It seems that KTAR personality Gayle Bass really knows how to shake it. And by "it," we mean a martini -- which also, it just so happens, serves as her moneymaker, when Bass and more than a dozen other local luminaries serve as wanna-be mixologists during the Celebrity Martini Mix and Taste from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, February 26, at Devil's Martini North, 10825 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale. Bust out the tux and practice your best 007 for VIPs like ex-Baywatch babe Gena Lee Nolin, Arizona Cardinals running back Marcel Shipp, former Phoenix Suns guard Dan Majerle, and Channel 5 anchor Diana Sullivan, who'll be devising deliciously enticing martini mixes all night. The crowd votes for their favorite by dropping tips into each star's jar, and can also engage in a silent auction and raffle with proceeds benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 for couples and include food and martinis all night. Call 602-788-8622. -- Benjamin Leatherman
Wok This Way
And don't call me Matsuri
2/26-2/27
What do we really know about Japan? Sure, we all love some sake bombers, geisha girls, and Hello Kitty paraphernalia, but to say that covers the culture of Japan is like saying American culture can be summed up with beer, porn, and Bart Simpson (oh, crap -- maybe it can!). All the more reason for us to expand our horizons, then, when the Matsuri Festival of Japan takes over Heritage and Science Park, at Seventh Street and Monroe, on Saturday, February 26, and Sunday, February 27. The festival's packed with arts and crafts, martial arts demonstrations, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, bonsai displays, music, folk dance, plays, short comedy skits, and, of course, Japanese food. Admission is free. Call 602-262-5029. -- Niki D'Andrea
All in All, It's Just...
Another brick in the Great Wall
2/25-2/26
Ever had that dream where a bunch of Chinese boys with tight bods twists around to Pink Floyd's The Wall? Just us, huh? Last time we eat Chang's spicy chicken before bedtime. Actually, the Beijing Modern Dance Company is down with our freaky nocturnal delusions, because it's bringing its Floyd-inspired dance, Rear Light, to the Scottsdale Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26. The 10-year-old, China-based dance crew makes a mission out of mingling cultures. In this case, it's the red-star state meets Roger Waters for a full-length choreographed narrative. Rear Light is part of SCA's "Ignite" series, created to attract us young, lazy punks to the art scene. Stick around after Friday night's performance for "Ignite After Hours." Tickets are $36. Call 480-994-ARTS (2787), or see www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.-- Ashlea Deahl
