also an “American Idol” finalist and has appeared on Broadway. Audiences in Queen Creek will get to experience his blend of parody, choreography and music live on stage. Queen Creek Performing Arts Center 22149 E. Ocotillo Road, Queen Creek 480.987.SHOW qcpac.com

Diamond Rocks

FEBRUARY 20 Arizona Broadway Theatre is known for its entertaining stage productions and delicious food, but they also offer a toe-tapping concert series. Treat your Valentine to an evening of Neil Diamond classic performed by Diamond Rocks. Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria 623.776.8400 azbroadway.org

Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light

FEBRUARY 22 TO FEBRUARY 26 The banks of the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront will welcome more than 50,000 people to view eight large-scale public art installations. This cutting-edge event features pieces on land and in the skies above. National and international artists will have their work on display, some of which have never been seen before in the United States. Live music and educational activities round out the free event.

Scottsdale Waterfront Camelback and Scottsdale roads, Scottsdale 480.874.4645 ScottsdalePublicArt.org

Disney in Concert: A Tale as Old as Time

FEBRUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 26 Introduce the family to the Phoenix Symphony with a concert filled with Disney favorites. The multimedia event features acclaimed vocalists, projected movie clips and live orchestra music, led by conductor John Varineau. From the youngest of attendees, to seasoned ticket holders, everyone will enjoy this performance. Presented by Phoenix Symphony Phoenix Symphony 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix 602.495.1999 phoenixsymphony.org

Birdman: Film + Live Drum Score

FEBRUARY 25 Experience the 2015 Oscar winner for Best Picture in a whole new way. The film, directed by Alejandro Iñárritu and starring Michael Keaton, will be screened, accompanied with live music performed by renowned jazz drummer Antonio Sanchez. His score for the film won a Grammy award. Mesa Arts Center 1 E. Main Street, Mesa 480.644.6560 mesaarts.org

TODRICK HALL FEBRUARY 18

DIAMOND ROCKS FEBRUARY 20

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“Pump Boys and Dinettes”

FEBRUARY 25 On Highway 57, somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, North Carolina is a filling station and across the street is the Double Cupp Diner. The establishment is run by Rhetta and Prudie Cupp, and all the action is here. This toe-tapping musical is sure to put a smile on your face. Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler 480.782.2680 chandlercenter.org

The Taos Society of Artists

TO APRIL 30 Visit the Scottsdale museum that is a Smithsonian Affiliate and features changing exhibits of Western art and brings that heritage to life. The exhibit features more than 80 American masterpieces by 19 Taos Society artists, which transformed the community into an international art center. The group disbanded in 1927, but its legacy lives on. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale 480.686.9539 scottsdalemuseumwest.org

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES FEBRUARY 25

FEBRUARY 9-19

BIRDMAN FEBRUARY 25

TAOS SOCIETY OF ARTISTS TO APRIL 30

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

16/17 WORLD PREMIERE

Riders of the SINGING THE Purple Sage

BLUES

MAR 3 & 4 at 7:30 pm MAR 5 at 2:00 pm

Phoenix Blues Society hopes to keep the genre alive with downtown’s Blues Blast

Symphony Hall

Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

from the book Riders of the Purple Sage, by ZANE GREY

hile blues music may not be in the mainstream eye as it once was, the heart and soul of the genre is very much alive in Phoenix. The Phoenix Blues Society is bringing the 26th annual Blues Blast to Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, February 25. The goal of the longstanding festival, according to Phoenix Blues Society President Jim Crawford, is to “perpetuate the blues.” “There’s always speculation that it’s a dying art form and that it needs to be preserved and saved, and that’s what we’re after,” Crawford says. “We’d like to keep it in the people’s consciousness.” With Karen Lovely and the Delgado Brothers set to co-headline the festivities, the Phoenix Blues Society has also secured appearances from Eric Ramsey, Sistahs Too and Mike Eldred Trio. While the festival brings artists from different locations, they also have a strong hold on the local scene. “We give our local artists a chance to get on stage,” Crawford says. “We have a whole bunch of world-class musicians walking around amongst us that not a lot of people are aware of, so this gives them a chance to shine.” While the Blues Blast looks to keep the spirit of blues alive, the other goal, according to Crawford, is fun. Outside of music, the festival features vendors, ranging from food to alcohol, and even art. With a large mural set around the festival grounds, patrons can contribute their own touches.

However, the Blues Blast’s family-friendly atmosphere is something that they intend to emphasize. The festival features, too, a free Kidz Zone with activities and games, including Frisbees, rubber balls and hula-hoops. But the most attention-grabbing activity is likely to be what Crawford refers to as an instrument petting zoo. Sponsored by Bookmans, this activity allows children to experiment with a variety of instruments. In addition to these child-friendly activities, the festival will be hosting a kazoo presentation featuring the children. With plenty of activities to keep the whole family occupied, the society expects continued growth for the festival, which has been expanding since its humble beginnings. “We expect a big turnout,” says Crawford. “It’s getting bigger. It’s gotten bigger every year that we’ve done it.” General admission tickets for the event, which opens its doors at 10 a.m., cost $25 until the day of the show, when prices will rise to $30 per ticket. But while the event does feature an admission fee for most, children 16 and younger may attend for free, a practice that promotes the family-friendly feel Crawford hopes to achieve and helps keep the blues a multigenerational phenomenon. “It’s a family-friendly event,” he explains. “Totally bring the kids; bring grandma; bring the whole family.”

CRAIG BOHMLER Libretto by STEVEN

MARK KOHN

Scenery by ED MELL Executive Producers

BILLIE JO & JUDD HERBERGER

“#1 ‘Unmissable Event’ for 2016/17” –Arizona Republic

rizona hosts the premiere of a new Western opera based on the classic novel by Zane Grey. Follow this Wild West adventure through the sweeping vistas and massive canyons of the Southwest, brought to life by the vibrant work of worldrenowned Arizona artist, Ed Mell. Sung in English with English supertitles.

Presented by

Blues Blast

Margaret T. Hance Park, 67 W. Culver Street, Phoenix, phoenixblues.org, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, February 25, $18-$30.

“THE 8TH WONDER OF THE WORLD.”

—Joe Heard, former White House photographer, watched Shen Yun 6 times

“A MUST-SEE!”

Composed by

— Broadway World

Tickets start at $25

azopera.org 602-266-7464

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ORDER TICKETS!

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www.ShenYun.com/AZ prices: $70 -$150 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MELODY IS KING FOR BRANFORD MARSALIS

‘Upward Spiral’ in concert at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Kenneth LaFave » The Entertainer!

etting back to the basics of melody is no easy job. Ask Branford Marsalis. “My definition of melody is a sequence of notes so strong that, if every other aspect of the music fell apart, people would still want to hear it,” says the famed saxophonist, who, years ago, turned his back on the easy fame of leading “The Tonight Show” band to devote his time to exploring the present and possible future of jazz. Marsalis, his quartet, and jazz vocal phenomenon Kurt Elling will appear in concert February 12 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The concert is part of a tour promoting Marsalis’s and Elling’s Grammy-nominated album, “Upward Spiral.” The album was meant to point the way back to melody, Marsalis says. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“Modern jazz is not melodic. It has almost no melodies at all,” he asserts, and that’s a mistake. “People want good melody. Good melody and a good beat. That’s why when you say the name ‘Ravel,’ people think of ‘Bolero,’” and not any of his other music.” Much of jazz evolved out of harmonic progressions, with soloists doing takes on the chords of a song, emphasizing the harmony over the melody, though the solo itself was the creation of a kind of melody. For “Upward Spiral,” Marsalis says he was looking for songs with melodic lines not generated from chord progressions, but able to stand on their own. “This is not a case against harmony. But harmony’s place in the food chain has been misplaced. It’s secondary, not primary,” he says. For a project emphasizing melody, Marsalis needed a singer. And the choice was easy:

“Kurt Elling is one of the few modern jazz singers whose background vocabulary is a jazz vocabulary,” compared with many jazz singers’ pop and indie rock backgrounds. “That gives us the possibility of making this a real quintet, instead of just a quartet with a singer out front.” The integration of Elling’s vocals into the fabric of the quartet, with its many layers of melody, is one of the great achievements of the album. “A second thing Kurt has going to the ability to change the color of his voice to match the emotion of the song. That’s a quality usually associated only with opera singers.” The choice of songs centered on Marsalis’ insistence on melody as the prime ingredient. “When you talk about great composers and songwriters, there’s only a handful a people who can come up with great melodies,” Marsalis says. “Sting comes to mind. Beethoven too.” There’s no Beethoven on “Upward Spiral,” but Sting is represented by “Practical Arrangement.” The songs go back to the 1930s, with Gershwin’s “There’s a Boat That’s Leaving Soon for New York,” and on up to Sting and the rock singer-songwriter Chris Whitley’s “From One Island to Another.” From somewhere in between come most of the remainder. The ’50s are especially well represented: “Blue Gardenia,” a jazz standard made popular in 1955 by Dinah Washington; “Blue Velvet,” a song

introduced by Tony Bennett in 1951, but made wildly popular by Bobby Vinton a few years later; and “Doxy,” written for Miles Davis by jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins in 1957. There are a few surprises as well, especially “Momma Said,” which is not a song at all but a poem by Calvin Forbes, spoken instead of sung by Elling, backed by improvisation from Marsalis and his quartet, and completely lacking a melody, despite the album’s stated theme. At the other end of things, Fred Hersch’s “West Virginia Rose” is performed with everyone in unison, producing nothing but melody. The songs’ styles are all over the place, from the pop slickness of “Blue Velvet” to the smooth Brazilian samba of Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Só Tinha De Ser Com Você.” So, is the album really jazz? To answer that, Marsalis trips a variation on Duke Ellington’s famous statement, “There are only two kinds of music – good music, and the other kind.” “It’s the same thing for every genre. The really good music doesn’t sound like a genre. The style becomes irrelevant.”

Branford Marsalis Quartet with Kurt Elling

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 12, $35-$69.

NEW CONCERTS COMING TO THE MIM MUSIC THEATER Mandy Harvey Wednesday, February 8 | 7:00 p.m. Deaf jazz singer Mandy Harvey, “tames her audience into stunned appreciation as she glides pitch-perfect. . .” —LA Times

Turtle Island Quartet plays John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme Sunday, February 12 | 7:00 p.m. “It is group string jazz at its finest, not only brilliantly conceived but brilliantly played as well by master musicians. . .” —Sacramento Bee

Holly Hofmann with Mike Wofford, Katie Thiroux, and Jeff Hamilton Tuesday, February 14 | 7:00 p.m. One of the jazz world’s premier flutists, Holly Hofmann, is joined by her exceptionally talented friends.

Paul McCandless with Charged Particles Thursday, February 16 | 7:30 p.m. “An electrifying, push-the-limits performance style . . . A tight and enormously talented trio.” —Jazz Times

John Scofield’s Country for Old Men featuring Steve Swallow, Larry Goldings, and Bill Stewart Friday, February 17 | 7:00 & 9:00 p.m. “Scofield is one of the most distinctive and influential electric guitarists of the past 40 years.” —San Diego Union-Tribune

Kaki King: The Neck Is a Bridge to the Body Saturday, February 18 | 7:30 p.m. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a genre unto herself,” composer and guitarist Kaki King is a true iconoclast.

Dobet Gnahoré Sunday, February 19 | 7:00 p.m. “ A vivacious bundle of energy, blessed with a powerful voice and infectious charisma.” —BBC

Villalobos Brothers Monday, February 20 | 7:00 p.m. These virtuoso violinists masterfully blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, and Mexican folk music to deliver a powerful performance.

Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Monday, February 27 | 7:00 p.m. “A perfect cocktail of mid-century music deliciously accented with chamber, jazz, classical, and world music notes.” —Boston Globe

Martha Redbone Friday, March 3 | 7:30 p.m. “A charismatic indie-soul diva whose sound is a just-right mix of retro and modern.” —Time Out New York

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

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

CRYSTAL CLEAR Billy Crystal on new tour and championing Muhammad Ali Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

or world-renowned entertainer Billy Crystal, the 2001 World Series was win-win. His money was behind the Arizona Diamondbacks as a minority owner, and his heart beat for his beloved New York Yankees. “It was hard because, when we bought our way in, I had no thought in my mind that someday they’d be in the World Series together,” Crystal says. “That was a really hard World Series for me. It was an amazing World Series. It ended really well for my ownership part, but not my Yankee part. At one point, my wife said, ‘Look, we’re beating us.’” The Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, writer and director will share stories—like that one— from his life during his “Spend the Night WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

with Billy Crystal” tour, which comes to Symphony Hall on Sunday, February 19. “It’s a comedy concert in the guise of a talk show,” Crystal says. “I had a great relationship with David Letterman. When I’d go on Dave’s show, it would go off and it was wonderful form for me. It was very freeing. “Well, I’ve expanded it to a full evening. I’m really on my feet more than I’m sitting down. It’s loose and I don’t know where it’s going to go a lot of the times.” A stand-up comic turned television star, Crystal found fame as a movie funnyman with starring roles in blockbusters such as “When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers” and “Analyze This.” He hosted the Academy Awards multiple times and he is an award-winning author whose latest memoir, “Still Foolin’ ‘Em: Where I’ve Been, Where I’m Going, and Where the Hell are My Keys?” was a New York Times bestseller.

Crystal has a lot to say to his fans via “Spend the Night.” “There’s so much going on in the world and my world,” he says. “Now, at the age of 68—I almost choked when I said that, by the way—there are things I want to talk about. There are my four grandchildren and the world that we’re going to hand over to them that I’m concerned about. There are so many funny ways of looking at life now. I have so much fun doing the show and audiences seem to really love this intimate, informal approach to doing a comedy show.” Recently wrapping up an Australian tour, Crystal says he feels the shows are an accomplishment. “If I have an idea, I try and make it happen,” he says. “I don’t want it to just be an idea. I want to try and see it through. It’s a great test of your mind and patience, or your ability to make something happen from nothing.

“Even in my early days of standup, when I was being formed, as they say, I naturally became more of a storyteller than a joke guy. I’m very comfortable with that. That’s why I think ‘700 Sundays,’ my Broadway show, was such a great, satisfying experience for me and my audiences. “It was really stories filled with humor, and jokes, but you didn’t see them coming. They just sort of happen. I grew up in a house with relatives who were great storytellers. They would even find humor in how they came to this country. There’s nothing funny about running for the border, but my relatives would find something funny about it. I think I’m just sort of carrying on their tradition.” These days he finds himself also entertaining grandchildren, ages 13, 10, 7 and 4, and two daughters. “Watching my grandchildren grow is the greatest joy of all,” he says. “I was very close with my grandparents. It was a different time. They didn’t come to my baseball games. We, on the other hand, don’t miss anything. We love watching them develop and helping them make the right choices. I get such a great satisfaction watching my kids raise their children. Then we—me and Janice, my wife of almost 47 years—feel like we did a good job. That’s the most wonderful thing of all.” Crystal will return to the Valley on March 18 for Celebrity Fight Night, an event and cause that he has long championed. This year’s event will be bittersweet as it is the first without its founder Muhammad Ali. Throughout Celebrity Fight Night’s 23-year history, $127 million has been raised with the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute as a significant beneficiary. “My experiences with Ali and Fight Night have always been so wonderful,” he says. “He was always there, though. I was honored to be one of his eulogists at his memorial at his request. I did my first television show ever with him and we became really great friends. “We have to keep his legacy going, which is what I know he wanted. It’ll be hard. The world is harder without him. Even in his silence of the last, at least, 10 years, where he didn’t speak, his presence was this magical silent Buddha for us. He was still there. He wouldn’t want us to be sad right now. So, we’ll have our laughs. We’ll remember him always and we’ll celebrate him. It can’t be a downer. It has to be what it started out as—a celebration in his honor.”

“Spend the Night with Billy Crystal”

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 100 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 877.840.0457, phoenix.ticketforce.com, 7 p.m. Sunday, February 19, $60-$150. For more information about Celebrity Fight Night, visit celebrityfightnight.org.

wigwam Fine Art & Wine

Fine Art & Wine

Festival February 17-19 10am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5pm

ART WINE MUSIC FOOD The Wigwam 300 E. Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

www.vermillionpromotions.com

623-734-6526

The BEST independent films from around the world, celebrities, parties, workshops and more!

Michael Feinstein

Bruce Hornsby and The Noisemakers

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE CRITIC

LIGHTS » CAMERA » ACTION » SCREEN » ENCHANT » TRANSPORT

What movie should you see this month? Ask our experts! JOSEPH’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

“La La Land”

“La La Land” is more than just a movie musical; it is a time machine that takes audiences back to the golden age of cinema while utilizing the current era’s technological advances to create a visually stunning and emotionally upending masterpiece. “Whiplash” writer/director Damien Chazelle tells a story to which anyone who has ever had a dream or fell in love can relate. The only thing that will resonate more and linger in your mind longer than the majestic musical numbers is the theme of regret and wonder over what “could have been” that is so elegantly represented in the finale montage. RANDY’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

“20th Century Women” Some movies stay with you, and such is the case with this Annette Bening comedy/drama. Set in Santa Barbara in 1979, we follow a somewhat eccentric mother, who grapples with issues raising her son, while forging relationships with live-in tenants. Director Mike Mills tells the story in a way that you grow to care about the characters. Narration adds a unique storytelling element that connects you with their lives. While garnering award attention, this is one of the quieter releases that snuck into theaters via limited release, and is now seeing a wide rollout.

Our film writers grade what’s in theaters Movie

Joseph

Randy

M.V.

“20th Century Women”

“Assassin’s Creed”

“Collateral Beauty”

“Fences”

“Paterson”

The title is the name of both the setting—Paterson, New Jersey—and the hero (Adam Driver), who works there as a city bus driver and a contentedly unknown poet, scribbling lines before his shift starts. Jim Jarmusch’s idyll traces a week of his pleasant routines—waking up next to his gorgeous wife (Golshifteh Farahani), walking his jealous bulldog, hanging out in a local bar. It’s suspiciously rose-colored in its view of the heartsease of an artist with a working life, but it’s such a serene fantasy, and Driver is so sweet, that you’re likely to be drawn in.

ABOUT THE FILM WRITERS

“The Founder”

B B

“Hidden Figures”

“La La Land”

“Lion”

“Live by Night”

“Manchester by the Sea”

“Moana”

“A Monster Calls”

“Monster Trucks”

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”

“Silence”

C C

“Underworld: Blood Wars” “Why Him?”

RANDY MONTGOMERY is a Los Angeles-based film critic who lived in, and still loves, Arizona. Living within walking distance of multiple major studios is a dream come true for this long-time movie buff. While not sitting in the dark and munching on popcorn with extra butter, you can find him riding roller coasters and enjoying the arts. Email him at randymwriter@yahoo.com.

“Patriot’s Day”

“Sing”

“Passengers” “Paterson”

M.V.’S MOVIE OF THE MONTH

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

The Report Card

B D

M.V. MOORHEAD has won five first-place Arizona Press Club awards for criticism. His reviews and other writings appear in other Valley publications as well as on his own blog, Less Hat, Moorhead (mvmoorhead.blogspot.com). A native of Pennsylvania, he lives in Phoenix with his wife, kid and three Chihuahuas with five eyeballs between them. Email him at mvmoorhead@cox.net.

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

COMING

ATTRACTIONS “The Space Between Us”

“The Great Wall”

PG-13 120 MINUTES Asa Butterfield plays a teenager residing on Mars who, while searching for clues about his father and the home planet he’s never known, begins an online friendship with a girl on Earth (Britt Robertson). When he finally gets a chance to visit her, he joins with the girl on a race against time to unravel the mysteries of how he came to be and where he belongs in the universe. Opens February 3.

“Collide”

“Fifty Shades Darker”

PG-13 - 99 MINUTES Nicholas Hoult plays a young man who, after a heist goes terribly wrong, finds himself on the run from a ruthless gang headed by a mob boss (Anthony Hopkins). Left with no choice, he calls his former employer and drug smuggler (Ben Kingsley) to protect his long-time girlfriend (Felicity Jones) before the mob boss gets his hands on her. Opens February 3.

R - 15 MINUTES Jamie Dornan reprises his role as Christian Grey who wrestles with his inner demons as Dakota Johnson’s Anastasia Steele must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her. Opens February 10.

“A Cure for Wellness”

“Same Kind of Different as Me”

NR 100 MINUTES Greg Kinnear plays a renowned art dealer who strives to save his marriage by befriending a volatile homeless man (Djimon Hounsou). Meanwhile, the hidden dreams of the art dealer’s wife (Renee Zellweger) send all three tumbling toward an uncertain fate. Opens February 3.

PG-13 108 MINUTES Matt Damon stars in the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world’s most iconic structure. Zhang Yimou directs the largest film ever shot entirely in China. Opens February 17.

“War on Everyone”

R - 97 MINUTES Alexander Skarsgård and Michael Peña play crooked cops who frame and blackmail criminals all over town. Looking for the ultimate payoff, they try to extort a strip-club manager (Caleb Landry Jones) and his eccentric junkie boss, (Theo James) but get more than they bargained for when their hairbrained scheme uncovers a bigger, darker secret. Opens February 3.

R - 146 MINUTES Dane DeHaan plays an ambitious young executive who is sent to retrieve his company’s CEO from an idyllic but mysterious wellness center at a remote location in the Swiss Alps. He soon suspects that the spa’s miraculous treatments are not what they seem. When he begins to unravel its terrifying secrets, his sanity is tested as he finds himself diagnosed with the same curious illness that keeps all the guests here longing for the cure. Opens February 17.

“Rock Dog”

PG - 80 MINUTES Luke Wilson voices a wide-eyed Tibetan Mastiff who leaves home to fulfill his dream of becoming a musician, setting into motion a series of completely unexpected events. Other voice talents include Eddie Izzard, J.K. Simmons, Lewis Black, Kenan Thompson, Mae Whitman, Jorge Garcia, Matt Dillon and Sam Elliott. Opens February 24.

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

WHERE MOVIES

ROCK

Sedona film festival builds on 2016’s energy

Tim J. Randall » The Entertainer!

opping the 2016 Sedona International Film Festival could have been challenging for its executive director Patrick Schweiss. After all, legendary rockers Chicago thrilled fans last year, and patrons embraced a screening of “American Graffiti.” “People are still talking about last year,” he says. “The concerts in the very intimate Sedona Performing Arts Center on stage blew the doors off Sedona. Seeing the iconic ‘American Graffiti’ on the big screen and being able to interact with some of the actors was wonderful and memorable for so many of us who grew up with that film.” But leave it to Schweiss, who has led the program for more than 10 years, to formulate an event beyond comparison. Running Saturday, February 18, to Sunday, February 26, the Sedona International Film Festival takes that energy to the next level with an opening night performance from three-time Grammy Award winner Bruce Hornsby. “Anytime we can bring an artist of Bruce Hornsby’s stature and incredible talent, the impact starts from the moment we make the announcement,” Schweiss says. The 23rd iteration of the revered event also brings five-time Grammy nominee Michael Feinstein, and his Ira Gershwin Program and Great American Songbook to the brilliant red rocks of Sedona.

“Michael Feinstein is iconic,” Schweiss says. “It’s that simple. His Great American Songbook touches the deep history of Broadway and the legacy of radio’s golden era and his own performances have delighted audiences around the world. When you leave a Michael Feinstein concert, the music, the history and that voice stay with you for a very long time.” And that’s just the music. The festival’s reputation and allure is about the movies, films and shorts that filmmakers and guests clamor for each year. “The common thread throughout all we do is recognizing that our audiences love the entire filmmaking experience,” Schweiss says. “From independent films to classics and documentaries and beyond, we’re consistently reviewing what we do and how we do it. We’ve expanded the categories of films we screen to include different genres that reflect current issues as well as tastes.” Patrons will experience 160 documentaries, features and short films, chosen from more than 1,200 entries, according to Schweiss. “The selection process is never easy because the films we get are incredibly diverse in their subjects, genres, entertainment and production values and quality,” Schweiss says. “And each year the decision-making becomes even more difficult because of the reputation of our festival, both as a showcase center and an FRANTZ

BURN BURN BURN

FIRE AT SEA

experience like none other in the industry for filmmakers and film lovers.” As of mid-January, the committee had yet to choose this year’s showcase film. “At this point, we’re still in the selection process, but you never know what surprises are in store in Sedona,” Schweiss says. Patrons can look forward to a midweek salute to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Broadway and a cabaret-style performance by Emmy Award winner Peter Marshall, whose resume includes more than 50 TV, movie and Broadway credits and a 14-year stint as host of hit TV game show, The Hollywood Squares. Schweiss expects more than 7,000 to 10,000 visitors over the nine days; a far cry from the early days of the festival, which was booked in Sedona because of the “community’s love of the arts.”

“Over the years, and after some early struggles, the festival has grown primarily, because we provide an overall experience that is second to none,” Schweiss says. The concerts will be held at the Sedona Performing Arts Center at Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Films will run all day beginning Saturday, February 18, on four screens at Sedona Harkins 6, 2081 W. Highway 89A; the Mary D. Fisher Theater, 2030 W. Highway 89A, and the Sedona Performing Arts Center. “Every year is different at the Sedona International Film Festival and we truly believe that the residual impact from years past always carries over,” Schweiss says. “We know this place will be rockin’.” For more information, visit sedonafilmfestival.org. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE DINER

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

Happy Hour Guide 52

Street Eats Festival 60

Sir Veza's Taco Garage 62

Eat Your Art Out 66

FEBRUARY FOOD EVENTS Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

Glendale Chocolate Affair

FEBRUARY 3 TO FEBRUARY 5 Join chocolatiers from around the country as they display their delicious treats. Sample a variety of chocolate-covered desserts, including cheesecake, strawberries and fried Twinkies. This is the perfect time to purchase gifts for Valentine’s Day as well. Historic Downtown Glendale in Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues, Glendale, 623.930.2299, glendaleaz.com, free.

dining experience. Guests will be able to take home recipes. LDV Winery, 6951 E. First Street, Scottsdale, 480.664.4822, ldvwinery.com, 6 p.m., starts at $65.

other confections from high-quality vendors. Guests will also be able to peruse artisan works that include arts and jewelry. Meals will be offered at concession court with entertainment in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. Carefree Desert Gardens and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, 480.488.2014, carefreecavecreek.org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

Phoenix Vegan Food Festival

FEBRUARY 25 The festival showcases the best in Arizona’s vegan-friendly restaurants, food and drink vendors. In addition to food, an artisan market will sell clothing, household items and accessories. Phoenix Theatre and Phoenix Art Museum Campus, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, phxveganfest.com, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $25 to $50.

Vineyard to Table Supper Club FEBRUARY 7 Indulge in a three-course meal prepared by the LDV Winery owners. In addition, they will pair each course with a special wine to enhance the PHOENIX VEGAN FOOD FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 25

Carefree Artisan Gifts and Chocolate Festival

FEBRUARY 10 TO FEBRUARY 12 Sample decadent chocolate and

Eat Your Art Out Chandler! Street Eats Food Truck Festival

FEBRUARY 11 AND 12 Taste delicious eats from more than 70 food trucks. In addition to its regular menu, each food truck will offer $2 samples. Other activities include a kid’s zone, cooking classes, a local vendor area and more. This year, each ticket includes admission into UnCommon Markets, a place to see handcrafted items by regional artisans. Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, streeteatsaz.com, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., $12 to $50.

FEBRUARY 28 Eat Your Art Out Chandler is a community event that brings together Chandler restaurants, arts patrons and corporate sponsors for one day to show their support for the arts in Chandler. You help by eating at one or more of the participating restaurants. Funds from Eat Your Art Out Chandler support various Chandler Center for the Arts programs, like headline entertainment, the Free Summer Concert Series and the Connecting Kidz programs. Restaurants will donate a percentage of their proceeds to the Chandler Center for the Arts on that day. Throughout Chandler, chandlercenter.org WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

HAPPY HOUR GUIDE Brat Haus

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

Hard Rock Café

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

Carlos O’Brien’s

Hungry Monk

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

Lucky Strike Bowling

Craft 64

Luxe Lounge

7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix 3pm-6:30pm everyday Bud Light Pints $3, Import & Craft Pints $4, Sycamore Lane & Sangria Wines 45, Well Vodka, Rum, Gin or Tequila $5, Fruit Margarita Frozen or Sangria $5, Our Original Margarita $4 or $6 Grande. MollyRita $6, 100% Reposado Margarita $4 or $6 Grande.

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

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

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

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

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

Dirty Dogg Saloon

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

Duke’s Sports Bar & Grill

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

Rehab Burger Therapy

7210 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to close Thursdays PBR/Modelo Cans $1.75, Domestic Pints $2.75, Coors Light, Bud Light, Premium Pints $3.75, Captain Morgan, Absolute, Pinnacle Drinks $4.75, $1 off Party Starters, Wines by the glass, any rapid relief. $2 off Special Treatment and any Skinny Remedy. Various Food Discounts!

Rehab Burger Therapy Tempe

21 E. 6th Street, Tempe Daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 a.m. to close Thursdays PBR/Modelo Cans $1.75, Domestic Pints $2.75, Coors Light, Bud Light, Premium Pints $3.75, Captain Morgan, Absolute, Pinnacle Drinks $4.75, $1 off Party Starters, Wines by the glass, any rapid relief. $2 off Special Treatment and any Skinny Remedy. Various Food Discounts!

Scottsdale Beer Company

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

Stockyards Steakhouse

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

Old Town Tavern

SunUp Brewing Co.

Philly’s Sports Grill

TapHouse Kitchen

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

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

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

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

El Chorro

Pig & Pickle

Tutti Santi

EVO

Pure Sushi Bar & Dining

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

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

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

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

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

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2922 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale Tuesday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. $5 select small dishes, select cocktail and select wine and beer

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

Pure Sushi Colony

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

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

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

Wasted Grain

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

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Participating Locations Eat Breakfast Here Crisp Greens

Eat Lunch Here

Support The Arts In Chandler! Restaurants help by donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Chandler Center for the Arts on that day. You help by eating at one or more of the participating restaurants. Funds from Eat Your Art Out Chandler will go to support various programs at the Center including the Free Summer Concert Series and the Connecting Kidz programs.

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Eat Dinner Here

Bourbon Jack’s Bar & Grill Brickyard Downtown CHoP Chandler • Crisp Greens Floridino’s • The Living Room Nando’s Mexican Cafe Rock Lobster LA SALA Tequila Cantina Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant Stone + Vine Urban Italian

DINER

INSIDER In love with savings Evan Baltman » The Entertainer!

To many Americans, Valentine’s Day means spending exorbitant amounts of money on their significant other. Money isn’t always the best way to someone heart, but a nice dinner is a good start. We’ve assembled the perfect list for couples in search of a romantic meal without breaking the bank. Los Sombreros

Known for its great ambience and Valentine’s Day menu, Los Sombreros has been bringing the tastes of central Mexico to the Valley for over two decades. Critics of the restaurant rave about its excellent tamales and wide selection of tacos, which include grilled ribeye, picadillo and seafood. With the price point usually hovering around $40 per couple, the special Valentine’s Day tasting menu includes a variety of their delicious entrees, soups and salads. Los Sombreros, 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.994.1799, lossombreros.com

Ticoz Latin Kitchen

Ticoz Latin Kitchen is a fusion of several South American, Central American and Mexican flavors. Its lounge is a sexy blend of leather and earth-toned hues that really bring out its tropical Latin theme. Ticoz is a good option for a romantic and classy meal for Valentine’s Day. The menu is priced at $30 per person and comes with a choice of one of four entrees, a starter, drink and a dessert. Ticoz Latin Kitchen, 5114 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 602.200.0160, ticozaz.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

“That’s a Damn Fine Donut!”

Rusconi’s American Kitchen

Born in California and raised in Chicago, chef Michael Rusconi has an expansive knowledge of American cuisine. His impressive track record includes a handful of Mobil 4 Star Awards and Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame nominations. The restaurant’s sophisticated-but-affordable dishes offer a wide variety of regional American flavors but all enhanced with a uniquely Arizona spin. For sweethearts, Rusconi’s is serving up prix-fixe meals with choices from its award-winning menu for $45 per person. Rusconi’s American Kitchen, Paradise Valley Gateway, 10637 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.483.0009, rusconiskitchen.com.

MADE LOVINGLY FRESH DAILY

Rita’s Kitchen

Located at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, Rita’s Kitchen is an upscale and contemporary eatery perfect for soaking in those Arizona resort vibes. Adobe walls, terracotta floors and woodbeamed ceilings bring out its Sonoran Desert setting. The menu has a Southwestern flair and the chefs only use seasonal ingredients in dishes ranging from grilled honey glazed salmon to carne asada and shrimp with corn elote. The fanciful restaurant offers a Valentine’s Day special which includes choices from their seafood, salad, appetizer and dessert menus for $49 per person. Rita’s Kitchen at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 480.948.1700, http://bit.ly/1lebGfF.

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DELIVERY ALSO AVAILABLE

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FEEDING FRENZY

Street Eats Festival eases Valley’s food truck appetite Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

here’s something special about a meal cooked in a food truck. Cashiers poke their heads through a window. An oven or fryer whirs several feet above you. The entire atmosphere smells like it’s been deep fried. Salt River Fields celebrates the food on-the-go phenomenon with the Street Eats Festival, which features more than 70 food trucks, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 11, to Sunday, February 12. From gourmet and vegan to barbecue and seafood, whether you’re craving grilled cheese or Chinese food, there’s a food truck to cover you. Even some of the specialty drink makers are mobile. The Street Eats Festival was founded to drive traffic to the Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community, and Salt River Fields wanted to host events that were entertaining. That was six years ago. What began with 10 trucks and 5,000 visitors has risen to 35,000 famished fans. “Food trucks used to be roach coaches that showed up to a construction area,” says Chris Bonnell, Salt River Fields’ event marketing coordinator. “Now I think there are great chefs working these food trucks, and a lot of time and effort goes into the menus. Each one offers a

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different culinary delight.” Each food truck will have its own $2 samples, allowing guests to try out multiple eateries without filling up on one cuisine. Most trucks will also sell full meals. Bonnell says the food quality and convenience is a large part of the food truck attraction, allowing people to get something like a lobster roll without reservations and with minimal wait. In addition to trucks and cooking demos, this year’s event also hosts UnCommon Markets, a quirky center featuring everything from art for social change to custom home furnishings, crafted by regional artists. “We’re looking for a relaxing vibe and that’s what we try to promote,” Bonnell says. “It’s a wide variety of people and as tame and as exciting as you want. There’s something for everybody.”

Street Eats Food Truck Festival

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, streeteatsaz. com, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 11, and Sunday, February 12, $12-$50.

FINETUNED W

Marjorie Rice » The Entertainer!

Terrific tacos, hot dogs at Sir Veza’s Taco Garage

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hen I went to the University of Arizona, one of the most important lessons I learned was where the best Mexican food in town was served—at the already venerable El Charro Café in downtown Tucson. The café, begun in 1922 in the home of Monica Flin, enchanted me the first time I entered, with its vivid artwork, warm hospitality and luscious aromas. I sank a fork into the chicken enchiladas with mole and was hooked. The restaurant has grown, with three Tucson-area locations, but the old home remains my favorite, and for five decades, every time I’ve returned to the city, I’ve made it a point to stop at El Charro for another serving of Pollo y Mole Clásico. Sir Veza’s Taco Garage in Chandler Fashion Center is a direct descendant of El Charro, one of a growing group of restaurants under the leadership of Tia Monica’s great-grandniece Carlotta Flores and her son, Raymon Flores. The restaurant’s publicity describes Raymon Flores as “a 20-plus year industry veteran with a degree that doesn’t matter, who once wrote a book on tequila and likes to drive too fast.” Not surprisingly, Sir Veza’s is his baby. Raymon’s road to Sir Veza’s and his work with the family’s other restaurants took several turns, from working in the restaurant as a kid, to several years in the concert and event business, then back to restaurants. The original Sir Veza’s was on Speedway in Tucson, and the name and concept are a nod to the street’s reputation as a cruising favorite, and to Raymon’s and his father’s interest in cars. “I was born in California,” he says. (The family moved back to Tucson when Tia Monica was unable to continue running the restaurants.) “I grew up with cars. I didn’t grow up surfing in Baja beaches with palapa bars, like they’ve done with Mexican food. I grew up with hot rods and low riders.” He eventually moved the original Sir Veza’s from Speedway to Tucson Mall, and then opened Valley locations at Phoenix International Airport, Talking Stick Resort Arena and, two years ago, at Chandler Village at Chandler Fashion Center. The garage theme continues with car parts festooning the walls and ceilings, and garage doors that can be lowered to wall off the patios. There’s also a Low Rider Lounge. Sir Veza’s continues the El Charro tradition of great food as well. It all begins with the ingredients, and Flores prides himself on the quality of

everything that goes into the menu at his family restaurants. “This is food we feed to our families,” he says. “All of our chicken is a nonhormone, nonantibiotic chicken. If you order a burger from us, it’s all grassfed beef. I beat cancer, and when you have cancer you learn a lot. That’s why we launched Charro Steak (another of the family’s restaurants), which is an all-natural steakhouse.” The tacos are simply wonderful, with perfectly tender tortillas stuffed with savory fillings that carry on the tradition of Tia Monica’s deft hand with seasoning. I’m partial to the grilled fish taco with slaw (ask for extra—it’s that good) and the cochinita pibil (shredded, slowroasted pork). Strangely enough, for a place called a Taco Garage, one of the most popular items on the menu is the Sinoran (their spelling) hot dog, a half-pound beef hot dog wrapped in Applewood smoked bacon, with charro beans, jalapeno salsa, tomatoes, mayonnaise and mustard. It’s served in a locally made bun that’s closed at both ends. (There’s a trick to eating this big, gloppy concoction: Cut it in half, and start eating it from the center, so the filling doesn’t spill out. Why don’t all hot dog buns come that way?) I confess the hot dog, while very tasty, is not my first choice, partly because the tacos are so delicious, although I’d order it just to get the side of crispy onion strings. While I prefer a simpler approach to hot dogs with fewer ingredients, I’m definitely in the minority, because it’s a big favorite with Sir Veza’s fans, Flores says. Flores also just added street corn on the cob to the happy hour menu, a happy addition, indeed. Speaking of happy hour—it’s a great opportunity to sample Arizona craft beers. There are more than a dozen available on tap, along with a good selection of Mexican beers and tequilas. “Sir Veza’s always is going to have a good selection of Mexican, American and craft beers,” Flores says. “From the beginning, I knew craft beer was going to become important,” Flores says he’s planning to tweak the restaurant’s menu further, and there’s a new Sir Veza’s on tap for Tucson Airport. And don’t be surprised if more locations crop up in the Valley.

Sir Veza’s Taco Garage Chandler Fashion Center (South Entrance) 3111 W. Chandler Boulevard 480.899.TACO (8226) sirvezas.com

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EAT YOUR

Diners can visit Chandler restaurants to help youth programs at the arts center

ARTOUT

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

oodies can dine to their hearts’ content while helping youth programs at the Chandler Center for the Arts during its Eat Your Art Out Chandler all day Tuesday, February 28. Restaurants help by donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Chandler Center for the Arts on that day. Patrons can help by eating at one or more of the participating restaurants. Funds from Eat Your Art Out Chandler support various programs at the center, including headline entertainment, the Free Summer Concert Series and the Connecting Kidz programs. It is the venue’s signature fundraiser. “The generosity of all these restaurants make it possible,” says Michelle Mac Lennan, the venue’s general manager. “They’re writing the checks. The goal is to have restaurants filled to capacity the whole time, so they’re getting business they may not have gotten otherwise. “We have volunteers, ambassadors, who work the restaurants and talk with people at night. We encourage reading groups or meet-up groups to have their club meetings at one of the restaurants.” With the center for 17 years, Mac Lennan calls Eat Your Art Out a “communitywide effort among volunteers and restaurants to build our community’s art center.” The participating restaurants are: Breakfast: Crisp Greens Lunch: California Pizza Kitchen— Chandler; Crisp Greens; Crust—Chandler, Floridino’s, The Living

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Room, Nando’s Mexican Café, Peckish Prep, Rock Lobster, La Sala Tequila Cantina, San Tan Brewing Co. and Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant. Dinner: Bourbon Jack’s Bar & Grill; Brickyard Downtown; CHoP Chandler; Crisp Greens; Floridino’s; The Living Room; Nando’s Mexican Café; Rock Lobster; La Sala Tequila Cantina; Serrano’s Mexican Food Restaurant and Stone + Vine Urban Italian. Julia Marreel is an investor in The Living Room, La Sala Tequila Cantina, Rock Lobster: Teppan Grill and CHoP. A Chandler resident since 1980, she serves on the Chandler Center for the Arts Foundation Board. “It’s been a win-win for both organizations—the restaurants and foundation board—raising awareness for the Chandler Center for the Arts,” Marreel says. Youth learn the ins and outs of theater through the Chandler Center for the Arts’ kids’ programs. “It’s a complete growth program during which they learn all the aspects of the entertainment world—marketing, how to present themselves, behind the scenes, up on stage,” Marreel says. “I love that part that it’s for kids. I think the restaurants enjoy it. They get new customers. I’ll walk around and thank people for stopping by. If they’re unfamiliar, I’ll have collateral information with me. It’s really fun and rewarding at the same time.” For more information about Eat Your Art Out, visit http://bit.ly/2kilF5V.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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0 2 Craft Beers on Tap!

Locally Sourced

Lunch • Dinner • Brunch

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

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE CRAFTMASTER

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

GREAT BEER PAIRINGS:

EVO AND GRAND CANYON BREWERY

“EVO is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that focuses on high quality ingredients including fresh handmade pasta and pizzas, appetizers, entrees and salads. Nestled on the edge of Old Town Scottsdale, EVO is a place to escape and enjoy time with old and new friends while enjoying some of the best chef-inspired authentic Italian cuisine. And I know what you are thinking— when you think of Italian food pairing, wine may be the first thing that comes to mind. However, beer can complement the flavors of Italian food just as well. Italian cuisine is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that pair especially well with crisp lagers and ales. Come in anytime and let us put our beers to the test.” —Nick Neuman, owner of EVO

BEER

Brewery: Grand Canyon Brewery of Williams Style: Ale Name: Sunset Amber Ale Nothing captures a warm Grand Canyon sunset quite like Sunset Amber Ale. This traditional American Amber Ale pours a rich red color with bronze and gold highlights. A medium bodied brew with a high level of sweetness with malt finish.

DISH

Dish: Polpettine Polpettine is Italian for meatball--and – and EVO’s are to die for. They use the finest in-house ground veal, pork and beef and are hand-rolled daily with a special recipe of bread crumbs, minced onion, eggs, butter, seasoning and a few

secret ingredients then cooked until they have a light golden brown sear on the outside, but remain juicy inside. They are topped with a light pomodoro sauce and balsamic, as well as a hint of basil. The flavor and spice of the resulting meatball goes perfectly with an ice cold local Grand Canyon Amber Ale. The robust flavor of the Ale, especially its dryness and caramel notes, paired with the hearty meatball—which has a little spice, a little fattiness and then that sweet note from the sauce—makes you realize Italian food can be enjoyed with more than just red wine.

EVO

4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.265.9814, evoscottsdale.com

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

Craft 64

6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Craft 64 is proud to offer 36 local Arizona beers on tap in the heart of Scottsdale. Arizona beers only!

Mellow Mushroom Pizza

2490 W. Happy Valley Road, 5350 E. High Street, 740 S. Mill Avenue Locations throughout the Valley Incredible Pizza and amazing beer make Mellow the place to go for a craft beer experience.

Papago Brewing Company

7107 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale The granddaddy of Arizona beer bars, there is something for every beer lover at Papago.

Boulders on Broadway

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

Hungry Monk

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

Harvey American Public House

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

Goldwater Brewing Co.

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

Spokes on Southern

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

Culinary Dropout

5640 N. Seventh Street, 7135 E. Camelback Road Locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale Located at The Yard, Culinary Dropout has everything you look for in a great restaurant experience, especially great beer.

Scottsdale Beer Company

8608 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Quality craft beer made right here in Scottsdale. Happy hour from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass and all small bites and starters!

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

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

Garage Wine and Tap

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

Thirsty Lion

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

Copper Blues/Stand Up Live

50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix Have a beer and a meal at Copper Blues before the stand-up show. You won’t even worry if it’s sold out.

Brat Haus

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

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

Fox Cigar Bar

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

Philly’s Sports Grill

1826 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Dr., Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Rd., Phoenix Over 20 beers on draft, 15 craft beers on tap plus more selection in cans/bottles. Happy Hour: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Daily and Reverse 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sun-Thurs (excludes UFC, Boxing, ASU events).

Flanny’s Bar and Grill

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

Phoenix Public Market Café

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

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

Pig & Pickle

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

House of Brews Sports Bar

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

The PERCH Pub & Brewery

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

TapHouse Kitchen

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

Ground Control

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

The Brass Tap

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

Uncle Bear’s Brewery

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

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Arizona Beer Week Events Celebrated February 9 to February 18, Arizona Beer Week features literally hundreds of beer-centric events throughout the state. Avid craft beer supporters and the casual drinkers can choose from tap takeovers to beer dinners to bike crawls. Dave Clark » The Entertainer!

Arizona Beer Week Kickoff Party

FEBRUARY 9 Papago Brewing Company has been stashing away kegs just for this occasion. There will also be rare bottles to buy. Check the website closer to the date for more information. There will also be opportunities to win McDowell Mountain Music Festival tickets with Oskar Blues from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Papago Brewing Company, 7107 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, 480.425.7439, papagobrewing. com, noon to 11 p.m.

Arizona Beer Week Launch Party

FEBRUARY 9 Join Tavern Americana and Big Sky Brewing for the launch party. Tavern Americana, 20459

N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.502.6740, tavernamericana. com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Celebrate Local Beer

FEBRUARY 9 Support local breweries by joining Ground Control for a celebration of all things Arizona beer. Ground Control, 4860 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, 623.535.9066, groundcontrol.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Arizona Beer Week Kickoff Dinner

FEBRUARY 9 The Vig Uptown, Huss Brewing and SanTan Brewing host the Arizona Beer Week Kickoff Dinner. Check the website for menu details. Vig Uptown, 6015 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.633.1187, thevig.us, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Belgian Beer Night

FEBRUARY 9 Drink up at Belgian Beer Night. Skeptical Chymist, 15688 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.609.8677, skepticalchymist.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Beers and Bites

FEBRUARY 10 Visit Sip’s website for more information. Sip Coffee and Beer Garage, 3620 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.900.5188, sipcoffeeandbeergarage.com, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Hopslam and Donuts

FEBRUARY 10 Nothing better than beer and donuts. Hungry Monk, 1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, hungrymonkaz.com, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Ballast Point-Sierra Nevada Tap Takeover: Food and Beer Pairings

FEBRUARY 10 Ballast Point and Sierra Nevada come together to kick off Arizona Beer Week There will be food and beer pairings, along with great swag. Hopwerks, SanTan Village, 2224 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 107, Gilbert, 480.814.1385, hopwerksbeer. com, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cornhole Tournament

St. Archer Event

FEBRUARY 10 The Tipsy Cactus Taproom and Bottle Shop is hosting a cornhole tournament, with specialty tappings from New Belgium, Oskar Blues and Grand Canyon, and great swag. Prizes for first and second place include tickets to the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. Tipsy Cactus Taproom and Bottle Shop, 2722 S. Alma School Road, Suite 1, Mesa, 480.268.9887, tipsycactus.com, 7 p.m. to midnight.

Grand Canyon Food Truck Friday

A Night with Alpine

FEBRUARY 10 Join St. Archer and the Whining Pig for a special Beer Week event. St. Archer will feature high-end beers, including a 24-onth barrel-aged barley wine from the Tusk and Grain Series. Whining Pig, 2512 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite E105, Gilbert, 480.696.4004, thewhiningpig.com, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY 10 Join Grand Canyon Brewing for a specialty Firkin and Food Truck Friday at the Tipsy Cactus. Tipsy Cactus Taproom and Bottle Shop, 2722 S. Alma School Road, Suite 1, Mesa, 480.268.9887, tipsycactus.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Mike Hess Tap Takeover

FEBRUARY 10 Come out and celebrate Arizona Beer Week with the Mike Hess Tap Takeover and live music at Copper Blues. Copper Blues, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, copperblueslive.com, 480.719.5005, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Huss Loves Colorado

FEBRUARY 10 Huss Brewing presents “Huss Loves WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Colorado,” with 10 beers on tap, as well as two selections from Great Divide, Ska Brewing, Oskar Blues, Left Hand and New Belgium. Brewery representatives will be available to chat. The Whining Pig, 3730 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.795.9910, thewhiningpig.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY 10 Alpine Beer Company founder Pat McIlhenney will be on hand, as selections are offered n draft. Wandering Tortoise, 2417 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.441.3490, 7 p.m. to midnight.

Trivia Night with New Belgium

FEBRUARY 11 New Belgium is hosting trivia night after the Strong Beer Festival. Enjoy $3.50 cans of New Belgium products. Spoke & Wheel, 8525 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.870.8860, spokeandwheeltavern.com, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Strong Beer Festival

FEBRUARY 11 The 17th annual celebration will

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

feature more than 130 breweries and over 450 craft beers. Strong beers are showcased, but not exclusive, so do not fear if big stouts, barrel-aged beers or high alcohol offerings aren’t your thing. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, arizonabeerweek.com, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Play the course of Mill Avenue in your best golf attire. Each “hole” (bar) will have specific instructions. Oskar Blues will give away tickets to the McDowell Mountain Music Festival from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mellow Mushroom Pizza, 740 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.6355, mellowmushroom.com, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Fat Tire Sunday Funday

FEBRUARY 11 Call for more information. TT Roadhouse, 2915 N. 68th Street, Scottsdale, 480.990.9033, ttroadhouse.com, 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Boulders Beer Fest

FEBRUARY 12 Rare and fun craft beer are always on the list for this Arizona Beer Week event. Enjoy 10 pours of your favorite beers for one price; check the website for more information. Boulders on Broadway, 530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480.921.9431, bouldersonbroadway. com, noon to 4 p.m.

Beers and Bites

Moto Presents Cellar 3 and Sushi

FEBRUARY 12 Learn everything you need to know about hops, with different complex styles of hop-dominate IPAs. Taste, touch, smell and feel each style of hops; features Green Flash, Alpine and St. Archer Brewing. Local Jonny’s, 6033 E. Cave Creek

CO Bar Golf Pub Crawl FEBRUARY 12

FEBRUARY 13 Enjoy Oskar Blues samplings at Bevmo Goodyear. Bevmo, 15405 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear, 623.535.9585, bevmo. com, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Meet the Brewer

Hops Education

FEBRUARY 12 This bike crawl has been organized by TT Roadhouse. TT Roadhouse, 2915 N. 68th Street, Scottsdale, 480.990.9033, ttroadhouse.com, noon to 4 p.m.

Oskar Blues Sampling

FEBRUARY 12 The afternoon features $3 Fat Tire drafts, beer samples and fun giveaway prizes. Check out the selfie station, too. Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell Road, Phoenix, 602.942.1101, turfparadise.com, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 12 Whole Foods Market and Huss Brewing present “Beers and Bites” with various Huss beers on tap, all paired with appetizers. Whole Foods Market, 4701 N. 20th Street, Phoenix, 602.761.4750, wholefoodsmarket.com, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

Road, Cave Creek, 480.488.7473, localjonnys.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 13 Dubina Brewing is featured at the Meet the Brewer event. Mellow Mushroom, 2490 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix, 623.580.1111, mellowmushroom.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

FEBRUARY 13 Motor Sushi and Green Flash Brewing present a Cellar 3 sushi night, with four Cellar 3 beers and four sushi pairings, plus a guest appearance by the Green Flash GFB Blonde. Moto, 6845 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, 602.263.5444, mrmotorising.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Boats, Brats and Beers

FEBRUARY 13 Four Peaks Brewing and Brat Haus are pairing up again with The Desert Belle for four courses of dinner as you cruise around Saguaro Lake. Desert Belle, 10411 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, desertbelle.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., $65.

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Bell’s Tap Takeover

FEBRUARY 14 Spend Valentine’s Day with Bell’s and a tap takeover at Ground Control. Ground Control, 4860 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, 623.535.9066, groundxcontrol. com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Hoppy Couples and Sour Singles with Dubina

FEBRUARY 14 Dubina will provide the hoppy and sour beers this Valentine’s Day. Whole Foods Market, 2955 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 480.821.9447, wholefoodsmarket.com, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cascade Night

FEBRUARY 14 It’s a rarity that Cascade is offered in kegs, so come drink up the drafts. Wandering Tortoise, 2417 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.441.3940, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

SunUp Firkin Night

FEBRUARY 15 SunUp Brewing Company presents its firkin night, offering casks and cans. Whining Pig, 1612 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, 602.633.2134, thewhiningpig.com, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hop Class

FEBRUARY 15 Alpine Beer Company founder Pat McIlhenney will discuss hops and more.

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★ Guides to Shopping, Dining, Drinking, Golf, Area Attractions & More!

Plus! ★ Special Commemorative Section featuring the 2016 Chicago Cubs World Series Champs!

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Visit www.phoenix.org after February 23 to see the digital copy WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ARIZONA BEER WEEK EVENTS CONTINUED… Spots are limited; call for reservations. Handlebar and Grill, 680 S. Mill Avenue, Suite B1-109, Tempe, 480.474.4888, handlebaraz.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Great Divide Tap Takeover

FEBRUARY 15 Ground Control will feature the Great Divide as its brewery of the month and serve up chocolate treats. Ground Control, 4860 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, 623.535.9066, groundxcontrol. com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Big Beers and Burgers with Bell’s

FEBRUARY 15 This Bell’s event is bound to be special. Wm. Sacks, 4247 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.840.4649, sacks.info, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Burlesque

FEBRUARY 15 The burlesque show will be paired with live music and SKA beer. Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.4777, yuccatap.com, 6 p.m. to midnight.

SunUp Beer Dinner

FEBRUARY 15 The four-course menu is paired with SunUp beer. Desert Rose, 6729 N. 57th Drive, Glendale, 623.937.3004, desertrosepizzaandgastropub.com, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

1980s Rap Night

FEBRUARY 15 Pull out your parachute pants and channel your inner MC Hammer. It’s 1980s Rap Night with Grand Canyon, Huss and Dragon. Tipsy Cactus Taproom & Bottle Shop, 2722 S. Alma School Road, Suite 1, Mesa, 480.268.9887, tipsycactus.com, 7 p.m. to midnight.

during trivia night. Carly’s Bistro, 128 E. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2759, carlysbistro.com, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar, 11055 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.348.2337, hopdoddy.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Night with Big Sky

SanTan Tap Takeover

FEBRUARY 15 “A Night with Big Sky” features Moose Drool, Shake a Day and Trout Slayer. Bonus Round, 24 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.892.6403, bonusroundphx.com, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SanTan Sampling

FEBRUARY 16 Try samples of SanTan Brewing Company beer. A.J.’s Fine Foods, 15031 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, 480.314.6500, ajsfinefoods.com, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Arizona Firkin Night

FEBRUARY 16 Various local firkins will be on special. Check out how creative these breweries can be with a firkin of their choosing. Angels Trumpet Ale House, 810 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.252.2630, angelstrumpetalehouse.com, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Brewery Spotlight: Oskar Blues

FEBRUARY 16 Samples of Oskar Blues will be poured. Craft Beer Quick Stop 4, 18655 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix, 623.580.9784, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Alesmith Tap Takeover

FEBRUARY 16 Alesmith Brewing beers from San Diego will be featured. Mellow Mushroom Pizza, 5350 E. High Street, Suite 115, Phoenix, 480.889.0999, mellowmushroom. com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Legunitas Beer Dinner

FEBRUARY 15 The beer dinner’s menu will be posted soon on Magnums’ website. Magnums Wine/Liquor Emporium, 731 E. Union Hills Drive, Suite B9B11, Phoenix, 602.493.8977, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FEBRUARY 16 Yucca Tap Room’s Chef Crispy will wow with pairings with Lagunitas Brewing Company beers. Imbibe in rare tapping of High Westified and other great brews. Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.4777, yuccatap.com, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Great Divide Trivia Night

Meet the Huss Family

Avery Beer Dinner

FEBRUARY 15 Great Divide beer will be served WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 16 Meet the Huss Brewing family.

FEBRUARY 16 Specialty beers will be on tap, but so will everyday beers consumers have come to love. Deli Sports Bar, 9635 W. Peoria Avenue, Suite 1, Peoria, 623.979.5163, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Casey Moore’s First Arizona Beer Week Event

FEBRUARY 16 The Guinness crew will be in town, and Huss Brewing will share Koffee Kolsch and Orange Blossom. Casey Moore’s Oyster House, 850 S. Ash Avenue, Tempe, 480.968.9935, caseymoores.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Big Sky Shake a Day

FEBRUARY 16 Compare a flight of Big Sky and Perch beers during Beer Week. Big Sky will be featuring Shake a Day IPA and handing out swag. The Perch, 232 S. Wall Street, Chandler, 480.773.7688, perchpubbrewery.com, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Colorado Firkin Night

FEBRUARY 16 Colorado Firkin Night at Flanny’s is one of the signature Beer Week events. Enjoy several firkins and great specialty beers from Colorado breweries. Flanny’s Bar and Grill, 1805 E. Elliot Road, Suites 104-105, Tempe, 480.659.0870, flannys.com, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

SKA Brewing Night with Mustard Plug

FEBRUARY 16 The Michigan-based ska band Mustard Plug teams up, appropriately, with SKA Brewing for live music and beer Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.4777, yuccatap.com, 7 p.m. onward.

St. Archer Pint Night

FEBRUARY 16 St. Archer is beer of the month and all drafts and cans will be $5 in February. Tukee’s Sports Grille, 4804 E. Chandler Boulevard, Suite 100, Phoenix, 480.307.8680, tukeessportsgrille.com, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

SanTan Trivia Night

FEBRUARY 16 Geeks Who Drink sponsor the event featuring SanTan Brewing Company beer. Bonus Round, 24 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.892.6403, bonusroundphx.com, 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Otaku Ramen Pop Up & Japanese-Style Beer Pairing!

FEBRUARY 16 Chef Sarah Gavigan from Nashville will bring her Otaku Ramen to Pedal Haus Brewery as Pedal Haus brewmaster Derek Osborne brews a Japanese-style rice beer to complement her dishes. Pedal Haus Brewery, 730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, pedalhaus.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., call for price.

SanTan Sampling

FEBRUARY 17 Enjoy samples of SanTan Brewing Company. A.J.’s Fine Foods, 23251 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.538.3080, ajsfinefoods.com, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Oskar Blues Sampling

FEBRUARY 17 Sample Oskar Blues product and have the chance to win tickets to the McDowell Mountain Music Festival. A.J.’s Fine Foods, 20050 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale, 623.537.2300, ajsfinefoods.com, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Toast to the Coast

FEBRUARY 17 Celebrate some of the best breweries from San Diego—Green Flash, Ballast Point, Alpine, Alesmith, St. Archer, Lost Abbey, Port Brewing, Hop Concept, Mike Hess Brewing and more. Growler USA, 5415 E. High Street, Suite 101, Phoenix, 480.454.4354, growlerusa.com, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Food Truck Friday

FEBRUARY 17 Join Grand Canyon Brewing for food truck dishes and beer. Tipsy Cactus Taproom & Bottle Shop, 2722 S. Alma School Road, Suite 1, Mesa, 480.268.9887, tipsycactus.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Great Divide Yeti Night

FEBRUARY 17 Enjoy Barrel-Aged Yeti—Chocolate Yeti, Oatmeal Yeti, Nitro Yeti and more—and especially Imperial Yeti Bombs on this stop. Boulders on Broadway, 530 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480.921.9431, bouldersonbroadway. com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Michigan Stouts and More

FEBRUARY 17 Expect to enjoy the best stouts from the mitten at this event. Spokes on Southern, 1470 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480.307.9920, spokesonsouthern. com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FiftyFifty Beer Dinner

FEBRUARY 17 Tarbell’s and FiftyFifty Brewing present “Bourbon, Beers and Bites Beer Dinner,” with FiftyFifty Eclipse barrel-aged variants. Tarbell’s Tavern, 3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.955.8100, tarbells.com, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Industry Papago Shuffleboard Tourney

FEBRUARY 17 As Arizona Beer Week winds down, join fellow industry workers for the annual shuffleboard tournament and maybe even walk off with the traveling trophy. Great beer will be on tap, too. Papago Brewing Company, 7107 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale,

480.425.7439, papagobrewing. com, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Barleywine Fest

FEBRUARY 18 Join the group at Handle Bar for the Barleywine Fest with a twist—double the selection from years’ past. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., reps from Big Sticks will offer cigar pairing. Handlebar & Grill, 680 S. Mill Avenue, Suite B1-109, Tempe, 480.474.4888, handlebaraz.com, noon to 11 p.m.

The Perch Anniversary

FEBRUARY 18 Several guest breweries including Lagunitas, Dublina and Mike Hess help The Perch celebrate its anniversary. The Perch, 232 S. Wall Street, Chandler, 480.773.7688, perchpubbrewery.com, noon to 8 p.m.

Madhatter’s Tea Party with Huss and That Brewery

FEBRUARY 18 Don your best madhatter-themed costume and join the folks at Gertrude’s for high tea and tea-infused beer. This is a family-friendly event that will have amazing food pairings. Gertrude’s, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Suite 1511, Phoenix, 480.719.8600, gertrudesrestaurant.com, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Night of a Million Randalls

FEBRUARY 18 Chef Gidi is crafting a menu to pair with Big Bad Baptist, Baptista and Double Barrel Big Bad Baptist. Hungry Monk, 1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, hungrymonkaz.com, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FEBRUARY 18 Each brewery will come with a fun concoction guests must try. Free swag, too. Brass Tap, 1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 104, Mesa, 480.610.2337, brasstapbeerbar.com, 11 a.m.

The Bruery Tap Night

FEBRUARY 18 Various Bruery beers will be on tap all night. Wandering Tortoise, 2417 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.441.3940, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Epic Baptism by Bacon Dinner

232 S. Wall St. Chandler, AZ 85225

MEET OUR NEW BREW CREW! Bret Waters and Nick Sofranac

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am -1am Sat-Sun 9am-1am Live music on the rooftop Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

and check out their work during AZ Beer Week: Feb. 9-18

OFF

Based a historic fromaamedium Gold Rush-era Juneau brewery This IPAonhas brilliant recipe clarity with golden color. It exhibits this rich, malty “alt” alewith is notably tropical and stone fruitstyle flavors aromaswell-balanced. of tangerine and papaya. Based a historic fromaamedium Gold Rush-era Juneau brewery This IPAonhas brilliant recipe clarity with golden color. It exhibits Handcrafted in Juneau, Alaska by Alaskan Brewing Co. this rich, malty “alt” alewith is notably tropical and stone fruitstyle flavors aromaswell-balanced. of tangerine and papaya. alaskanbeer.com Handcrafted in Juneau, Alaska by Alaskan Brewing Co. alaskanbeer.com

All Perch Beers (Excluding $3 Beer of the Day)

55 W. Chicago St. Chandler, AZ 85225 Hours: Wed-Thurs 4pm-10pm Fri-Sat 4pm-2am

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

s one of the longeststanding Irish pubs in the greater Phoenix area, Padre Murphy’s, has become the premier destination for Irish eats, strong drinks, sports and off-track betting. A newly revamped bar program features 56 craft drafts, while a new all-day menu and brunch menu featuring fresh food paired with everything from nationally renowned craft breweries to Arizona-made favorites, such as Huss, Arizona Wilderness, San Tan and Sonoran Brewing. Lisa Murphy is the pub’s bartender and resident draft beer specialist.

How did you get your start in craft beer?

What do you think makes craft beer special?

We have an eye-popping 56 craft drafts on tap, rotating taps and we always offer seasonal crafts. The beautiful, newly installed, draft system paired with the expansive bar, a new food menu and knowledgeable staff make it a great place for those new to brew as well as beer connoisseurs. Not to mention we offer all 56 craft drafts to-go in 32-ounce growler cans for $10. They’re

Craft brewing in America is small, independent and traditional. It’s everyday folks and boutique operations utilizing age-old brewing methods to create new takes on, and amplify new flavors of, this classic beverage.

I’m from Boston and attended many craft brew festivals so I was hooked early on. Sam Adams was ahead of the times.

What is your favorite part about the beer culture in the Valley? The diversity and number of breweries throughout Arizona. The contents of a pint glass bring so many people together to share the knowledge they possess, their passion for brewing, and drinking a fantastic beer.

Why is Padre Murphy’s the perfect place for craft beer?

canned on-site and filled with your favorite brew.

What is your favorite part of the beer culture? The large and eclectic selection. From a hoppy IPA and wheaty Hefeweizen to craft brews with such unique flavor profiles, such as Abita’s Purple Haze, Four Peaks Pumpkin Porter and Huss’ Koffee Kolsch.

What is your favorite beer? I enjoy a number of different craft beers. From IPAs and stouts to porters. But some current favorites are Prescott Brewing’s Achocolypse, College Street’s Big Blue Van, Papago’s Coconut Joe and Angry Orchard’s hard cider.

Padre Murphy’s

4338 W. Bell Road, Glendale, 602.547.9406, padremurphys.com.

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

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

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Brewed by Unibroue: Chambly, Québec, Canada J3L 2H6 | Imported by Unibrew USA : New York, NY 10036 Please enjoy our refermented ales responsibly.

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BEER GEAR CoolBag

Any spring breaker knows it’s important to be fashionable and practical. The CoolBag boasts a multitude of convenient storage compartments to keep vacation essentials organized and accessible. It is equipped with two padded handles, one that is reinforced with a steel cable that can be detached and wrapped around the arm of beach chair and then reattached to the inside of the bag. When you’re done splashing around in the pool or walking around the resort, quench your thirst with an icy beverage courtesy of the CoolBag’s built-in cooler. Available at coolbag.com, the bag comes in seven colors, including paradise island pink and Barbados blue.

The 53rd Annual

Presented by Kilt Lifter™ Scottish-Style Ale

Phoenix Scottish Games

March 4-5 | Steele Indian School Park | Buy Tickets at ArizonaScots.com WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

A TOUT LE MONDE

Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine fills the glass with first beer

Dave Clark » The Entertainer!

ave Mustaine, the godfather of the modern thrash metal movement, is somewhat of a Renaissance man. The mastermind behind Megadeth, still going strong after 33 years, is revered as a guitar hero and brilliant songwriter. In addition to his unwavering devotion to his craft, he is also a wine maker, author and Grammy nominee. Now there’s a new title to add to Mustaine’s arsenal—beer collaborator. Mustaine’s roots on the metal scene started as an early member of a fledgling garage band known as Metallica. Mustaine’s not-so-amicable split fueled the formation of his own metal project known as Megadeth, which would help redefine the metal movement. Known to the metal allegiance as one of the “Big Four” (along with Anthrax, Slayer and his ex-bandmates Metallica), Megadeth burst onto the scene in 1983 and hasn’t looked back since. As many of the bands of his time looked up to classic rockers Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath or AC/DC for inspiration, many metal bands of today pay homage to Megadeth for inspiring them toward their musical destinies. Megadeth’s latest full-length release, “Dystopia,” has been met with stellar reviews. Debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, it was the band’s highest-charting album since 1992’s “Countdown to Extinction.” The release introduces new members Kiko Loureiro (guitar, formerly of Angra) and Chris Adler (drums, on loan from Lamb of God). The title track has received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. Yet it was a trip back to 1994’s critically acclaimed masterpiece, “Youthanasia,” that spawned the idea for Mustaine’s newest project, a beer called A Tout Le Monde. Named after a hit single from the “Youthanasia” album, the song

was a departure from the traditional sound of thundering double kick drums, amps on 11 and Mustaine’s angry “through-theteeth” vocals. A Tout Le Monde featured beautiful melodies, subdued, layered guitars and a thought-provoking, melancholy theme. Similarly, Mustaine’s new beer, a saison, is also a departure from the dark and heavy Megadeth brand, yet, like the song, fits perfectly within its machine. Partnering with esteemed brewery Unibroue of Chambly, Quebec, Canada, this creative partnership has produced an incredibly drinkable masterpiece that is bound to have mass appeal to casual consumers and beer diehards alike. Recently, Mustaine and Unibroue’s Brewmaster, Jerry Vietz, visited Phoenix to discuss this true partnership. Every aspect of the process from creative idea to final execution was a partnership and a family endeavor between the two camps. “My family and Jerry’s family are all invested in this beer,” Mustaine says. “Our kids were giving their input on label design while Jerry and I were fine tuning the flavor profile.” Mustaine chalks up the partnership to fate. “We were playing a huge concert in Canada, for over 80,000 people,” he says. “It was the debut of two of our new members. And as luck would have it, I missed the soundcheck before the show.” Despite the nerves, pressure and misfortunes prior to the show, it went off without a hitch. Afterward, Mustaine was introduced Vietz through a mutual acquaintance and a friendship was immediately born. According to Vietz, they were almost finishing each other’s sentences like friends of many years. There was an immediate respect and comfort factor between the two parties. Mustaine told Vietz of his quest to create a Megadeth branded beer, and

Vietz immediately expressed interest in the endeavor. One agreement made early on was that this was not just going to be a marketing department project, Mustaine insisted on being involved in every stage, especially product development. “I don’t want to put my name on anything that doesn’t live up to the quality I believe it should have,” Mustaine says. Vietz and Mustaine started the process by sampling the entire Unibroue lineup to gauge Mustaine’s palate and figure out which direction to take the beer. Mustaine was especially impressed with a beer known as Ephemere. There were flavor and aroma profiles present that appealed to him but he wanted to make sure to create a beer that reflected the Megadeth brand, as well. Vietz used his extensive knowledge of recipe formulation and combined just the right malt, hop varietals and the perfect yeast strain to create the flavor profile that Mustaine was seeking. The end resulting

saison (the French word for season) is an extremely drinkable, low alcohol 4.5% ABV thirst quencher packed with flavor, loaded with complexity yet balanced and masterfully crafted. And most importantly, as Vietz stated, “It was a beer brewed upon friendship.” In fact, before the final product was finalized, Vietz presented Mustaine with two versions of the same beer, and the second version was dry hopped with the very popular Citra hop. Dry hopping with Citra was the magic that tied the project together, even though dry hopping is nontraditional for the saison style. The dry-hopping regimen gave the beer complexity, without showcasing the hops or any other single ingredient for that matter. Unibroue prides itself on producing quality Belgian-style ales, and the key to a great Belgian ale is always the balance. A Tout Le Monde is the definition of balance. Pouring a hazy yellow orange with an WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

everlasting head consisting of fine, creamy bubbles, clean notes of citrus and light spice emerge. Malt flavors of fresh baked bread meet the hops in perfect harmony. Saisons, by nature, are highly attenuated beers, meaning they are fully fermented making them light on the palate. High carbonation makes the beer extremely effervescent. As the beer flows through the palate, different flavors from the yeast, malt and hops combine to create a new, unified flavor that finishes clean and satisfying. This beer can be paired with virtually any entree due to its versatility, but will nicely accompany chicken shawarma, pad Thai, fried calamari or a salad doused with lemon vinaigrette.

An ever-so-slight, pleasant tartness derived from the yeast acts as an additional palate cleanser making each bite of food taste like the first and making each sip lead anticipatorily to the next. At 4.5% ABV, this beer does not overpower its food companion and can be consumed in quantity. Simply put, this beer is a world-class example of a beer style that is often underappreciated and one that takes a certain level of expertise to produce properly. The heavy metal crowd and the beer geeks of the world would love and appreciate this beer even if Mustaine had nothing to do with it. The fact that he was intricately involved just makes the story that much more special. Even the finished artwork on the bottle was a bit of a collaboration. Although it was ultimately the team at Unibroue that created the final packaging consistent with the rest of their respected lineup, front and center is Megadeth’s renowned mascot, Vic Rattlehead, reminding consumers that Mustaine is the driving force behind this beer. Mustaine explains why he called it A Tout Le Monde; and why brew a saison. “Saison is about refreshment and enjoyment,” he says. He knew fans would be consuming these beers at their shows and felt it was important to create a beer that wouldn’t put people over the edge. “I don’t want anything to happen to my people,” Mustaine says. Vietz interjected that the flavor profiles they were discussing through the product formulation stage lent themselves toward the saison style. And,

because Unibroue is known for crafting fine Belgian-style ales, producing a saison stayed consistent with Unibroue’s strength. Megadeth didn’t angle for something darker and heavier, like its music, Vietz explains. “We wanted to appeal to the masses and we felt that a darker, heavier beer wouldn’t achieve that. And more importantly, it was a privilege to create a beer for Dave’s personal taste.” The speed and intensity of Megadeth’s music belies Mustaine’s deeply spiritual and introspective nature, as when he explains the meaning behind A Tout Le Monde. He says it is about getting the chance to say just one final thing to someone. The song effectively describes someone saying goodbye from beyond. The chorus of the song is as follows: (In French, with English translation in parentheses): A tout le monde (To everyone) A tout mes amis (To all my friends) Je vois aime (I love you) Je dois partir (I must leave)

lubricant,” to unify the two groups. Because of that event his first wine was born, called “Symphony Interrupted.” Later, Mustaine Vineyards partnered with South Coast Winery of Temecula to produce three other wines, Kingmaker Super Tuscan Blend, Hook in Mouth Red Blend and Mustaine’s favorite, Blood of Heroes Syrah, all of which are available. Recently relocating to Nashville, Mustaine wanted to be closer to his daughter Electra who is active in the country music business. The one prerequisite? The home had to come with a wine cellar, which he has filled with Mustaine Vineyards wine. And if there’s a refrigerator in that basement, you can bet it is stocked with A Tout Le Monde Saison. Mustaine is personally invested and 100% behind it. With A Tout Le Monde, there is no doubt that he loves this beer like an extended member of the family. For more information, visit megadethbeer.com.

This successful venture into the alcohol business is not Mustaine’s first. In 2014, living in California and getting to know local wineries of the area, Mustaine and his wife, Pamela, had the idea to create Mustaine Vineyards. The idea stemmed from a guest appearance Mustaine was going to make with the San Diego Symphony. Knowing that his metal crowd and the sophisticated symphony crowd were two different animals, Dave wanted to create, in his words, a “social

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

laska has a rich history of brewing. From the explorers of the 1700s through the Gold Rush, many a thirsty Alaskan has been able to enjoy locally made beers. In 1986, 28-year-olds Marcy and Geoff Larson reignited that tradition when they opened the Alaskan Brewing Company, the 67th independent brewery in the country and the first brewery in Juneau since Prohibition. Alaskan beers reflect many of the same characteristics of beers that were brewed there during the Gold Rush era. From the historically based Alaskan Amber recipe to alder-smoked malts and Sitka spruce tips, Alaskan beers reflect Juneau’s local brewing history and innovation. While researching brewing in Alaska, Marcy unearthed shipping records from Douglas City Brewing Co. (1899-1907) that listed ingredients for its popular beers and a newspaper article that described the way it was brewed. Geoff homebrewed a batch of the Gold Rush-era brew and they could see what made it so popular. That beer is now known as Alaskan Amber. In December 1986, Alaskan Brewing Co. officially began operations when Geoff, Marcy and 10 volunteers spent 12 hours hand packaging the first 253 cases of Alaskan Amber for distribution in Juneau. From that very humble beginning, Alaskan Brewing Co. has grown to become one of the most award-winning craft breweries at the Great American Beer Festival and it has expanded distribution to 18 states.

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FLAGSHIP, ALASKAN AMBER. ALT-STYLE ALE.

The name of this beer style comes from the German word “alt” meaning “old.” This refers to the aging that alts undergo because they ferment more slowly and at colder temperatures than most ales. Slow fermentation helps condition the flavors in Alaskan Amber, contributing to its overall balance and smoothness. Richly malty and long on the palate, with just enough hop backing to make this beautiful amber-colored “alt” style beer notably well balanced.

ALASKAN WHITE ALE. BELGIAN-STYLE WITBIER Alaskan White Ale is based on a Belgianstyle witbier, literally translated to “white beer.” White beers, or “witbieren,” are named for the suspended wheat proteins creating a cloudy appearance in this unfiltered beer.

Alaskan White Ale has a soft, slightly sweet base with the unique spice aroma of coriander and crisp, citrus finish of orange peel. A light and effervescent body combined with the smooth palate creates a complex and delicate beer that is deliciously refreshing in any season.

ALASKAN FREERIDE APA. AMERICAN PALE ALE. Arguably the style that triggered the craft beer movement in the United States, the American Pale Ale showcases the floral, fruity and citrusy aroma and flavors of Pacific Northwest hops in balance with a medium malt body. Alaskan Freeride APA features a lush, green, almost tropical hop aroma paired with the unique taste combination of these three, distinctive hop varieties, making it full in flavor and crisply thirst-quenching.

ALASKAN ICY BAY IPA. INDIA PALE ALE India Pale Ales are characterized by intense hop flavor and aroma accompanied with medium maltiness and body while also being crisp and dry. Alaskan Icy Bay IPA is made from glacier-fed water and a blend of Cascade, Bravo, Calypso, Summit and Apollo hops and premium two-row pale and specialty malts.

PILOT SERIES: The Alaskan Pilot Series showcases the boundless creativity of the Alaskan Brew Crew through a rotating collection of big, bold and distinctive brews packaged in 22-ounce bottles. Each new recipe is perfected in our 10-barrel pilot brewhouse, then tested through our Rough Draft series of draft-only beers. Those special brews that fly beyond expectations ascend to a limited release in the Alaskan Pilot Series. Look for Smack of Grapefruit IPA out now.

SEASONAL: HUSKY IPA Released in January, Husky IPA features on its label a Husky cresting a snowy ridge on the label. The Husky—bred for Alaska’s tough climate and expansive and unforgiving terrain—is the ideal choice for teams taking on long-distance races, whether 50 miles, 100 miles or 1,049 miles, the length of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, of which Alaskan Brewing is a sponsor each year. Husky IPA seeks to take the Mosaic hop’s best characteristics to the finish line, providing for a juicy IPA with tropical and stone fruit flavors and a bright aroma of tangerine and papaya.

ALES FOR TAILS Alaskan Brewing is supporting local animal organizations around the United States with its Alaskan Ales for Tails program this spring. At participating locations, $1 from every pint of Alaskan Husky IPA purchased will be donated to help local pets have better lives. (For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2jN5Vu0.” The Alaskan Brewing Company will make donations benefiting nearly 20 organizations from Alaska to Ohio, including Project Delta in Minnesota, which pairs rescue dogs with soldiers and first responders who experience posttraumatic stress disorder, and Straw for Dogs in Alaska, which helps to provide safe and warm bedding and shelter for outdoor dogs across the state. “Dogs are a valuable part of our lives in Alaska, whether working hard pulling sleds or rescuing missing persons or simply as companions for a hike or at home,” says Alaskan Brewing co-founder Marcy Larson. “Making contributions to animal organizations allows others to enjoy the benefits of a canine companion, in all aspects of life.” In Phoenix, Alaskan Brewing has teamed with HALO (Helping Animals Live On). HALO Animal Rescue is a safety net for thousands of homeless dogs and cats each year. It is a no-kill facility, which means it never euthanizes an animal because it has run out of room, but it also means it is limited in the animals it can take in. Its specialty is to provide refuge to those pets who might otherwise be destroyed at other Valley shelters for reasons such as a treatable injury, illness, or those who are too scared or too young to go up for adoption at their time of arrival.

INNOVATION IN THE LAST FRONTIER Alaskan Brewing officials believe that beer is good. And Alaskan Brewing is committed to exercising environmental stewardship in every aspect of making that beer. It is its aim to have a zero-net negative effect upon our environment by reclaiming and reusing at least as much waste and emissions as we produce. Innovation is the key to meeting this goal. Alaskan Brewing calls it beer-powered beer.

CO2 RECOVERY SYSTEM In 1998, Alaskan Brewing became the first craft brewery in the United States to install and operate a carbon dioxide (CO2) reclamation system. The system

captures and cleans carbon dioxide, a natural byproduct of the brewing process. During the fermentation process the yeast creates the byproduct of CO2. Alaskan uses CO2 to package the beer and purge oxygen from holding tanks. This system eliminated the need for us to ship CO2 tank into Juneau, ultimately being better for the environment. This system prevents over one million pounds of CO2, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, from being released into the atmosphere each year. That is equivalent to preventing the emissions from using more than 45,000 gallons of gasoline annually. This CO2 is sourced from the atmosphere via photosynthesis, versus the most common source of CO2 in the industry—burning fossil fuels.

MASH FILTER PRESS In 2008, Alaskan Brewing found a way to balance innovation, quality, and efficiency with the installation of a mash filter press. It is the first craft brewery in the United States to employ this Belgian-based brewing technology, which allows us to reduce the amount of water, malt and hops needed to make our beer, while maintaining high quality and consistency. In one year, the mash filter press used nearly 2 million fewer gallons of water and 6% less malt to make the same amount of beer as its traditional brewing process. The unique design of the mash filter press also reduces the moisture content in the spent grains, which further reduces the energy required to convert its spent grain into fuel to make steam in our spent grain boiler. This results in a savings or nearly 65,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year.

SPENT GRAIN STEAM BOILER Many breweries distribute the grain left over from the brewery process, or “spent grain” to nearby farms. But we have a problem in Juneau; there are no cows. So, Alaskan Brewing has been drying and then shipping its spent grain to farmers and ranchers in the Pacific Northwest for nearly 20 years. In 2011, Alaskan Brewing put its experience to work by developing a first-of-its-kind steam boiler-fueled entirely by its spent grain. With the new system, which became operational at the end of 2012, Alaskan Brewing has a goal of reducing its overall oil use by more than 65%. It continues to invest in this technology, that the brewing company believes could revolutionize fuel systems used in craft brewing.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

GOD, GUNS, GIRLS,

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Country singer Alec Davis knows what’s important for success

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

lec Davis doesn’t play country music to solely make money. He just wants fans to listen to his lyrics. “I want them to really feel something that hits them in the heart,” he says. “There are so many songs that are being produced to just make money and be a hit, so the writers and the record labels can make a lot of money. “Making money is great—don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against those guys. I hope people can relate to my songs and give them something spiritually and mentally to hold on to.” Davis will give fan a chance on Friday, February 24, when he plays the Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa. “I’m very excited,” he says. “All the guys we’ve been looking forward to it. I wouldn’t say it kick start of the year. It’s not our first gig, but we’re gearing up for the whole spring and summer season. We think it’s going to be a great year.” He is referring to the release of an EP, “God, Guns, Girls and Guitars,” which he hopes to have out by the Maricopa show. “I’m rushing as fast as I can,” he says. “Some things you don’t want to rush in this process, though. I’m doing everything I can to get it out before that show. The band is excited. I think with the following that we have, fans are very eager to hear it.”

Davis’ first single, “Let’s Ride,” is available now. He calls it career-defining. “People can latch on to what I am as an artist and what my direction is,” Davis says. The business management major at University of Missouri is having fun creating music. “I have a blast,” he says. “It’s a job, but when I’m up on the stage, just singing I’m with my brothers—not literally— we’re having a great time. It makes all the work worth it.”

Alec Davis

The Lounge at Harrah’s Ak-Chin, 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000, caesars.com/ harrahs-ak-chin, 8 p.m. Friday, February 24, free.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE GLADIATOR

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

2017 NHRA Arizona Nationals

FEBRUARY’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Ryan Clarke » The Entertainer!

Waste Management Phoenix Open

TO FEBRUARY 6 The “Greatest Show on Grass” is back at the TPC in Scottsdale. The tournament begins on Thursday, February 2. The Waste Management Phoenix Open melds sport and fun, and patrons can enjoy great golf during the day and fantastic music at the Birds Nest during the evening. TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, https://wmphoenixopen.com/, various times, tickets start at $40.

Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks

FEBRUARY 4 Giannis Antetokounmpo (say that 10 times fast) is the latest young player to take the NBA by storm. The “Greek Freak” leads the Milwaukee Bucks into their matchup with the Suns, a game featuring plenty of young talent on both sides. Devin Booker, Marquese Chriss and company hope to slow down Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker and the Bucks. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, nba.com/suns, 7 p.m., tickets start at $19.

Arizona Coyotes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

FEBRUARY 11 Here’s a chance to see one of the alltime greats. Sidney Crosby and the Penguins visit Glendale for the first and only time this season. Last time these two teams played on December 12 in Pittsburgh, the Penguins dominated the ’Yotes, 7-0. Arizona will definitely be seeking revenge on this Saturday night matchup. Not to mention, it’s Larry Fitzgerald Bobblehead Night. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, nhl.com/coyotes, 7 p.m., tickets start at $49.50.

Subway Diamondbacks FanFest

FEBRUARY 18 It’s almost that time again—baseball season is just around the corner. The 13th annual D-backs FanFest will feature access to players, alumni, coaches and broadcasters. Autographs and photos will also be available for fans, so head to Salt River Fields to kick off baseball season the right way! Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, arizona. diamondbacks.mlb.com, noon to 4 p.m., free.

Arizona D-backs vs. GCU

FEBRUARY 22 The Arizona D-backs take to the field to play the Lopes to kick off Spring Training. Come check out our Major Leaguers, and a few invitees, at Salt River Fields. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Rd, Scottsdale, arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com, 1:10 p.m., visit website for ticket prices.

ASU Basketball vs. UCLA

FEBRUARY 23 It’s been an up-and-down season so far for Bobby Hurley’s Sun Devils, and there’s no greater challenge in the Pac-12 than UCLA. The Bruins are Final Four contenders, so this might not be their final trip to the desert this season. Tra Holder, Torian Graham and company hope to contain a high-powered UCLA squad. Wells Fargo Arena, 600 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, thesundevils.com, 7 p.m., $15-75.

GCU Basketball vs. MissouriKansas City

FEBRUARY 25 Dan Majerle’s Lopes are one of the most exciting stories in college basketball, and they’ll cap off their home schedule in late February against Missouri-Kansas City. It’s sure to be a raucous crowd at one of the most exciting sports atmospheres in Arizona. Expect a relatively even matchup between two teams in the middle of the WAC standings. GCU Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Rd., Phoenix, gculopes.com, 7 p.m., $9.

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RACING HEARTS

National Hot Rod Association shares love affair with the Valley Tim J. Randall » The Entertainer!

hen the 33rd annual National Hot Rod Association Arizona Nationals comes to Chandler February 24 to February 26, fans will bear witness to a mutual lovefest. “This is a very special event for NHRA,” says Glen Cromwell, NHRA vice president of national event marketing. “Phoenix is a really strong market and has a very passionate racing community.” Set for Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, the NHRA Arizona Nationals is the second leg of the annual 24-event circuit NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. Professional drivers will put their skills on display for patrons who enjoy speed, speed and more speed. “We reach up to 330 miles per hour,” says driver Tommy Johnson Jr. “I drive the Make-A-Wish Dodge Charger R/T Funny Car. I look forward to coming to Phoenix, I have raced year every year since the late 1980s, and it is great to see how the event and area have grown.” The Funny Car drag is one of a slew of events that includes the Top Fuel race and Pro Stock competition. “This is not your stick and ball sports experience,” Cromwell says. “Every ticket is an all-access pit pass. We are eight hours of interaction where fans can get close to the action and talk to the racers, see what they are doing and get their autographs.” Last year was strong for the NHRA, which boasted five sell-out events. “This year, we expect 100,000 attendees over three days,” he says. “Fox and Fox Sports One will be our new television partners as well.” WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Patrons can see Johnson in the Funny Car race, won last year by Tim Wilkerson on his way toward two Mello Yello victories. In Top Fuel, Leah Pritchett and Brittany Force will attempt to have a rematch of their epic 2016 race, which was the first all-female showdown in Top Fuel since 1982 and only the fourth in Mello Yello Pro-Class Series history. “It is the happiest day of my life, besides getting married, of course,” Pritchett says about last year’s win. “I feel like I just won the Super Bowl, even though it’s only the second race and it’s not the U.S. Nationals. For me, it an incredible personal and professional victory.” In Pro Stock, last year’s winner Jason Line streaked out of the gates fast, eventually capturing eight Mellow Yello titles. “It will be great to come back to Phoenix and try to defend my win from last year,” Line says. “Phoenix is a very good place to come and participate and I have been doing it as long as I have been a racing professional.” In addition to the racing, guests can tour the NHRA Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway. Sponsors and race vendors will create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the family.

Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, 877.840.0457, racewildhorse.ticketforce.com, 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 25, and 9 a.m. Sunday, February 26, $34-$61.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

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TACKLING TRAUMA 5K benefits medical research and injury prevention Rachel Hagerman » The Entertainer!

r. Gina Shirah acknowledges the effectiveness of breast cancer runs, colon cancer walks or even the ALS bucket challenge. But now it’s time to raise funds for traumatic injury patients— yet another tragedy that takes and changes many lives. According to Shirah, trauma is the No. 1 cause of death for men and women age 44 and younger. “It’s important that the community take some sort of ownership or involvement in something that can kill a lot of people,” Shirah says. So she and Dr. Alicia Mangram are serving as fundraising co-chairwomen for Arizona Trauma Association’s Tackle

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Trauma 5K on Sunday, February 5, Super Bowl Sunday. “To make change in trauma injury, you need to increase education for injury prevention,” Shirah says. “We raise money to increase awareness about trauma and to focus on injury prevention. Some of the funds are also going to collaborative research projects between the multiple trauma centers in the city.” “We always think about something that could happen when we get older,” she says. “We don’t really think about now, so I think trauma is an underappreciated set of injuries that could happen to anybody.” Tackle Trauma is set up for families to enjoy. “This is a family-oriented event,” Shirah says. “We have Zumba, a bouncy house, a clown and face painting. We

have a lot of sponsors in the medical field who are going to be there giving away free prizes and gifts at their booths.” Shirah has big dreams for her event. “Our goal is to have this be taken up in multiple different cities,” she says. “Our dream would be that every Super Bowl Sunday every major city has this big event to increase awareness for trauma and people who get injured.”

Tackle Trauma 5K

Papago Park, 1350 N. College Avenue, Tepe, aztracc.org/tackletrauma5k/, 8 a.m. Sunday, February 5, $35 online, $45 day of event.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE YOUNGSTER

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE FUNNEL CAKE BLOG: WHAT’S NEW IN SoCAL

CHANGES IN ANAHEIM Disneyland Resort creates magic with new attractions Randy Montgomery » The Entertainer!

ow that the busy holiday season is over, the crowds at the Disneyland Resort have leveled to a more manageable pace. Visitors will notice several changes and additions to the two Anaheim parks, with other changes in the works. The Main Street Electrical Parade, with its catchy and recognizable theme song, has returned to Disneyland, after leaving neighboring Disney California Adventure in 2010. The high-energy light parade debuted in 1972, and will run nightly through June 18. Special parade-inspired merchandise and food offerings will be available. The Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure has officially closed. Progress is being made on transforming the building from an “old hotel” to fit its new theme—Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! Imagineers promise “a comically high-energy” new attraction, which will debut sometime this summer. Deep inside a fortress, guests will board a lift, “which launches them into a chaotic and hilarious adventure, as they join in on an attempt to break fellow Guardians out of captivity.” Visitors will also notice new security changes. Those entering the park from the tram and/or the hotel properties in Downtown Disney will encounter a security checkpoint prior to entering

the outdoor entertainment venue. This secures all of Downtown Disney, its restaurants and theaters, forcing guests to go through a screening process prior to getting near the two theme parks. The set-up looks a bit low budget, so it is not confirmed whether this will stay, or is simply part of a trial plan to thin out crowds near the entrance.

Your wait times will be slightly shorter on The Matterhorn and Toy Story Midway Mania, as they are being added to the FastPass. Later this year, Disney will implement the new MaxPass, which will be a fee-based alternative to the traditional (and free) FastPass system. Guest will be able to book times for select rides while inside the park via a

mobile app. This convenience will be $10 (introductory cost, subject to change). A bonus to the upcharge will be unlimited downloads of photos taken by Disney PhotoPass staff on the day of your visit. Insider tip: while the FastPass saves time, look for attractions that also offer a “Single Rider” line. This can save hours on a busy day!

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

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THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN

FEBRUARY Megan Marples » The Entertainer!

“Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat”

SELECT DATES IN FEBRUARY Learn how to make a rainy day go away with “Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat.” Follow Sally and her brother as they tip their house upside down with the help of characters like Thing One and Thing Two. Will they be able to clean up the house before their mom comes home? Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, childsplayaz.org, $12-$26.

“Matilda The Musical”

FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 12 Watch the extraordinary Matilda take charge of her life and follow her own destiny. This play is based on the novel by Roald Dahl and has garnered more than 50 awards from around the world. Let your imagination soar at TIME Magazine’s No. 1 Show of the Year. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, prices vary.

Phoenix Chinese Week Culture and Cuisine Festival

FEBRUARY 10 TO FEBRUARY 12 Celebrate Chinese culture with nonstop entertainment and food at Margaret T. Hance Park. Throughout the weekend there will be a slew of activities including martial arts demonstrations, folk dances and a children’s pavilion. Don’t forget to taste authentic Chinese food and shop at the arts and crafts booths. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 480.352.3467, phoenixchineseweek.org, free.

Arizona Renaissance Festival

FEBRUARY 11 TO FEBRUARY 28 Transport your family back to the 16th century at this fun-filled outdoor event. Watch jousting tournaments,

eat a turkey leg and shop at an arts and crafts fair. Patrons are welcome to dress up in period costumes while attending the festival. Arizona Renaissance Festival Village, 12601 E. U.S. Highway 60, Gold Canyon, 520.463.2600, arizona.renfestinfo.com, $12-$24.

Disney in Concert

FEBRUARY 24 TO FEBRUARY 26 Step into some of Disney’s most famous animated movies including “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.” Watch the characters come to life on screen as the orchestra plays music from the films. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second Street, Phoenix, 602.262.6225, phoenixsymphony.org, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $18-$83.

PHOENIX CHINESE WEEK CULTURE AND CUISINE FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 10 TO FEBRUARY 12 ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 11 TO FEBRUARY 28

“DR. SEUSS’ THE CAT IN THE HAT” SELECT DATES IN FEBRUARY

2017 NHRA Arizona Nationals

Arizona Black Rodeo

FEBRUARY 25 Slide into some cowboy boots, wrangle the family together and head on down to Rawhide. Watch some of the best rodeo contests along with 9,000 other rodeo fans. During the event, guests can also experience Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, which has a variety of activities and food.

“MATILDA THE MUSICAL” FEBRUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 12

Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 623.282.1555, azblackrodeo. wixsite.com, $15.

“The Yellow Boat”

FEBRUARY 26 This play tells the true story of Benjamin, a little boy who was a hemophiliac

and later died at the age of 8. During his short life, he turned to art to cope. This play celebrates the spirit of creativity that all children have within them and has been melting hearts since 1992. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, childsplayaz.org, 1 p.m., $12-$26.

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CALLING ALL

SPECIAL AGENTS

‘Odd Squad LIVE!’ hunts villains at the Comerica Theatre Meghann Finn Sepulveda » The Entertainer!

et ready for an actionpacked educational adventure as children use clues, work together and have fun investigating and solving a mystery at the interactive musical performance “Odd Squad LIVE!” based on the PBS KIDS television series, on Saturday, February 18, at Comerica Theatre. The live performance, which is geared toward kids ages 5 to 8, begins with Odd Squad agents Orion and Oleanna, who train the children in the audience how to work in the same field. However, the plan comes to a screeching halt when three villains break in and turn the agents into grown-ups. “This is an interactive storyline where we encourage the audience to help us solve the problem,” says Rebecca Marquardt, who plays the narrator, “Meg.” “At the end of the show, the kids become the real heroes.” Like the popular PBS KIDS series, “Odd Squad LIVE!” features child actors who have qualities that make them interesting and smart. While kids are not part of the live show, there are special appearances via video phone calls “These kids are a little different and that makes them extra special,”

Marquardt says. “They become good role models.” During the 80-minute performance, which includes an intermission, the audience will not only decode and decipher clues to solve the case, but also sing and dance to music from the “Odd Squad” band, Soundcheck. Kids will get a kick out of the quirky villains and silly songs and parents will also laugh along. A few lucky audience members will even be invited on stage to join in the fun. A team of eight actors and five crew work together to set the stage for “Odd Squad LIVE!” The first national tour kicked off in October and continues in various cities across the United States through March. Marquardt, 32, who studied music and acting in college and took voice lessons, has been acting for 10 years. She resides in Brooklyn. “During ‘Odd Squad LIVE!’ I’m able to improvise and interact with the audience,” she says. “Seeing the kids’ eyes light up is amazing.”

“Odd Squad LIVE!”

Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, oddsquadlive.com, 2 p.m. Saturday, February 18, $41-$51.

A WILD

RIDE

Lost Dutchman Days recalls Apache Junction’s history Tim J. Randall » The Entertainer!

ith the goal of “putting smiles on kids’ faces,” the Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo and Festival is returning for a 53rd year in Apache Junction to celebrate the city’s Old West heritage with a professional rodeo, dancing, entertainment and a carnival from Friday, February 24, to Sunday, February 26. Lost Dutchman Days began as one-day affair in January 1965, and from there has grown into a celebration of Apache Junction’s history at the Lost Dutchman Days Event Center. “The Lost Dutchman Days is about the heritage of the community and the name recognizes the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine,” says Denny Walter, the event’s chairman. “The fairgrounds of the festival sit in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains where the mine supposedly is hidden.” The more than 30,000 expected patrons can enjoy more than 30 rides and attractions. Additionally, guests can watch the parade through downtown Apache Junction on Saturday morning, and attend the annual dance in the evening.

There will be over 100 vendors and two stages of entertainment. For those looking to get the festivities started early, a Brat Party is staged on Thursday, February 23. The centerpiece is the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Associationsanctioned rodeo, which features bull riding, calf roping and steer wrestling. After the Sunday rodeo, kids can get in on the action during “Mutton Bustin’,” where 30 brave young lads and lassies ride and race sheep. Walter, who has served as the Lost Dutchman Days chairman for five years and has been associated with the event for close to 15, said all the profits go back to local charities. Despite its popularity, Walter does not have an eye toward expanding the festival. “We want to keep Lost Dutchman Days small and traditional,” he says. We focus on trying to improve it every year.”

Lost Dutchman Days

Lost Dutchman Days Event Center, 1590 W. Lost Dutchman Boulevard, Apache Junction, lostdutchmandays.org, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, $2. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE SHOWMAN

103

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING

ANYTHING

BUT ORDINARY Mustard Plug brings positive vibes to the Yucca Tap Room

Erica Thompson » The Entertainer!

aming a band after the crusty substance that accumulates on the top of a mustard bottle isn’t something most bands would consider. That is where the ska band Mustard Plug stands out. Even in its name, it brings originality. Perhaps it is this spirit that has helped the Michigan-based band maintain a career for more than 25 years. Mustard Plug bassist Rick Johnson attributes the band’s longevity to its casual membership. The band is not a full-time gig for any of its members. “It is easy to get burned out on touring,” Johnson says. “With a part-time touring schedule, you never get burned out.”

Having part-time tours allows the everyone to fully enjoy their performances. “Performing is a release of energy, and seeing people be happy about what you are doing is a nice thing,” Johnson says. “That is pretty much why I do it, not for monetary reasons, it is just to see people happy about being alive.” “Having fun” has been the band’s purpose for 25 years. Johnson adds this will be evident when Mustard Plug returns to Arizona and the Yucca Tap Room on Thursday, February 16. “It is a little dingy, which is kind of fun,” Johnson says about the local favorite club. “It is not as clinical as some places, which makes it feel more comfortable.” Mustard Plug fans can expect the

band will do its best to promote a positive atmosphere where the audience will feel “happy about being alive,” Johnson explains. “You don’t have to get super drunk. You don’t have to be scared about anything. Everyone is looking out for each other. Just do it.”

Mustard Plug w/ The Phenomenauts, 2 Tone Lizard Kings, The Rebel Set and Bowcat

Yucca Tap Room, 29 W. Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480.967.4777, yuccatap.com, 7 p.m. Thursday, February 16, $15.

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Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”

The Genius of Chopin

We Were Stereo

Joan of Arc

Zeppelin USA

Khalid

Dave Baradic Trio

Lil Trip

Musical Instrument Museum, 2 p.m., sold out

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

FEBRUARY 1 Black Bottom Lighters Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10

Devendra Banhart

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $28-$41

July Talk w/ Mona

The Bright Light Social Hour Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $12

Chubby Checker & The Wildcats

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

Shooter Jennings LiveWire, 7 p.m., $21

Tommy Kruise

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $5

Divas 2017: Delphine Cortez, Blaise Lantana Renee Patrick, Carmela Ramirez, Sherry Roberson

Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $12-$44

FEBRUARY 2 Common Kings

LiveWire, 7 p.m., $17

Del McCoury performs Woodie Guthrie

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $22-$65

Joan of Arc

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $5-$7

Nots

LBX, 8 p.m., $8

Sammy Adams

LiveWire, 8 p.m., $25

Young the Giant

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $28-$48

FEBRUARY 8 Dashboard Confessional Drab Majesty

The Living Deads

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

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

Pavlo

D.R.A.M.

The Manhattan Transfer

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

Neil Sedaka

FEBRUARY 7

Rebelution w/ Passafire

Austra

The Sugar Thieves

Cantus

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $34-$76 Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $64-$96 Rialto Theatre, 9 p.m., $25

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

Surfer Blood

Flycatcher, 9 p.m., $12

yMusic

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $20 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $52.50-$62.50

Darci Carlson

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20

Legendary Shack Shakers 191 Toole, 8 p.m., $15

Lorin Walker Madsen

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Mandy Harvey

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $35.50-$43.50

Mating Ritual w/ Satchmode Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $14-$49

Typical Sisters

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free

Bill Tarsha & the Rocket 88s The Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., $8

Freebo

Cash’d Out

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $18

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $12-$15

JT Woodruff

The Copper States

The Rebel Lounge, 7 p.m., $12-$14

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

Samuel Kerridge

Googoosh

Valley Bar, 10 p.m., $12-$15

Mesa Arts Center, 8:30 p.m., $55-$250

Starset

Häxan w/ TR/ST

Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $18-$20

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., sold out

Reel Big Fish w/ Anti-Flag

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $22.50$42.50

Tom Chapin

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse, 7 p.m., $20-$22 WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

FEBRUARY 6

The Malai Llama

Levi Platero

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $5

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $25.20-$195.20. Tickets for original show on February 2 will be honored.

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $5-$7

Kitchen Dwellers

FEA

Ariana Grande w/ Little Mix and Victoria Monet

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $19

Club Red, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $27.50$37.50

FEBRUARY 4

FEBRUARY 3

The Rhythm Room, 2 p.m., $6

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $12

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$63.50

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Gethen Jenkins & the Freightshakers

Wanderer w/ Family Thief

The Expendables

Rockin’ Johnny Band

FEBRUARY 5

Del McCoury performs Woodie Guthrie

Nicole Pesce

Rialto Theatre, 7:45 p.m., $24-$26

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $29-$70

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$63.50

Pop Evil

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $24-$28

K.Flay

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12 Fairway House at Grayhawk, 7:30 p.m., $52

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$49

Ariana Grande FEBRUARY 3

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $25.20-$195.20 Ariana Grande is returning to Phoenix to kick off a massive nationwide tour in support of last year’s “Dangerous Woman.” The album, which was warmly received by critics and fans alike, saw Grande collaborating with Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Future. Expect to hear her powerful voice and catchy songs at Talking Stick Resort Arena this February. Tickets for the original show on February 2 will be honored.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Mayhem

Just Juice

Pat Roberts & the Heymakers

The Lemon Twigs

You Blew It!

Radical Fun Time

Young the Giant

Sugaray Rayford Band

Emmet Cohen Trio

Tony Orlando

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $25-$27 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $2

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15 Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $27.50-$35.50 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $13-$25

FEBRUARY 9 Alcest

Club Red – West, 7:30 p.m., $18-$20

Iration

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$50 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free The Rhythm Room, 9:15 p.m., $12-$15 Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $30-$60

The Woodworks

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10

Juli Wood

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $20-$22

FEBRUARY 11

Legendary Shack Shakers

Adam Ant

Lordi

Authority Zero

Sunset Voodoo w/ North By North

Emerald Isle w/ Blackthrone, Phoenix Down

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $16-$18 Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $25-$60 The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

John Stowell

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$15

FEBRUARY 10 A Band Called Honalee

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $24-$67

The Chain Gang of 1974

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $12-$14

Gino Vannelli

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $25-$60

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Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $32-$130 Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $20

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10-$12

GENTRI

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $46-$118

Mayhem

FEBRUARY 8

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $25-$27 The legendary Norwegian black metal group will make a stop at Club Red this February. While the band hasn’t released an album since 2014’s “Esoteric Warfare,” this is a tour for fans to get excited about, as the group will be performing its debut album, “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas,” in its entirety.

The R. Carlos Nakai Quartet

Cory Weeds w/ Harold Mabern

Valentine’s Day Blues Celebration

FEBRUARY 12

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30

Johnny Rivers

The Showroom at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $30-$55

Maximo Grado

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $35-$90

The Rhythm Room, 7:30 p.m., $15$20

Paris Combo

Warner Drive

Musical Instrument Museum, $43.50$48.50

Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $12-$15

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $30-$75

Afton Showcase

The Rhythm Room, 6:30 p.m., $11-$14

Angel Olsen

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20

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FEBRUARY 14 A Broadway Romance

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $24-$67

FILTH! w/ Gnawed, CBN LBX, 8 p.m., $6

The Griswolds

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $15-$18

Holly Hofmann w/ Mike Wofford, Katie Thiroux, Jeff Hamilton Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $23.50-$28.50

Angel Olsen

Jelly Bread

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

FEBRUARY 12

Lucero

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20 Angel Olsen gained notoriety with her 2014 debut album, “Burn Your Fire for No Witness,” but it was last year’s “My Woman” that saw Olsen reaching new heights and acclaim. Appearing on many publications’ year-end lists, the album showcases Olsen’s powerful vibrato and expressive songwriting, as well as the popular single “Shut Up Kiss Me.”

Luis Coronel

Branford Marsalis Quartet w/ Kurt Elling

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $35-$69

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $28-$31 Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $46-$205

Otep

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$25

Save Ferris

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $20-$23

Devon Bridgewater and Nuance The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $31-$35

Yonas

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

FEBRUARY 17 AFI

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $28

Alejandro Escovedo

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

California Guitar Trio & Montreal Guitar Trio

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

WAR

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $38-$68

FEBRUARY 19 Atmosphere

John Scofield w/ Steve Swallow, Larry Goldings, Bill Stewart

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 8 p.m., $60-$150

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

John Scofield w/ Steve Swallow, Larry Goldings, Bill Stewart

Musical Instrument Museum, 9 p.m., $33.50-$43.50

Paper Bird

Billy Crystal

The Booze Bombs w/ Pat Roberts & the Heymakers The Rhythm Room, 3 p.m., $10

Dobet Gnahoré

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

Festival Orchestra Chamber Players

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

Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m., $47-$67

The Rich Berra Band

Keith Sweat

Chad Valley w/ Computer Magic Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $12-$15

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $28.50-$49.50

Chris Robinson Brotherhood

The 44s w/ Kid Ramos

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Soul Power Band

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$29

FEBRUARY 15

The Coathangers

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $15-$17

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $22-$32

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$30

Steve ‘n’ Seagulls

Valentine’s Super Love Jam

The Rhythm Room, 9:15 p.m., $15

Running from Bears

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$15

Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$55

Olga Kern

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$69

Orchids of Eight

Yucca Tap Room, 7 p.m., free

The Piano Men

Wild Horse Pass, 3 p.m., $20

Griffin House

Galactic

Valley Bar, 8:45 p.m., $17-$20

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $26-$28

FEBRUARY 18

Riff Raff

One Woman Sex and the City

Inna Vision w/ The Steppas, Highest Conspiracy, Sienna

Afroman w/ 3 Kings

Ruby Dee & the Snakehandlers

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $20-$28

Squiddog

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Salt River Brass

Mesa Arts Center, 3 p.m., $15-$24

Turtle Island Quartet plays John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$53.50

Francine Reed

The Nash, 3 p.m., $15-$25

FEBRUARY 13 ASU Wind and Percussion Ensembles

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $10

Kruger Brothers & Kontras Quartet

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $24-$67

Milemarker

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $12-$14

Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Uli Jon Roth

Club Red, 6 p.m., $22-$25

Whiskey Kiss

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

FEBRUARY 16 Amaranthe

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $20

Bob Moody & Friends

Fairway House at Grayhawk, 5:30 p.m., $59

Bob Moody & Friends

Fairway House at Grayhawk, 8:30 p.m., $59

Mustard Plug

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

Navah Perlman

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30-$70

Paul McCandless w/ Charged Particles

Wax Tailor

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $30.50-$38.50

Youth Symphony of the Southwest

Valley Queen w/ Marbin

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18 Mesa Arts Center, 7 p.m., free WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12

Club Red – West, 7:30 p.m., $20

Alter Bridge

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

Black Arm Band

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $25-$59

Expire

Underground, 6:30 p.m., $13-$15

The Generators

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Kaki King

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $25-$50 The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $6

Southwest Gospel Music Festival

Grand Canyon University Arena, 3 p.m., $23-$139

Surfer Blood

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

FEBRUARY 20 Adia Victoria

Club Congress, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$48.50

Noname

Kevin Garrett

Southwest Gospel Music Festival

Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Mozzy w/ King Lil G

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $29.99-$500

Neoclassic and Romantic Masterpieces

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $20

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15 Grand Canyon University Arena, 10:30 a.m., $23-$139

Villalobos Brothers

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

Ramon Ayala

FEBRUARY 21

The Repeat Offenders

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., sold out

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $45-$120 The Rhythm Room, 6 p.m., $8

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $15

The Growlers w/ Tacocat The Musical Box

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$65

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

Tennis

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15

Westbrook

Rob Kapilow

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

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

Simply Three

FEBRUARY 22

Take Over and Destroy

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $30

Tom Neilson

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse, 8 p.m., $15-$18

The Stakes

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$15

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Italian Symphony & Opera: Pagliacci in Concert

La Casa de Cristo Church, 3 p.m., $24$76

Gun Hill Royals

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Body Void

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

FEBRUARY 25

Wes Williams Band

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

Datsik

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

Attila

The Bombpops

Club Red – East, 6:30 p.m., $25-$30

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$40

Igor & the Red Elvises

FEBRUARY 24

Rialto Theatre, 7 p.m., $19-$26 Yucca Tap Room, 7:30 p.m., $10

Hazel English Overkill

The Staves

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

Captured by Robots

Valley Bar, 8:30 p.m., $15

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong w/ Organ Freeman

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

JoJo

Coco Montoya

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

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

The Rhythm Room, 8:30 p.m., $15-$20

Moose Blood

The Radio Dept

Harper and the Moths

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15

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

The Staves

Secondhand Serenade

Jesus Piece

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $20

Underground, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Uniform

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

The Sopranos

Jimmy Eat World

West Coast Cool: Paul Brewer and Dmitri Matheny

FEBRUARY 28

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

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$45

Alex & Sierra

Brian Chartrand & the Project w/ Jay Allan & the Uncommon Good

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $15-$18

Archgoat

Patti Austin

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

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$22

Circa Survive

A French Musical Feast

Pharoahe Monch

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $23-$33

Priests

LiveWire, 7 p.m., $22

Quintino

Chandler Center for the Arts, 3 p.m., $30-$40

Landlady

Midori w/ Festival Orchestra

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $10-$12 Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $34-$76

La Casa de Cristo Church, 7:30 p.m., $45-$100

Last Exit Live, 9 p.m., $15-$18

Priests

191 Toole, 8:30 p.m., $12

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $13

LBX, 8 p.m., $8

Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica

FEBRUARY 26

Karla Bonoff

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $21

Club Congress, 7:30 p.m., $15

FEBRUARY 27

Against Me!

FEBRUARY 23 Marty Haggard

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

Nick Finzer Here and Now

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$20

Karla Bonoff

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50–$45.50

191 Toole, 8 p.m., $30-$34

LiveWire, 7 p.m., $17

Maya Day + Nightclub, 10 p.m., $10

Dark Star Orchestra Glenn Miller Orchestra

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $20-$22

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m., $25-$49

Experience Hendrix

Mesa Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., $50-$90

Scottsdale Community College Jazz Concert The Nash, 7:30 p.m., TBA

FROM SOUNDCLOUD

TO ‘BROCCOLI’

D.R.A.M. joins hip-hop’s fresh new generation Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

inding a sound can be a calculated effort for many artists. That’s not the case for Hampton, Virginiaraised rapper/singer D.R.A.M. “I just moved off of everyday life,” says D.R.A.M., born Shelley Massenburg-Smith. “There are so many different moods and so many different weather climates that alter your state of mind when you’re in that creative process.” These different moods and inspirations are clear in his music, which includes his recently released debut album, “Big Baby D.R.A.M.” With styles ranging from rock to house, the project is chock-full of sounds that reflect these states of mind. “I listen to so many styles of music; so many genres; so many styles within the genres,” he says. He adds that “having a

trust in myself to do new things and to push boundaries” helps progress his music. Gaining notoriety for his 2015 single “Cha Cha,” D.R.A.M. is perhaps best known for “Broccoli,” his collaboration with Lil Yachty. Despite the song’s catchy vocals and infectious melody, D.R.A.M. admits the song’s success—which includes a No. 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and over 150 million views on YouTube— came as a surprise to him. “I just thought we were going to put out a song that was cool for SoundCloud, good for the culture, you know, whatever, whatever,” he says, adding, “I really wasn’t expecting anything from it. Neither was he. Just thought it was something cool.” D.R.A.M. is gearing up for his first major tour, which includes a stop at Crescent Ballroom on Wednesday, February 8. But even with his success, he

admits he has no expectations for the tour. “It’s for people who are vivid fans of myself from before ‘Broccoli’—from day one or at a certain point—all the way to the people who know me as the guy who sings ‘Broccoli.’ “It’s a show that no one else has been to, because, first of all, I haven’t hit the road the way I’m hitting it now. My songs haven’t been performed in this way, so it’s going to be a really, really brand new thing. So yeah, I’m expecting nothing but unexpectedness.”

D.R.A.M.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, $20.

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IN THE

ZONE

AFI is comfortable doing what it does best Connor Dziawura » The Entertainer!

WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

ith over two decades of history behind them, the members of AFI—vocalist Davey Havok, guitarist Jade Puget, bassist Hunter Burgan and drummer Adam Carson—know how they work best. “We’re usually pretty cut and dried with what we do in the studio,” says Burgan. “We don’t do a whole lot of experimentation.” Now on their 10th studio album, “AFI (The Blood Album),” the Californians are satisfied just writing songs they love. The album’s supporting tour will include a stop at the Marquee Theatre on Friday, February 17. “We don’t really want to spend the time or money to get all crazy in the studio when we have songs that we know we like how they sound,” Burgan explains. “It was really a matter of just streamlining things.” Formed in the early ’90s, an early incarnation of AFI—also known as A Fire Inside—released a slew of hardcore punk albums. Eventually, the group released its 2003 commercial breakthrough, “Sing

the Sorrow.” This album marked a shift in sound for the group, moving to a more melodic style of posthardcore. In the years following, they continued to grow, with their songs becoming bigger and their hooks more anthemic. But while their sound has changed drastically over the past 10 albums, they know how to work without trying too hard to change. “We’ve been doing this for a while and we kind of know how to do it efficiently and know what we’ve already done. We can try new things without it being a wild goose chase. We’ve done wild goose chases in the past,” Burgan says. “I think we’re wiser now,” he adds. “We are a little more in control of what we’re doing, and so you’re able to hear our new ideas without it just sort of happening by chance.” The decision to self-title an album so far in their discography may seem strange to some, but this made perfect sense to AFI. After trading off between “AFI” and “The Blood Album,” the group eventually settled on using both. “Early on when we were sort of seeing the album shape together, we

noticed that one of the lyrical themes dealt with the concept of blood,” Burgan says. The use of both comes as a result of a link between the two. “I think one of the things that sort of ties that together is a concept of identity,” he explains. While the band may have many early song ideas that are narrowed down by Havok and Puget, the full band comes together later to continue work on the remaining songs. Comparing this process to AFI’s previous material, Burgan finds the musicians to still be working better than ever. “It’s not really too much different from what we had done in the past. I would say the main difference being we were faster at each stage and, I guess in that same sense, more efficient.”

AFI w/Nothing and Souvenirs

Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 8 p.m. Friday, February 17, $28.

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Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

t was a 10-year gap between pop singer JoJo’s last album and her 2016 release. In that time, JoJo fought a years’ long legal battle with her former label, appeared in films and shows and never lost that desire to record or sing. The new album, “Mad Love,” comes from a track that describes her passion for performing. “My experience with music and the journey so far has been crazy, intense and has confirmed many times over that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,” JoJo says. “I have mad love for my life.” While she spent last summer touring with Fifth Harmony, JoJo sets off on her own international jaunt this year, hitting Scottsdale’s Livewire on Saturday, February 25. Arizona is another thing for which the singer has mad love. She visited Sedona over New Year’s on a solo trip for relaxation and rejuvenation. “I fell in love,” the singer says. “I’ll definitely be coming back for pleasure because there’s just such amazing vibes there.” While she played a few new songs over the summer, the tour marks the first time most of the album will be coming to life, live.

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She promises fans her best show yet, already excited at the prospect of singing new cuts like “Edibles” and “I Can Only,” as well as “I Am,” a piano ballad that JoJo calls one of her favorites because of its content and meaning. The album features appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Remy Ma and Alessia Cara. JoJo also had a hand in writing every song on the album. As a perfectionist who’s critical of her own work, releasing it in October was a huge relief. “Now it’s my fans’,” she says. “It’s a part of their lives.” That being said, she doesn’t plan on throwing any of her past hits out any time soon. In fact, at almost a decade of distance, she says she likes them more now. “When I was a little girl, 13 or 15, singing those songs, I didn’t have the same experience behind it,” JoJo says with a laugh. “Now that I’m a young woman and I’ve had relationships and I’ve kicked people out of my life and I’ve been cheated on, I’ve lived.” Songs like “Leave (Get Out),” “Too Little, Too Late,” and “Baby, It’s You” evoke a certain kind of energy from the crowd, she says. “They remember where they were and I do, too,” she says. “We have a nostalgic moment together.”

MAD

LOVE Exploring the return of JoJo Her new material still features the mix of R&B and pop her fans are used to, but from a more grown-up place. The first single from the album, for example, was aptly titled “F*** Apologies.” The song talks about a young woman who is tired of her boyfriend’s lies. She decides she was in the right and moves on. “I think the confidence and the edge that you heard from me as a teenager has just matured into a young woman who knows herself and feels a new level of confidence and edge.”

JoJo

Livewire, 7320 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.970.6980, livewireaz.com, 7 p.m. Saturday, February 25, $17.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

LIVING THE

‘GOOD LIFE’ Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Rickey Medlocke prefers life on the road Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

ynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Rickey Medlocke admits he gets into a little trouble when he’s not touring. So, it’s a blessing that the band is returning to the road after a break since October. Instead of chancing any difficulties, Medlocke kept busy—producing a new Blackfoot record, working on a prospective TV show and fishing. “But my main focus has always been on Lynyrd Skynyrd,” says Medlocke, calling from Florida. “I’m happy that we’re going back out. I’m been chomping at the bit. It’s impossible being at home, sitting so long. It doesn’t do me well to

sit so long.” That’s a good thing because the band generally performs 65 to 70 shows a year, including one at The Good Life Festival at Encanterra in San Tan Valley on Saturday, March 4. “It’ll be a busy year,” he says. “I hope it’s a great one. I really do.” The packed schedule includes writing material for a new Lynyrd Skynyrd album, something Medlocke recently discussed with guitarist Gary Rossington and singer Johnny Van Zant. “We have probably a boatload of songs that we’ve written either finished or halfway finished or almost finished,” Medlocke says. “Some of the songs were recorded already. We’re going to go back and review all these songs. We’re going to

start really thinking about maybe finishing some of them off, and/or writing brand new ones. “It’s time to throw some stuff out there and get new material out. We need to keep doing what we do.” Even if it didn’t release new music, Lynyrd Skynyrd would have staying power, and Medlocke is proud of that. “I think when you’ve got a load of material, like the band has, that’s your staying power—as long as you come up with the goods and you play great shows,” Medlocke explains. “You need to give people their money’s worth. One of the key secrets, too, is always writing new songs and putting new material out there. You need to keep it fresh for yourself and give the

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audience something new to listen to. They might not like it. They may love it. You never know until you put it out there.” He plans on doing this for as long as possible. “I play music and that’s what I do,” Medlocke says. “That’s what I’m going to do for the rest of my life. I hope Lynyrd Skynyrd continues for quite a while yet, but I’m going to do it whether it’s with Lynyrd Skynyrd, alone or with somebody else. I hope I’m 80 years old standing on the stage playing guitar. “People ask me, ‘Rickey, why do you continue to do this? You’ve done everything.’ I’m like, well, I don’t get along very well when I have to sit. My gal will tell you that I can’t sit for very long. She’s the same way. She’s one of the backing vocalists for Kid Rock. We’re artists and we create. That’s what we do. That’s what I’ve always done and that’s what I’m always going to do.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Encanterra Country Club, 36460 N. Encanterra Drive, San Tan Valley, thegoodlifefest.com, noon Saturday, March 4, $40-$80.

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

THE NIGHTOWL

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SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

Crush Arizona returns for eighth consecutive year Melissa Szenda » The Entertainer!

here’s nothing sweeter than serenading your special someone with some hopelessly romantic tunes. Forget sappy love songs. Arizona is about to be taken over with music your Valentine will fall for. Relentless Beats and Insomniac have teamed up for the eighth Crush Arizona, the state’s longest-standing dance music festival. “When I started Crush nine years ago, I never would have thought it would have become one of Arizona’s most anticipated events,” says Relentless Beats founder Thomas Turner. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and become a big part of what Relentless Beats does.” This year’s festival will feature a wide array of talent, sure to satisfy any of your Valentine’s dance music crushes. Headliners include the notorious Black Tiger Sex Machine; Chris Lorenzo, creator of “house & bass;” electro house duo DVBBS; bass legends, GTA; trance producer, Jason Ross; hard-trap producer, SayMyName; big room house producers, W&W and the genre-bending Yellow Claw. It all goes down February 18 at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center in Chandler. General admission and VIP passes are available. Whether you have a Valentine or you’re enjoying the single life, come feel the love at this year’s Crush Arizona.

Crush Arizona

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, relentlessbeats.com, 5:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday, February 18, $63 and $109.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

BLACK TIGER SEX MACHINE

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114

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS

FOR FEBRUARY

Rachel Hagerman » The Entertainer!

Aoki Charitable Fund, which supports global humanitarian relief organizations. Blink-182, one of the most influential punk rock bands, will join Aoki on the bill. Birds Nest, TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.4334, 7 p.m., $108-$542.

TR/ST

Kaskade and Flo Rida

FEBRUARY 3 Awarded America’s Best DJ in 2011 and 2013, Kaskade is sure to impress alongside Flo Rida, a songwriter and rapper whose breakout single, “Low,” smashed the record for digital download sales. Birds Nest, TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.585.4334, 6:30 p.m., $65-$325.

FEBRUARY 4 Based in Toronto, Canada, TR/ST (formerly known as Trust) will share the stage with DJs Tristan and Plastic Disease. Known to his parents as Robert Alfons, TR/ST found success with his album “Joyland,” which hit No. 12 in Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums chart. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, 9 p.m., $18-$20.

George Acosta

FEBRUARY 10 Nominated for America’s Best DJ in 2013, George Acosta (also known as DJ Boom or Groove Man) is a club veteran. With 12 albums under his turntable, Acosta is ready to keep fans dancing all night. Gypsy Bar, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.732.5490, 9 p.m., $10.

Wax Tailor

FEBRUARY 13 DJ Wax Tailor merges silver-era Hollywood music with modern melodies to create a unique electronic style. With sold-out shows in more than 50 countries, Tailor returns with his new album, “By Any Beats Necessary,” which has inspired him to visit the southern United States. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, 8 p.m., $15-$18.

Afroman

FEBRUARY 18 Afroman started his career in eighth grade, when he sold tapes about a teacher who scolded him for wearing sagging pants. He received great feedback and continued to pursue music. He released his first album, “My Fro-losophy,” in 1998 and has since been nominated for Grammys. Club Red, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.258.2733, 7:30 p.m., $20.

Crush Arizona 2017

Wiwek Blink-182 and Steve Aoki

FEBRUARY 4 Nominated for 2013’s Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album, Steve Aoki took 10th in the Top 100 DJs list in DJ Magazine. Recently seen in the movie “Why Him?” Aoki has collaborated with the likes of Iggy Azalea, Lil Jon, Laidback Luke and Louis Tomlinson. The DJ with a penchant for smashing cake in people’s faces is also the founder of the Steve

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FEBRUARY 10 Born Wiwek Mahabali, Wiwek blends electronic sounds with tropical rhythms to create a unique and distinctive style. His tracks have merged sets from Tiësto, Afrojack, Major Lazer and more. Don’t miss Wiwek as he sends catchy beats and suspenseful builds to the dance floor. Shady Park, 26 E. University Dr., Tempe, 480.474.4222, 9 p.m., $15.

FEBRUARY 18 The eighth annual Crush Arizona will bring to the stage DVBBS, W&W, Yellow Claw, Black Tiger Sex Machine, Chris Lorenzo, Jason Ross, GTA and SAYMYNAME. This packed night is perfect for any nightlife fanatic with an appetite for DJ music. Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, 5:30 p.m., $63-$109.

Friday Night Funk

FEBRUARY 18 DJs Sean Watson and Jared Alan will host a dance party on Crescent’s new patio. Come dance as the clock strikes midnight with both old favorites and new dance cuts.

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, 11:45 p.m., free.

Chris Garcia

FEBRUARY 24 Garcia is a successful DJ who started his career at The Red Zone, an infamous club in Avignon. Since then, Garcia has performed in several countries including Tunisia and Spain. After gigging with some of the greats like Erick Morillo, Paul Oakenfold and Kaskade, Garcia began producing his own music. Now he is signed to SKAM Artist, a top agency in America, and he continues to travel the world to share his music. Gypsy Bar, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.732.5490, 9 p.m., $10.

Quintino

FEBRUARY 24 Laidback Luke helped Quintino start his music career at the age of 18. Now, Dutch DJ and record producer Quintino’s releases include remixes of “Rap das Armas,” “Selecta,” “Go Hard” and “Fatality.” He even won a spot in the Top 100 DJs list in DJ Magazine. Maya Day & Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, 10 p.m., $10.

Dance Yourself Clean

FEBRUARY 25 Be prepared for DYC’s return to Crescent for the spring ‘17 tour. DYC dance parties kicked off in Seattle, and have since spread to other cities. It gives music fanatics a fun place to dance the night away, socialize and drink. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12.

Deorro

FEBRUARY 25 Formerly known as TON!C, Deorro has been producing music since he was 17 and known as Erick Orrosquieta. In 2012, his remix for “Make Some Noise” put him in the top 50 on Beatport. Deorro landed at No. 19 in the Top 100 DJs list in DJ Magazine. Maya Day & Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, 10 p.m., $20.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2017

115

‘BY ANY BEATS NECESSARY’

France’s Wax Tailor explores the western frontier on new album Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

rench trip-hop producer Wax Tailor is the first one to admit that music must be enjoyable. “It is a process, but it needs to be fun,” says Wax Tailor, born Jean-Christophe Le Saoût in France. “At the end of the day, it takes a lot of patience, but I’m not a patient person in real life. I can stay in the studio for three days, but I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time. I’m digging, listening and discovering.” On his fifth studio album, “By Any Beats Necessary,” he offers a fresh take on the western frontier, blending blues, psychedelic rock, soul, funk and hip hop. Thanks to the likes of Ghostface Killah, R.A. The Rugged Man, A-F-R-O & Token and Tricky, he accomplishes this. His taste in music is deep rooted in hip-hop culture. He discovered the genre at age 11. It was then that he yearned to be part of the culture. “I tried to be a dancer, but that was a disaster,” he says with a laugh. “I thought about being a producer or DJ, but it was

too expensive to have turntables. I decided that making music was the easiest way.” He served as a radio host in the Paris suburb of Mantes-La-Jolie, where he met many people he admired like The Roots and Cypress Hill. He founded the French rap act La Formule in the 1990s. “After that, I began to make alternative things, more instrumental music,” says Le Saoût, who took on the name Wax Tailor in 2001. “I needed to do my own thing, not just copy a producer. I grew up listening to pop from the 1960s. I think I really wanted to have all the elements— the backbone energy of the hip-hop music while keeping the romance and melancholic (feeling).” He adds that he doesn’t control that. It’s something that comes naturally. Besides the aforementioned acts, Le Saoût has collaborated with Sharon Jones, who died in 2016. He sighs before talking about her. “I met Sharon Jones in Paris in 2003,” he recalls. “It was the first time I was seeing her. She just blew my mind. Two years before, someone invited me to see James Brown in a big, big, big venue. I refused. I would rather have seen James Brown in 1963.

“When I went to see Sharon Jones, it was like a time machine. She was really kind and very open. It was a great experience to work with her. I have to say that I was insanely sad when she passed away because last week I watched the last show she did in France. It was given to me. I was about to cry watching that.” Le Saoût is returning to Phoenix to perform, this time with a full band, at the Crescent Ballroom on Monday, February 13. “I will bring my drummer with me,” he says. “I have a guitar player, drummer, two MCs and one singer. It’s a very different energy, compared to last tour, which was more of an introspective thing. This one is organic; it has an organic vibe. One thing I really love about this new live show is I get a lot of pleasure playing it and I feel it on stage. It’s something great, there’s a great vibe and I hope people feel it, too.”

Wax Tailor w/L’Orange

Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Monday, February 13, $15-$18. WWW.ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

116

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS

Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

The first documented beer recipe is

4,000 years old.

Cenosillicaphobia is the fear of an empty beer glass. Yes, that’s a thing.

The Atlantic reports that beer used to be consumed

warm.

Russia didn’t consider beer to be an alcoholic beverage until four years ago. Reportedly a Thai temple was created with

1 MILLION

When President Barack Obama was in office, the White House brewed its own beer, namely the white house honey ale and white house honey porter.

banana beer

is a traditional East African beverage bottles of Heineken. made from fermentation of the mashed fruit.

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