Darrell Hammond
Alec Baldwin is getting all the accolades for his current Donald Trump impression, but Saturday Night Live alum Darrell Hammond rocked a fierce Trump through several seasons.
During 14 years on the show, Hammond’s repertoire featured several politicians, including a spot-on Bill Clinton. The comedian started honing such skills during his childhood in Florida, entertaining family members. He added voiceover work to his skill set before hitting New York and finding comedic fame. In addition to stand-up, he has appeared in movies and on TV shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
See who he spoofs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1, at Tempe Improv, 930 East University Drive. Admission to the 21-and-over show is $25, and there’s a two-drink minimum. Call 480-921-9877 or visit Tempe Improv website. Amy Young
International Off-Road and UTV Expo
For some people, off-roading isn’t just a sport. It’s a lifestyle. The International Off-Road and UTV Expo will cater to enthusiasts by gathering more than 200 local and out-of-state exhibitors.
Attendees can browse and purchase goods, and talk with experts about the newest trends in off-road vehicles, accessories, trailers, apparel, and parts. They will also have a chance to connect with representatives from local groups, resorts, governmental organizations, and parks dedicated to the activity. During the event, filmmaker Dana Brown will discuss his newest film, Dust 2 Glory, and Lawrence Hacking will share his motorcycle racing experiences.
The event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, December 1; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 2; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road. General admission is $15, and children 12 and younger get in free. For more information, go to the International Off-Road Expo website. Laura Latzko
Die Hard: A Christmas Story
It’s the most explosive holiday tale of all time, now with puppets. Die Hard: A Christmas Story reimagines the Bruce Willis action thriller with cloth and chaos.
In the landmark 1988 film, New York City cop John McClane comes to visit his estranged wife for the holidays. Her office party inside a Los Angeles high-rise is taken over by German terrorists, and McClane must take matters into his own hands to save the day.
Get together and have a few laughs starting at 8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from December 1 through 23 at Playhouse on the Park at Central Arts Plaza, 1850 North Central Avenue. General admission is $22. For more information, visit the All Puppet Players website. Jason Kiel
Full Moon Festival
A full moon can be exciting, as it’s often synonymous with unique and unexplainable occurrences. But even if nothing crazy happens, it’s still pretty cool to look at, and a good reason to throw a party.
The folks hosting the monthly Full Moon Festival agree. The theme of this month’s gathering is “Heart Shala.” Shala is the Sanskrit word for home. So when you put the two together, it translates to “a place of
The event will include yoga, meditation, sound healing, teas from around the world, food, and live music. Celebrate December’s “cold moon” starting at 5:55 p.m. on Friday, December 1, at Unexpected Gallery, 734 West Polk Street. Admission is free. Call 602-638-1313 or visit the Unexpected Gallery website. Amy Young
Images in Motion
In Scottsdale Community College’s dance program, creating a piece is as much about experience and personal growth as performance. During the annual Images in Motion production on Friday and Saturday, December 1 and 2, the program will present work from three companies: Instinct Dancecorps, SCC Moving Company, and Scottsdale Arizona Jazz Ensemble.
The fall showcase will highlight more than 30 student dancers, performing acrobatics, lyrical and contemporary jazz, hip-hop-inspired and Latin-infused contemporary, and modern works from faculty, guest choreographers, and alumni. A dance group from the Arizona School for the Arts will also perform.
The free dance concert will begin at 8 p.m. each night at Scottsdale Community College’s Performing Arts Center, 9000 East Chaparral Road. For more information, visit the Facebook event page. Laura Laztko
Arizona Asian Festival
Chances are good you’d find more than 17 Asian cultures here in the Valley, but 17 of them will be represented all at once at the 22nd annual Arizona Asian Festival. Whether you get hangry or just a little cranky and worn-out (from viewing the fashion show of 100 traditional costumes, strolling the Avenue of aforementioned Cultures, or prowling the tent full of community information and shopping), you and 15,000 other visitors will find a selection that’d do any festival proud. Filipino, Indonesian, and Laotian cuisine join the familiar standbys.
The food’s also important to the dozens of dance, martial arts, and musical groups that perform continuously. So. Much. Dancing. Cruise to Scottsdale Civic Center Park, 3939 North 75th Street on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Arizona Asian American Association website. Julie Peterson
Experience Scandinavia
You don’t have to travel to another country to get cultured. Instead, visit the Musical Instrument Museum at 4725 East Mayo Boulevard.
On Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, visitors can discover the music and culture of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland during Experience Scandinavia. Expect performances as well as instrument-making classes, dance workshops, traditional food, and culture-centered lectures.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 for
Better watch out, better not cry.
Geoff Cook photography
During the 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl on Saturday, December 2, you can show off your holiday spirit with an ugly sweater, holiday-themed pajamas, or a Santa outfit while exploring the bars of Old Town Scottsdale.
Bar crawl participants will receive a special 16-ounce cup and a Santa hat, as well as drink specials on beers, shots, or mixers at participating nightlife establishments throughout the evening.
Registration will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bevvy, 4420 North Saddlebag Trail, #100, and the event will run until 10. Tickets are $17 per person for a group of four or more in advance, or $20 if you’re rolling solo. For more information, see the Eventbrite website. Laura Latzko
Go Yotes.
Ticketmaster
Last month, hockey fans gathered in New Jersey as the Devils faced off against the Arizona Coyotes. When that bout went down, it was the East Coast team who took home the 4-3 victory. Now on Arizona turf, there’s a chance for redemption for the Southwestern stick-men.
And the Coyotes could use the win. This season has found them a little
The puck starts flying at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 2, at Gila River Arena, 9400 West Maryland Avenue in Glendale. Tickets are $24.50. Call 480-563-7825 or visit the Coyotes website. Amy Young
Snag some one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at Patricia Sannit's Art & Objects Studio Sale.
Patricia Sannit
Phoenix artist Patricia Sannit uses textured clay forms to represent interwoven layers of history, humanity, and culture. Sometimes her art is displayed in large-scale installations, as in her recent “Rise Fall Rise” exhibition at Phoenix Art Museum. But Sannit also creates smaller work like vessels and pendants.
Get a glimpse of Sannit’s studio, located at 2631 East Cortez Street, when she holds the Art and Objects Studio Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, December 3. She’ll be joined by more than a dozen artists showing and selling works of art, which gives you a convenient way to holiday shop while supporting local creatives. There’s no cost for admission.
Participating artists include Tiffany Bailey, Christopher Jagmin, Elliott Kayser, and Christy Puetz, to name a few. While you’re there, enjoy a cup of mulled apple cider and get a henna tattoo created by Jennifer Lind. Visit the Patricia Sannit website. Lynn Trimble
The Full Moon Walk
Put your single sparkly glove away. The Full Moon Walk isn’t a fresh iteration of an MJ dance move. It’s an actual walk under an actual full moon.
The Museum of Walking’s director and co-founder Angela Ellsworth will lead the free 2.7-mile walk under the cover of darkness. The goal of the trek through Papago Park is to be contemplative and silent.
The nighttime walk will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, at 625 North Galvin Parkway. RSVP at the Artful.ly website. Participants are welcome to bring flashlights. For more information, visit the Museum of Walking website. Lindsay Roberts
The best Risk! to take.
Tony Conrad
If talking about deeply personal and/or weird experiences were easy, the Risk!
For the show’s creator, actor and writer Kevin Allison, taking that chance was a good move. Allison participated in a storytelling event and immediately fell in love with the medium. (Prior to Risk!, Allison was on the MTV sketch comedy show The State.) He launched Risk! as a live storytelling event in 2009. It’s since evolved into a podcast that sometimes hits the road for in-person shows. Celebs like Marc Maron and Margaret Cho are among those who’ve shared secret stories.
Join Allison and guests at this live version, featuring personal tales ranging from hilarious to devastating. Be there when the truth comes out at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, at Valley Bar, 130 North Central Avenue. Tickets to the 21-and-over event are $20. Visit the Valley Bar website. Amy Young
