Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Azy Scotten Photography [dropcap]M[/dropcap]ove over Alexander Hamilton. There’s a new historical figure who is making the leap out of high school social studies textbooks and onto the stage. Naturalist John Muir, one of the early founders of the National Parks System, gets the star treatment in “Mountain Days”—a musical…
Writer Shoshana Leon Photography Courtesy of Getty Images and John Medina/WireImage [dropcap]C[/dropcap]elebrity Fight Night brings Hollywood’s brightest stars to the Valley, but the spotlight is on the cause. Since the event began 25 years ago, more than $86 million has been given to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Disorders Program at…
Writer Amanda ChristmannPhotography Courtesy of David Cottle [dropcap]O[/dropcap]n a matte black stage lit by purple wash lights, a vocalist works a microphone while a drummer and a bass guitarist pour rhythm and harmony into hazy air. Laser lights flash and strobe, and giant speakers send notes and beats to a crowd of hundreds. This is…
Writer Shoshana LeonPhotography Courtesy of Tim Fuchs and the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa [dropcap]F[/dropcap]ormed in 1978, the Scottsdale League for the Arts has a long history of supporting the arts through culinary fundraising events. Since 2000, the Scottsdale League for the Arts has raised more than $4.5 million to support the arts in Maricopa…
Writer Shannon SeversonPhotography Courtesy of Mora Italian [dropcap]A[/dropcap]s his Phoenix eatery, Mora Italian, celebrates its second anniversary, celebrity chef Scott Conant and I had a conversation about food, family, and how Arizona lured him westward after decades of living and working in the Big Apple. “I was 27 years in Manhattan, and New York City…
Writer Shannon SeversonPhotography Courtesy of Bar Pesce [dropcap]I[/dropcap]magine having an incredibly successful restaurant with scores of adoring customers steadfastly enjoying your signature dishes. Rave reviews keep rolling in for six years. Then, you take a huge risk. You change the name, the menu, and even the cultural influence of your offerings. It’s a bold move…
Writer Amanda ChristmannPhotography by Scott Baxter [dropcap]W[/dropcap]arm, heavy air and the acrid smell of earth and fire have settled into the dust. Tables and racks scarred by creative sparks stand solidly on the concrete floor, and motley tin cans filled with odds and ends line well-worn shelves. In the middle of it all, a masked…
Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kellykyndraclaire.com [dropcap]N[/dropcap]othing beats the buttery goodness of crumbly, delicious scones. This blackberry lemon version is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Top with glaze for a sweet and tart treat. Ingredients:1-3/4 cup flour 4 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon pinch of salt 5 tablespoons cold butter 1…
Writer and Photographer Kyndra Kellykyndraclaire.com [dropcap]F[/dropcap]or those times when you just need a dozen PERFECT chocolate cupcakes… Ingredients:1 cup flour3/4 cup sugar1/3 cup cocoa powder1 teaspoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon baking sodadash of salt1/3 cup softened butter1 egg1/3 cup milk1/4 cup hot water1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: Preheat oven to 350 and prepare a cupcake pan with…
Writer Joseph J. AirdoPhotography Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil [dropcap]C[/dropcap]irque du Soleil’s latest production “Amaluna” marks a significant milestone in the live entertainment company’s 35-year history. For the very first time since the troupe began thrilling audiences around the world with its reinvented circus arts, it debuts a show comprised mostly of women. The production…