Forget Lady Gaga. If there’s one pop star today who’s managed to morph into a brand beyond singing talent, it’s Katy Perry. Her songs are inescapable. Five singles from her Grammy Album of the Year-nominated sophomore disc, Teenage Dream, have taken over Top 40 radio, making it impossible to not…
For local hardcore band American Standards, performing isn’t just about the music, it’s about making an impact on the community. Their show this Saturday, July 30 at The Fixx in Tempe is called “Hope for the Hopeless” and serves as a benefit for Teen Lifeline, a local non-profit working against…
Eric Steven Glomski The director of winemaking at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards is helping host a river trip in the Verde Valley Saturday, July 23, complete with lunch and a wine tasting. Correction: this event has been canceled. See Stronghold Vineyard for more information on future events. When you put your key…
Shantidas Contu-Owen The local fashion designer was the winner of Project Ethos’ VitaminWater Zero Fashionista Challenge. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? Generally 96.9-FM. I’m not really loyal to any one station. I just switch around and…
We recently caught you up on The Persuaders, a local band comprised of veteran Valley musicians whose influence of 90’s sounds can be heard in their music today. You can check out the group, who plan to release a new album this September, when they play Foundry on First in…
Sacha LevineThe sous chef of FnB says, “I don’t just love food, I effing heart music as well.” When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? It’s kinda always set to NPR. Occasionally, there are really fantastic interviews with…
You might have read about local electro pop band Super Stereo in this week’s music feature in Phoenix New Times. While you’ll get the details of how the group came together there, you’ll also notice the band is a bit into fantasy and myth-building — so much so, the group…
While some Arizonans’ exposure to Vietnamese culture is limited to slurping pho at the nearest Saigon-style eatery, there are actually a wealth of cultural establishments and events that have been imported from the Southeastern Asian nation to the Valley. This weekend’s Viet Lifestyles Top Model Contest and Concert at Wild…
It’s a Friday night at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, and local electro-pop band Super Stereo is getting ready to take the stage. The five 20-somethings (two gals and three guys) in the group are wearing sunglasses and coordinated gray-and-white outfits. They look crisp, clean, and cool, as…
This week is a special one for Chad Krystals. The local hip-hop musician is releasing his new, third independent album, Mind Games, today, off his own independent label, Krystal Clear Inc. He’s giving Valley music fans a little taste of the album with a special showcase at Phoenix’s Hidden House…
Aaron MayThe chef owns Over Easy (additional location here), The Lodge, Mabel’s on Main, Iruna and Vitamin T, as well as May’s Counter in Tucson. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? The Grateful Dead channel on Sirius…
Memorizing lines for a play can be difficult enough, but jumping onto a stage without directions or a planned script takes a different set of skills. Improvisation, or improv, requires the ability to take audience suggestions and build a spontaneous performance based on chemistry with fellow actors and with audience…
Circuses are designed to be fun and merriment in perhaps its purest form, where contortionists amaze with astounding acrobatics, exotic animals thrill and delight, and curious clowns turn frowns upside down. For the Ponce family of Mexico, however, running their traveling circus is far from a lighthearted affair. Ringmaster and…
Anton Mackey Mackey is a yoga teacher at LifePower Yoga and Summit North Scottsdale and a fitness trainer at FITLIFE Scottsdale. What songs are you vibing on these days? “Hold You,” by Gyptian (Major Lazer remix); “I Wanna,” by Sahara & Bob Sinclair (featuring Shaggy); “One by One,” by Laza…
Britney SpearsJobing.com ArenaWednesday, June 22When Britney Spears decides to stop touring, she should get a residency in Vegas. Her Femme Fatale tour, which came to Glendale’s Jobing.com Arena last night, was part concert, part cabaret, part circus, and part film. It almost made you forget Spears doesn’t sing live. If…
It can be difficult for freaky-deaky performance artists to find a good gig in this town. If you happen to be a magician who likes to get naked on stage, an improviser who masquerades as a shark, or a guy just looking to throw a raging glow stick-filled dance party,…
Ah, Nicki Minaj. She’s a woman of pure beauty and pure poetry. In honor of her appearance opening up for Britney Spears Wednesday, June 22, here are 10 of her most thought-provoking raps. Eat your heart out, world!…
Panic! at the Disco June 17, 2011 Marquee Theatre Brendon Urie sure seems happy these days.At last night’s Panic! at the Disco show at Marquee Theatre, the frontman seemed more comfortable than ever, hitting high notes his fans haven’t been used to, screaming and growling with urgency, and even smoking…
Kara Roschi The local artist is co-owner of Practical Art. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? I am proud to be car-free! But when I did have one, it was NPR in the afternoons, KSLX in the…
Bruno MarsJune 15, 2011Comerica TheatreWhat a long way Bruno Mars has come in the last 8 months since he’s been to Arizona last. Back then, his single “Grenade” was just catching on, and he packed a sold-out Martini Ranch. Now, he’s got a third solo single under his belt, “The…
If there’s one dessert that combines convenience, gooeyness and all-around cuteness, it’s gotta be the cupcake. And thanks to the ongoing cupcake craze, many a sweet tooth has been satisfied in recent years by partaking in countless numbers of these pint-sized baked beauties. Sugar junkies and dessert devotees alike can…
Blue jeans, a bow tie, and wrist cuffs make up one of the silliest outfits one might wear, outside of maybe jeggings and a sequined tube top. But considering that the dancers of Chippendales who sport said ensemble also boast rock-hard abs with amazing V-cuts leading down to you-know-where, it’s…
