The Entertainer! Magazine March 2019 by Times Media Group

PHX METRO » MARCH 2019

MAGGIORE unrolls cannoli bar

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

CONTENTS SPEED DEMON

Michael McDowell is hoping for a hometown win

ON THE COVER

SHEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A SWEET TALKER

Natalie Merrill is making her mark on Phoenix

CASTLE HOT SPRINGS

Historic resort unveiling new look on the cover: Michael McDowell Cover photo courtesy NASCAR

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

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

publisher

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Managing Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

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Assistant Editor Connor Dziawura

MANGIA!

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designer

The Sicilian Baker unrolling its cannoli bar.

CONTENTS

UPFRONT

Shannon Mead

production manager Courtney Oldham

production@timespublications.com

circulation director Aaron Kolodny

aaron@entertainermag.com

contributing writers

Alison Bailin Batz, Kristine Cannon, Samantha Fuoco, Darrell Jackson, Sherry Jackson, Laura Latzko, Carson Mlnarik, Randy Montgomery, Eric Newman, Taylor O’Connor, Octavio Serrano, Colleen Sparks

Top 25 • Scotchdale • NASCAR’s Michael McDowell • NASCAR Experience • Natalie Merrill

CITY

The Listening Room Phoenix • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater • Futuristic • Celebration of Fine Art

TRAVEL

Historic Castle Hot Springs

ARTS

FRESH FACES

Carson Kelly, left, is among those waiting to make their D-backs debut

ROLLER COASTER

Best Food Events in March • Happy Hour Guide • The Sicilian Baker • The Screamery • Starfire Grille • Four Peaks Burger Battle

BEER AND WINE

Singer Julia Michaels set to open for Pink

Best Beer and Wine Events in March • Beerfinder • Women-Made Wines • Great Beer Pairings

CASINOS

Contributing Photographers

63 EMOTIONAL

Arts Calendar • Cirque du Soleil • “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” • “Detroit ’67” • The Phoenix Theatre • The Art Bar

DINING

Staff Photographers

Kimberly Carrillo, Pablo Robles

Casino Entertainment Calendar • CAZ Sports Bar

SPORTS

MUSIC

Best Sports Events in March • Arizona Hotshots • Arizona Rattlers • Carson Kelly and Luke Weaver

Live Music Calendar • En Vogue • The Revivalists • Failure • Julia Michaels • Brynn Elliott • The Neal Morse Band

FAMILY

NIGHTLIFE

Best Family Events in February • 31st Annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival

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IN CLOSING You’re Not Gonna Believe This

Rachel Deeb, Matt Hinshaw, Michael Jordan Photography, Jesse Matz, Zackery Michael, Aniwat Pluemjit, Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks, Priscilla C. Scott ONE COPY PER READER

The Entertainer! is circulated throughout the Phoenix Metro area, especially concentrated in entertainment districts. ©2018 Affluent Publishing, LLC. A free online subscription is available to all readers simply by going to entertainermag.com/subscribe. For calendar and news items, the deadline for submission is the 15th of the NOVEMBER 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:

Best Nightlife Events in March • Mad Mixologist

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UPFRONT

TOP25 Carson Mlnarik » The Entertainer!

McDowell Mountain Music Festival

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 3 This Arizona-based festival is focused on connecting community, culture and charity. All three days will host live art, drumming circles and yoga classes, as well as music from bands like Odesza, Empire of the Sun and Kurt Vile and the Violators. All proceeds will benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Habitat for Humanity and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third Street, Phoenix, 602.343.0453, m3ffest.com, times vary, $70-$540.

eventually goes on to become a father himself. This largerthan-life show is a heartwarming and humorous spectacle. Brelby Playhouse, 7154 N. 58th Drive, Glendale, 623.282.2781, brelby.com, times vary, $20-$25.

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 3 If it’s DIY, FYI or FUN, it’s here! From one-of-a-kind artisans to crafting lessons, terrarium and leather demos and wine tastings, there’s a little something for everyone. Plus, no one has to leave empty handed – there will be obedience demos and pet adoptions. Donate six cans of dog food or one KONG dog toy for free admission. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, statefarmstadium.com, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, $8 adults and $3 ages 3 to 12.

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 17 This award-winning play uses the soundtrack of 1967 to tell the story of two siblings who find themselves in the middle of the ’67 Detroit race riots. Unfolding during an explosive time for Motown music and history in general, the powerful story resonates. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, tempecenterforthearts.com, times vary, $35-$45.

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 17 This beloved tale took the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1964. Still as enchanting as ever, the classic tells the story of Dolly Levi, a highpowered matchmaker trying to find a partner for the rich bachelor Horace Vandergelder. Of course, there’s New York, romance and a lot of dance. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., $28-$34.

“STOMP”

MARCH 5 TO MARCH 10 This infectious stage show is an international sensation, captivating audiences from Broadway to overseas. Forget musical instruments! Performers use matchboxes, brooms, trash can lids, lighters and their feet to create electrifying and hypnotizing rhythms. Good luck trying to resist stomping along. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $26-$66.

“Airness”

MARCH 6 TO MARCH 31 This intimate play follows Nina, a newbie hoping to make it big in the world of competitive air guitar. The craft is much harder than she expects and if she’s going to go all in, she’s going to have to let go. Featuring characters like Shreddy, Golden Thunder and Facebender, the show features plenty of shredding and music lingo for the axe fanatics, Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, times vary, $36-$86.

it all down with brews and cocktails from Dragoon Brewing Company and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo. org, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., $10.

Parada Del Sol Rodeo

MARCH 7 TO MARCH 10 This Scottsdale rodeo is back for its 66th year. Embrace your western side with a weekend of actionpacked performances and pro bull riding. Guests who attend Thursday through Saturday nights can bring their best line dancing partner for music and dancing after the rodeo. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.6802, rodeoscottsdale. com, times vary, $10-$45.

Gavin Creel

MARCH 8 Tony Award-winning performer Gavin Creel makes a stop in Scottsdale for an intimate cabaret show, bouncing between Broadway classics and candid showbiz stories. From “Waitress” and “Hello, Dolly!” to “The Book of Mormon” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” Creel has nearly done it all. Pianist and comedian Seth Rudetsky hosts. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdalearts. org, 8 p.m., $59-$89.

Roars & Pours

“Big Fish”

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 10 Brelby is taking on this Broadway musical based on the beloved novel and Tim Burton film. This generational story follows Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman with a wild past, and his son, who

and music fans. Tempe Beach Park is taken over by baseball activities, a marketplace and the usual festival fare. The lineup is a hodgepodge of some of music’s most iconic performers, including Incubus, Eddie Vedder, G. Love, Sheryl Crow, Jimmy Eat World and Grouplove. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 512.674.9300, inningsfestival. com, times vary, $99-$430.

“Detroit ’67”

“Hello, Dolly!” Maricopa County Home and Landscape Show

PHX » CITY » LOCAL » PRIDE » DO » SEE

Innings Festival

MARCH 2 TO MARCH 3 The Innings Festival has become an annual tradition for Spring Training

MARCH 7 This happy hour has a bit of a wild side — literally! As the sun sets, swing by the zoo for an adultsonly evening with yard games, live music, animal encounters and chicken poop bingo. You can wash

Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival

MARCH 8 TO MARCH 10 No other Arizona festival quite matches this Chandler celebration when it comes to offbeat fun. From ostrich meet and greets

to food vendors, brews, games and a marketplace, it’s a whole day for the family. This year’s entertainment lineup boasts artists like Flo Rida, The Commodores and Andy Grammer. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler, 480.588.8497, ostrichfestival. com, times vary, $8-$50.

Billy Joel

MARCH 9 The “Piano Man” is playing his first Arizona baseball stadium show. Expect a set for the ages from the legendary performer, who is known for his impassioned live performances. From “Only the Good Die Young” to “Uptown Girl,” fans will be treated to musical moments spanning his expansive career. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.514.8400, ticketmaster.com, 8 p.m., $49.50-$149.50.

Harry Potter-Inspired Beer Festival

MARCH 9 Muggles need not apply for this beer festival inspired by the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” Monarch Theatre transforms into the Hogwarts Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron, serving tastings of different winter, pumpkin and holiday ales, as well as butterbeer. Once filled with libations, wizards and witches can indulge in photo ops, food and a wizard rock concert. Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, bit.ly/2SCKdLW, 5:30 to 9 p.m., $35.

West Valley Women’s Day Out Expo

MARCH 9 It’s been a long year already and you — or a lady in your life — deserve an afternoon to yourself! Look no further than Glendale’s 19th annual Women’s Day Out Expo. Attendees can enjoy psychic readings, free workshops, seminars, life and love coaching, as well as wellness and luxury exhibitors. Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, 623.930.4300, bit.ly/2X2o5Jp, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free.

Arizona Aloha Festival

MARCH 9 TO MARCH 10 Tempe Town Lake turns into a sandy paradise every spring. This annual festival is weekend-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, showcasing foods, merchandise, hula dancers, drummers and other performances. Whether you’re looking to grab a grass skirt or score some pineapple, you’re just an “Aloha” away from happiness. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 602.697.1824, azalohafest. org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

Cirque Du Soleil’s “Amaluna”

MARCH 15 TO MARCH 31 There’s no theatrical spectacle quite like Cirque Du Soleil. The acrobatic artists tell stories through music, swings, carousel spinning and other nearly unimaginable physical feats. With costumes and high-value production, it has to be seen to be understood. This show tells the story of a mysterious island ruled by goddesses and a forbidden romance. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, cirquedusoleil. com, times vary, $55-$255.

Pot of Gold

MARCH 15 TO MARCH 17 March is here? Must be time for Pot of Gold, the St. Patrick’s Day-inspired weekend of fun. With games, art and food from some of the city’s beloved vendors, there’s a reason why this festival has become an Arizona mainstay. This year’s lineup promises some of the biggest names in rap, including Lil Wayne, Post Malone, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 480.829.1300, potofgoldaz. com, times vary, $109-$1,750.

Backstreet Boys vs. NSYNC Night

MARCH 16 This dance party pits two of the biggest boy bands of the millennium against each other. It will be a night of ’90s nostalgia as dancers crown the best crew – good luck Nick and Justin, respectively. Attendees will also enjoy other TRL-era pop hits, a photo booth and costumes. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, thevanburenphx. com, 10 p.m., $10-$15.

Scottsdale Shamrock Crawl

MARCH 16 Get your Irish on with a St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl through Old Town. Admission includes entry to bars like Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Old Town Gringos, Riot House and Wasted Grain, as well as three penny drink vouchers and photo contests. A good time is guaranteed for all… as long as you’re wearing green! Old Town Gringos Restaurant & Bar, 4209 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale, 480.423.3800, bit.ly/st-pats-crawl, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $10-$20.

Garth Brooks

MARCH 23 One of music’s biggest live performers is coming back for another party with his “Friends in Low Places.” Every tour, Brooks brings a huge production and his lengthy sets are a journey through some of country music’s biggest hits, including “The Dance,” “Thunder Rolls” and “More Than a Memory.” State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 623.433.7101, statefarmstadium.com, 7 p.m., $100-$600.

TEDx ASU

MARCH 25 This TED conference is organized by ASU students, bringing the popular keynote series to the Tempe campus. This year’s theme will explore life in the 22nd century and how society will build it together. Attendees will have access to nearly 10 live talks, as well as a preevent symposium and interactive augmented reality exhibits. ASU Gammage, 1200 S.

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Aziz Ansari

MARCH 26 Treat yo self! The “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None” star is back on the road. Ansari’s “Road to Nowhere” tour marks his first comedy venture in nearly a year, and is expected to be a funny but personal reconciliation of what the comedian has learned about consent, relationships and the limelight. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2800, comericatheatre. com, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$68.50.

Michael Bublé

MARCH 29 This Canadian crooner is back with his first North American tour in five years. Fans can expect “Home,” “Haven’t Met You Yet” and “Feeling Good,” as well as bits of Buble’s down-to-earth dialogue and unmistakable humor. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.7800, talkingstickresortarena. com, 8 p.m., $64-$139.50.

P!nk

MARCH 30 This vivacious pop star recently earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With a new album on the way plus a stable of hits to choose from, P!nk is sure to deliver a show full of shout-along anthems. Intermixed with acrobatic stunts, choreography and candid quips, she has proven time and time again that she’s a performer not to miss. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. com, 8 p.m., $54.95-$269.50.

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WELCOME TO SCOTCHDALE

A pair quench their thirst with new spirit By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski » The Entertainer!

ohn McDonnell and Travis Ranville were watching football and drinking scotch when Ranville asked, “Why isn’t there a brand named Scotchdale? I want to live in Scotchdale.” Immediately, McDonnell trademarked the name online. The former Michigander’s subtle joke led to their latest Scottsdale Airpark-based business venture, which launches in March. “It grew from that idea,” Ranville says. “We wanted to get bourbon from Kentucky and barrel age it here. We ran into an issue, though, with the Scotch Whisky Association. Anything with the name ‘scotch’ in it has to originate in Scotland.” They contacted several Scottish distilleries, who sent them samples of three-year, eight-year and 12-year blends. McDonnell and Ranville settled on Angus Dundee as its distillery and an eight-year blended pure malt scotch whisky from the Highland and Speyside regions of Scotland. The spirit was matured in charred American oak bourbon barrels and the result has hints of honey, chocolate, caramel, oak and coffee. “It’s very unique,” Ranville says. “It’s different from almost every whisky out there.” McDonnell adds, “If Macallan 12 and Nikka Japanese whisky had a baby and they had it in the desert, that would be Scotchdale.”

OUTSIDE THE BOX Neither McDonnell nor Ranville have extensive food and beverage backgrounds, although McDonnell bartended at Hotel Indigo. Ranville is in finance. “Getting into the booze business, I love going to bars and talking to people

about whisky and maybe just having a drink,” says Ranville, who has degrees from Western Michigan University and University of Phoenix. A New Hampshire native, McDonnell visited Arizona in March 2004 for vacation and decided to move here. He worked in commercial real estate, renewable energy and now alcohol. “We’ve had every scotch and whisky, other than the ridiculously priced, 60-year-old stuff,” McDonnell says. “Thirty-year-old scotch is like getting into a time machine for us. “Growing up, my mom said, ‘Do what you love.’ When Travis said, ‘Why isn’t there a brand called Scotchdale?’ I thought, ‘Do what we love.’ We love scotch.” As of printing, Scotchdale has taken preorders for 40-plus bars and the men were in the process of getting into Total Wine and Bevmo. They are licensed as wholesalers so they can self-distribute. “We have a sales guy coming on board. All he does is liquor sales locally. He has a ton of bars that he has great relationships with,” McDonnell says.

WHISKEY VS. WHISKY McDonnell says the differences between whiskey and whisky are simple. Whisky that originates from Scotland, Canada and Japan do not have an E. Whiskeys are from Ireland and the United States. “I have family who live in Ireland – my sister and three nephews,” Ranville adds. “They learned Gaelic in school. I’ll have to quiz them on E versus no E.” There are three types: whisky, which is geographically trademarked; bourbon; and Tennessee whiskey, like Jack Daniel’s, has to be filtered using the Lincoln County process, or through sugar maple charcoal. “We were just thirsty for knowledge,” McDonnell says. “We were like sponges. I wanted to know everything about it.”

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THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

To hone their skills, they “researched” plenty and then started tinkering with videos and test recipes. “We did a mash,” he says. “We put our grains in water for an hour and then let it cool off. What comes from the grain is fermentable sugars. That’s what you want. “You can make booze from anything, anything citrusy. Vodka is made from grapes or potatoes. It’s that starch in the grain that makes fermentable sugars. We made an all-barley mash, which is 25 percent peated barley and then 75 percent pale ale barley. We made a scotch, but we couldn’t call it scotch because it’s from America. Single-malt whiskey is what we called it. It was incredible. It was beginner’s luck. The second one we made was a bourbon. It was 55 percent corn and the rest barley. The flavor profile was there.” Ranville adds, “It comes out clear. Putting it in the barrels of the maturing process is what gives it its flavor and color and whatnot.” When the mash is done and cooled off, the yeast “goes to town and eats all the fermentable sugars and turns it into alcohol.”

CELEBRATING ARIZONA McDonnell and Ranville designed the label for the bottles, which are adorned with an outline of Arizona with a cowboy smack in the middle. The back of the bottle is the Scotchdale story. “When I’m home, I’ll drink my Scotchdale until it’s gone before I crack

open a bottle of other stuff,” Ranville says. “We have a product we will stand behind. I just had a small glass before we came here; a little nip. We’re passionate about it. We drink it. We love it.” But the ultimate question for McDonnell and Ranville: Who do they root for? McDonnell quickly says the New England Patriots, while Ranville admits he’s a former Lions and Cardinals

fan, who, instead, cheers for his fantasy football team. Seriously, they’re proud of their company. “It was $225 to trademark it,” McDonnell says. “I registered everything right there. I feel like if we waited, someone would have come up with it. We just grabbed it and had fun with it. “We had no idea this journey would

take us down that road to Scotland. At the time, we were just sitting around, drinking three or four different scotches and watching football. Those are our passions.”

Scotchdale For more information, visit scotchdale.net.

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GOD’S PLAN

Michael McDowell hopes to race toward a win in his hometown Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

ichael McDowell has been on a race track most of his life. While most kids were learning to ride a tricycle, McDowell began competing in BMX events at age 3. Five years later, the Glendale native moved up to four wheels and started kart racing, traveling the country for the next 10 years – along the way winning 18 consecutive feature races, a World Karting Association championship and back-to-back International Kart Federation championships. Now he’s on a track of a different kind: NASCAR. “It’s all I’ve ever done,” says McDowell, who has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 2004. “I’ve never done anything else but racing. It’s my dream and I’m passionate about it.” He competes full time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 34 Ford Mustang for Front Row Motorsports. Last month, McDowell finished fifth at the Daytona 500. He returns home Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 10, for the TicketGuardian 500 NASCAR Weekend at ISM Raceway in Avondale. “ISM is amazing,” he says. “It’s a top-ofthe-line, state-of-the-art facility. It’s cool that it’s my hometown. The fan interaction and engagement are incredible.”

GOD’S PLAN Growing up in Glendale, McDowell would have attended Deer Valley High School, but he was already racing full time by then. “I think a lot of it is timing and preparation,” he says. “A lot of it, too, is it’s God’s plan for my life.” McDowell was inspired by his older brother, Billy, who was “one step ahead of me on everything.” He raced BMX, quads and dirt bikes. I have an older brother, he was one step ahead of me on everything. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“With kart, it changed. It was real,” he says. Still in his teens, McDowell graduated to larger open-wheel race cars, earning a championship in Formula Renault USA in 2002. Moving to the Star Mazda Series, he took Rookie of the Year honors in 2003 and yet another championship title in 2004, a season in which he had seven wins and six poles. Continuing to climb the racing ladder, McDowell turned to sports car racing. He competed in 29 races in the GrandAm Rolex Series over four seasons (2004 to 2007), earning a win and a pole, and finishing as high as fourth in points. In 2007, the young driver took his talents to the world of stock car racing. Competing in his first full season in the ARCA Series, McDowell scored four wins and nine poles, claiming Rookie of the Year honors and finishing second in the championship. Later that year, he was tapped to run a handful of races in two of NASCAR’s national series, the Camping World Truck Series and the XFINITY Series. Despite only running a few races, McDowell’s talent was noticed. And the following year, the 23-year-old was hand-picked by Michael Waltrip Racing to run full-time on NASCAR’s biggest stage, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, where he has competed for 11 seasons. He also continued to race in the XFINITY Series, amassing one win, six top-five and 20 top-10 finishes, and two poles over nine seasons. He earned his best cup series career finish in 2017, finishing fourth at Daytona International Speedway. McDowell brought his racing repertoire to Front Row Motorsports in 2018 to race the team’s flagship No. 34 Ford. That season, he earned a top-10, two top-15

and 10 top-20 finishes, and averaged a starting position of 23rd, Front Row’s best qualifying average.

LOOKING FOR A WIN McDowell is looking for success at ISM Raceway this month. Hometown races are meaningful to him. “We go to ISM Raceway in Phoenix twice a year,” he says. “That’s obviously really cool. The renovations are great. To have that hometown support is fun. “But, my hope and goal are always the same: to get a victory and to win a race.” ISM Raceway weekends attract 42,000 people daily. Still, there’s a misconception about racing that it’s simple. McDowell says otherwise. “Our sport is different,” he says. “It’s not a stick-and-ball sport. It’s not about how fast you run the 40 or 100. We’re sitting in race cars that are 150 degrees for four hours at a time. The training we do is definitely different than other sports. People who are not familiar with our sport should come out to a race track and check it out. “TV is great, but you have to experience it and see it to truly appreciate it.” The car’s temperature is the killer,

McDowell adds. “The heat is the No. 1 factor,” he says. “That’s one fact people don’t think about. You’re strapped in there and it’s unbearably hot. It takes a lot of training to get acclimated to that. There’s nothing to compare to it. Running outside, it isn’t hot enough. There are steam rooms and saunas. That’s the type of heat we’re talking about.” Even though the Valley heat may contribute to it, he’s looking forward to returning home. “It’s incredible,” he recalls. “It has its moments like every job where it feels like a job. The reality is I’m one of 40 guys who gets to do this every Sunday. A lot of people have tried, and a lot of people would love to be in my position. I don’t take it for granted.”

TicketGuardian 500 NASCAR Weekend ISM Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Boulevard, Avondale, 866.408.7223, ismraceway.com, various times Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 10, tickets start at $40.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

Jump behind the wheel and become a NASCAR driver Octavio Serrano >> The Entertainer!

fter experiencing the stress of driving at 140 mph, I now understand why NASCAR drivers are true athletes. I had the chance to cruise with a NASCAR driver as part of The NASCAR Racing Experience, which was held at ISM Raceway in Avondale. The NASCAR Racing Experience allows “rookies” to drive a race car for an 8-minute timed racing session on a speedway. Rookies don’t have to follow a lead car, they don’t have to ride with an instructor, it is just them and the steering wheel. There are more experiences available to fans. Fans can opt for a ride along, where they sit shotgun with a professional racing instructor for three laps at high speed.

Upon entering the racetrack, I could not help but to feel incredibly small. Hundreds of empty seats surrounded a track reserved for the rookies. The NASCAR Racing Experience crew explained the process. They made me feel safe by ensuring my helmet and shoulder protections were the right size. On the track, the crew directed rookies to their designated race cars and maintained everyone’s safety. I felt the place vibrate, my body tremble, and my ears become overwhelmed when a car finished a lap. The motor was loud and it was my turn to be a part of that. The pit crew pointed me to my assigned racecar. They directed me to the passenger’s window, or my point of entry. I climbed through the window and onto the seat. They buckled me in, and I got to meet the man who I would be entrusting my life to: NASCAR Racing Experience professional driver Shane Lasseter.

The Louisiana native gave me the thumbs up and I signaled back. When the pit crew gave the signal to Lasseter, he switched into gear and was passing 100 mph within seconds. Showing his skills, Lasseter stayed close to the wall after every turn. The wall was so close, I felt like I could reach out and touch it. The pressure was incredible. Every turn was a mixture of excitement, joy and fear. For three laps, I experienced what it was like to be a NASCAR driver. I could tell, Lasseter was a true fan of the sport. He checked on me in the rearview mirror after every turn, hoping to see some kind of expression. To his disappointment, I was mostly focused on not losing my stomach. After three laps, Lasseter came to a halt, gave me the thumbs up, and asked if I was OK. “You’re very quiet,” he said. I truly enjoyed the experience, but for someone who has never gotten a speeding ticket, such high speeds can make you weak in the knees. Feeling excited and a bit queasy, I thanked Lasseter and did my

best to climb out to stable land. Lasseter said he has a “dirt track background.” He said he enjoys taking people out onto the track and show them what NASCAR is all about. Lasseter said he mostly enjoys the reactions he gets to witness. “I want a big reaction,” Lasseter said, “I love someone that can squeal, holler and scream; that’s my favorite.”

NASCAR Experience · ISM Raceway, formerly Phoenix International Raceway, is a 1-mile, low-banked track located in Avondale that hosts two annual NASCAR races and the NASCAR Racing Experience. · The next dates for the NASCAR Racing Experience are March 29, to March 30, and November 15 to November 17. · The “NASCAR Ride Along” starts at $99 and more information on pricing can be found at www. nascarracingexperience.com.

FLORENCE APRIL 11-14, 2019

BRETT ELDREDGE

CHRIS STAPLETON

TIM MCGRAW

DIERKS BENTLEY

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A SWEET TALKER

Natalie Merrill is ﬁnding herself through her music Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

atalie Merrill is nervous about her New Year’s Eve gig, playing an acoustic set between Analog Outlaws and The Black Moods at the Marquee. She paces backstage, getting subtle encouragement from fellow musicians. Merrill steps in front of the curtain with two musicians from her band, bassist Troy Dixon and guitarist Jim White, and exhales. What follows is magical: Her own take on Lady Gaga’s “You and I.” Sitting on the

patio at Postino in Scottsdale a month later, Merrill recalls the night with a smile and reflects on the moment. “There comes a point where you’ve practiced your heart out, you’ve rehearsed everything, and you got to let it go,” Merrill says. “You have to remember why you’re doing it, and you’ve got to stop fixing your outfit and your hair. You have to stop rehearsing what you’re going to say in between songs. “You need to just let it all go and just be. That’s way easier than worrying about every little thing and trying to control it. There’s never a perfect show. There’s never a perfect performance.” Soon she hopes to focus more on her own music and less on covers. She and her band, Natalie and the Sweet Talkers, are in the studio working on their debut album. “We were dipping our toes in the water, but now we’re diving into it finally,” Merrill says. “It’s awesome to have five different people discussing ideas.” The project is a long time coming for Merrill, who plays Rockbar in Scottsdale on Saturday, March 9. She’ll be joined by Dixon, White, drummer Eric Hassler and keyboardist Landon Holzwarth.

CHANNELING SWIFT A 2014 Arcadia High School graduate, Merrill knew she wanted to be a singer since she was a 10-year-old girl studying Taylor Swift music on her guitar. “I got really frustrated with it,” she says with a laugh. “There was a big learning curve that I wasn’t aware of. My fingers hurt so I put it away.” Merrill vividly remembers her first concert and, naturally, her exact outfit. “I was 10,” she says. “We saw the Dixie Chicks. My mom bought me and my sister Dixie Chicks shirts. We tied up the sleeves with little ribbons and had braids in our hair. I remember it perfectly. “I remember the instrument changes. Every one of them was incredible and they sounded better than

the record. I totally fell in love.” She picked up the guitar again in high school, but this time it led to something: bar gigs. “My mom would drive me in the minivan and sit next to me,” she says. “I had my braces and my little tip jar, and it was awesome.” When Merrill stepped on stage for the first time, it was a high she hadn’t experienced. “I want to relive it all the time,” she says.

WINDING PATH Merrill enjoyed her time at Arcadia High School, especially contemporary music and sound teacher Richard Maxwell, who was nominated for a music educator award presented by The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation. “We had an awesome class in high school, CMAS, and we went backstage to see how things were set up,” she says. “It was technical. “We went to Green Day for a field trip,” she says. “We actually visited the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences for a field trip, too. It was so cool. I’m super thankful for that because it got me into it.” Maxwell is just as taken by her. “She always had such a great attitude,” he says. “I don’t remember a single time when I said, ‘Wow, she got arrogant or full of herself.’ She was always humble. She never had this sense of entitlement with her, which is another thing that serves her well. “She’s exceptionally talented. The idea of her doing well is not at all a stretch in part because she had this professionalism about her. People would see her and go nuts and she would never brag at all – ever.” After graduating high school, Merrill thought twice about a career in music. She attended ASU, from which she earned a degree in psychology. “I got an insurance job and I realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m feeling stifled’ and

just decided to jump into something creative,” she says. “So much has happened since then.” Merrill has performed with Roger Clyne, opened for The Black Moods and played gigs in Mexico. She still admires Swift but looks up to Stevie Nicks, a fashion inspiration as well. “I mean, she’s powerful, but in the most graceful, gentle way,” says Merrill, who’s quick to stress her mom inspires her as well. “And Stevie Nicks is incredibly sexy, but in a super serious, classy way. She has this balance and every song is about heartbreak and then it’s put back together by the end in like 3 minutes or whatever. I mean that’s genius. Genius. I have a dream to perform with her one day.” Despite her love for “The Reigning Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Merrill has yet to see her perform live. “I will see her, of course, but it would probably blow me away and make me even more crazy about her.” Merrill’s road to music was a winding one, but she’s happy with the path she’s chosen. “I’ve learned a lot and changed my path so many times,” she says, “I’m really grateful because my parents are OK and so supportive with me changing my path as much as I want to, which is amazing. “There’s no feeling like when I’m on stage and I’m connected with the audience. I’ve never met them, but we have this connection. I’ve had different avenues all my life, then I found one I’m really good at and I love to do. It fuels me.

Natalie and the Sweet Talkers w/Southwest by Midnight and The Day Drinkers Rockbar, 4245 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale, 480.331.9190, rockbarscottsdale.com, 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9, $10. For other upcoming shows, search Natalie and the Sweet Talkers on Facebook.

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STYLE » ENVY » PASSION » FASHION » BEAUTY » DESIGN

THE LISTENING ROOM

Musicians say the Phoenix venue is a hidden gem Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

ared Kolesar takes the stage at The Listening Room Phoenix and is taken aback by the silence. “Why is everyone so quiet?” he says with a laugh as he wrestles with his acoustic guitar. The frontman of Tempe’s Jared and the Mill, Kolesar is used to raucous fans and the clinking of glasses in venues he plays. This is The Listening Room Phoenix, though, a spot for serious music fans to do just that – listen to music without loud conversations and noises interrupting the moment. “We’re not a food or a beverage place. We’re not a restaurant,” says owner Jim Colletti. “We’re not a bar. We put all of our focus on the performance – and we really do. “We approach this as if the performer is our only customer because we truly believe that. We believe that if the performers are given everything they need to create the best possible experience, then we, as audiences, are going to have the best time.” Colletti opened The Listening Room Phoenix two years ago and in that time, he has hosted 260 events. “We have proven time and time again it’s great,” he says. “The performers tell us afterward they have never been treated the way they’re treated here. They’ve never been given the best opportunity to perform. Many of them hear themselves as if they’d never heard themselves.” Music listeners respond similarly, Colletti says. “The audiences sit there like, ‘Holy cow.’ They’re like, ‘Where has this been all of our lives? We’ve never heard music like this before.’” Megadeth’s David Ellefson brought his “Basstory” to The Listening Room Phoenix. “I found The Listening Room to be the perfect size and ambiance for what I needed on my ‘Basstory’ tour,” Ellefson says. “My events are part concert, part master class and part audience participation. The size of The Listening Room gave me all

three in one. What I found interesting is that it’s not only a quaint location, very much off the beaten path of the hipster areas of Phoenix, but when pulling into the parking lot (which only holds a few parking spots) they have a sort of exclusive walk up area reminiscent of the trendy clubs of NYC or LA, complete with what could be a red carpet, red velvet rope and proper door man. “There are many ironies of quaint versus hip, casual meets exclusive and so forth. As much as I want everyone to know about it, I like it being a sort of intimate venue that only my friends know of…. it has that sort of, ‘Pssst, I just found the cool spot in town,’ a sort of music speakeasy.”

FROM ADVERTISING TO MUSIC Before The Listening Room Phoenix, Colletti was in marketing and advertising in the automotive industry. One of his biggest clients was Nissan, which is headquartered outside of Nashville. One trip changed his life. “Music was never a part of my life until I had this chance encounter with a young musician who was playing on the streets,” Colletti says. “Come to find out he was homeless, living in his car, trying to make it like hundreds or thousands of musicians do every year in that area. “His music just touched me for whatever reason. I bought his music. What he would do is go to the library. He burned CDs and he’d hand draw the cover art. I think I paid him $40 for the CD. I listened to that CD nonstop and that’s not me. It totally changed my life. I shared it with friends who were in the music industry.” The musician was Adam Smith, and one of his friends who owns a recording studio in Sedona said, “Get him here now.” Colletti put Smith on the first flight from Nashville to Phoenix, and drove him to Sedona. “All of my friends in Sedona wrapped their arms around Adam,” he says. “He recorded the full demo album. They took headshots. They wrote his bio. They gave him all the tools he needed to get out into the world. “On my way out the door, my friend

JIM COLLETTI AND ADAM SMITH

says to me, ‘Now, you know what your job is, right? You have to manage his career.’” That took an unexpected turn as well: Colletti and Smith have been married for two years. “Before that, I was walking side by side with him, watching him and having all these experiences in venues all over the country,” Colletti says. “There’s just so much that a performer has to go through to really just do what they live, never mind eke out the money to make a living.” When Smith moved to the Valley, the two tried to find venues for him to play. He wasn’t happy. “He went to a venue in town to plug in his guitar and there was literally a French fry in there,” Colletti says. “We started to make mental notes from every place we went, and we said, ‘Someday we’re going to open our own venue. We’re going to change this and we’re going to do it differently.’” That was The Listening Room Phoenix. “We didn’t approach this as being a moneymaking venture,” he says. “We approached it from really a perspective of selfishly giving Adam a place where he can be comfortable and give all the Adams – and there are hundreds and thousands of them in our local community – someplace to play. “Our focus with this space is to provide a pure musical experience, void of all the traditional distractions that you find in other venues. We’re not a

bar. We’re not a restaurant and we’re not a café. We’re not even a club with concessions, quite frankly. The Listening Room Phoenix is a place where they don’t have to compete with people sitting at tables or chairs in front of the stage having a conversation.” The benefits at The Listening Room Phoenix go beyond that. Powered by a Bose sound system, The Listening Room Phoenix allows performers to choose if they’d like audio or visual recordings of their shows. It is part of the performance agreement. Colletti also live streams the performance on social media or the internet. “We do provide editing services for an additional charge so the artist can get their recordings finished for duplication,” Colletti says. “We have had six or so albums released from Listening Room shows.” Like Kolesar, some find the room intimidating. “I’ve had musicians who have played for 30, 40, 50 years and who have said to me, ‘I’m feeling nervous and I never feel nervous,’” Colletti recalls. “Part of it is because there’s nothing to hide behind if you’re not on key. But the experience is it’s a goosebump room.”

The Listening Room Phoenix 4614 N. Seventh Street, Phoenix 480.390.4900, thelisteningroomphoenix.com.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

TIMELESS REPRESENTATIONS OF CULTURE Alvin Ailey theater celebrates 60 years and coming to Mesa Taylor O’Connor >> The Entertainer!

lvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Clifton Brown knew he wanted to be a professional dancer since he was a 4-year-old

in Goodyear. He trained at Take 5 Dance Academy in Avondale, but his real a-ha moment came at the Goodyear Library, where he discovered an Ailey VHS. “I had never seen concert dance before,” says Brown, who attended South Mountain High School as a freshman and finished at New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe. “I had been on the commercial side growing up. I always thought dancing professionally would be in music videos or on MTV.” But he connected to it. At 19, he moved to New York to continue with the BFA program Ailey has with Fordham University. After a year of school, Brown auditioned for the company, still not entirely sure if dance was the career for him. “Everyone has those forks-in-the-road moments in their life and for me, it was deciding between continuing school and studying something else, or dancing professionally,” Brown says. “Going to the audition and getting the job solidified which road to go down.” Now, Brown is performing the pieces he saw on that VHS tape with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which

hits the Mesa Arts Center’s stage Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and the tour will feature two pieces. The first is a love letter to Alvin by Ronald K. Brown and the other is a tribute to the company’s six decades. Along with several other traditional Ailey pieces, guests can see “Juba,” the first full piece choreographed by Artistic Director Robert Battle. Brown says the piece is an abstract representation of the African-American folk dance from the Caribbean during times of slavery. Brown spoke highly of Jamar Roberts, a fellow dancer who choreographed two pieces for the show, “Gêmeos” and “Members Don’t Get Weary,” both debuting in 2016. “Gêmeos” demonstrates Roberts’ relationship with his brother, an athlete. “Members Don’t Get Weary” is influenced by the blues, specifically the historic and present take on the style, and shows the current social landscape of America. Another piece Brown highlighted was “Stack Up” by Talley Beatty, a highenergy performance with music from disco groups like Earth, Wind & Fire. “It’s jazz-dance influenced, upbeat rhythms, and shows all of the layers of the people who live in a city. There are lower-class people living in the streets and representation of the rich upper class and the interactions between them and shows the different walks of life.”

The company will perform a wellknown Ailey piece, “Revelations.” It is “a cultural representation of AfricanAmerican people that is timeless.” Brown says this is a crowd-pleaser, and the audience’s energy builds along with the story. He calls the performance “inclusive,” as the concepts of the company’s dances welcome all types of people to portray their own experiences.

2019

“Dance is for the people and we should always bring it back to them,” he says.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.641.6500, mesaartscenter.com, 8 p.m. Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, $41-$65.

FA L C O N F I E L D A I R P O RT

Presented by Semper Fi Heating & Cooling

9 AM - 3 PM • Free Admission & Parking

• Aviation Careers Information

• Airplanes & Helicopters • Classic Car Show & on Display Model Railroads • Historical Exhibits

• CAF Museum & Southwest Military Transport Show open 9 a.m.-4p.m. • Discount admission $5/person or $10/family of four

• 100 Club of Arizona • Public safety picnic

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RENAISSANCE MAN

Futuristic just wants to help the world with his music and attitude By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

alley rapper Futuristic arrives at one of his three houses where Mesa and Tempe intersect. Dressed in his trademark brightly colored clothing, Futuristic – born Zach Beck – jogs up to the door of the middle home. The modest abode holds his studio and, once inside, it’s clearly a playhouse. A mirror image of the fluorescent rapper, the walls are bright and lined with memorabilia. Then there’s the game room with oversized graffiti of basketball stars, old-school videogames and board games. Beck pushes aside the jenga bricks to make room at a table. Beck has spent a decade rhyming and methodically marketing, touring and releasing his albums to amass his 1.2 million followers on Facebook. This year is about being prolific. Beck is releasing singles each 1st and 15th of the month in 2019. He admits it does add pressure to his alreadyprolific self. “I have enough music easily to do it, but I want to put out videos and dope content,” he says. “It keeps me constantly being creative and constantly doing dope stuff.” Nobody doubts

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his creativity. Beck’s latest slate of singles is produced with everyday sounds and noises. “I have a single called ‘Hibachi,’” he says with a smile. “We went to a hibachi restaurant and collected sounds from it with a recorder like this. We came back and made a beat out of that.” Call it the musical version of repurposing. “We make music off household items and just different random sounds,” he says. “Have you seen those rooms where you can go smash things? We went to one the other day and we did a song all out of breaking things.”

CHANGING HIS TUNE Beck was born to a drummer father and a music fan mother. They relocated to the Valley when Beck was in high school; he subsequently attended McClintock High School in Tempe. “I’ve been rapping since I was 6 years old,” says

Beck, who was influenced by Will Smith, Ludacris, Eminem and Busta Rhymes. “My family’s in music. My pops is a drummer. My older brothers – one’s a drummer/ guitarist/bassist. My other older brother raps. My little brother plays drums. From a very young age, I was always around music. When you’re in a house and it’s there, you do (music) without even thinking.” Still, he didn’t quit his day job until 2013, when he was working at Ross and an Italian deli. “I was taking the trash out and this girl was like, ‘Hey Futuristic. What are you doing here? Are you volunteering or something?’ I said, ‘This is actually my job.’” She advised him to quit. “You’re going to be famous,” he recalls her saying. “I don’t remember if it was that day or maybe a couple of days later, my boss said something to me and I was like, ‘Nah, forget this.’” When Beck toured with the 2017 Warped Tour, it proved to be life changing. It led to his current rebranding. “I have a big platform and there’s a better way to use it than the way I was using it,” he says. “The goal is obviously to touch as many people as possible, but I’d rather say the right things to the people I do touch and talk to them

about positive things. I want to help them in their lives, instead of just being ‘The Internet Rapper Who’s Being the Internet Rapper in Warped.’” Why the change of heart? Kids from the Make a Wish Foundation were side stage and he was almost embarrassed about the amount of profanity in his music. He quickly censored himself on stage. “They’re looking up to me and I’m saying the worst stuff ever,” he says. “I didn’t want this 8-year-old kid idolizing this. “I cut out a lot of the curse words. The last two songs I put out are completely clean. I didn’t purposely make them clean. I just changed the way I operate.” His music and his career now have a purpose. “I’m just thinking about it more when I’m writing,” Beck says. “I’m not just talking (crap).”

UNTAPPED MARKET Beck recently returned to Arizona after living in California. “Arizona is this untapped market and there are so many artists who want to be ‘the one,’” Beck says. “I think anytime you have that competition, it’s hard for people to support you. But now it’s more unified than ever. Since I’ve moved back, I’ve seen the change and I’ve submerged myself in it even more. “The main thing I try to tell people here is, ‘If I win, we all win. If you win, we all win.’” His DIY ethic is so well known that

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

Forbes profiled him in 2016. That isn’t a reflection of his support at home. “I think I have more support in Arizona than I used to,” he says quietly. “But I’m not trying to please anybody else. I’m just going to make dope music and cater to my fans. There are times when I think, ‘Dang. I feel like radio should welcome me a little more.’” Beck adds he felt he had to travel outside of Arizona to get respect. “When I did ‘Jimmy Fallon,’ I was selling out shows and did my own tours,” he says. “That was when everybody was like, ‘OK, we should probably rock with him.’” He’s learned to appreciate moments like being on “Jimmy Fallon.” After playing two shows in Alaska this month, he’ll travel to Urbana, Illinois, to open for Nelly and Twista in May. “It’s not a huge deal, but it is because they were some of my favorite rappers when I was a kid. I’m living in these moments and reflecting,” he says. This summer will mark a new album for Beck, and he’s starting a membership program called “I Am.” “It’s basically just to help people in their everyday life,” he says. “I want people to be able to come in, join these communities and everybody can lean on each other. That’s missing these days. “People will get behind-the-scenes stuff. They’ll get merchandise, different discount codes and things like that. But more importantly, we’re going to be issuing monthly challenges and life goals to help people and hold them accountable.” Examples include running a set

number of miles and living healthy. “I want to help people live the right way,” he says. “I see it through my DMs (direct messages). I see it in the comments on my videos and just the way people act in general. Everybody wants to look up to something and be a part of something. We need a support system and a lot of people don’t have that. I’m super excited to launch it.” He’s accomplished a lot in the 20-some-odd years. Left to conquer are touring spots with Childish Gambino and/or Jon Bellion. “Either one of them would be really, really dope,” he says. What’s dope for now is maintaining this multimedia empire. “I just like to do different creative things all the time,” Beck explains. “I enjoy helping people and finding different ways to use my platform. I just think it’s exciting to grow new businesses and do different things.” For Beck, it was never a question of if he was going to be successful. “I always thought I would make it,” Beck says. “I’ve done a lot of dope things,” Beck says. “But there’s more to come.”

Futuristic For more information about Futuristic, visit onlyfuturistic.com. Socials: twitter.com/ onlyfuturistic; instagram/ onlyfuturistic/; facebook.com/ futuristicihadtodoit/

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Celebration of Fine Art

THE EXHIBITION INCLUDES AN OUTDOOR COURTYARD AND SCULPTURE GARDEN THAT FEATURES THIS GIANT ARROW BY MICHAEL JONES.

Jake Potje and Susan Morrow Potje connect artists and collectors By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Photos by Kimberly Carrillo >> The Entertainer!

or almost 30 years, the Valley has hosted one of the country’s premier art events: the Celebration of Fine Art. Sprawled under white tents in Scottsdale from January to March, this juried, invitational show and art sale showcases over 100 artists from around

the country, who continuously create and sell their pieces from within personal open studios. Patrons are free to wander about, chat with artists and experience the artistic process while seeing new pieces come to life. The creativity is entrancing; even artists agree, saying the collaborations are fulfilling. Visitors can also learn about the inspiration, techniques and stories behind mediums during the Friday

JAKE POTJE AND SUSAN MORROW POTJE POSE IN THE STUDIO OF ARTIST KATHLEEN HOPE.

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afternoon one-hour Art Discovery series, from blown glass and jewelry to steel sculptures and impressionistic influence. Arts & Antiques Magazine called the Celebration of Fine Art, “One of the West’s Premier Art Events” – and much of these accolades come from the work of Susan Morrow Potje, the secondgeneration owner of the Celebration of Fine Art. Along with her husband, Jake, she’s increased the annual revenue to over $6 million and is known for her unique approach to connecting artists and their customers. We talked with Susan about the origination of the Celebration of Fine Art and what defines the Arizona art scene. Woven glass artist Mark Lewanski is a first-time participant who quickly learned the effect he and his peers have on guests who walk through the 40,000-square-foot space. “A guy broke down and cried when he saw my weaving,” says Lewanski, a Michigan native. “People see my weaving and sometimes think of a rug, which I understand. I don’t take it in a bad way, considering the size of the fibers and the color. “But a man saw my weaving and it brought back such a strong memory of his grandmother making these rugs. It brought him back. It was such an emotional response and a moving moment.” He was referred to the show by his friend and fellow artist, Carlos Page. “We’ve been friends for 12 years now, so I trust him,” he says. “It’s completely lived up to all the promises he made. It’s been really good. Usually, your first year in the market, you have to establish yourself. But we hit the ground running, really.” Anthony Barbano is another newbie to the Celebration of Fine Art. Barbano, a Tempe resident, is so well regarded that Potje wears one of his glass pieces on a chain around her neck. “I enjoy the camaraderie of the artists and there are a lot of collaborations,” he says. “The owners, they do an amazing job curating the show. There are a few other glass artists here, but none of us

has a similar style. They have an amazing following, too.” The colors of Barbano’s glass is achieved through gold and silver, with the orange color being 24K gold. Some of the pieces have opals in the middle which reflect nicely.

MODEST BEGINNINGS The Celebration of Fine Art’s roots are in the late-1980s when the founders, Tom and Ann Morrow – Potje’s mother and father – spent time in Laguna Beach visiting three art shows, which ran for eight weeks during the summer. It occurred to them that Scottsdale would be a perfect spot for an extended art show in the winter. There was a learning curve, but over the years, the show evolved into a magical experience for artists and visitors/collectors. “It is a true community that fosters a sense of excitement and joy, and enthusiasm is shared freely,” Potje says. Potje and her husband, Jake, have been involved in one fashion or another since the beginning of the show. Jake built the display walls for the artists’ studios prior to the opening in 1991. In 2004, the couple became partners and took over ownership a few years after that. The Celebration of Fine Art has

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

become an integral part of Scottsdale’s art experience. It is a juried and carefully curated show limited to around 100 artists. The jury looks for a variety of things including quality of art, variety of styles and mediums, ability for the artist to be present during the 10 weeks and ability to connect with visitors. Walking through the show, Potje says when guests enter the white tents, any misconceptions they have are dissipated. “Each season we have people who tell us they have been driving by for years and finally decided to stop in and see what it is all about,” she shares. “Although we might be known as the ‘big white tent art show,’ people literally forget about the tent once they take a few steps into the show. Everything about the Celebration is a transformative experience, starting from the fact we turn an empty lot into an extraordinary art community. The show is thoughtfully curated throughout the year to offer an extraordinary art collection as well as kind, giving and enthusiastic artists willing to share their gifts with the visitors. We also have a cafe and courtyard where people can relax.” Relax is a key phrase to the Celebration of Fine Art. Comfortable chairs greet guests upon entry, and the setup works. Potje heard a visitor say he would rather sip his coffee in the exhibit than Starbucks. Another aspect that makes the show special is the Artist Discovery Series, held from 4 to 5 p.m. Fridays. During the talks, guests can discover inspiration, techniques and stories behind the creation of art while enjoying wine and

THE TOTEMS IN “FOREST FANTASY” BY VICKI GRANT ARE EACH BASED ON A DIFFERENT CHILDREN’S BOOK.

cheese. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 480-443-7695 or email info@celebrateart.com. “Even though I know more about most of the artists than probably anyone here, I always learn something new myself,” Potje says. Clearly, Potje loves what she does.

“Buying art is usually an emotional response to the art and how it makes a person feel,” she says. “It is impossible to leave here without feeling better than you did when you arrived. Art lifts spirits. Connecting with others lifts spirits. This truly is a Celebration of Fine Art and a celebration of life.”

Celebration of Fine Art Various times through March 24 Southwest corner of Hayden Road and the Loop 101 $10; free for children 12 and younger celebrateart.com.

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TRAVEL

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

AN OASIS IN THE DESERT

Historic Castle Hot Springs resort is ready for its grand comeback Sherry Jackson >> The Entertainer!

n the early 1900s, Castle Hot Springs, located north of Phoenix, was a luxury retreat in the desert southwest. An oasis nestled up against the towering Bradshaw mountains where the rich and famous would come to play. Families like the Vanderbilts, Roosevelts and Kennedys and western writer Zane Grey were all guests. In the 1940s, the property served as a military rehabilitation center where future president John F. Kennedy spent three months recovering from wounds. But the resort started losing its allure in the 1960s and was closed to the public after a fire in 1976 took out the Palm

House, one of the resort’s prominent buildings. The property went through a revolving door of new owners over the years. Owners pictured the resort with several different uses such as a high-end spa, a conference center and boutique hotel. But the remote location presented added challenges – and costs – and plans fell through until the property was purchased in 2014 by local business owners Mike and Cindy Watts. Now, the 1,110-acre, high-end resort is finally poised to make its re-debut this month. “We want this to be a very unique, different place,” says Steven Sampson, director of sales and marketing for Westroc Hospitality, the company managing the property. Westroc also

manages the Sanctuary at Camelback Mountain, Hotel Valley Ho and Mountain Shadows resorts. Sampson says the effort is a “legacy” for the Watts and Castle Hot Springs has an emotional attachment for Westroc’s owner, Russell “Rusty” Lyon, Jr. “The new owners are committed to restoring it to its grandeur,” Sampson says. The main attraction, a hot spring bubbling up from deep unground, cascades from the mountain into several pools and streams on the property. Yavapai and Apache Indians used the springs for medicinal purposes, and in the 1880s the property served as a sanitarium, touting the springs health benefits. Guests would travel via

stagecoach, or later train, to take in the healing waters. A 4-foot deep, natural swimming hole with crystal clear water sits at the base of the springs and is a short walk up from the main lodge. Twelve bungalows on the property are also connected to the hot springs with water pumped into an outdoor private tub in each unit. The 9-foot deep, 125,000-gallon swimming pool, once the largest in Arizona before Big Surf came along, gets its water from the springs as well. With more than 500 palm trees on-site, many over 100 years old, the resort provides a shady haven against the Arizona sun. Peace and tranquility are the mantra here. There is no traffic or ambient city noise and the night sky is full of twinkling stars. Castle Hot Springs is meant to be a wellness retreat to detox and disconnect. Limited cell service and no televisions will allow guests to digitally detox from the world, Sampson says. The renovation hasn’t been without its setbacks. With an initial planned opening this fall, a late July monsoon flooded the entire canyon as a 5-foot high wall of water rushed down the mountain slopes, flooding the main road and halting renovations for a few months. A second target date of New Year’s Eve 2018 had also been set, but Sampson says the team decided it would rather delay a couple more months to make sure everything is up to par. “You only get one chance to make a good first impression,” he says. But now, those renovations are winding down as the opening date approaches. Castle Hot Springs has 12 bungalows with an indoor/outdoor fireplace and private outdoor soaking tub; 17 Sky View Cabins each with its

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

own telescope and skylight for stargazing and private outdoor soaking tub; four rooms above the lodge house/reception area and one restored, historic cottage, where Rockefeller once stayed, offering three bedrooms and two baths. A new Stone House serves as a chapel and has separate spaces for executive meetings or social events. Another piece of history at the resort: Arizona’s first telephone, installed by territorial governor Nathan Oakes Murphy in the late 1890s, has also been restored, and guests can make calls from the rotary dial located in the lodge’s bar. The journey to the resort is part of the charm and challenge. Take I-17 to Highway 74 toward Lake Pleasant. That’s where things get a little tricky. After turning on Castle Hot Springs Road, the road is only paved for about 4

miles. The remaining 7 miles is a dusty, dirt road that traverses washes, with an occasional wild burro spotting. But Sampson says they’re ready to accommodate guests with either personal car service from the airport, specific directions and instructions if guests are driving themselves, or, the resort also has a helipad and its own helicopters. Castle Hot Springs will only be open seasonally, October to May. To assist employees with the remoteness of the resort, an “employee village” will allow some personnel to live on-site. The resort’s culinary offerings will be on par or exceed any other high-end resort. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be harvested from the large organic garden and greenhouse located just outside the restaurant. Ian Beger, the resort’s agronomist, and Executive Chef Christopher Brugman, most recently

from Mountain Shadows, have created recipes from the over 150 varieties of rare organic fruits and vegetables grown on-site. There’s an outdoor pizza oven, smoker and grill. The resort has partnered with local Helio Basin Brewing Company to brew its own beer. Castle Hot Springs takes its natural spring water to the brewery, where they brew a Castle Hot Springs Lithium Lager. Future resort plans include converting an original barn and stables into an on-site craft brewery later this year. The resort will work with guests to provide experiential activities and custom-tailored excursions geared to their interests. Horseback riding, ATV rides, yoga on the great lawn, astronomy lectures, photography workshops and culinary demonstrations are just some of the offerings being considered. A

wellness village with massage cabanas will offer on-site spa services. Rates begin at $1,200 a night for a Sky View Cabin and $1,600 a night for a spring bungalow. The price is per couple and includes all meals and gratuities and is definitely geared toward a “very affluent” crowd. Kids aren’t allowed, and it’s not exactly kid-friendly, anyway. Sampson expects the private and remote location to be a draw to celebrity clientele looking to get away. “It’s a bucket list destination for some,” he says.” It will be a zen, tranquil resort for all.”

Castle Hot Springs

5050 E. Castle Hot Springs Road, Castle Hot Springs, 877.600.1137, castlehotsprings.com.

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ARTS

CULTURE » THEATER » DANCE » GALLERY » DRAMA » VISION

ARTS

CALENDAR Randy Montgomery >> The Entertainer!

“Hello Dolly”

MARCH 1 TO MARCH 17 Dolly Levi is a strong-willed matchmaker, looking to find someone for the miserly “wellknown unmarried half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. Along the way she persuades his niece and a host of others to go on an adventure to New York City. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $28-$34.

“Airness”

MARCH 6 TO MARCH 31 Nina is a little naïve about air guitar, but the tight-knit community decides to teach her the ins and outs of the craft. She will have to let go of her inhibitions, while finding out that there’s much more to this art form than just playing pretend. Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.254.2151, phoenixtheatre. com, times vary, $36-$86.

Scottsdale Arts Festival

MARCH 8 TO MARCH 10 In its 49th year, the Scottsdale Arts Festival will showcase 170 juryselected international artists who work in painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry and photography. The three-day fundraising event has long been recognized as one of the country’s top art fairs. The festival successfully blends the visual, performing and culinary arts, with proceeds benefiting Scottsdale Arts and its four branches. Scottsdale Civic Center Park, Old Town Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdaleartsfestival.org, times vary, $12-$20.

“Peter Max: The Retrospective 1960-2019”

“Stomp”

MARCH 5 TO MARCH 10 Dance, music and theatrical performance blend to form one electrifying rhythm and help fill the stage with energizing beats. To make the music, a talented group of performers who rotate roles use a variety of common items such as matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and anything else they can get their hands on. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480.644.6500, mesaartscenter.com, times vary, $26-$66.

MARCH 14 TO MARCH 16 Peter Max is a pop culture icon. His bold colors, uplifting images and an uncommon artistic diversity have touched almost every phase of American culture and has inspired many generations. Max has met presidents and has had artwork showcased on magazine covers. Max brings a newly curated collection to Scottsdale for a twoday exhibition and a preview night. There is no cost to attend, but advance reservations are required. DeRubeis Fine Art of Metal, 7171 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.941.6033, derubeisfineartscottsdale. com, times vary, free.

“ink: Camille A. Brown & Dancers”

MARCH 16 Since its world premiere in December 2017 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Camille A. Brown’s production has celebrated the rituals, gestural vocabulary and traditions of the African Diaspora and reclaims African Americans’ narratives by showcasing their authenticity. Along with her talented company of performers, Brown—a dancer, choreographer, director and dance educator—examines the culture of black life that is often appropriated, rewritten or silenced. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 7 p.m., $20.

and her recurring roles on “The Carol Burnett Show,” which made her (and mama) a household name. In addition to her long comedic career, Lawrence is a talented musician. During her visit to Scottsdale, she will blend her skills in an evening of new material, comprising comedy and music, as herself, and the infamous “mama.” Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.499.8587, scottsdalearts. org, 8 p.m., $42-$69.

“Kokopelli the Legend, a Native American Opera”

MARCH 29 Set in 13th century Arizona, this is the story of the last Pochteca trader Kokopelli. Learn about Aztlan’s fall and the birth of a new nation through the abandonment of area by the Hohokam (the vanished ones), caused by many years of devastating drought and invasion by warring tribes. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe Street, Phoenix, 602.252.8497, herbergertheater. org, 7 p.m., $24-$34.

“Dancers Choice: Artist Relief Fund Concert”

“The Play That Goes Wrong”

MARCH 19 TO MARCH 24 What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’ll find out at this “gut-busting” comedy. Mishaps and mania take place on the opening night of “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The situation goes from bad to disastrous, with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse who can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines). ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, times vary, tickets start at $20.

“Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show”

MARCH 23 When you mention Vicki Lawrence, two things quickly come to mind: Thelma Harper on “Mama’s Family,” which was a hit during the 1980s,

MARCH 30 Ballet Arizona takes over the intimate Dorrance Theater for this fundraiser for the Artist Relief Fund, which was created by the company’s dancers. After the show, stick around for a catered reception. Dorrance Theatre, 2835 E. Washington Street, 602.381.1096, arfundaz.org, balletaz.org, 7 p.m., $75.

Quetzal

MARCH 30 The Grammy Award-winning Chicana rock group, which hails from East Los Angeles, is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with its blend of Mexican ranchera, cumbia, salsa, rock, R&B, folk, and international fusions. Along with the music is a political vision based in social activism, feminism and the belief that there is radical potential in expressive culture. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Avenue, Tempe, 480.965.3434, asugammage.com, 7 p.m., $20.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

‘Amaluna’ allows gymnast a second chance at career Darrell Jackson >> The Entertainer!

hae Zamardi was a successful gymnast who earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University with a degree in sports marketing and business. However, she wanted more. “I had been a gymnast my entire life and I went to college for four years,” she says. “After college, I got a job in the real world when I realized I missed swinging on a bar. I had a friend who was in Cirque du Soleil. I tried out and I was hired.” Now she’s a part of “Amaluna,” which plays a tent outside of State Farm Stadium March 15 to April 14. “Amaluna” invites the audience to a mysterious island governed by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon. Their queen, Prospera, directs her daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony in a rite that honors femininity, renewal, rebirth and balance. In the wake of a storm caused by Prospera, a group of young men lands on the island, triggering an epic, emotional story of love between Prospera’s daughter and a brave young suitor.

CAREER AND LSU Zamardi was a competitive gymnast for 16 years, and a part of Team Canada for three years before joining LSU’s gymnastics team. “I visited LSU with my mom and they offered me the scholarship on my first trip down and I was hooked,” she says. During her freshman season, the Tigers finished third at nationals then jumped to second in her junior and senior years, just missing the prestigious NCAA championship. “It was tough,” she says. “We wanted the championship, but I had so much fun in my time at LSU. It was just an amazing time and the sport grew so much while I was there.” After four years of work, Zamardi graduated and put her gymnastics behind her. “I had a 9-to-5 desk job when I was told that Cirque Du Soleil had an opening,” Zamardi says. “They contacted me and asked me if I was interested. I started training about a week before my tryout and recorded myself on the bars and they liked what they saw.” She joined the team in November

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CAST MEMBERS PERFORM STUNTS WHILE SHOWCASING THE LOVE STORY OF AMALUNA.

2018 and began working on “Amaluna,” for which she plays an Amazon. “It is just an amazing show and I have never had more fun than I am right now,” Zamardi says. “I come to work with a smile on my face and, even though it is a lot of hard work, I love my job.” The name Amaluna is a fusion of the words “ama,” which refers to “mother” in many languages, and “luna,” which means “moon,” a symbol of femininity that evokes the mother-daughter relationship and the idea of goddess and protector of the planet. Amaluna is also the name of the mysterious island where the story unfolds. “Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women,” explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a woman’s perspective.” Director Diane Paulus adds, “I didn’t want to build a ‘women’s agenda’ show. I wanted to create a show with women at the center of it, something that had a hidden story that featured women as the heroines.” When she joined, Zamardi instantly noticed the difference between this and her days as a gymnast. “I had done gymnastics for 15 years, and after two years in retirement, that part came back to me like riding a bicycle,” Zamardi says. “The hardest part is the story and becoming a character and knowing when I enter the stage, I leave Shae and become my amazon character.” When asked for her favorite part of the show, she had an immediate answer.

“The look on the kids and faces of the families as they watch the show is what it is all about,” she says. “That and kids coming up to me after the show with a look of amazement on their faces, that makes it all worth it.”

“Amaluna” Various times Friday, March 15, to Sunday, April 14 State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale Tickets start at $55 statefarmstadium.com

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CAMPY FUN

‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’ uses sass to sell Laura Latzko >> The Entertainer!

he phrase “Tupperware party” may evoke an image of women of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s gathered together in a living room, gossiping and looking at colorful storage containers. Like the products, the parties have continued to evolve and have become more relevant to today’s audiences. Drag queen Dixie Longate, the alter ego of Kris Andersson, turns selling Tupperware into a southern tale of empowerment. “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” will visit the Chandler Center for the Arts from Thursday, March 14, to Saturday, March 16. By engaging with audience members and making them laugh, she makes the products more attractive to them. “Sometimes people come in, and they think, ‘Oh, that’s not something that I need.’ Then, they see me doing it and talking about it, and then they’re like, ‘That’s the best crap I’ve ever seen. I need that,’” Longate says. Longate is a sassy, less-than-pure, redheaded woman from Alabama who often finds creative uses for her Tupperware. “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” is a stage show, but it is also a Tupperware party. Audience members are given order forms and catalogs and can purchase items that appear onstage. Before this show, Andersson started selling Tupperware as Longate on a dare and became one of the top “sales ladies” in the company. From the beginning, Longate was given the freedom to develop her own sales style. She has won appliances, electronics and trips. “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” first appeared OffBroadway in New York in 2007 before heading out on the road. The drag queen regularly introduces new products, but after more than a decade, the show continues to have a similar message of female empowerment. Since Tupperware’s inception, parties have been a way for women to gain financial independence. Longate says the show has retained its interactive, campy tone. Audiences are often invited onstage to play games and help with demos.

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“Because every show is a little bit different, because there’s always different people in the audience, and they are always participating with me, every show is different for me, and it keeps me entertained. I don’t feel like I’m ever doing the same show twice,” Longate says. Longate hopes to make Tupperware fun and relevant for her audiences. “The whole point of the Tupperware party was it was always a party. Even back in the days when your grandma was doing it. So, my goal is to keep the party element going,” Longate says. Longate packs her Tupperware with her when she travels, often putting cosmetics and toiletries in the storage containers. She has a few favorite items of her own from Tupperware’s collection. “I have my Jell-o shot caddy, for taking Jell-o shots to church. That way, you can serve it not to just yourself and the reverend, but you can serve them to everybody, which just makes the service go so much faster,” Longate says. “I have a wine opener from Tupperware that is so good. I keep two of them. I’ve got one in my kitchen, and I’ve got one in my glovebox, so that when I’m driving, I just reach into my stash of wine in the back, and I can open something up with one hand. Before that red light turns to green at the intersection, I’m drinking and having myself some nice refreshments,” Longate says. Longate is protective of her Tupperware, writing her name on the bottom of her containers when she takes a dish to pass at church. “You can enjoy my ambrosia salad, but don’t touch my Tupperware. Don’t take it home because Jesus is watching, and I will find you and set your trailer on fire because I want to make sure to get my Tupperware back.”

“Dixie’s Tupperware Party” Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14, and Friday, March 15, and 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16, $36 to $48.

THE RIOTS REMEMBERED

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

‘Detroit ’67’ traces the dark days of the Motor City Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

“

Detroit ’67” will guide audiences through the riots and subsequent rebirth of the Motor City during its performances through Sunday, March 17, at the Tempe Center for the Arts. “It’s going to help people see the transformation that Detroit is going through and how far they’ve come,” says David Hemphill, executive director of the Black Theatre Troupe. “The riots were devastating, and Detroit is coming back great.” The winner of the Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History, “Detroit ’67” unfolds during the summer of 1967 when black residents clashed with the Detroit Police Department after a police raid of a blind pig. The riot lasted five days. In “Detroit ’67,” siblings Chelle and her brother, Lank, are making ends by turning their basement into an afterhours joint. When a mysterious woman finds her way into their lives, tensions escalate in their home and in their community. “At the same time, the cops are beating people up and arresting them,” says Ralph Remington, TCA’s producing artistic director. “It heated up over a period of a couple days before the riots kicked in full bore. We see what happens, the aftermath, through the lives of these characters.”

Hemphill calls the play “very well written,” as playwright Dominique Morisseau, 2018 MacArthur Foundation fellow, won awards for it. “It takes interesting turns. We’re glad to be able to partner with the Tempe Center for the Arts,” Hemphill says. Remington says he and Hemphill chose the play because it’s still relevant today. “Because of the times we live in, this play resonated. Unfortunately, many of the things people were dealing with in 1967 in Detroit we’re still dealing with today,” Remington says. “The times, while they have changed, they haven’t changed that much. Why are we still living with the same conditions plaguing the communities back in the ’60s? Why do the same things exist? Particularly the relationship between the community and the police force.” He says the contentious relationship can be traced to slavery. “The purpose of the police, back in the day, was to keep the slave population controlled,” Remington says. “Now in modern times, looking at the ’60s particularly, it’s how police used to control the community. They called them The Big Four because they rolled four in a car.” Many communities can relate to this, Remington says. Besides Detroit, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and the Watts area of Los Angeles can relate. “You had the Minneapolis riots. Now today we have Baltimore and Ferguson. They can resonate with what’s happening.” The “Detroit ’67” actors are local, featuring Lillie Richardson as Chelle, Calvin Worthen as Chelle’s brother, Lank, and Alison Campbell as Caroline. Ashley Jackson appears as Bunny, and Cornelius Williams in the role of Sly. “I’m really excited,” Remington says. “I’m very excited about this cast and the subject matter. We’re going to delve into this topic.”

“Detroit ’67” Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.2822, tempecenterforthearts.com, various times, to Sunday, March 17, $35-$45.

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‘HOPE AND UNDERSTANDING’ The Phoenix Theatre 30

Company adopts a new style Octavio Serrano >> The Entertainer!

ichael Barnard has been with the nearly 100-year-old Phoenix Theatre Company for two decades, but the public has a nagging question. “After 100 years, we still have people ask, ‘Where’s the Phoenix Theatre?’” says Barnard, the venue’s producing artistic director. “We’re only eight years younger than the state.” He hopes the upcoming season will up the visibility of The Phoenix Theatre Company, which only recently added the name “company” to its moniker. As the first arts organization in Arizona and a founding member of the Central Arts District, The Phoenix Theatre Company will continue its commitment to advancing performing arts in the Valley. Theatergoers may see nearly 500 performances each year on multiple stages including well-known and original pieces of work. “Changing our name to The Phoenix Theatre Company is the first celebratory act we are taking in preparing to kick off our 100th season,” says Vincent VanVleet, managing director. In 2006, The Phoenix Theatre Company launched a capital campaign to build a 500-seat theater. “We are hoping this centennial year will put a shovel in the ground for the 500-seat theater,” Barnard says.

PROSPEROUS JOURNEY With his team, Barnard says the theater has endured a prosperous journey in the past 20 years. “Slowly but surely, we have gotten rid of our debt and have grown from a $750,000 budget to almost $9 million,” Barnard says. “We’ve gone from seven employees to about 64 full-time employees in the past 20 years.” To show its gratitude for its success, the Phoenix Theatre Company staff gives back to the community through its outreach program, “Partners that Heal.” It focuses on vulnerable children at Children’s Hospital, Ryan House and the Maricopa Integrated Health System: Emergency and Burn Center.

EVER-EVOLVING Barnard and the rest of the Phoenix ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Theatre Company staff are looking forward to bringing a combination of classics and innovative pieces to the venue. “The idea that we are doing classics as well as new pieces is saying to us that we are respecting our history,” Barnard says. “Generations should be introduced to the greatest shows that have been written and what this artform is all about.” One of these shows include the important piece “The Sound of Music.” During the 1980s, the theater was ready to declare bankruptcy and close. “They did ‘Sound of Music’ and they had a local celebrity by the name of Mary Jo West, a local anchorwoman, who ended up playing the role of Maria in the show,” Barnard says. “Her popularity and the success of the show catapulted the theater back into financial solvency.” The season isn’t just about historical pieces. New writers are just as important, he says. “I believe art and war are two ways that we capture the history of humankind,” Barnard says. “To do new pieces is speaking to what is on our minds now and what is important to us now.” Among those is “The Curious Incident of the Dog and the Night-Time,” during which the audience joins an autistic child who embarks on a mission to find his mother. The set portrays the boy’s brain. “The audience watches how he puts together pieces of information that take him to find his mother,” Barnard says. The Phoenix Theatre Company will also stage “Kinky Boots,” a musical that centers around a young man named Charlie Price who forms an unlikely partnership with a cabaret performer to produce high-heeled boots after having inherited his father’s shoe factory. “Our mission statement is about acceptance and hope,” Barnard says, “I think ‘Kinky Boots’ is a strong demonstration of accepting people for who they are.” It continues its mission of “articulating messages that inspire hope and understanding.”

The Phoenix Theatre Company 1825 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, phoenixtheatre.com.

MICHAEL BARNARD, LEFT, AND VINCENT VANVLEET WELCOME THE PHOENIX THEATRE COMPANY’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY WITH SHOWS THAT WILL HONOR ITS PAST AND CELEBRATE ITS FUTURE.

Celebration

The Phoenix Theatre Company recently announced its anniversary season. Here is what patrons can expect this year and next.

“Spamilton: An American Parody,” June 12 to August 11

From Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind the “Forbidden Broadway,” comes a side-splitting new musical that roasts, eviscerates and celebrates Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

“Kinky Boots,” August 28 to October 13

Things look grim for Charlie Price’s shoe factory, until he meets Lola, cabaret performer and drag queen, whose daring ideas might just turn the failing business around.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” October 9 to November 10

Wrongly accused of murdering his neighbor’s dog, 15-year-old math prodigy Christopher Boone takes matters into his own hands to find the killer.

“The Sound of Music,” November 13 to December 29

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s romantic epic overflows with the indomitable spirit of survival – and includes some of the most iconic songs.

“Million Dollar Quartet,” December 18, 2019, to February 16, 2020

Go behind the music to that December day in 1956 when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis cut a record together at Sun Records Studios in Memphis.

“Americano!,” January 29 to February 23, 2020

This true story world premiere musical follows Tony, the child of immigrants who discovers his undocumented status when he tries to enlist in the Marines.

“Sondheim on Sondheim,” February 26 to April 12, 2020

Go deep into the catalogue of one of the defining voices of American musical theater and celebrate Stephen Sondheim at his best.

“The Festival of New American Theatre,” February 28 to March 15, 2020

Get a rare glimpse at the next generation of Broadway talent as artists, directors and producers come together to discover a fresh batch of new musicals and plays.

“Something Rotten!,” March 18 to April 19, 2020

Not content to let William Shakespeare get all the attention, the conniving but clueless Bottom brothers hatch a plan to cook up the next big stage hit.

“The Rocky Horror Show,” April 15 to June 7, 2020

Dynamic tension is on the menu as naive new fiancés Brad and Janet discover a world where nothing is taboo.

“Hair,” May 20 to June 28, 2020

Inspired by a real-life “happening” in Central Park, one of the most daring musicals illuminates life in the shadow of the Vietnam War.

THE ART BAR

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

Artists put a happy-hour spin on the traditional exhibit Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

hree female artists are raising the bar on art shows by hosting pop-up events with a happy-hour twist. Presenting gallery shows November to March, the moniker The Art Bar reflects the last names of artists Donna Bernstein, Donna Armstrong and Vicki Rapaport. They have started presenting these pop-up galleries, roughly four to six times per year. “We’re interested in bringing the art to different locations so it’s more convenient for people to come out,” Armstrong says. “It’s a bit more of a challenge to make the effort. It’s also fun for us because each time we set up, it’s a little different—different locations, different setups. We find it stimulating to do that.” The next event kicks off with a reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 7, it continues 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, at Van Arnold Jewelry, 7008 E. Main Street, Scottsdale. Rapaport is not participating. The event will showcase the works of Bernstein, Armstrong, sculptor David

Armstrong and Vlad Itskovich, the owner of Van Arnold Jewelry. “Vlad has some great new pieces to check out,” Armstrong says. A Scottsdale resident, Armstrong was an accountant before she explored art. She says initially that may sound strange, but it makes sense to her. “One is very analytical and the other is more creative,” Armstrong acknowledged. “However, jewelry is very technical. You do have to use a lot of math. We work in millimeters and it’s very precise.” A graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, Armstrong has been designing and creating jewelry for nearly 25 years. In her studio, Armstrong, who began her career in Los Angeles, turns family treasures into contemporary wearable jewelry. Bernstein is a largely self-taught artist who studied previously with international painter Robert Dash, contemporary abstractionist Christine Raymond, and modern metal sculptress Sue Latta. Bernstein’s works have clean, fresh styles that are modern in structure, yet deeply intimate, appealing to both the horse lover and formal art collector. She expanded to wearable art such as equestrian fashion silk scarves.

The Art Bar gallery is located in Van Arnold Jewelry, 7008 E. Main Street, Scottsdale. For more information about The Art Bar visit https://theartbar.gallery or contact email Donna Bernstein at 208-991-7870 or email donnab@theartbar. gallery.

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DINING

EAT » EXPERIENCE » INDULGE » SAVOR » DEVOUR » NOSH

MARCH FOOD EVENTS Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Rockin’ Taco Rumble

MARCH 1 The heat, the meat and the cheese all come together at the second Rockin’ Taco Rumble at Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix. Chow down on samples of different types of tacos created by Arizona teams and restaurants. Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth Street, Phoenix, 602.261.8063, rockintacorumble.com, 6 to 9 p.m., $35.

Polish Festival

MARCH 2 TO MARCH 3 Join Arizona’s Polish community for the 16th annual Polish Festival featuring, what else, perogies, performers and potato pancakes. Folk art and dancing are also featured. Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, 2828 W. Country Gables Drive, Phoenix, 480.442.9765, festiwal.polskaparafiaphoenix. com, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

guided walk along the Curandero Trail by desert plants enthusiast Dave Morris. Tasting samples too; Morris usually shares samplers of agave syrup, mesquite flour and prickly pear cactus fruit jelly while explaining ways that native plants such as prickly pear cacti, ratany, agaves and jojoba have fed peoples for more than 1,000 years. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E. U.S. Highway 60, Superior, btarboretum. org, 1:30 p.m., $5-$15.

Flying Burrito Festival

MARCH 9 Drink booze, eat burritos, and watch bands at the Flying Burrito Festival. Full-sized burritos will be served as some of the state and nation’s best musicians hit four stages. Cocktails, lawn games, lucha libre wrestling are also on the menu. Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 4 p.m., $15.

Hash Browns, History and Hiking

MARCH 9 Learn the edible and medicinal uses of native desert plants on a

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire

MARCH 16 This is Arizona’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Third Street and Sheridan and heads south through the streets of Downtown Phoenix. Watch a variety of performers, Irish dancers, floats, marching bands and bagpipers two-step it down the street. After the parade, head to the Irish Cultural Center at Hance Park for entertainment, food and beer. Irish Cultural Center, 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.791.8721, stpatricksdayphoenix. org, 10 a.m., $12.

Learn & Lunch Cooking Class

MARCH 8 Have a hearty breakfast and then learn about the history of Pinal City during an interpretive hike. Superior Chamber of Commerce, 165 Main Street, Superior, lostinsuperioraz. com, 7:30 to 11 a.m., $20.

Edible-Medicinal Desert Plants Walk

at the Arizona Aloha Festival with music, dance and lectures about Hawaii and Polynesia. Sample favorite foods from Hawaii and the South Pacific. Kids can make island crafts and take them home. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, 480.350.5200, azalohafest. org, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

Arizona Aloha Festival

MARCH 9 TO MARCH 10 Pay homage to the Pacific Islands

MARCH 16 Chef Marcellino will teach participants how to cook risotto with mixed mushrooms during this intimate cooking class at the restaurant’s Chef’s Island. After the class, guests will enjoy lunch of chef’s dish, a fresh organic salad, and Chef Marcellino’s biscotti. Marcellino Ristorante, 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.990.9500, marcellionoristorante.com, 1 to 3 p.m., $45 plus tax and gratuity.

Burger Battle

MARCH 22 Restaurants from around the Valley will compete for the title of Best Burger. Guests will taste unlimited burgers and vote with top judges to decide who takes home trophies like People’s Choice and Judges Choice. Scottsdale Waterfront at Southbridge, 7144 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.945.7193, scottsdalefest. org, 7 to 9:30 p.m., $65.

The Great American Barbeque and Beer Festival MARCH 30 Country music and barbecue return to Downtown Chandler with a petting zoo, carnival and barbecue and beer. This familyfriendly event welcomes everyone who loves finger-licking barbecue and brews to go along with it. Headliners for the event are Russell Dickerson, Dylan Scott, Jimmie Allen and Riley Green. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 602.276.2499, chandlerbbq. com, noon to 10 p.m., $15.

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Happy Hour Guide Brat Haus

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, this Euro-inspired eatery and beer garden just launched its happy hour program from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Food and drink specials include $1 off all draft beers, $5 glasses of wine, $7 Haus cocktails, $4 fried pickles, $6 brat burgers, $15 giant pretzels, and a free brat for dogs. For late-night visitors, reverse happy hour is 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, when there is $2 off all draft beers, $5 glasses of wine and $5 well drinks. As a new twist on “Sunday Funday,” guests can enjoy Stein Sundays with bottomless steins and mimosas for $20 from noon to 3 p.m. 3622 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.947.4006, brauthausaz.com.

Buck & Rider

Happy hour is through 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, when patrons can enjoy $6 signature cocktails, house pours and featured glasses of wine and draft beer. Reverse happy hour is from 9:30 p.m. to close Thursday to Saturday. 4225 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.346.0110, buckandrider.com.

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers

Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers lives up to its name, but offers more than that. Check out the menu and see. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and includes domestic pints for $3, domestic alum bottles and Four Peaks pints for $4, and premium wells and house wines at $5. Valleywide locations, coldbeers.com.

Copper Blues

At Copper Blues, headliners don’t just occupy the stage, they surround it in the form of tap handles and inviting service. Happy hour is offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Sunday. 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.5005, copperblueslive.com.

Craft 64

Craft 64 specializes in local craft beer and artisan woodfired pizza. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily, when there is $1 off all local beers, five wines for $6, and small plates for $8. 6922 E. Main Street, Scottsdale, 480.946.0542, craft64.com.

CRUjiente Tacos

CRUjiente Tacos offers taco therapy with deals on globally influenced tacos and cocktails. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and the modern taqueria recently launched reverse happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Specials include $3 for the Korean fried chicken, $3 short rib tacos, $3 pork belly tacos, $7 Tex-Mex-style queso, $7 chips and salsa, $5 on any of the tacos CRUjientes (beef, pork or lamb), $5 Premier CRU margaritas, $1 off all draft and bottled beer and $2 off wine by the glass. 3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.687.7777, crutacos.com.

El Chorro

Paradise Valley’s historic El Chorro offers an authentic Arizona dining experience with stunning views of the Valley’s most prominent landmark, Camelback Mountain. Happy hour is 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 5550 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, 480.948.5170, elchorro.com.

EVO

EVO features recipes true to the Central and Northern regions of Italy, including risotto, alfredo, ragu and carbonara. Chef Steven Fowler strives to perfect a balance of simple yet robust flavors. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily. 4175 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, 480.265.9814, evoscottsdale.com.

Freezer’s Ice House

Freezer’s Ice House is the Valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. $2 Tuesdays (open to close): $2 domestic drafts, $2 tacos and $2 per-hour, per-person pool time. ASU Night Thursdays (6 p.m. to close): free pool for the ladies and $2 drink specials. UFC Fight Night Saturdays: UFC pay per view is offered as scheduled with only a $5 cover charge to attend. $10 Pool Pass Sundays: Play pool all day for only $10. 83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe. “At the corner of Mill & Broadway”

Gallagher’s Sports Grill

Gallagher’s Sports Grill loves sports as much as it loves food, so it brings the two together. There are dozens of TVs and inspired dishes. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 p.m. to close Fridays and Saturdays. Valleywide locations, visit gallaghersaz.com.

Hard Rock Café

Take a break from the heat and stroll into the musical oasis that is Hard Rock Café Phoenix. With the Flying V over the door, the Hard Rock Café features a fully loaded bar, food, memorabilia and music. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday. 3 S. Second Street, Suite 117, Phoenix, 602.261.7625, hardrock.com.

Hungry Monk

Chandler’s The Hungry Monk pours 27 craft beers, with daily happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Food specials run from 3 to 7 p.m. 1760 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480.963.8000, hungrymonkaz.com.

Luxe Lounge

Experience UltraStar’s 21-and-older sports bar, restaurant and lounge that boasts 14 HD flat-screen TVs, four pool tables, Golden Tee Golf, soft tip darts and foosball. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and all day Sundays. Specials include $3 well drinks, $3 house wines and $3 domestic draft beers. Appetizers are $3 to $6, including cheese crisp, fried pickles, cheese curds, spicy Cajun fries, hoagie bread, cheese pizza and garlic cheese bread. 16000 N. Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 520.233.2426, ultrastarakchin.com.

Pedal Haus Brewery

Mill Avenue’s resident brewpub and beer garden, Pedal Haus Brewery offers beer enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday. It features $2 off Pedal Haus beers and spirits, and $5 select wines while receiving $2 off all appetizers on the menu. “Sunday Funday” specials run all day and include $3 Pedal Haus beers, $3 mimosas, $4 Bloody Marys and $5 margaritas. 730 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.314.2337, pedalhausbrewery.com.

Philly’s Sports Grill

Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. daily, and 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday to Thursday. Specials include appetizer discounts. 1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe; 1402 S. Priest Drive, Tempe; 4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix, phillyssportsgrill.com.

Pig & Pickle

Pig & Pickle handcrafts cocktails, bakes its own bread, makes its own aioli and grows its own herbs. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. daily. 2922 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, 480.990.1407, pigandpickle.com.

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Rack Scottsdale | Old Town Scottsdale

Rack Scottsdale offers fine spirits in a laid-back environment. Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and features half-priced appetizers, such as mozzarella sticks and bacon cheese fries, $1 off beer and $2 off cocktails. It’s more than drinks, though. Pool is half price ($5) for the table. 3636 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.476.1035, rackscottsdale.com.

Rehab Burger Therapy

Rehab Burger Therapy was founded on the idea that everyone deserves a break from the daily grind. Happy hour is offered from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and 11 a.m. to close Thursdays. This includes $1 off “party starters,” wines by the glass and “rapid relief.” 7210 E. Second Street, Scottsdale; 480.621.5358, rehabburgertherapy.com.

The Stockyards

In 1947, The Stockyards, Arizona’s Original Steakhouse, opened its doors with a menu focused on its historical past: beef. Staying true to its heritage, The Stockyards’ menu continues to feature only the finest corn-fed, aged steaks and prime rib. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, when house wine, draft beer, saloon snacks, domestic beer and well drinks are discounted. Complimentary tenderloin sliders are also offered. 5009 E. Washington Street, Suite 115, Phoenix, 602.273.7378, stockyardssteakhouse.com.

SunUp Brewing Co.

SunUp offers beer brewed on-site, with happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. 322 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 602.279.8909, sunup.beer.

TapHouse Kitchen

TapHouse Kitchen of Scottsdale offers a menu by Chef Patrick Karvis centered around modern American cuisine, in addition to a respectable selection of craft beers. Happy hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. daily. Specials are plenty, with $2 off all draft beer, spirits and wine on tap, and $2 off all beer flights. Hilton Village, 6137 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 108, 480.656.0012, taphousekitchen.com.

Tutti Santi

Tutti Santi’s menu offers Nina’s original recipes for Italian classics, from antipasti freddi to mozzarella caprese. Happy hour is 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays. The late-night specials include live music. 6339 E. Greenway Road, Suite 108, Scottsdale, 480.951.3775, tuttisantiristorante.com.

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap

Uncle Bear’s Grill & Tap’s extensive menu includes favorites like garlic parm fries, fried mozzarella, beer cheese soup, Cajun-spiced chicken salad, black and bleu burger, guacamole and prime rib. Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 10 p.m. to close Sunday to Thursday. The kitchen closes at midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and at 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday. 9053 E. Baseline Road, Mesa; 2115 E. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek; 4921 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, unclebearsbarandgrill.com.

Wasted Grain

Happy Hour is offered 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, and 4 to 9 p.m. Fridays. 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.970.0500, wastedgrainscottsdale.com.

Mangia!

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

Sicilian Butcher rolls out cannoli bar and market Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

hef Joey Maggiore knows he has something good in his latest project, The Sicilian Baker, which opens Sunday, March 3, at Tatum and Greenway. Adorned with a gold chain and rings, staring ahead with his piercing hazel eyes, he’s adamant the new concept will be a hit. After all, who wouldn’t love a build-your-own cannoli bar? “You dream it, we’re making it,” says Maggiore, whose family is behind Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant, Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant, Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen Carlsbad, Tomaso’s When in Rome, Hash Kitchen and The Sicilian Butcher. Guests can also purchase fresh pasta by the pound, sausage and imported cured meats and cheeses. A tavola calda-style counter will include Sicilian pastries and assorted desserts. Maggiore commissioned his cousin Giovanni La Rosa, a master pastry chef

from Sicily, to help create the specialized desserts. “We’re bringing in all the ricotta from Italy,” Maggiore says. “It’s amazing. He travels the country of Italy and he trains people in Sicilian specialties. He’s super talented. He has won a massive amount of gold medals.” Maggiore, his wife, Cristina, and their business partner, Flora Tersigni, are opening the bakery and market in a space that was formerly Edible Arrangements. Located next to The Sicilian Butcher, guests will be able to walk freely between the two concepts. The room was designed by Cristina and brought to life by Jessica Avignone of JTA Interiors. The 1,400-square-foot venue will have black porcelain tile ﬂooring, off-white brick walls and giant, sliding barn doors throughout. Rolling pins will hang from the ceiling along with repurposed wire whisks in the form of ambient lighting. Red display cases of the meats and cheeses will line the outskirt walls with butchers standing behind them. Pastry chefs will be there to offer

Italian treats such as cassatas, sfinci (Italian doughnuts) and Sicilian cookies. But the cannoli bar will be a prominent feature at The Sicilian Baker. It will feature 10 ﬂavored creams for guests to choose from including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, pistachio, espresso and original. People will also be able to customize the size of their cannoli shells from mini to a foot long. Flavored shells such as chocolate dipped, pistachio encrusted and sugar coated will also be options along with multiple toppings. This will be the first of three planned

Sicilian Baker locations for the metro area. The second will open next to The Sicilian Butcher in Chandler and the third will open in Peoria. Both are slated for next year. “The Bakers are fun little places,” he says. “You can get a cup of coffee, or a dessert. Whatever.”

The Sicilian Baker 15530 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix thesicilianbaker.com.

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I SCREAM ICE CREAM

The Screamery turns sweet cream into sweet treats Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

hen Kenny and Linda Sarnoski quit their day jobs to open The Screamery ice cream parlor, they were understandably nervous. The day it opened, the couple heard about an ice cream competition in downtown Tucson. They wanted to enter but admitted it may be diﬃcult given it was opening day. “We decided we have to do this,” she says. “It was important for us to get out there and let people know about us. So, we divided and conquered.” Kenny and a couple friends brought The Screamery’s sweet cream honeycomb ice cream – natural honeycomb pieces mixed in a sweet cream base – for guests to try at the festival. “We had a line out the door at the shop, but at the showdown, I pulled up in an old green truck and one table. I had a cooler and put some ice cream out,” Kenny says. “Nobody knew who we were. We had a Screamery banner, but nobody came to our table. We were standing there, having fun and suddenly, boom, there was this huge amount of people. We have pictures. It’s crazy.” A friend who owned an area restaurant said word was spreading quickly about The Screamery. “You guys are going to win this thing, Everybody’s talking about the honeycomb ice cream,” Kenny recalls

being told. “We ended up winning best overall ice cream. We won every single year we entered. We won best overall and best inventive ice cream for our bacon and bourbon.” The Screamery was so successful, Kenny and Linda quit their day jobs in glass and glazing, and corporate software, respectively. Now they’re on to their fifth location, as they just opened a Scottsdale store. The sixth Screamery is slated to open soon in downtown Chandler. “We jumped 150 percent in,” she says. “You can’t be halfway in. To go from there to here in 4 1/2 years is amazing. “I really think we’re unique because there’s no one doing ice cream the way we’re doing it, not to the extent of starting from scratch. We pasteurize our base. We’re the first to be (accredited) in the state by the Arizona Department of Agriculture to do that.” The couple founded The Screamery after they went on a paleo-type diet. They are so into ice cream that they were gifted “I love ice cream” bowls for their wedding. “When you’re paleo, you limit dairy,” he says. “I started making ice cream with coconut milk. The first time it was terrible. It was icy, and the texture isn’t good. I switched over and started making grass-fed dairy. “It was just so good. I messed around with it for 18 months. The ingredients – the cream and milk – are more natural. It’s way better than additives.” The Screamery’s ice cream base has no stabilizers, chemicals or fillers.

THE SCREAMERY OWNERS KENNY AND LINDA SARNOSKI

Besides honeycomb, popular ﬂavors include coffee toffee ice cream, for which toffee pieces are homemade and melted on the top. Bacon and bourbon features Maker’s Mark bourbon-infused base with candied bacon brittle, while butter pecan is traditional, with a traditional brown sugar base with fresh roasted pecans. Rough at Sea has a sea salt base, with honey-butterscotch swirl and candied pecans, almonds and pistachios. “We just want to bring this simple way of making ice cream to our friends and family,” Linda says. ‘We didn’t want a grab and go. We

want people to hang out and stay and feel like they’re wanted. No matter how big we get, we don’t want to lose that charm. We’re really proud of contributing to people who care about the chemicals we’re surrounded by. We’re recognizing that people want to eat clean, but this is ice cream. I’d never call it healthy ice cream, but it’s clean.”

The Screamery 10625 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix, 602.368.1362, thescreamery.com.

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CHEF TO THE STARS

Robin Murphy adds her flair to Starfire Grille Kristine Cannon >> The Entertainer!

rom microphone-wielding stars to pigskin-throwing players and golf club-swinging clients, chef and Scottsdale resident Robin Murphy has cooked for them all. “It was through Arizona Catering, between 2004 and 2010,” she says. “They have a Live Nation’s contract, so every musical person that came to this town, we would cater to all of them.” Murphy, who was also the executive chef for the Arizona Cardinals during this time, even hit the road with The Police for 19 months. “It was back and forth, back and forth – the same songs over and over,” she says with a laugh. “They did invite me to Europe, but I declined that. I didn’t see the inside of my house for months.” Other notable, A-list celebrities with whom she has worked include Madonna, who preferred healthy meals for herself and her entire crew of 350 people, and Mariah Carey. “Mariah Carey likes everything that’s white – white food only – and you had to decorate the room with white everything – couches, chairs,” Murphy recalls, adding that she always served the celebrities in their dressing rooms. Rascal Flatts, however, was her favorite client.

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“I’m a country-western kind of girl,” she says. “I always like down-home food, fried chicken; they were easier.” Following years of traveling back and forth between Phoenix and San Diego, Los Angeles and Las Vegas and seeing more than her fair share of concerts, Murphy moved on to work for Michael’s Catering, which caters to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and then on to Terravita Golf & Country Club in Scottsdale as executive chef. Now, Murphy has taken on a new challenge in her career: transitioning from fine dining to elevated comfort food cuisine as the executive chef of the newly renovated Starfire Golf Club’s Starfire Grille. “I’ve fine-dined everywhere, but I also like a good dive bar and great dive bar food,” she says. “I now know what I like to do and what I like to do is fun.” Murphy joined the team in August. Starfire Grille has all the traditional golf food, including chicken salad, egg salad and tuna salad sandwiches. But Murphy has completely revamped the menu, putting her own twist on it. One notable sandwich item on the menu is the Batman, an elevated BLT that features bacon, arugula, tomato, mozzarella and avocado aioli on naan bread. “The funniest thing about the Batman is I was on my 110th hour in one week, and I sat down and wrote this crazy sandwich. My boss at the time told me, ‘OK, I think you’re getting a little tired,’ but as soon as

I made it the next day, it sold like that,” Murphy says. So she brought that sandwich, what she describes as a healthier BLT, to Starfire Grille, and it’s just as popular with diners. Also new to the menu and steadily gaining popularity with guests are the pizzas made in the restaurant’s brandnew wood-fired oven. Diners can opt for the tomato and basil, meat lovers or everything pizza, or they can build their own. Pizzas range from $10 to $13. General Manager of Starfire Golf Club, Matt Lupton, says the wood-fired pizza oven was strategically added to attract more families and a younger demographic. “I’m trying to think of ways to keep it interesting and get younger people out here, people who are non-golfers, and make it more relaxed, more comfortable,” he says. “It’s more family oriented.” Starfire Grille now offers a substantial happy hour menu as well. The menu consists of beef sliders, buffalo and teriyaki wings, a chicken quesadilla, street tacos with your choice of meat, a meatball skillet, crispy calamari, an onion ring stack and steamed clams and mussels. Prices range from $5 to $10. “These items sell pretty well from 3 to 6 p.m.,” Murphy says. “I think a lot of chefs are going towards that happy hour because that’s where your business is right now.” Lupton says Starfire’s focus is on food and beverage this year. “We have a whole new food and beverage staff, from the front of the house to the kitchen staff,” he says. “I feel we have the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Lupton has worked at Starfire Golf Club for seven years. One strategy he has adopted to attract more new customers is hosting themed nights that fuse food and golf. Specialty nights include everything from “pizza and putting” nights and wine and cheese boards and half-priced bottles of wine on Wednesday nights to “beers, balls and bratwurst” out at the driving range. On Sunday nights, they offer family style salad, two pizzas and a dessert for $25. “We’re going to keep things interesting and fresh and up-to-date,” he says. “There are different things going, and it’s not the same thing every week, so keep checking back to see what we’re doing.” And that also includes wine dinners, a first for Starfire Grille. “Matt’s let me just run my self wild with it all,” Murphy says. They plan to host them in the future. In addition to the new menu, Starfire’s golf course was transformed into a King 18-hole course and a Mulligan 9-hole course, and the driving range was expanded to over 300 yards. The $750,000 renovation was completed and unveiled last November. “It brings a lot of players out here that didn’t play here before,” Lupton says of the renovations. “The Mulligan 9 has been great for families, kids, beginners. I have a 6-year-old, so last night we came out to play.” In other words, come for the woodfired pizzas, stay for the golf.

Starfire Grille at Starfire Golf Club 11500 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, starfiregolfclub.com.

NICE BUNS!

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

The audience is the judge at the Four Peaks Burger Battle Octavio Serrano >> The Entertainer!

r. Glenn Azzari is a chiropractor by day and a food and art enthusiast by night. As the president of the nonprofit Scottsdale League for the Arts, he and his team are pitting 17 local restaurants against each other in this year’s Four Peaks Burger Battle on Friday, March 22. In its seventh year, the fundraiser for Scottsdale League for the Arts will decide the state’s best burger at the Scottsdale Waterfront at Southbridge through celebrity and public judges. “All of the contestants are restaurants that really take a lot of pride in their hamburgers,” Azzari says. This all-inclusive event allows those ages 21 and older the chance to enjoy unlimited burger tastings, fries, milkshakes and beer, live music by The Walkens, and lawn games. Burger Battle asks vendors to offer quarter-cut samples of their burgers or sliders free of charge. “You can sample each restaurant hamburger and come back for more if you want to,” Azzari says. “What terrible

problem to have: for the ticket you buy to get you unlimited tastings.” Burger Theory is one of the vendors competing for first place. The restaurant’s food and beverage director, Matt Loesch, says he is eager to show off his new chef Alex Rivera. “We are looking forward to just getting ourselves out there,” Loesch says. “We have a brand-new chef and he is phenomenal. We’re excited to get his name out there and get the idea of Burger Theory out there.” Loesch says Burger Theory is trying something special for the event – The Theory. He declined to discuss the ingredients. “We don’t even see how it’s going to lose,” he says. The stakes are high during Burger Battle. Restaurant are competing for a golden ticket to the World Food Championships. In addition, there will be a judge’s choice award where celebrity judges including nationally acclaimed chef Suzanne Clark and radio personality Joey Boy Rodriguez will vote on their favorite burger. Burger Battle’s most important function is raising money for the arts.

“We’re all dedicated to helping support the arts throughout Arizona,” Azzari says. Some of the institutions the organization helps include Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Rosie’s House and Scottsdale Arts, which includes the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts. “We donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the art education programs throughout our community,” Azzari says. Burger Battle not only promotes the arts, but the restaurants as well.

“It’s wonderful to see restaurants get that prestige and get that exposure to people who may have never gotten a chance to try their food before,” Azzari says.

Burger Battle Scottsdale Waterfront at Southbridge, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, scottsdalefest.org/ burgerbattle, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 22 $65 general admission, $85 VIP.

Carefree Featured Artist: Harold Lujan

CAREFREE FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL MAR 1-3 101 Easy Street, Carefree

FOUNTAIN HILLS FINE ART & WINE AFFAIRE MAR 8-10 Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills

Meet renowned artists, stroll throughout juried fine arts, enjoy sipping fine wines and listening to live music. Held Outdoors • Rain or Shine $3 Admission • 10am-5pm

Open everyday in Carefree: ThunderbirdArtistsGallery.com

ThunderbirdArtists.com • 480-837-5637 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

BEER AND WINE

SIP » BREW » RELAX » EXPERIMENT » REFRESH » TOAST

Beer and Wine

Drink up at any of these Valley beer and wine events this MARCH Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

butterscotch beers or cider should check out Wizards and Witches Beer Festival. Snap pictures, too, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities. The Sorceress Sisters and DJ Merlin provide the music. Monarch Theatre, 122 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, monarchtheatre. com, 5:30 to 9 p.m., $35.

Cocktails Under the Cosmos Litchfield Park Art and Wine Festival

MARCH 2 TO MARCH 3 Wineries, microbreweries and distilleries travel to Litchfield Park for its Art and Wine Festival, which also features festival eats, wine tastings and entertainment. Guests can also explore artists and craftsmen exhibiting original works of art and handcrafted creations. Litchfield Park Library Lawn, 4615, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9040, litchfield-park. org, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free.

Southwest Arizona Wine Growers & Music Festival

MARCH 2 TO MARCH 3 Elgin is hosting the seven annual Southwest Arizona Wine Growers & Music Festival with new wine releases, gourmet food, live music and 17 top Arizona wineries or acclaimed winemakers. Participating wineries include Arizona Stronghold, Birds and Barrels and Deep Sky. Kief-Joshua Vineyards, 370 Elgin Road, Elgin, 520.455.5582, kj-vineyards. com, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $30.

Wizards and Witches Beer Festival

MARCH 9 Guests who are into pumpkin or ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MARCH 12 Celebrate everything celestial with an astrology twist at the cocktail reception on Camelback Overlook rooftop deck. This event features a signature cocktail themed around Pisces. Guests can also explore the galaxy through a telescope with an expert astronomer. Tickets include appetizers with two cocktails, glasses of wine or beer. Mountain Shadows, 5445 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, 855.485.1417, mountainshadows. com, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., $45.

Superstition Blues Brews & Arts Festival

MARCH 16 Thirty local brews meet local blues bands like Big Daddy D and the Dynamites, JC & The Rockers, and Shari Puorto Band. Dozens of Valley arts and crafts vendors will also be on hand. Downtown Apache Junction, 100 E. Apache Trail, 602.705.5446, superstitionbluesfest.com, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., $15.

Way Out West Beer Fest

MARCH 16 Tip a few back for a good cause. This year’s Way Out West Fest is pairing with Guys Who Grill, a charity barbecue cook-off for gluttonous fun. Wickenburg Community Center, 160 N. Valentine Street, Wickenburg, 928.694.5451, ci.wickenburg.az.us, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., $10.

Scottsdale Wine Trail: Shamrocks & Shenanigans Wine Scavenger Hunt

MARCH 17 Work individually or as a team to solve riddles at four wineries along the trail in Scottsdale to receive and solve clues. Registration includes a three-wine tasting at each winery and a special Scottsdale Wine Trail wine glass. Guests are timed; the fastest and the most accurate teams are entered to win prizes when the scavenger hunt ends. Scottsdale Wine Trail – Carlson Creek, 4142 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480.664.4822, scottsdalewinetrail.com, noon to 5 p.m., $30.

6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $40-$90 and designated drivers $25.

The Great American Barbeque and Beer Festival

MARCH 30 Country music and beer mash at this all-day, family-friendly festival that invites all who love finger-licking barbecue and brews. The country music headliners are Russell Dickerson, Dylan Scott, Jimmie Allen and Riley Green. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, 602.276.2499, chandlerbbq. com, noon to 10 p.m., $15.

Peaks & Pints Beer Hike

MARCH 23 Travel the trails, then trail to the bar for brews with PHX Fray. Participants can choose from three trails: Peaks & Pints hikes: Gateway Loop, 6.2 miles; Lost Dog Wash, 6 miles; and Tom’s Thumb Peak, 11 miles. McDowell Mountains, Scottsdale, phxfray.com, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., $55.

Wine Down with Wildlife

MARCH 23 Support the wildlife and get a little wild yourself with the Desert Museum’s first wine festival. Sip on some of the best local and regional wines, including tastes from Desert Sky Vineyard, Flying Leap and Elgin Winery and Distillery, and enjoy live music, snacks and stargazing. Proceeds benefit the museum and if you’re lucky, you might get to catch some up-and-close and personal time with some furry friends. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, 883.2702, desertmuseum.org,

Uncorked: AZ Wine Festival

MARCH 30 Taste samples of more than 100 wines from across the globe at the Uncorked: AZ Wine Festival. Gourmet food trucks and a bubbly bar park at this event, which benefits the local nonprofit STARS, which helps to improve the lives of individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, 480.270.5000, saltriverfields. com, 6 to 10 p.m., $55.

Pours for Paws

MARCH 30 All About Animals Rescue AZ is the beneficiary of proceeds at Pours for Paws, who will have adoptable pets on-site. Guests can bid on silent auction items. Wasted Grain, 7295 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale, 480.970.0500, allaboutanimalsaz.com, 4 to 7 p.m., $75.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

Beer Finder 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.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

Phoenix Public Market Café

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.

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

Freezer’s Ice House

Main Ingredient Ale House

83 E. Broadway Road, Tempe (At the corner of Mill & Broadway) Freezer’s Ice House is the Valley’s premiere Billiard Sports Bar establishment with 24 icy cold beers on draught. Come see us! Happy hour is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. ASU students (with Student ID) play pool free from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Specials throughout the week include $2 Tuesdays, ASU Night Thursdays, UFC Fight Night Saturdays and Pool Pass Sundays.

The Casual Pint Central Phoenix

4626 N. 16th Street, Unit 102, Phoenix The Casual Pint Central Phoenix is a fun spot with an upscale yet casual atmosphere. Our expert “beer-tenders” can serve up craft beer by the pint from our tap wall, by the can or by the bottle to enjoy in our store.

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.

Philly’s Sports Grill

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 is 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with $1 off all Scottsdale Beer Company beers, well drinks, wines by the glass, and all small bites and starters!

1826 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 1402 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, 4855 E. Warner Road, Phoenix Over 20 beers on draft, 15 craft beers on tap plus more selection in cans/bottles. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. daily, and reverse happy hour is 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday (excludes UFC, Boxing and 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.

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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BOTTLES BY BROADS

Women-made wines are in demand Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

n 1804 France, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was left a widow – or veuve in French – at the tender age of 27. Although this was the 19th century, a time when women were relegated to living in the shadow and off of the fortunes of their husbands, Monsieur Clicquot’s death left Madame Clicquot in control of a company with holdings in banking, wool trading and the Bouzy Vineyards. The daughter of a politician and wildly brilliant in her own right, rather than sell the business and live off the resulting fortune, the often audacious (for that time) Madame Clicquot secured funding and invested in research and development of champagne, or sparkling wine. The result: Veuve Clicquot. Two hundred years later, it is among the most popular brands on the planet. Today, so many women are following in Madame Clicquot’s footsteps, taking the winemaking industry by storm. Here are some especially impressive bottles to try:

2016 ST. CLAIR BROWN CHARDONNAY St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery (California)

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Elaine St. Clair has been making wine in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. When making Chardonnay, she strives for balance to optimize the fruit and richness of texture. This specific bottle boasts an elegant creaminess without a heavy butter flavor. You can taste layers of fruit, elegant structure and bright acidity. $48 stclairbrown.com

create balanced, fresh wines with minimal handling. Her approach showcases the best of the vineyard and vintage while maintaining the unique character of each varietal. Airlie’s 2017 Rose of Pinot is deliciously dry with aromas of cherry and slate. It is crisp and refreshing on the palate, with lingering flavors of dark stone fruit and citrus. $20 airliewinery.com

2014 POINTS UNKNOWN Abbot’s Passage (California) Katie Bundschu is a sixth-generation vintner and Sonoma native. Her newest project, Abbot’s Passage, launched in 2017 and is a collection of small-lot, co-fermented field blends sourced from storied vineyards within Sonoma. This is a stunner featuring 50 percent Grenache, 32 percent Syrah, 18 percent Mourvèdre with flavors of cherry and blackberry pie as well as earthy notes of sarsaparilla root and soft leather. $60 abbotspassage.com

2016 PANTSUIT PINOT NOIR Nasty Woman Wines (Oregon) Founder Meg Murray’s Pantsuit Pinot Noir is named in honor of exactly what you think it is. Sourced from biodynamic farmed vineyards in the Willamette Valley, this Pinot Noir is hand-harvested and aged for 14 months, resulting in notes of Earth and cherry. Twenty percent of net profits go toward helping women to the table in policy and leadership. $25 nastywomanwines.com

2017 ROSE OF PINOT Airlie Winery (Oregon) Mary Olson purchased Airlie Winery in 1997. Elizabeth Clark joined as head winemaker in 2005. Clark strives to

REDIVIVA OF THE STONES 2015 Buty Winery (Washington) Owned by Nina Buty, this dazzling wine offers fetching floral aromas, silky tannins, radiant fruit. Made with cabernet sauvignon and mourvèdre from her renowned Rockgarden Estate, and syrah from the equally acclaimed River Rock Vineyard, it reveals gorgeous layers of cherry, clover, orange spice, violets and smoked meats – all underscored by a rich, round mouthfeel and sophisticated minerality. $60 butywinery.com

2018 ROSÉ Vital Wines (Washington) Ashley Trout founded Vital Wines as a nonprofit. All the proceeds, in fact, go toward better health care for vineyard and winery workers. This rose tastes as good as buying it will make you feel. It is 85 percent Sangiovese, 8 percent Cinsaut, 6 percent Mourvedre and 1 percent Counoise, giving it a tropical cornucopia of pineapple, kiwi and starfruit along with notes of citrus zest, strawberries and peaches. $20 vitalwinery.com 2016 VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON Three Rivers Winery (Washington) Winemaker Holly Turner beckons you to taste this Cab by someone eliciting the aromas of silky cherry pie, cola and concentrated blackberry when the bottle is poured. The taste is as intense, with dark fruit flavors and a hint of charcoal and wet stone on the finish. $42 threeriverswinery.com 2016 ZINFANDEL J Dusi Wines (California) After four generations in the grape farming industry, owner and winemaker Janell Dusi launched her wine label in 2006. She has drive and determination in creating her family’s legacy of zinfandel to a bottle of well restrained, yet with bright fruit and spice. Look for balanced notes of cherry pipe tobacco, blackberries, clove and even fruit leather in this stunner. $42 jdusiwines.com

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

GREAT BEER PAIRINGS

THE REFUGE CAFÉ BEER

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

“A gathering place where people from all walks of life can meet and talk over a meal, cup of coffee or beer, we always refer to The Refuge Café as ‘your refuge from the everyday.’ Beyond that, we are a literal means to provide refuge for those in need. Not everyone knows this, but all of our proﬁts fund programs that aid and assist refugee, foster kids, victims of domestic abuse and veteran populations across Arizona. A great way to help us to help these people in need is to try one of our dozen sandwiches paired with any of our local craft beers. We have three drafts beers

BREWERY: UNCLE BEAR’S BREWERY STYLE: AMERICAN IPA NAME: UNCLE BEAR’S BEACH BUM TROPICAL IPA Brewed with honey, caramel and tworow malt, the body of this tropical IPA is light and semisweet. There is grapefruit, berry, passion fruit and citrus on the nose, which leads to nothing but juicy, hoppy goodness upon taste.

DISH

that are always local and rotating by season with style and taste, including Uncle Bear’s. Our team is ready and able to pair your choice of brew with any of our homemade bites,

especially this option.” John Strawn, The Refuge Cafe

The Refuge Café 4727 N. Seventh Avenue, Phoenix, 602.265.1725, therefugeaz.com.

NAME OF DISH: GREEN CHILI PULLED PORK SANDWICH COST OF DISH: $10.50 The housemade green chile pulled pork is infused with fl avor and spices for hours before being topped with shredded cheddar-jack cheese, avocado, pickled red onions then piled high onto an egg-wash challah roll. The zip from the chiles is given even more zing when paired with Uncle Bear’s Beach Bum Tropical IPA. Conversely, the bite from the sandwich pulls out even more passion fruit and grapefruit notes in the beer. The fl avors work together without overpowering each other just right.

©Scott Yummans

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

CASINOS

PLAY » SPIN » LAUGH » GROOVE » UNWIND » WIN

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

com/harrahs-ak-chin

MARCH 1

Walkens Band

KMLE Double Header Featuring Brett Young and LOCASH Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Led Zepagain: Tribute to Led Zeppelin

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Gemini

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MARCH 2 The Marshall Tucker Band Talking Stick Resort, talkingstickresort.com

Led Zepagain: Tribute to Led Zeppelin

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Jukebox 6

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Thaddeus Rose

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Angelo Valente

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MARCH 8 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

MARCH 9 BlueWater Resort and Casino Colorado River Bluesfest w/B.B. King Blues Band and War BlueWater Resort and Casino’s Amphitheatre, bluewaterfun.com

XO Band

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Rhythm Edition

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Cameron Degurski

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MARCH 16 Lance Burton: Master Magician and Friends Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

DSB: An American Journey

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Brett Young

Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com

Jukebox 6

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Spotlight

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Angelo Valente

Freddie Duran

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MARCH 24 Not Fade Away: The Buddy Holiday Experience Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

Quantum

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MARCH 27 Michael Land Band

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MARCH 28

MARCH 17

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Harry Luge

Zona Road

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MARCH 29

MARCH 18-19

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Wanted: Bon Jovi Tribute

MARCH 10

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Paperback Writer: The Beatles Experience

MARCH 20

MARCH 30

Western Fusion Trio

Wanted: Bon Jovi Tribute

Michael Land Band

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Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

DJ Ray

MARCH 21 AZ Blacktop Band

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MARCH 22

MARCH 4-5

MARCH 13

DJ Ray

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Thaddeus Rose

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Cash, Killer and King Str8up

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MARCH 6

MARCH 14

Silhouette

MARCH 23

Paradigm

Cash, Killer and King

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MARCH 7

MARCH 15

Southbound

DSB: An American Journey

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Spotlight

Marble Heart

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Mike Reeves Band

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MARCH 11-12

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DJ Ray

MARCH 3 Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

Priminition

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Rob Lake

Desert Diamond Casino, Sahuarita, ddcaz.com

XO Band

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Casino Arizona, casinoarizona.com

Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Foghat

BlueWater Resort and Casino’s Amphitheatre, bluewaterfun.com

Mancini The Band

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

Harry Luge

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

Angelo Valente

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Oak & Fork, caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin

MARCH 31 Turn the Page: The Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute

Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, playatgila.com

Thaddeus Rose

Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, caesars. com/harrahs-ak-chin

A JOLT OF ENERGY

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

CAZ Sports Bar revives the lounge in Casino Arizona Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

hen Steve Gerken visits his workplace, Casino Arizona, he sees a need for additional energy, even as the slot machines are aglow and the poker hands are full. Guests occasionally say the same. So, in January, Casino Arizona debuted its revved-up lounge now known as CAZ Sports Bar, with its 46 4K TVs, projector screen, state-of-theart sound system, local beers on tap, whiskey barrell bar and the 48-ounce burger challenge. “We had an understanding from guests that they wanted fun food, food more aligned with a sports bar,” says Gerken, who also oversees Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale as senior director of hospitality. “We have the 48-ounce burger, a giant six-patty burger. We also

added games like shuffleboard.” Appetizers at CAZ Sports Bar are referred to as Tailgaters – chicken tenders, breaded jumbo shrimp, potato skins, mac and beer cheese from Kilt Lifter, cheesy chili fries, beer cheese and pretzel bites, blue agave guacamole and full-blitz nachos, all of which range from $6.75 to $9.75. Entrees are clever: 10 oz. New York steak with Tin Cup Whiskey ($13.75), with the options of adding shrimp or lobster. The half-slab ribs ($13.25) are slow smoked, chargrilled St. Louis ribs with whiskey barbecue sauce and two sides. The sides, or the appropriately dubbed “special teams,” are housemade potato chips, onion rings, chili-spiked waffle fries, coleslaw, mac and beer cheese, and Flatbreads, crispy Buffalo chicken wrap, ribeye burger and CAZ Italian baked sandwich are high on the list of suggestions. Sticking with the local theme, The Dipper – thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed onion, sweet peppers,

andouille, Kilt Lifter cheddar cheese sauce and hoagie roll – comes with Cave Creek bourbon whiskey. The changes weren’t limited to food. The décor has been overhauled. “There are new tables, new chairs and we changed the face of the bar to add excitement,” Gerken says, pointing to the ticker above the bar. “We’re trying to capture the excitement of sports. We have Spring Training down the street, the Chicago Cubs are nearby, as are the Rockies and the D-backs at Talking Stick.” The televisions focus on Arizona’s hometown teams – Rattlers, Cardinals, Suns, Coyotes, D-backs and the nearby Phoenix Rising. “We’ve always been an organization

that wants to make it exciting and different,” says Gerken, who has been with Casino Arizona since it opened in 2000. “That’s with all the properties as well. We really try to stay on top of things.”

CAZ Sports Bar Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com.

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SPORTS

CHEER » HIT » HIKE » LEAD » ROOT » COMPETE

MARCH’S BEST

SPORTS EVENTS

Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

NBA season. The Knicks made a big trade, moving star Kristaps Porzingis to Dallas near the trade deadline. Phoenix defeated New York 128-110 on December 17 in Madison Square Garden. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, nba.com/suns/ tickets, 7 p.m., tickets start at $12.

Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State Sun Devils Arizona Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings

MARCH 2 The Coyotes open the month of March by taking on the Detroit Red Wings at Gila River Arena. Gila River Hotels and Casinos presents Turn Back-the-Clock Night, during which the players will sport throwback uniforms. Fans will receive T-shirts while supplies last. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, nhl.com/coyotes/, 6 p.m., tickets start at $34.

Phoenix Suns vs. New York Knicks

MARCH 6 The Phoenix Suns host New York for the lone time in the 2018-19

MARCH 9 The Wildcats fell to ASU earlier in the season and finish off the 2018-19 regular season against the state-rival Sun Devils as both vie for seeding in the Pac-12 Tournament. McKale Memorial Center, 1721 E. Enke Drive, Tucson, 520.621.2211, arizonawildcats. com, 2 p.m., tickets start at $27.

Phoenix Rising FC vs. New Mexico United

MARCH 16 The Rising play its first home game as defending Western Conference champions against New Mexico United. Fans will also receive a magnet schedule and milk bottle sponsored by Equality Health. Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex, 751 N. McClintock Drive, Tempe, 623.594.9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., ticket prices vary.

Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons

MARCH 21 The Phoenix Suns host Detroit for the lone time in the 2018-19

NBA season. Watch a quality center matchup, as rookie DeAndre Ayton battles Piston veteran Andre Drummond. The Pistons defeated the Suns 118107 in Detroit on November 25. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.379.2000, nba.com/suns/ tickets, 7 p.m., tickets start at $9.

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers

MARCH 22 Beat LA! The Diamondbacks take on National League champion Los Angeles in Spring Training action at Camelback Ranch. This game marks the only time the two will meet before the regular season begins. Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 866.363.4377, dodgers.com, 1:05 p.m., tickets start at $25.

including vegetarian options and complimentary bar, while visiting with La Russa, Osweiler, MLB celebrities, NFL players and coaches. Steak 44, 5101 N. 44th Street, Phoenix, 602.271.4400, 925.330.4009, arf.ejoinme. org/champions, 6:30 p.m., ticket prices vary.

Chicago Cubs vs. Boston Red Sox

MARCH 25 MLB champion Boston will fly to Arizona after spending Spring Training in Florida to take on the Cubs in Mesa. The first of a two-game series will serve as a warm-up for the regular season to begin later in the month. Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa, 800.843.2827, cubs.com, 6:05 p.m., ticket prices vary.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Chicago White Sox

Dinner of Champions

MARCH 24 Join three-time World Serieswinning manager and baseball hall of famer Tony La Russa with quarterback Brock Osweiler for Dinner of Champions benefiting La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation and Honor House. Best known for his tenures as manager of the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals, former front office executive for the Arizona Diamondbacks, La Russa is now the vice president, special assistant to the president of baseball operations for the Boston Red Sox. Guests will enjoy Steak 44’s five-star cuisine,

MARCH 25 AND MARCH 26 The Diamondbacks, with a recharged roster, take on the White Sox in their final Spring Training game, played at Chase Field. The regular season begins in late March, but Arizona’s first game will not be played until April 5. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602.462.4119, mlb.com, 12:40 p.m., tickets start at $14.

Arizona Coyotes vs. Minnesota Wild

MARCH 31 Watch as Arizona takes on Minnesota in a daytime Sunday game. Select children 14 years and younger can celebrate Super Hero Night by receiving an OliverEkman Larsson kids cape. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623.772.3800, nhl.com/coyotes/, 2 p.m., tickets start at $23.

The Arizona Hotshots’ special teams is filled with Arizonans Eric Newman >> The Entertainer!

he Arizona Hotshots special teams unit has a particularly local flavor to it. The up-start professional football team in the newly founded Alliance of American Football began its season with a win, where the well-staffed special teams played particularly well. Each of the main special teams players has his own area ties. Kicker Nick Folk is a 10-year NFL veteran, having played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers after finishing school at the University of Arizona in 2007. He hit an AAF-record 53-yard field goal against the Salt Lake Stallions in the team’s first game. Punter Jeff Locke left Mountain Ridge High in Glendale as the school record-holder for most field goals in a season, longest punt and a state-record longest, 63-yard field goal before playing at UCLA. He played for the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers before signing with the Hotshots. Long-snapper Nick Dooley graduated from Scottsdale Christian Academy in 2012, and played four

NICK DOOLEY

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years at University of Texas – El Paso. He also spent a preseason with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Arizona squad. Coach Rick Neuheisel says the AAF actively recruited area players to rosters to grow fan popularity and team interest. “That was the idea when they (AAF) made the allocation rules, that there would be some names people recognized and it would make it easier to identify with the team other than just being in the same town. Hopefully it’s going to have some real effect,” Neuheisel says. Special teams coach Chris Reinert, who moved to Scottsdale when he was hired by the Hotshots, says fans who recognize him wish to speak about the team, often asking about their favorite players. “I’ll wear Hotshots gear to the grocery store, and people will stop me to ask about the team. They’ll ask about Nick Dooley or the other guys from the area. So that’s been pretty cool to see,” he says. While the players are grateful for the

NICK FOLK

acceptance the Valley has afforded them, the honeymoon period has ended. The players practice and prepare the same way they would in any other football season. It is their job. Most, if not all, the players wish to make NFL rosters for the first time, or get back to the professional football glory they once experienced. Though they are enjoying the AAF and the new team, the players are working to get back to that point. “What I really have liked about being here is the level of professionalism everybody has. All of these guys have the same goal, to be professionals and play football at a high level. You can see it in the way everyone trains,” Locke says. The Hotshots practice at State Farm Stadium’s Great Lawn. Many of the team’s players with NFL experience have played inside the silver dome, and training outside of the building serves as motivation for the players to work even harder. “I’m always looking over that way,” Folk says. “I think of all the times I’ve played in there or the NFL stadiums. When I didn’t get the call for any of the NFL teams this year, I knew I wanted to do this so I could keep playing football. I

JEFF LOCKE

just love being out here.” Regardless of where each of the Hotshots special teams players end up in their football careers, they are excited to be part of a new team. They take pride in being professional football players, and being on the ground floor of the AAF, which they hope continues to grow for years to come. Dooley, one of few long-snappers an observer will see hustling down the field to down a punt after it is kicked, says it is a blessing to don a professional jersey of any type, especially getting to compete right where he grew up. “I have so many people out here rooting for me, friends and family that want to come watch me play in Tempe,” Dooley says. “It’s amazing to see how this thing has gotten going.”

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Upcoming Concerts Upcoming Concerts Joel Harrison 9 JoelMarch Harrison March 9 Potter Chris March 10 Chris Potter March 10

Tribute to Stan Getz and João Tribute to Stan Getz and João Gilberto featuring Ken Peplowski Gilberto featuring Ken Peplowski and Diego Figueiredo andMarch Diego14 Figueiredo March 14

Omar Sosa and Seckou Keita:

Omar Sosa and Seckou Keita: Transparent Water Transparent Water March 24 March 24

Antonio Sanchez Migration Antonio Sanchez and and Migration March March 24 24 MusicaNova Orchestra: MusicaNova Orchestra: Forgotten Symphonies— TheThe Forgotten Symphonies— Unveiling the the Romantics Unveiling Romantics March 31 March 31 SFJazz Collective: SFJazz Collective: Music of Miles Davis Music of Miles Davis April 4

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‘CHAMPIONSHIP OR BUST’

Rattlers entering 2019 season looking for a repeat victory Griffin Fabits >> The Entertainer!

he Arizona Rattlers have been a household name in indoor football since their inaugural season in 1992. They’ve reeled in 21 postseason appearances, 10 division championships, six conference championships and six league championships, the latest coming in their first season in the Indoor Football League in 2017. Yet, there’s still a sense of urgency to be better. In this industry, it’s a prerequisite that every coach preaches before the start of the season. And in 2019, head coach Kevin Guy’s intuition is that the Rattlers will enter training camp with the team’s most talented roster. The home opener is Sunday, March 3, against the Cedar Rapids River Kings at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix. A scary thought, considering the Rattlers have racked up double-digit wins in nine of 10 seasons since Guy, now 46, was named head coach in 2008. “We feel that this could be one of our strongest rosters, on paper, going into training camp. We’ll have to see what we have, see what kind of hand we’re dealt once we get in there, but it’s championship-or-bust with the Arizona Rattlers,” Guy says. The fact is the Rattlers boast two of the most explosive offensive players in the

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league in running back Darrell Monroe and quarterback Jeff Ziemba. Monroe, named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2018, rushed for 28 touchdowns and averaged 77.3 yards per game. Ziemba, who assumed the starting quarterback position mid-season after Vernon Reed was sidelined with an injury, threw for 1,745 yards and 39 touchdowns in 14 games. Ziemba was also named the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Courtesy of Monroe and Ziemba, the Rattlers boasted the highest-scoring offense in the IFL, averaging 53.3 points per game. The Rattlers are comfortable in their new home in the IFL, but it took a quick spell to get the ball rolling. Transitioning to a new league was a daunting thought, Guy says, because it’d take a few years to figure out the nuances of the IFL and type of personnel needed to win. And given the amount of success Arizona routinely enjoyed in the AFL, it wondered if the same could be achieved upon entering its first IFL campaign in 2017. It turned out to be quite the opening act – ultimately putting the doubts to rest that the Rattlers’ success would struggle to translate to the IFL – courtesy of capturing the 2017 United Bowl with a 50-41 win over Sioux Falls. “Obviously because of the rules of the game and the nuances of the game (in the IFL), our philosophy had to change

a little bit on the X’s and O’s side. We had to come up with a new playbook, so there was a lot of work that went into that that offseason. We continued to work and work through our issues at the beginning of the season. “We knew we were probably going to drop a few games early, but we felt good that we had a grasp on what kind of personnel we needed.” As anticipated, the Rattlers began the 2018 season by dropping their first two games and was .500 after the first eight contests. But then the Rattlers awoke – rolling to the tune of 10 straight victories including the postseason. “We had to change our whole roster,” he says, citing what changed when the Rattlers left the AFL. “The one thing we had going was the stability of ownership and the stability of our coaching staff. We were able to hold that together. We basically cleaned house and started over and we won the championship the first year in the league with 17 rookies with a 25-man roster.” The changing playbook is a reason for the Rattlers’ struggles. “You go from arena football where it’s

95 percent pass and the 5 percent run really happens in the red zone. What I love about the Indoor Football League is every week there’s a variety. In the arena league, everybody builds their team the same, looks the same, because of the way the rules are set up,” he says. “In the IFL, if you have a variety. You might play someone who is 70-30 pass versus run when you play them. Next week you might play someone who’s 50-50 (pass and run), next week you play someone who’s 60-40. So, every week it’s like coaching outdoor football. You’re getting ready for a new offense.” But that challenge excited Guy. The stretch of dominance in the AFL, mainly when they won three consecutive Arena Bowls from 2012-14, started to bore him. “We were having so much success I was starting to get bored. I was looking for a new challenge. When we made the jump to the IFL, that was the jump I was looking for.” The Rattlers are entering their third season in the Indoor Football League after leaving the Arena Football League following the 2016 season. The IFL was created in 2008 as a joint league between

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

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Visit airportproperty.com to discover what we have to offer — or call (480) 483-1985 the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football. In 2018, the Rattlers were voted to have the Best Fan Base in the league. As if playing one of the league’s top teams wasn’t enough, good luck doing it in front of their home crowd at Talking Stick Resort Arena. “It could be deafening. There are times where I’m on my headset and I cannot hear the coaches on the headsets – that’s how loud it gets in there. We’re kind of guilty of an organization of setting those expectations where our fans expect us to compete for a championship every year.” Eleven years ago, the Rattlers hired Guy to be the team’s next head coach. Arizona was in desperate need of a change after turning in a 4-12 season in 2007. Enter the Birmingham, Alabama, native, who was coming off his tenure as the defensive coordinator of the AFL’s San Jose Saber Cats. The Rattlers organization had been discombobulated when he found it, but it didn’t take long for the winning culture to be reinstated. Guy took an 8-8 Arizona squad to the playoffs in his first year, and has done so in every season since. “I just felt like (the Rattlers) had won before, it could happen again,” Guy says, reflecting on the hiring process. “To win championships, it starts with ownership and you have to have good ownership, you have to have good coaches, good players, good staff. You can’t be weak in any area. I felt like they had won before, so I felt like we could get it back to where they were.”

In the stretch of Guy’s 11 seasons at the helm of the Rattlers, he’s re-established Arizona as one of the most dominant teams indoor football has to offer. On top of claiming 2019 will boast the club’s best roster, Guy and the Rattlers are also looking to make up for a promising 2018 season that ended in heartbreak. They won nine of 10 in the thick of the regular season before a crushing 69-68 overtime loss to Sioux Falls in the semifinal round of the postseason. That taste of defeat lingered until the new season began on February 24 against the Green Bay Blizzard. “I think whether you win or lose, there are always learning experiences. For us as a coaching staff, we’ve seen it, done it, so we know what the message is. But for the players, sometime the players have to go through it.” Because of the Rattlers’ success, they believe any season that doesn’t end with a championship title is a failure. And the fans, Guy acknowledges, share those sentiments, as they should. “At the end of the day, I don’t know why you’d want to do this if you’re not wanting to compete for a championship,” he says. “We try to take advantage of every resource we have to try to put ourselves in that situation. Our season ticket holders are spending their hard-earned money to come see us for their entertainment and we take that serious. We want to make sure we put a great product on the field. “Our expectations are very high, and we expect to be in the mix at the very end.”

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FRESH FACES

Carson Kelly and Luke Weaver move into the D-backs’ system Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

arson Kelly and Luke Weaver are two names D-backs fans probably didn’t want to hear – at least in connection to a trade for Paul Goldschmidt. Otherwise, they would have recognized the talent coming into the team. But Kelly and Weaver were hits during Fan Fest at Salt River Fields in February. The two are looking forward to their first season as D-backs and battling their way into fans’ hearts.

CARSON KELLY Kelly, 24, had played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2016 to 2018, when he was traded for Goldy with his good friend Weaver. The catcher didn’t get much playing time behind the plate, as priority went to the All-Star Yadier Molina. “Playing for the D-backs gives me a good opportunity to get a fresh

start or a change of scenery,” Kelly says. Prior to Fan Fest and Spring Training, Kelly met a handful of players at Salt River Fields. The biggest tip the players gave him? Be yourself. “A lot of guys, when they get traded to a new team, they’ll try to fit some mold instead of being who they are,” he says. “It was good to talk to them and good to know everybody’s on the same page.” Kelly’s style comes from Molina, whether the star realizes it or not. “Yadi helped me out over the years,” Kelly says. “I’ve watched him ever since I switched over to catcher in 2013. I got to go to big league camp that year. “I watched him be who Yadier Molina is. I took a lot of notes. I like to write stuff down. I learned so much just from being up there and seeing what he goes through on a day-to-day basis.” Weaver and Kelly have played together for

CARSON KELLY

LUKE WEAVER

about five years, since they were in High A. The two were roommates while in the minors in 2015. “We’ve known each other for a long time,” Kelly says. “His wife and my girlfriend are good friends.” Kelly and his girlfriend are big on puzzles, an ongoing project in their living room. “When we’re not doing anything, we work on it,” he says. “It’s up for grabs.” Kelly is also a big reader. “I didn’t read the Harry Potter series growing up,” he says. “I’m on the fourth book. I didn’t like to read growing up. Now the last year and a half I’ve really gotten into it. My girlfriend’s big on reading. She said, ‘You have to read the Harry Potter books.’ She gifted me all the Harry Potter.” Arizona isn’t new to Kelly. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, he would travel here to play a high school baseball tournament during Spring Break. He also toured Salt River Fields. “Now I get to be there every day,” he says. During the offseason, he’s been working out. He’s big on Pilates because it helps strengthen the core and knees. “I’ll do a lot of things that help the muscle around my knees,” he says. “I have to be able to squat for a couple hours. I use a lot of muscles I never would have thought of. Pilates hones in on which muscles need that strength to withstand the duration of the season. Squatting every night for three hours for 140 games, if you’re Yadi, it takes a lot out of you. You have to be very strong. “I’ve been implementing baseball work the last month or so. It’s been a great offseason so far.”

LUKE WEAVER Weaver, 25, concurs that he and Kelly are good friends. “We ended up in High A together and ever since then, we went up the ladder together at each ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

level,” he says. “He knows me better than anybody else as a pitcher-catcher matchup. He’s a really good player with a lot of knowledge. To have him come over with me means the world.” Like Kelly, Weaver sees the trade to the Diamondbacks as something exciting. “I’ve had the chance to talk to some people and let it (the trade) sit a little more; it’s more exciting as the situation goes along,” he says. “You never put too much thought into it until it actually happens to you. It hits you in the face. It was definitely overwhelming and something you have to take in. I had to settle into it quickly.” Weaver says the team was kind to him when he visited Salt River Fields before Spring Training. Specifically, he met Jake Lamb, Taijuan Walker and Braden Shipley. Torey Lovullo, Mike Butcher and Mike Hazen were good to him as well. Weaver understands how D-backs fans were shocked when Goldschmidt was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He called the All-Star first baseman a “bigtime player.” “I played against him in the spotlight all the time,” he says. “He’s a stud. Fans loved him. I know he’ll be missed, but he’ll do well with the Cardinals. They’re great over there.” In his offseason, Weaver traveled to Europe with his wife to give himself a chance to unravel after the 2018 run. “We went to Italy, France and Spain, a little cruise over there,” says Weaver, who played at Salt River Fields during the Arizona Fall League. “That was a lot of fun. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We spent almost two weeks over there. It was a nice start to the offseason. “I’m continuing to throw lightly and keep the arm going throughout the offseason. It’s exciting to be on a team that has a chance to make it. That’s what the D-backs are doing. I enjoy being part of a team like that that has good, young talent, veteran leadership and is well rounded – all from an outsider looking in.”

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FAMILY

FROLIC » DISCOVER » IMAGINE » FAMILY » FUN » CONNECT

THE BEST FAMILY EVENTS IN MARCH Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

Buggie Nights: The Beauty of Bugs

MARCH 1 The Phoenix Zoo is celebrating bugs, and tonight guests can learn about the beauty of bugs. Enjoy art-themed games and activities while exploring the vivid colors and fascinating shapes of bugs. Also get grooving with a dance party with DJ Rob. Admission also includes free face painting, live bug discoveries and more. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.286.3800, phoenixzoo.org, 6 to 8 p.m., $10.

the ringmaster. This event is recommended for ages 4 and older and runs approximately 45 minutes. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham Street, Phoenix, 602.262.2050, azpuppets.org, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, $12.

Movies in the Desert: “Up”

MARCH 9 Pixar’s movie “Up” takes centerstage at OdySea in the Desert for this evening of fun. This free family event will have music, games and tons of prizes beginning at 5 p.m. The movie will start at 6:30 p.m. There will be some seating available, but guests are asked to bring their own chairs. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.291.8000, odyseainthedesert. com, 5 p.m., free.

Spring Break Basketball Camp MIMkids Mini Music Makers

SATURDAYS IN MARCH Explore the wide and wonderful world of different types of music through MIM’s early childhood music and movement courses every Saturday in March. Bring your children to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix and show them the different music by singing, dancing and playing musical instruments. Times vary between different ages: 9:30 to 10 a.m. for 0 to 18 months; 10:15 to 10:50 a.m. for 18 months to 3 years; and 11 to 11:45 a.m. for 3 to 5 years old. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim.org, see above, $12.

Big Bug Circus

MARCH 6 TO MARCH 24 Watch a circus that features bugs as the performers. Performed with table-top marionettes, experience a wonderful soundtrack and a puppeteer who acts as

MARCH 11 TO MARCH 15 MARCH 18 TO MARCH 22 DreamTeam Academy, a new youth basketball training facility, will host a Spring Break basketball camp for kids ages 7 to 13. The coaching staff includes current and former college basketball players. Camp days include three hours of basketball training in the morning with two hours of open court time. In the afternoon, kids can relax in the social lounge where they can watch parent-approved movies, play video games, board games, chess, read books on bean bag chairs or just hang out. DreamTeam Academy, 15955 N. Dial Boulevard, Suite 3, Scottsdale, 480.800.8326, dreamteamacademy.com, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $50, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., $75.

Spring Break Gymnastics Camp

MARCH 11 TO MARCH 15 MARCH 18 TO MARCH 22 MARCH 25 TO MARCH 29 The Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics Center are inviting kids 3 to 13 to its “Supercamp.” Children will

learn gymnastics, dance, yoga, trampoline and games. Supercamp is offered half-day (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and full-day (8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Cost is $57 for the half-day and $78 for the full-day; $216 for one week, half-day; and $311 for one week, full-day. The Arizona Sunrays, 15801 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.992.5790, arizonasunrays.com, $25.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar 50th Celebration

MARCH 16 “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” celebrates its 50th year with crafts, treats and desserts. Limit is 30 children. Reservations required. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, 480.800.3000, butterflywonderland.com, 8:30 to 10 a.m., $15.

Farm-to-Table Kids Food Art MARCH 24 Kids can create their own colorful food with local organic veggies and fruit using sauces. The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.276.6360, thefarmatsouthmountain. com, 11 a.m. to noon, $30.

manners and proper etiquette with SueAnn Brown, certified etiquette instructor, during this four-week class. Topics covered include: Selfintroduction and introducing others, handshaking, eye contact and smiling, saying “please, thank you, you’re welcome,” making mistakes and apologizing, avoiding rude behavior, table skills and dining manners, behavior at the table, grooming and posture, telephone etiquette and writing thank-you notes. St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 10755 N. 124th Street, Scottsdale, 480.510.6346, itsallaboutetiquette.com, $250.

Teen Night

MARCH 29 Teens are invited to check out the Phoenix Art Museum after hours. They can enjoy activities like music and karaoke. Exhibitions like “Ragnar Kjartansson: Scandinavian Pain & Other Myths” will be open. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Avenue, 602.457.5814, phxart.org, 6 to 9:30 p.m., free.

Mommy and Me Flower Crown Event

MARCH 22 Kiddos can make crowns during the Mommy and Me Flower Crown event this March. Drink complimentary mimosas or iced lattes while having a bonding experience with your little ones. Tickets are for one child’s flower crown each. The Teapot, 818 N. Fifth Avenue, Phoenix, 623.522.6027, theteapotus. com, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $55.

Etiquette Classes for Children MARCH 23, MARCH 30, APRIL 6, APRIL 13 Children ages 9 to 12 can learn

Friendly Pines Camp Open House

MARCH 30 Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott is hosting an open house for parents of potential campers. Activities at the open house include: camp tours, wagon rides, toasting marshmallows, zipline rides, drawings for prizes, refreshments and a complimentary buffet lunch. Advance registration required. Friendly Pines Camp, 933 E. Friendly Pines Road, Prescott, 928.445.2128, friendlypines. com, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free.

THE BIRD IS THE WORD THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

Ostrich races and parade are out, Andy Grammer and Flo Rida are in Colleen Sparks >> The Entertainer!

n iconic festival that started about three decades ago as a modest downtown gathering to pay tribute to ostriches is expected to draw 100,000 people fascinated by the quirky bird. The 31st annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival will bring its namesake mascot, along with the world’s largest bounce house, BMX Pros Trick Team shows, pig and dog races, Victoria Circus motorcycle and high-wire acts and numerous rides Friday, March 8, to Sunday, March 10, to Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler. The live bands are a big draw at the festival and this year attendees can check out multiplatinum rapper Flo Rida, at 8:30 p.m. on the main stage March 8. Legendary R&B/funk group The Commodores, with members Walter “Clyde” Orange, James Dean “JD” Nicholas and William “WAK” King, will get the crowd groovin’ at 8:30 p.m. March 9. Audiences can catch multiplatinumselling pop artist Andy Grammer, known for his singles “Keep Your Head Up” and “Fine by Me,” at 8 p.m. March 10. This year, the ostrich races are not returning. About 10 ostriches will be kept in a fenced-in area behind the petting zoo for patrons to view. Videos will provide fun facts about ostriches. The farmer who provided ostriches for the races is elderly and unable to travel to Chandler this year, says Terri Kimble, Chandler Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer. In lieu of the races, the festival will house a 10,000-square-foot Big Bounce America bounce house. It is

the Guinness World Record holder for the largest bounce house, and it offers obstacle courses, climbing frames, giant slides, basketball hoops, ball pits and other interactive activities. A DJ will play music there at night. The ostrich races have not been the “primary focus” of the festival over the last decade, Kimble says. “We have truly transformed this festival into a true community festival,” Kimble says. “We have over 100 hours of musical entertainment throughout the festival and the festival has really changed over the past several years and it evolved. Each year we try to bring in something new, something different. We’re really going for an educational component and really kind of beefing that up, including that technology component.” Also new this year is Victoria Circus, during which motorcyclists ride in the “Globe of Death.” Performers also engage in high-wire acts and stunts on the ground. The BMX Pros Trick Show and the Imaginology STEM Tent are also new. One returning attraction is Professor Smart’s Science Show designed to engage children and others in the audience in comedic performances. Mango and Dango is an unusual theatrical performance including partner acrobatics, aerial arts, juggling, stilt walking, physical comedy, mime movements and chair stacking. Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs will travel from Scottsdale to Chandler so kids and adults can see “roaming dinosaurs” and dig for fake dinosaur bones. Ostriches will not be the only animals getting attention at this year’s festival in Chandler. Visitors can root for their favorite canine in the FIDO 500 Mini Dog

Races, where canines will race in a sprint to the finish line, vying for gold, silver and bronze. Not to be outdone, pigs will have their time to shine at the festival. Pigs wearing numbered racing attire will race on a track. Radical reptiles, pony rides and a petting zoo with exotic and domestic animals will offer educational entertainment. Visitors can seek thrills on rides like the Giant Ferris Wheel, the Century Wheel, Vertigo, Inversion, Quazar and Pole Position Coaster. Kiddie and family-oriented rides including the Frog Hopper, Tom Kangaroo and Chopper Hopper will also be available. Like most festivals, food will be available. Guests can indulge in turkey legs, tacos, burgers and innovative desserts. “Theres’s something for everybody out there from local restaurants and local businesses to traditional carnival food to deep-fried Twinkies,” Kimble says. “They always have fun food.” The Ostrich Festival has historical

legs in Chandler, as the city’s founder, Dr. A.J. Chandler, owned 550 ostriches, according to the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Between the 1890s and 1920s, ostriches were raised so their feathers and plumes could be used in women’s hats. The first ostrich festival was held downtown, with the ostrich races held where the downtown library and police department now sit. It moved to Tumbleweed Park to make room for larger events and entertainment. The Ostrich Festival parade, usually held on the Saturday of the festival weekend, will not be held this year because of extensive downtown construction, Kimble says.

Chandler Ostrich Festival Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler, ostrichfestival.com, 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 8, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 9, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 10, $8-$50. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

MUSIC

LISTEN » JAM » INNOVATE » EVOLVE » ROCK » SING Sunday A’Fair w/Dirty Sunset, Pride Through Strife

LIVE MUSIC

CALENDAR

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

The Father Figures w/No Volcano, Moon Face

MARCH 1

Lil Mosey

The Lunchbox, 8 p.m., $8

Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $22.50-$97.50

Daughters

Men I Trust

Dave Berry Organ Quartet

Mushroomhead

EDGE Happy Hour: Furious Styles Crew

The PettyBreakers

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $18-$20 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., free

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $13-$16 Club Red, 6 p.m., $27-$30 Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$40

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Spring into Madness Rockfest

The Knocks

Sugaray Rayford

Noam Pikelny and Stuart Duncan

MARCH 3

The Pressroom, 11:30 p.m., $20 Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

MARCH 2 Andrew Rathbun

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$25

Aqueous and Friends

Last Exit Live, 10:30 p.m., $20

Arlette Lanae

The Listening Room, 7 p.m., $25-$40

EDGE Happy Hour: Katy Litwiller Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

MARCH 4

ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m., $10-$39

Adia Victoria

Doobie

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $9-$14

Kikagaku Moyo

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

Metric w/Zoé

The Van Buren, 7 p.m., $46-$149

Scars on Broadway

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $24-$29

Cash’d Out

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

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, noon to 4 p.m., free

Club Red, 5:45 p.m., $10-$12

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

Greyhounds

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $20-$45

Jan Sandwich: A Tribute to Peggy Lee

The Nash, 3 p.m., $10-$20, or free for JiA Lifetime members and children 3 and younger

The Divas Return! w/Delphine Cortez, Sherry Roberson, Diana Lee, Alice Tatum

Tinsley Ellis w/Coco Montoya

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

MARCH 5

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $10-$55

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $26-$45.50

Novo Amor

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Mesa Amphitheatre, 8 p.m., $42.50-$125

MARCH 7 Albert Hammond Jr.

The Bellrays

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18.75$28

Carlos Medina

The Glorious Sons

The Hot Club of San Francisco

Kitchen Dwellers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15 Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10 Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 7:30 p.m., $37-$59

Jukebox the Ghost w/The Mowgli’s

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$18 Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $10

The Streisand Songbook w/Ann Hampton Callaway

Crescent Ballroom, 7 p.m., $23-$26

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $34-$76

Justin Timberlake

MARCH 8

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$925

Naked Giants

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12 Nightly Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15

MARCH 6

Alpin Hong

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

New Kingston

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

EDGE Happy Hour: Whitney Jones

Lukas Graham

Agent Orange w/The Last Gang

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$35

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $15

Tempe Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m., free

Saves the Day

The Borrowers

Zac Harmon Band

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $21-$25

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $7

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

M3F Music Festival

MARGARET T. HANCE PARK, VARIOUS TIMES FRIDAY, MARCH 1, TO SUNDAY, MARCH 3, $70-$540 The McDowell Mountain Music Festival has been a popular affair for several years. Now known simply as M3F, the annual music festival is bringing another diverse cast of musicians to the Valley. Whether you’re looking for EDM flavors or DIY indie vibes, or maybe a bit of chillwave, M3F continues its tradition of bridging gaps. This year, Odesza, Empire of the Sun, Kurt Vile and the Violators (pictured), Umphrey’s McGee, Big Wild, Margo Price, Toro Y Moi and many more are lined up to perform at Margaret T. Hance Park. Performances start at 3 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

MARCH 9

Pot of Gold Music Festival

Billy Joel

STEELE INDIAN SCHOOL PARK, 3 P.M. FRIDAY, MARCH 15, TO SUNDAY, MARCH 16, TICKETS START AT $109

Chase Field, 8 p.m., $99.50-$199.50

Conan

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $13-$15

Flying Burrito Music and Food Festival

This year’s iteration of the annual Pot of Gold Music Festival features headliners Ozuna, Lil Wayne and Post Malone on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Guests vary, with Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Kodak Black, Jhené Aiko, Young Thug, Lil Pump (pictured) and Ski Mask the Slump God all set to take to the Phoenix Steele Indian School Park stage over the weekend.

Crescent Ballroom, 4 p.m., $12

Jimmy Nistico and Jazz Express

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $8-$25

Joe Jackson

Orpheum Theater – Phoenix, 8 p.m., $99-$689

Joel Harrison

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

The Neal Morse Band

Chandler Center for the Arts, 8 p.m., $55-$75

Rockin’ Johnny

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Satsang

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17

$29.50-$34

Choker

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15-$20

Shaed

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $9.33

MARCH 13

Orpheum Theater – Phoenix, 7 p.m., $68-$689

Chris Potter

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

Jimmy Travis and the Delta Show Band

Chandler Center for the Arts’ Bogle Theatre, 3 p.m., $32-$38

La Santa Cecilia

Chandler Center for the Arts, 8 p.m., $28-$44

Token

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

MARCH 11 Failure

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$40

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra

Highlands Church, 7:30 p.m., $24-$72

Low

Yung Gravy

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22-$79

Baroness w/Deafheaven The Van Buren, 7:30 p.m.,

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

Chris Tomlin

Gila River Arena, 7 p.m., $18-$89.50

JigJam

Earth, Wind & Fire

Nick Finzer

Gordon Lightfoot

One OK Rock

Hypocrisy w/Fleshgod Apocalypse

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $38

MARCH 14 Cherry Pools

Valley Bar, 7 p.m., $14-$16

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $28.50-$38.50 The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$29 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $30-$35

The Revivalists

Dean Lewis

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $22.50-$25 Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $39.50-$368.50 Celebrity Theatre, 8 p.m., $40-$100

Club Red, 6 p.m., $23-$25

Mom Jeans.

Joe Myside

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $45-$75

The Sugar Thieves

Nils Frahm

Julio Iglesias

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

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $49.50-$378.50

Thra

The Repeat Offenders

Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats w/Graveyard

Zac Brown Band

River Whyless w/Darlingside

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$30

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $36.50-$700

MARCH 15

MARCH 16

Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez

Call Me Karizma

Roger’s Tribute to Tom Jones with the Motown Blossoms

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $12-$15 Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $25-$45

AMB

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$13

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $25-$49 The Rhythm Room, 5:30 p.m., $10 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $30.50-$40.50

The Rebel Lounge, 10 p.m., $12-$40

Tempe Center for the Arts Theater, 3 p.m., $29-$40

Keith Sweat

Skerryvore

Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $25-$65

Max Raabe and Palast Orchester

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., free

Sunday A’Fair w/Paul Carroll, Stilicho

Audiovent

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

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $39-$69

Blaqk Audio

Somatoast w/Soulacybin

MARCH 18

Cash and King

Soul Power Band

Catfish and the Bottlemen

Crescent Ballroom, 9 p.m., $25-$28

MARCH 12

MARCH 17

Lewis Nash and Friends

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $25-$40

Club Red, 6 p.m., $20-$30

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $20

Changes in Latitude: A Jimmy Buffet Tribute

The Pressroom, 7 p.m., $22-$90

Jacob Collier

Steep Canyon Rangers

ABBA Mania

Watsky

Dylan Gardner w/Foreign Figures, Jacob Lee

The Nash, 7:30 p.m., $10-$25

MARCH 10

Theater, 7:30 p.m., $48-$68, or free for children 2 and younger

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $12-$15 The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $10

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, noon to 4 p.m., free

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $32-$35

$300 Off Move In when you mention Entertainer Magazine!

Offer valid through March 31, 2019. Restrictions apply, contact property for details.

TrendAt51.com ■ (602) 957-0051 ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

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

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

Houses

Crumb

MARCH 22

MARCH 25

Michael Bublé

The Trouble Notes

Amanda Miguel y Diego Verdaguer

Ulthar

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15 Last Exit Live, 7 p.m., $10-$12

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $12 Talking Stick Resort Arena, 8 p.m., $745.25-$850

The Movielife

Orpheum Theater – Phoenix, 8 p.m., $110-$162

MARCH 26

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Bali Baby

The Browning

Light the Torch w/Mark Morton

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., $39-$59

Mandolin Orange

Durand Jones and the Indications

Lil Tracy

MARCH 30

Morgan James

Club Red, 8 p.m., $15-$16

MARCH 19 Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$63.50

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$15

Club Red, 6 p.m., $15-$17 Club Red, 8 p.m., $25-$30

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

Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20-$35

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Mat Kerekes

Last Exit Live, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50-$43.50

Bronze Radio Return

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets

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

Straight Outta Club Red

Queensrÿche

GB Leighton

MARCH 23

State Champs

Gina Chavez

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17

MARCH 27

Boy Harsher

Electric Six

Grandson

The Rebel Lounge, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $15

The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band

Elevation Worship

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

Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $48.50-$450

Rivers of Nihil

Club Red, 6 p.m., $15-$17

MARCH 20 Black Cat Bones

The Rhythm Room, 7 p.m., $5

FAVX

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $10

Hot Flash Heat Wave

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

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $43.50-$63.50

Moon Hooch

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

Susto

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $18-$20

Why Don’t We

The Last Bison

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $20-$50

Soul Remainders

Club Red, 6 p.m., $10-$15

Arkells

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

Garth Brooks

Marquee Theatre, 6:15 p.m., $30-$60 The Van Buren, 6:45 p.m., $25-$28

Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $21-$45

King Buffalo

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $10-$12

State Farm Stadium, 7 p.m., sold out

The Good Life Festival w/Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Three Dog Night

Boyce Avenue

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

Pancho Barraza

Chelsea Cutler

Gila River Arena, 8 p.m., $205-$635

The Driver Era

ASU Gammage, 7 p.m., $20 Last Exit Live, 8 p.m., $20-$150

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $17-$20 Marquee Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $25-$40

Mike Doughty plays Soul Coughing’s Ruby Vroom

Wizzerd

Ryan Bingham

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Cristoph

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $20 Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $22-$25

The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $22-$99

The National Parks w/Wild P!nk

Quetzal

Sunny Sweeney

Wet w/Kilo Kish

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $30-$60

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $22-$34

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

MARCH 31

Omar Sosa and Seckou Keita: Transparent Water

MARCH 29

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., sold out

Musical Instrument Museum, 2 p.m., $28.50-$38.50

Sunday A’Fair w/Danielle Durack, Blaine Long and Rosas del Ray Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, noon to 4 p.m., free

Alec Benjamin

Bill Charlap Trio

En Vogue

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

Sunday A’Fair w/La Luz de la Luna, Jaleo

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$43.50 The Van Buren, 8 p.m., $27.50-$30

Canned Heat

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $20-$25

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $38-$58

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, noon to 4 p.m., free

is just one part of what we do... K IN e& 

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ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Jeanne Robertson

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

John Proulx Quartet

Shady Park, 2 p.m., $20

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

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Virginia G. Piper Theater, 8 p.m., $29-$59

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $12-$15

Morgan Wallen w/Hardy, Lacy Cavalier

Pato Banton and the New Generation

Havana Cuba All-Stars

Against the Current

Encanterra, noon, sold out

Hippie Sabotage w/Sebastian Paul

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

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

John Primer and Bob Corritore Chicago Blues Band

MARCH 24

Masters of Hawaiian Music

Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Repertory Theater, 7:30 p.m., $30-$35

MARCH 28

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

MARCH 21

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $25

The Rhythm Room, 5:30 p.m., $20

Chandler Center for the Arts, 7 p.m., $29-$69

Comerica Theatre, 8 p.m., $72.50-$132.50

Laura Jane Grace and the Devouring Mothers

Valley Bar, 7:30 p.m., $11.25-$15

Pink Talking Fish

Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $39.50-$49.50

The Van Buren, 9 p.m., $25-$30

Angel Dust

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Offset & Digital Printing . Large Format Printing . Screen Printing Graphic Design . Snapchat Filters . Decals . Wraps . Apparel . Embroidery . Signage Die-cut & Promo Products . Pop-Up Displays . Direct Mail . Packaging . & SO MUCH MORE...

Funky Divas

En Vogue returns to the Chandler Center to serve ‘Electric Café’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

n Vogue’s Cindy HerronBraggs has high expectations about her group’s show at the Chandler Center for the Arts. “You’re going to get all our greatest hits, all the songs you grew up with and you know, and then you’re going to get new songs from our latest album, ‘Electric Café,’” she says enthusiastically. Recognized as one of the top-five, highest-selling American female music groups in history, En Vogue, currently consisting of Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis and Rhona Bennett, has sold over 20 million albums. The group has amassed more than 30 million streams and over 26 million

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

YouTube views on its top six hit singles alone: the R&B and Pop smashes “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” “Never Gonna Get It,” “Giving Him Something He Can Feel,” “Don’t Let Go” and “Whatta Man,” featuring Salt N Pepa. Not willing to give up on its career, En Vogue released “Electric Café” in April 2018. It marks the group’s first new album since 2004. “We were just looking for a vibe,” she says. “In the beginning, we were feeling that electronic dance sound, but then the music started to evolve creatively.” “Electric Café” features collaborations with Ne-Yo, who wrote the first single, “Rocket,” and Snoop Dogg. En Vogue also worked with producers Curtis “Sauce” Wilson and Raphael Saadiq. “Raphael, we’re all from the San

Francisco Bay area,” she says. “We have a history.” The line of familiarity continued, as Oakland-based production and songwriting duo Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy worked on “Electric Café” as well. “We also worked outside of Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy,” she adds. “We always like to start with them because they are the creators of our signature sound. “It was nice to work with other producers and songwriters because, for our thing, we’re fans of other’s people’s works, and they can give our sound a different flavor, a different kind of vibe.” Herron-Braggs says this was the perfect time for “Electric Café.” “We would have had it finished four

or five years sooner, but with the record industry changing like it has, record deals are not structured like they used to be,” she says. “The best move for us was to get our own label and get a distribution deal. But even then, we had to find somebody who would fit and could work well with us. It had to be somebody who got us, got who we were, how to market us and could understand the kind of music we wanted to do. We achieved that.”

En Vogue Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 31, $38-$58.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

A NEW CHAPTER

The Revivalists’ nerves give way to excitement after a decade Kristine Cannon >> The Entertainer!

or most bands, it’s the sophomore album – the follow-up to a smash debut – that’s met with pressure, scrutiny and a fine-tooth comb. Will they meet and surpass expectations or will they crumble under the pressure? The Revivalists are the exception. In 2015, New Orleans-based octet, The Revivalists, inched their way to the top of the charts with their breakthrough hit, “Wish I Knew You,” off their third studio album, “Men Amongst Mountains.” What’s so unique is this band was far from new to the scene; they all met and formed in New Orleans in 2008. “We’ve grown very incrementally and steadily the first 10 years of us being in the band and then we were fortunate enough to connect with a hit song, ‘Wish I Knew You,’” says guitarist Zack Feinberg. “Since then, the growth has been more rapid.” The Revivalists rode the “Wish I Knew You” wave for a couple more years. It’s a song that spent 56 weeks on the Billboard Alternative Song chart, peaking at No. 1 on May 20, 2017. So when it came time to record and release

their highly anticipated, follow-up effort, they did what they do best: write. They wrote so much, in fact, they had to pare down the 60 songs they brought to the table for the fourth studio album, “Take Good Care,” via Loma Vista Recordings. “With this being our most anticipated release, there was probably some pressure to deliver, but honestly with us, there are so many guys in the band, and we’re pretty prolific as far as writing goes,” Feinberg said. “The pressure was off in a large way because of the quantity of material that we have. I try not to let any sort of external pressure affect the creative process.” New to their writing and recording process, The Revivalists recorded with multiple producers and writers, including Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson); Andrew Dawson (Kanye West and Fun.) and Dave Bassett (Vance Joy). “We wanted to work with Dave Cobb for a while,” Feinberg says. “He’s really amazing at capturing a live vibe and he was really great at adding parts to a song or steering a song in a different direction, stylistically. He was very bold about that. We learned a lot from working with him.” Feinberg distinctly remembers being in the midst of recording “Take Good Care” last year in Nashville when they

flew to Phoenix for their second time performing McDowell Mountain Music Festival. The first year they performed at MMMF was in 2015. “I’m excited to come back,” he says, referring to The Revivalists’ upcoming show at Marquee Theater on March 15. “I don’t think we’ve ever played a proper venue show in Phoenix before, so this will be our first.” Feinberg doesn’t credit the new producers or writers on the album for the positive, rave reviews “Take Good Care” has received since its release in November. “Part of how we evolved our sound doesn’t have to do with the production team,” he says. “It has to do with growing as musicians and songwriters. Pretty much always our approach is: How do we best serve the song and how do we get the best performance out of it?” It may have taken The Revivalists 10 years to “make it,” but they’ve always stayed true to their identity as a band. “We’re pretty real in the sense that it’s a bunch of guys who met pretty organically, and we have a very real friendship. We’re all partners in this band together,” he said. “We’ve always valued the music above everything.” And this authenticity translates to the stage as well. “We’re a live band at heart. That’s what

we do best,” Feinberg says. “I don’t want to toot my own horn too much, but we play our instruments well, put on a good show, and it’s very high-energy.” The Revivalists’ tour kicked off in Belgium in mid-February; this is the first time the band has performed in Europe. “It feels like the beginning of a new chapter,” Feinberg says. “We’re hoping to develop our fanbase in Europe, and it’s really exciting never having played this entire continent before.” Their nationwide tour begins early March in Wisconsin. And newly added to their ever-growing list of tour dates is the 50th annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, set to take place April 25-28 and May 2-5 – a festival they’ve already played a handful of times before. “We’ve done it, like seven times? I’ve lost track,” Feinberg says. “We’re just comfortable doing it and we’re able to have so much fun. It’s just been wonderful, and I don’t get nervous anymore to play live in front of awesome, huge crowds.”

The Revivalists Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 8 p.m. Friday, March 15, $45-$75. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

TAKING CHANCES

Failure ushers in next chapter with ‘In the Future’ Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

hen the alternative rock band Failure decided to reboot in 2013, Greg Edwards, Ken Andrews and Kellii Scott were surprised people still cared. With the release of 2018’s “In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing from Your Mind,” Failure is even more relevant. “Now that we’re three, four or five years into the reboot, it’s been really gratifying,” Andrews says. “People are interested in what we have to say.” Failure will play songs from that album and its catalog when it kicks off its tour Monday, March 11, at the Crescent Ballroom. In creating “In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing from Your Mind,” the trio recalled its 1994 album “Magnified.” ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

“It was Greg and I just woodshedding in my studio for a better part of the year,” Andrews says. “We would go into a more full-featured recording studio to do drums as an overdub.” Sonically, “In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing from Your Mind” sees Failure evolve. “To me, the record is a little more personal in terms of talking about relationships and what they mean,” Ken says. “We pulled from direct experience more than we have in the past. It wasn’t quite so intellectual. We’re also never going to let you know exactly what’s going on. It’ll always be opaque. Disconnection seems to be one of the themes we still gravitate toward though, even going back to ‘Fantastic Planet.’ On this record, emotional disconnection is discussed and dealt with. You lose connection within your sphere of friends and acquaintances because of technology. Since social

media isn’t getting any smaller, that was our headspace. We’re navigating this personally and as fathers.” The challenge now is learning to play the songs because Failure’s musicians frequently switch instruments in the studio. “What happens is you have your singer, guitarist, bassist and drummer and everybody stays in those roles,” Andrews says. “In our band, it’s a much more fluid situation. I would venture to say every song on this new album has both Greg and I playing guitar for different sections, and even both of us playing bass. Sometimes one person did the first attempt at it and the other comes in later and finesses it a little bit. We record the vocals separately. There was never really a time when we were playing the songs as a band. It’s like a Rubik’s Cube.” Nevertheless, “In the Future Your Body Will Be the Furthest Thing from Your Mind” is a return to form.

“When you’re playing our songs back-to-back from record to record, I feel like the lines really blur,” Andrews says. “To me, it shows the real sound of Failure was never the era we were in – whether it was the ’90s or now. The real sound of Failure is the combination of people. We have a lot more experience today. My career started when Failure signed to Slash Records in 1990, and I haven’t had any other job but making music since then. We’ve all kept going as musicians. As a result, we have a wider breadth of things we can do and are capable of. We’re willing to leverage everything.”

Failure w/Criminal Hygiene The Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Avenue, Phoenix, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Monday, March 11, $25-$40.

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

A Roller Coaster of Emotions

Julia Michaels shares her innermost thoughts on her tour with Pink Taylor O’Connor >>> The Entertainer!

ulia Michaels has been fortunate in her short career. She recently wrapped a tour with Keith Urban in Australia. Now, she’s ready to hit the road with Pink on her “Beautiful Trauma” jaunt, which comes to Gila River Arena on Friday, March 30. “This is actually my first tour with a woman and my first tour without men,” Michaels says. “It’s exciting. I get to be around someone I have looked up to for a long time.” Michaels hopes to make the same mark on fans during her stint opening for Pink. “There are going to be lots of fun moments, lots of broken-down moments,” she says. “I wanted it to resemble life. I wanted there to be highs and lows. I don’t want everything to be one emotion. It will be a rollercoaster of life all in one night.” Michaels is touring behind her EP, “Inner Monologue Part 1,” during which she talks about her experiences with depression and anxiety. “‘Inner Monologue’ has thoughts on heartbreak, thoughts on love, thoughts on anxiety. “It was definitely cathartic for me. I get to talk about things I go through on a daily basis and it’s stuff not regularly talked about.” She hopes by spilling her secrets, she can connect with fans. However, there wasn’t a specific moment that inspired her to write something so personal. “There are so many things that happen in life,” she says. “There are so many ups and downs. Ninety percent of the time I write when I’m sad and those songs just come out of those moments.” Once she dropped the EP, Michaels says fans messaged her on social media thanking her for the album and saying they were going through something similar. “It was a “really special moment,” she says. Included on “Inner Monologue Part 1,” Michaels collaborated with Selena Gomez and Niall Horan, which she says was fun. “I’ve known both of them for a very long time,” she says. “Getting to work with my friends and perform really personal and beautiful music is

a blessing. I’m very grateful and very lucky.” A special song for her is “Happy,” which is on the EP. Although all of her songs are special, Michaels says this song was fun to make. “It’s about depression and how you sabotage love because you’re scared, but then you’re bitter about it because you still want it,” Michaels says. “It’s a song everybody screams at the top of their lungs.” Before “Inner Monologue Part 1” and 2017’s “Issues,” Michaels wrote or co-wrote songs for artists like Janelle Monáe, Christina Aguilera and Shawn Mendes. In 2017, Michaels produced “Issues,” the first song she kept for herself. “There comes a time in an artist’s life when a song becomes too personal and, for me, that was ‘Issues,’” she says. “It Pink w/ Julia Michaels Julia Michaels was just too personal to give it up and I Gila River Arena, 9400 W. The Rialto Theater, 318 E. wanted to produce it myself and that was Maryland Avenue, Glendale, Congress Street, Tucson, the turning point for me.” 623.772.3800, gilariverarena. 520.740.1000, rialtotheatre.com, After the single, Michaels released com, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. Friday, March 29, $22-$27. her 2017 EP “Issues,” which made its prices vary. way into the Top 50 on the Billboard MORE HD CHANNELS, 200. For it, she received two Grammy nominations: best new artist and song ofFASTER INTERNET AND MORE HD VOICE. CHANNELS, UNLIMITED the year. FASTER AND MORE HDINTERNET CHANNELS, Michaels continues to work with UNLIMITED VOICE. FASTER INTERNET AND fellow artists and friends, like James Bay, • Speeds up to 60Mbps UNLIMITED VOICE. with whom she wrote “Peer Pressure.” “I got to do another song with a friend • Unlimited data – no data caps • Speeds up to 60Mbps and it’s awesome,” Michaels says. ••Speeds up data to 60Mbps Unlimited – no data caps SPECTRUM INTERNET™ “I’ve known James for a minute • Unlimited data – no data caps AS LOW AS and James was like, ‘We should write SPECTRUM INTERNET™ INTERNET™ SPECTRUM together,’ and I was like, ‘Hell yeah, I’d AS LOW AS AS LOW AS love to.’” The two friends then sat down /per mo. and discussed Bay’s thoughts, which for 12 mo. mos /per /per mo. included writing about “societal peer for mos when for 12 12bundled* mos when bundled* pressure and things of today.” However, when bundled* Bay didn’t know how to approach the topic. The two continued to work and Blazing Internet availableand and can can be Spectrum Internet™ Blazing fastfast Internet is isavailable beyours yourswith with Spectrum Internet™ Blazing fast Internet With is available and can beatyours with Spectrum Internet™ speeds starting 60 Mbps came up with the idea of making the With speeds starting at 60 Mbps With speeds starting at 60 Mbps song “fun and sexy.” SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAYTM 125+ CHANNELS TM Michaels says the song’s lighthearted TM TV, INTERNET AND VOICE SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY SPECTRUM TRIPLE PLAY 125+ CHANNELS 125+ CHANNELS and fun twist made it easier to write, and TV,INTERNET INTERNET AND VOICE TV, AND VOICE UP TO 60MBPS Bay asked her to sing backup. Michaels TO60MBPS 60MBPS UPUP TO agreed and the two released the song on /mo each for 12 mos UNLIMITED CALLING from when bundled* February 15. /mo each /mo each for 12 mos Michaels says she is looking forward to UNLIMITEDCALLING CALLING for 12 mos from when bundled* UNLIMITED from when bundled* CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED RETAILER coming to Arizona and performing. “It’s going to be really fun and really CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED RETAILER emotional. It’s going to take you through CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED RETAILER all of the feelings,” she says. Her advice for the audience: “Singing is encouraged, letting go is encouraged and having fun is encouraged.” *Bundle price for TV Select, Internet and Voice is $89.97/mo. for year 1; standard rates apply after year 1. Available Internet speeds may vary by address. WiFi: Equipment, activation and installation

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fees apply. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. All Rights Reserved. ©2017 Charter Communications.

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

Feelin g Fine 64

Atlantic artist Brynn Elliott finds people adore her Lauren Serrato >> The Entertainer!

rynn Elliott belies her age of 24. Within the last year, she graduated from Harvard with a degree in philosophy, released her first single for Atlantic, “Might Not Like Me,” and toured radio stations to promote her career. “I am calling this my dream year because of graduating and signing to Atlantic Records,” Elliott says during an interview in The Entertainer! Magazine’s offices. “When I first met with Atlantic, I looked at the roster of artists and was freaking out thinking it was so crazy I am a part of this. They offered to sign me on the spot, and it was crazy. He (Craig Kallman, Atlantic’s co-president) looked at me and said, ‘Atlantic has had a very big year and we are looking for artists to follow the footsteps of artists like Bruno Mars.’ I literally,

ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

in this very powerful man’s office, burst into tears. It was one of the craziest moments of my life.” “Might Not Like Me” had more than 1 million streams on Spotify only weeks after its release. It was featured on an episode of the TV Land program “Younger!” as well. “Might Not Like Me” sends an empowering message to women, but according to Elliott, the song was written after a tough breakup. “I wrote it three years ago,” Elliott says. “I was a sophomore in college and I was dating this guy. He was just a very competitive person and I think he was a little intimidated by my passion for music and my career. I was really concerned about what he thought of me and I had the mindset if I’m not a certain way he’s not going to like me. “And so, in all honesty, it wasn’t something I wrote down thinking about women empowerment. I was just really hurting and decided I needed to stop worrying about what this guy thinks of me. I think it is definitely an encouragement to women to not care about what others think, especially not a boy.” Elliott’s next single was “Time of Our Lives,” which she cowrote with producer Nathan Chapman, who produced five of Taylor Swift’s albums. Recently, she released the song “Internet You,” which has a companion lyric visual. Throughout her years as a student and singer, Elliott spent her summers and weekends touring extensively with more than 200 shows, including performances with Brandi Carlili, Grace Potter and Alanis Morissette. Elliott describes Harvard as life changing. She was the first in her family to graduate from college, but admits it was challenging balancing her academic work with her singing career. “It was a juggling act for sure,” Elliott says. “I toured a lot in college. I played over 260 shows in the four years I was at Harvard. I would have papers due right before I went on stage, so I would submit papers right before I would perform. I just had to make it work and manage my time. If I wasn’t working on my music, I was studying.”

With such a hectic traveling schedule and rising stardom, Elliott says her support system is crucial to her success. “My parents and my brother are my support system. My parents have always supported me and my dreams,” Elliott says. “Growing up, my grandparents would be cooking dinner and would be singing to each other and I would just think to myself that I want that in my life when I grow up.” Music however, wasn’t always in Elliott’s life, as her passion only developed at the age of 16, when she learned how to play guitar by watching YouTube videos. “My dad had an old guitar in the corner of our house and it was around the time when I was applying to college and I felt very overwhelmed and very stressed,” Elliott says. “So, I felt like a resume and not a human being. I had no idea how to play guitar and I wanted to do something completely new and out of the box, so I asked my dad if I could play his guitar. I would pick up the guitar after long school days and try to learn to play Colbie Caillat songs. I then started writing after that, and even put those songs on my college application. It was my whole world.” Elliott says this is just the beginning and is excited to see what the future holds for her music career.

“It is so crazy and this is such a dream to me. I am really excited,” Elliott says smiling. “I would just love to be playing shows and meeting people. It’s moments like when I went on my first tour and the moment you have with the crowd and the moment you get to meet them afterward. Five years from now if I am still getting to do that, we will be completely fine.”

Why Don’t We w/Brynn Elliott, Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, 1.800.745.3000, comericatheatre. com, 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, tickets start at $39.50.

‘THE GREAT ADVENTURE’

THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MARCH 2019

The Neal Morse Band gets emotional about new songs

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski >> The Entertainer!

hile Neal Morse was making his latest album, “The Great Adventure,” he prayed. “I prayed we were doing something that will be a great blessing,” he says. Morse, who plays the Mesa Arts Center on Saturday, March 9, says he feels he and God succeeded. By the time he gets to the doublealbum’s closing track, “A Love That Never Dies,” he’s overwhelmed with emotion. “I think there were a couple shows where I was in tears,” he says. “I’m pretty much moved and in tears by the end every night. I’m known to be moved and cry on stage. I’ve done it before. This one is really a blessing. I’m thankful I’ve come to a place where we’re able to do this.” True to the album’s title, the creative process was indeed a “great adventure.” Unlike many previous Morse albums, this time around the band spent almost a year working on the end result, producing an abundance of top-quality material. While he was recording, Morse – who’s joined by drummer Mike Portnoy, bassist Randy George, keyboardist Bill Hubauer and guitarist Eric Gillette – realized he needed a new voice and perspective. This time, it is that of the pilgrim’s abandoned son, a younger, perhaps angrier, voice

than was heard on “The Similtude of a Dream.” The closing line of “The Similtude of a Dream” proved to be prophetic. The new album is a companion piece to TSOAD’s partial retelling of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” “It was fun and a struggle,” says Morse, who recently launched the Waterfall App as a one-stop spot for his music. “Sometimes God’s in the struggle. A lot of times, with bands, there are different personalities and opinions. I had to drop the bomb on the band after we had done the first draft of this together that I didn’t think it was all there. I thought it was good, but I didn’t think it was great. “Some of the band members didn’t agree with that. I very gently stuck to my guns and we wound up doing a whole rewrite and making it a double album. It wasn’t a sequel to ‘Similtude.’ We pushed it through and Mike was really moved, too. He came off stage in Montreal and he said, ‘Thank you,’ with a little mist in his eyes. ‘We’re really enjoying playing it every night.’”

The Neal Morse Band Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter. org, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 9, $55-$75. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

NIGHTLIFE

SIP » UNLEASH » MIX » MINGLE » PULSE » SHAKE

THE BEST NIGHTLIFE EVENTS FOR MARCH

Connor Dziawura >> The Entertainer!

Getter

MARCH 7 This DJ/producer, born Tanner Petulla, is returning to Arizona. Hailing from San Jose, California, Petulla brings the bass. Last fall, he released his debut album, “Visceral,” on Deadmau5’ label. Mau5trap. It included collaborations with guests the likes of Joji and nothing,nowhere., the latter of which performs at Pot of Gold this month. This show is 18 and older. Orpheum Theater, 15 W. Aspen Avenue, Flagstaff, 928.556.1580, relentlessbeats. com, 8 p.m., $25-$35.

The Him

MARCH 8 Dutch duo Jeroen Kerstens and Steven Berghuijs have an interesting history with electronic music. Originally solo producers, they actually worked together on a remix contest for Tiësto. Thenceforth they were known as The Him. In the six years since that Beatport contest, Kerstens and Berghuijs have released charting singles, crafted popular remixes and amassed half a million Facebook likes. This show is 21 and older. Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., free with RSVP.

Rezz

MARCH 8 This Ukrainian DJ/producer should need no introduction. Seeing a quick rise in the less-than half-decade she has made a name for herself, Isabelle Rezazadeh, who goes by Rezz, has already released two albums, 2017’s “Mass Manipulation” and 2018’s “Certain Kind of Magic.” Additionally, she has dropped numerous EPs, collaborated with artists the likes of k?d, remixed everyone from The Glitch Mob to Marilyn Manson, and performed at Arizona’s ever-popular

Decadence New Year’s Eve festival. Less than three months later, she will return to Rawhide for a headlining show. This show is 16 and older. Rawhide Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, 480.502.5600, relentlessbeats. com, 8 p.m., $43-$68.

in Tucson, just weeks before an appearance at Coachella in Indio, California, and another month before May’s Indy Pit 500 Snake Pit. This show is 18 and older. Gentle Ben’s, 865 E. University Boulevard, Tucson, 520.624.4177, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $40.

Worthy

Phoenix Lights presents First Encounters DJ Competition

MARCH 8 Aside from being his own man in the music industry, Washington, D.C.-raised tech house DJ/producer Worthy is a man of many endeavors. Other than releasing music of his own, Worthy is label head for Anabatic Records and is credited as one of Dirtybird Records’ four original members. This March, however, Relentless Beats is bringing him along with Sean Watson, Cormac and Klü for a show at Bar Smith. This show is 21 and older. Bar Smith, 130 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.456.1991, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Zomboy

MARCH 9 Get ready to Rott N’ Roll, as undead DJ/producer Zomboy will head down the streets of Downtown Phoenix for a headlining gig at The Van Buren. The bass-loving UK producer/DJ won’t be alone, however, as his Rott N’ Roll 2019 tour brings Space Laces, Badklaat and Luzcid along for the ride. This show is 18 and older. The Van Buren, 401 W. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 480.659.1641, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., $30-$40.

Chris Lake

MARCH 14 Chris Lake is no newbie to the music scene. Establishing himself in the house scene for the better part of the 21st century, the Norwich-born DJ/producer has collaborated with the likes of Deadmau5, Steve Aoki and most recently fellow longtime DJ/producer Green Velvet. This spring, Lake stops by Gentle Ben’s

MARCH 15 Phoenix Lights isn’t until April, so first comes this exciting competition. Have your first encounter with these aspiring local DJs and producers who wish to earn a spot performing alongside some of the most popular artists in music today. This is the third annual competition, while the fifth Phoenix Lights festival pops up just a few weeks later. Among the artists who will perform at The Park at Wild Horse Pass in April are A$AP Ferg, Excision, Kaskade and San Holo. This contest is 18 and older. Aura, 411 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $10.

Fisher

MARCH 16 Australian DJ/producer Paul Fisher has what could be argued as one of the most interesting backgrounds for an electronic musician: Pro surfer. Trading in his surfboard for a turntable, he dropped his first name and took to the stage to give audiences a dose of tech house. This March, he’ll take to The Pressroom with Martin Ikin and Gerry Gonza. This show is 18 and older. The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison Street, Phoenix, 602.396.7136, relentlessbeats. com, 9 p.m., tickets TBA.

Ferry Corsten

MARCH 22 Trance, progressive-house and electro all meet at one source: Ferry Corsten. The Dutch DJ/ producer, who hails from Rotterdam, Netherlands, has a lengthy career

in music dating back to the ’80s, as well as various aliases under which he operates. Three decades later, Corsten is still going strong, and will go strong later in May when he drops by Māyā Day and Nightclub. This show is 21 and older. Māyā Day and Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480.625.0528, mayaclubaz. com, 10 p.m., $10.

Klingande

MARCH 23 Sure, it’s only March – but March in Arizona is a whole different thing than being on the East Coast. That’s why it makes perfect sense for French DJ/producer Cédric Steinmyller, who goes by Klingande, to come to Tempe. Steinmyller will bring his tropical flavors to the Valley as Arizonans gear up for the incoming summer months. This show is 21 and older. Shady Park, 26 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.474.4222, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $25.

Megalodon + Dack Janiels

MARCH 23 Get ready, because the 40oz Cult is about to take over. For the 40oz Cult Takeover tour, Megalodon and Dack Janiels team up as coheadliners. The latter founded and co-owns the tour’s titular collective, where pro skaters and DJs meet to release music, host parties and create clothing. Dack Janiels himself, born Tanner Chung, comes from a skateboarding background. As for Megalodon, aka Cory Artsay, the Los Angeles-based DJ/producer has arguably made an even bigger splash over the past 11 years. But more importantly, however, is the duo’s co-headlining show at Aura, when they bring their affinities for bass-driven tunes to Tempe. This show is 18 and older. Aura, 411 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 201, Tempe, 480.210.2872, relentlessbeats.com, 9 p.m., $20-$30.

MAD MIXOLOGIST P THE ENTERTAINER! THE ENTERTAINER! MAGAZINE MAGAZINE MARCH 2019 MARCH 2019

Alison Bailin Batz >> The Entertainer!

rovision Coffee Bar is a local coffee roaster and up-andcoming cocktail bar. A chief reason why: rock star bar professionals like Erika Middleton-Sharpe. We recently had the chance to sit down with MiddletonSharpe and get both her backstory, and all the “spirited” reasons Provision’s two locations are quickly becoming the go-to options for happy hours, work outings and date nights.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN ENTRÉE INTO THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE WORLD? I grew up in Washington state, always fascinated by food. My father loved to cook, and I loved watching him man the grill. My interest would only grow when I moved to New York in 2014. I actually moved to study music at a local conservatory, but took on a hosting job at the famed Momofuku Ssam Bar. The host stand was directly next to a breezeway that led to Dave Arnold’s iconic Booker and Dax. If Arnold’s name is familiar, it’s because he wrote the bestselling “bar bible” “Liquid Intelligence: The Art and Science of the Perfect Cocktail.” I spent many a night studying their cocktails, not to mention the book. My passion ignited in such a major way after that. By the time I moved back to Phoenix in 2017, I was ready to show the Valley what I could do with my newfound bartending skills. I took a position at Taco Chelo, then when I heard what Provision wanted to do with its coffee and cocktail program, I had to sign on as part of the team. We opened our Arcadia location in summer 2018.

TELL US ABOUT THE ODDEST DRINK REQUEST YOU’VE HAD. Generally speaking I am open to most seemingly strange requests because there is almost always a way to make even the oddest of ingredients taste good. However, I recently got a request to make an Irish coffee latte with almond milk. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, almond milk happens to be one of the most visually unappealing ingredients to mix with alcohol. It looks separated and curdled almost instantly. I am sure the flavor was there, but looking at that drink was anything but pleasant.

WHAT IS YOUR NO. 1 PET PEEVE WHEN WORKING? We take great pride in paying attention

to the little details at the bar. So, I detest smudged glassware. I go nuts when the cover of the ice wall gets stuck when I am trying to open or close it. Loud noises like glassware slamming to the ground when I am making a cocktail is pretty bad. I also hate seeing sad, wilted garnishes – especially mint sprigs.

WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO DRINK WHEN YOU’RE AT A BAR OTHER THAN YOUR OWN?

I love ordering a twist on a classic cocktail – something spirit forward like an interpretation of an old fashioned. A high-end cocktail bar that knows its stuff will make twists or slight changes that seem small to some, but are often deeply refined and clever beyond measure. My personal favorite, outside of the options at Provision, of course, is the Soldier Boy at Pobrecito in Downtown Phoenix. It is delicious, spicy, with well-balanced sweetness.

WHAT DOES ORDERING A VODKA TONIC SAY ABOUT A PERSON?

THE BERGAMOT

It means you’ve never had a professionally made cocktail done right. You don’t know what you are missing. But I can show you!

1 3/4 ounces Leopold’s Summer Gin 1/4 ounce Yellow Chartreuse

TELL US ABOUT THE BEVERAGE PROGRAM AT PROVISION COFFEE? We take as much pride in our massive cocktail menu as we do in our coffee cocktail offerings. First, we have a classic cocktail menu featuring nine of our favorite cocktail mainstays from negronis to mai tais. Then, we offer an amaro menu, which are aperitifs and digestifs. Guests can order one by itself or choose to do an Amaro flight. We also have a killer lineup of signature cocktails that includes a variety of imaginative recipes we’ve developed to blow your mind, plus brunch cocktails. For those who want something more straightforward, we have straight spirits, wine and beers as well. One thing we are especially proud of with our menu: many of our cocktails and beer feature some amazing local purveyors including Iconic Cocktail, AZ Bitter Labs, Mother Road Brewery, Grand Canyon Distillery and Thumb Butte Distillery. At Provision, we call ourselves your classy neighborhood bar – you can bring work friends here, or a date. You can bring your parents here, or even grandma. I should also note these are specific to our Arcadia location. At our Chandler locale, we are

1 ounce lime juice 1 ounce Earl Grey simple syrup We combine all elements in shaker before straining into a coupe glass and garnishing with the edible flowers, we spray the glass with the Bergamot bitters. Once we strain into the glass, we spray it again with the Bergamot bitters and garnish.

working on next steps to add cocktails this year.

WHAT IS ONE COCKTAIL YOU WOULD LOVE FOR US TO FEATURE IN THE MAGAZINE THIS MONTH? The Bergamot ($12)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS DRINK? It’s a twist on the classic Southside Cocktail. It’s traditionally made with gin, lime juice, simple syrup and mint and tastes quite lime-forward. Ours features Leopold’s Summer Gin, which has bright citrus and rich botanicals.

Then, we add a combination of Yellow Chartreuse, which is milder and sweeter than Green Chartreuse, along with Earl Grey simple syrup and special edition Bergamot bitters from one of our favorites, Scrappy’s Bitters. When it all comes together, it is refreshing with botanical elements balancing the lime. Plus, it looks amazing. We garnish it with edible wild flowers.

Provision Coffee Bar, 4501 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, 602.626.3866; 2100 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 22, Chandler, 480.999.3715, provisioncoffee.com. ENTERTAINERMAG.COM

YOU’RE NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS Bizarro facts that will stretch your noggin

Samantha Fuoco >> The Entertainer!

✔ The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States was in Boston 1737. ✔ Shamrocks are the national flower/emblem of Ireland. ✔ Blue was the original St. Patrick’s Day color. ✔ Beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages on St. Patrick’s Day. ✔ The four leaves on a clover mean hope, faith, love and luck. ✔ Chicago first dyed its river green on St. Patrick’s Day 1962. ✔ About 34.7 million Americans have Irish ancestry. This is more than 7 times the population of Ireland. ✔ St. Patrick was born in Britain around A.D. 390 to an aristocratic Christian family. ✔ The odds of finding a four-leaf clover are about 1 in 10,000.

O FFE R E N DS M A RCH 31, 2 019

Trade up to Add up to $400 to your camera’s trade-in value when you purchase a new Nikon Z series camera.*

Z 6 Body Only

1999 95

Z 6 Kit w it h N I KKO R Z 24 -70 mm f/ 4 S Le n s

2599 95

Z 7 B o dy O n ly

Z 7 Ki t w i t h N I KKO R Z 24 -70 m m f/ 4 S Le n s

3399 95

3999 95

Z SERIES CAMERAS

PRICE BEFORE BONUS TRADE-IN AMOUNT

BONUS TRADE-IN AMOUNT

Nikon Z 6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only)

$1,999.95

$200

Nikon Z 6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body w/ 24-70mm Lens Kit

$2,599.95

$200

Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit

$3,999.95

$200

Nikon Z 7 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body (Body Only)

$3,399.95

$400

Nikon Z 7 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body w/ 24-70mm Lens Kit

$3,999.95

$400

*TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Participating Nikon Authorized Dealers will add $200.00 for a Z 6 Camera or $400.00 for a Z 7 Camera to the trade-in amount given by the Dealer to a consumer purchaser for the trade-in of one operating interchangeable lens camera when purchasing one new Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera from the Dealer during the period of January 27, 2019 through March 31, 2019. Dealer determines its trade-in amount in its sole discretion and Dealer’s trade-in amount may vary according to condition and age of trade-in. To be eligible for $200.00 or $400.00 added amounts, both the Dealer’s trade-in amount and $200.00 or $400.00 added amount must be applied to the purchase price of a consumer’s purchase of a new Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera. $200.00 or $400.00 added amounts are not cash equivalents, may not be redeemed for cash, and are available only for the purchase of a new Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera at the time of trade-in. $200.00 or $400.00 added amounts are cancelled and forfeited if the Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera is returned for any reason or cause whatsoever. Interchangeable lens trade-in camera must be surrendered at the time of trade-in (for online transactions, physical receipt by the Dealer or written or electronic notiﬁcation from the carrier is considered an act of surrender). $200.00 or $400.00 added amount can be applied toward the purchase of one new Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera only. Multiple $200.00 or $400.00 added amounts cannot be applied towards the purchase of the same Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera. Nikon Z 6 Camera or Z 7 Camera purchase must be simultaneous with trade-in of the interchangeable lens trade-in camera. There is no responsibility whatsoever on the part of Nikon and its dealers for any images stored in a traded-in interchangeable lens camera memory or memory card left in a traded-in interchangeable lens camera. All Nikon products include Nikon Inc. limited warranty. ©2019 Nikon Inc. Images are for illustrative purposes only. All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation. Nikon Authorized Dealers set their own selling prices, which may vary. Nikon is not responsible for typographical errors.

Mirrorless reinvented

Check your local Old Town bar for Anchor Steam Specials!