Images Arizona (March 2026)

H A N G E

O U . C H A N G E T H E W A Y Y O U A G E .

Actively selling Desert Mountain since January 1995, Karen draws on her experience of having designed four custom homes and building two “Golden Nugget” award winners, to provide the detailed expertise Desert Mountain clients require. Her knowledge of the community and exclusive attention to Desert Mountain properties allows her to provide detailed knowledge of the community’s history, club operations, design review, and other issues important to members.

(480) 488-7062 SEDONA (928) 282-0255

(307) 201-1848

(970) 728-2880 www.bellafinegoods.com

(480) 483-4600

(928) 203-0400

(307) 734-0169

(970) 728-4620 www.azadifinerugs.com

f u l l s e r v i c e i n t e r i o r d e s i g n & f u r n i s h i n g s | w w w o m d e s i g n g r o u p c o m

Fiesta Rocks Art Night

THIRD THURSDAY ART NIGHT

THURSDAY,

THIRD THURSDAY ART NIGHT

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 FROM 4 TO 7 PM Meet Artists and Check Out New Product

This living space is an intimate study in elevated desert modernism, where organic textures meet curated artistry. Sculptural seating and soft, rounded ottomans invite conversation, while a statement console of branch-like wood grounds the room in natural drama. Hand-selected wildlife paintings by Trevor Swanson and bronze accents by Bryce Pettit add gallery-like sophistication, balancing refinement with warmth. Natural materials and warm tones come together to create an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and effortlessly inviting.

photo essay

Spring Loaded Chutes & Cheers

PUBLISHER

Shelly Spence

MANAGING EDITOR

Joseph J. Airdo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Meaghan Mitchell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joseph J. Airdo

Francine Coles

Shannon Severson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Francine Coles

Loralei Lazurek

ADVERTISING SALES

Cindi Calcinari 860-966-3271 cindi@imagesaz.com

From the Publisher

March arrives in Arizona not with a whisper but with a roar — engines revving, crowds cheering, music echoing across festival grounds from Scottsdale to Sedona. This is the month when our desert comes alive with celebration, when perfect weather transforms parking lots into art galleries and rodeo arenas into theaters of tradition. Spring in Arizona isn’t a season; it’s a declaration.

This month’s issue of Images Arizona celebrates the convergence of art, culture, and community that defines our festival season. We’ve filled these pages with the energy of this extraordinary month: contemporary art fairs drawing international collectors, bourbon tastings under desert stars, rodeo traditions honoring Western heritage, the thunder of chrome on mountain roads, and spring training diamonds serving up culinary adventures alongside America’s pastime.

From wine country festivals to tribute bands, from custom motorcycles as rolling sculpture to craft brews paired with gourmet ballpark fare, March offers a wealth of experiences that remind us why people from around the world choose to spend this perfect month in Arizona.

Images Arizona P.O. Box 1416

Carefree, AZ. 85377 623-341-8221

shelly@imagesaz.com imagesarizona.com

What makes March magical isn’t just the 80-degree days or the absence of summer’s brutal heat — it’s the way our communities gather, celebrate and welcome the world to our corner of the desert. Whether you’re raising a glass at a bourbon festival, cheering from the stands at a rodeo, admiring contemporary art at an international fair or discovering a new festival in a town you’ve never visited, you’re participating in something larger than entertainment. You’re experiencing the creative, generous, innovative spirit that makes Arizona home.

From our family to yours, we wish you a month filled with discovery, celebration, and the joy of gathering with friends old and new under Arizona’s incomparable spring skies.

Happy spring!

Shelly Spence Publisher, Images Arizona

September 26, 2026

Limited to only 16 guests.

Don’t Miss Out Call Today!

As former owner of The Carefree Traveler, Paula and her husband Peter invite you to experience true Tuscan living on a unique culinary and wine journey this September. Stay in a charming villa, relax in your spacious en-suite bedroom, and savor exquisite meals prepared by a private chef.

Enjoy curated excursions including the nearby hilltop town of Montepulciano, engage in hands-on pasta-making classes, and relish tastings of regional cheese, wine, and olive oil. Your hosts will be joined by Chef Asia based in Val d’Orcia, expert local guide Lucia Norrito, and Claudia Alfieri, owner of Dream Italian Villa & Tours. Together, they’ll lead you through a week filled wit h flavor, culture, and unforgettable Tuscan beauty.

To book this incredible journey, contact Gregory Newman | 480.488.3111 | gregory@carefreetraveler.com

LUMINOUS BY BROOKE WITH ROBERT PROCOP

MARCH 3

Tuesday 4–7 p.m.

Experience an immersive celebration of Luminous — Brooke Shields and renowned gemologist Robert Procop’s celestial jewelry collection, three years in the making. This extraordinary showcase features jewels inspired by lunar cycles, accompanied by authentic moon and Mars meteorites.

ALISHAN JEWELRY SHOWCASE

MARCH 20–21

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Experience Alishan’s journey into mixed metals where ancient meets contemporary through opposing colors and bold contrasts. Each handcrafted jewel exudes individuality and elegance — bold yet classic, organic yet refined — demanding to be seen in person to appreciate the extraordinary attention to detail.

OPULENCE! A HIGH JEWELRY EXTRAVAGANZA

MARCH 3–14

Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of luxury with our high jewelry showcase featuring David Gross, Robert Procop, David Weisz and many others. Master jewelers, each representing generations of expertise, present exceptional gemstones set in breathtaking designs.

SARAH GRAHAM JEWELRY SHOWCASE

APRIL 17–18

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Experience the allure of Sarah Graham’s innovative jewelry designs, where oxidized cobalt chrome meets 18-karat gold and sparkling diamonds. This two-day event offers a rare chance to meet the designer herself and explore her full collection, including one-of-a-kind pieces that embody organic beauty and contemporary sophistication.

Grace Renee Gallery is a refreshingly beautiful way to explore fine contemporary art in the breathtaking shadows of the Sonoran Desert foothills of Carefree, Arizona. Artfully designed jewelry, inspiring sculptures, spectacular wall art, stunning ceramics and more await.

UPCOMING EVENTS

GREGORÉ AND JENNIFER-RABE MORIN

APRIL 24–25

Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Meet two of America’s finest jewelry designers, a Santa Barbara husband-and-wife team who reinterpret nature with humor and artistry. Each piece marries technical mastery with whimsical vision, creating singular works where precision craftsmanship transforms the natural world into wearable sculpture.

The Texture of Luxury Alishan Halebian’s Gold Standard

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

In a downtown Los Angeles workshop decades ago, an Armenian immigrant nearly discarded a German design magazine. His boss warned him: Make jewelry like that, and you’ll never sell it.

Alishan Halebian took the magazine anyway.

Today, the pieces inside those pages — where form and space triumph over gemstone size, where metal becomes sculpture — define his life’s work. For over a generation, this master jeweler has treated gold, platinum and oxidized silver not as settings for stones, but as his primary palette, layering them with the fluidity of watercolor and the restraint of fine art. In an industry obsessed with carat weight and sparkle, Alishan creates what the cognoscenti call “anti-bling” — jewelry for the confident collector who already owns the classics and now seeks something singular.

“Alishan doesn’t just work with metal; he treats it like a canvas,” says Natasha Lazorova, jewelry curator and head gemstone expert at Grace Renee Gallery in Carefree, where Alishan will showcase his work March 20–21. “He has this exceptional ability to layer gold, platinum, and oxidized silver as if he were applying paint, creating depths and textures that most jewelers simply cannot replicate. In the industry, we think of him as a ‘jeweler’s jeweler’ — the artist who is quietly entrusted with the most complex, high-stakes commissions for major houses because his technical brilliance is unmatched.”

Yet for all that technical prowess, Alishan’s path to jewelry was anything but traditional.

“When I finished high school, I knew I liked art — I liked drawing — and I knew art was going to be my path somehow,” Alishan recalls. “So I went to an art college and took ceramics. That was my start, and I enjoyed it very much. But it was shortlived because I emigrated to the United States in 1970.”

That ceramics training — brief as it was — planted seeds that would eventually blossom into his signature approach. While traditionally trained goldsmiths learn rules, Alishan learned to think in form and space, in volume and negative space, in the language of sculpture.

“I had very little knowledge about the jewelry industry — or jewelry in general,” he says.

Working for that Austrian-trained jeweler in downtown Los Angeles, Alishan discovered those German magazines — publications showcasing European designers who treated jewelry as wearable sculpture rather than gemstone display cases.

“What I was seeing in those pages versus what I was seeing in downtown Los Angeles was completely different,” he says. “The approach, the philosophy — everything was different.”

When his boss prepared to discard part of an issue, Alishan intervened.

“He said, ‘Oh, don’t worry about it. If you make something like this, you’ll never be able to sell it,’” Alishan remembers. “I said, ‘Forget about selling — just give it to me.’ And I looked through it. I kept looking, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is exactly what my understanding of jewelry should be. This is my perception.’ What I saw in those designers’ work was that form and space were the main attraction — which is what sculpture is all about. That spoke to me immediately.”

What emerged from that revelation was a technique that mystifies even seasoned jewelers: the ability to “paint” with metal, creating depth and shadow through oxidation and mixed-metal fusion that appears as effortless as brushstrokes on canvas. The reality is far more demanding.

“Most of our work consists of mixed metals, and the design itself — the drawing — actually dictates what I want to do,” Alishan explains. “If I need a certain contrast, that tells me which metals I’m going to use, which textures I’ll apply. Almost everything we make has hand texture in addition to patina and colorization.”

That hand texture — applied by his own fingers, sometimes layered over previous texture to create visual depth — transforms metal into something unexpected.

“We take the metal out of its inherent characteristics, and sometimes it will look like fabric,” he says. “I love that transition. That texture gives us the ability to transform the metal, so visually it appears as something else entirely.”

Alishan doesn’t just work with metal; he treats it like a canvas. He has this exceptional ability to layer gold, platinum and oxidized silver as if he were applying paint, creating depths and textures that most jewelers simply cannot replicate. Natasha Lazorova

The oxidation process itself requires alchemical precision. Using liver of sulfur, Alishan coaxes silver through graduated tones of gray until achieving the exact shade — sometimes nearly black — that creates maximum contrast against warm golds.

“It’s very tedious work because it’s not entirely predictable,” he says. “You have to be extremely precise with the temperature and the amount of liver of sulfur. It’s quite technical. It took us a long period of time to reach the point where we felt comfortable and confident with achieving the exact color we wanted.”

The result? Jewelry that demands closer inspection. Pieces that reveal new details with each viewing. Work that earns Alishan quiet commissions from major houses — projects bound by nondisclosure agreements but whispered about with respect throughout the industry.

“We examine every step of the way, starting from the initial design,” says Lydia Tutunjian, Alishan’s wife and business partner. “Most of our jewelry pieces are handcrafted and fabricated — some are cast, and others use a combination of casting and fabrication techniques.”

The Alishan-Lydia partnership forms the human heart of this artistic enterprise. For decades, they’ve navigated the delicate balance between artistic chaos and business necessity, between creative impulse and client satisfaction.

“It took a while,” Lydia admits. “It’s hard when your life partner is with you 24-7 and you still need to keep the integrity of both the business and the relationship going. In the beginning, it was hard until we each found our own tasks and responsibilities, and we learned how to work together well.”

Their only friction point? The design process itself.

“If Alishan asks, ‘How do you like this?’ and I critique it, sometimes he doesn’t like my critique — or vice versa,” Lydia says. “But we’ve learned how to handle it. I’ll give my opinion, but he’ll have the last word on it. Or if I design something and he has time to execute my designs, then the process works in reverse.”

That partnership — her grounded business acumen balancing his restless creativity — creates the warmth that clients notice immediately.

“Customer satisfaction is our goal, 100%,” Lydia says. “I always like to hear back from clients, or I’ll call them after they’ve received the piece to make sure they’re completely satisfied and love what we’ve created for them. That’s what makes us happy.”

For Alishan, inspiration comes from everywhere and nowhere predictable.

“Inspiration is very important for me,” he says. “I have very little patience — I need to be inspired all the time. Otherwise, I cannot do anything.”

He’s a beekeeper. He listens to jazz when fatigue sets in. He studies African art — not to copy, but to absorb its restraint, its ability to say just enough and then stop.

“These pieces weren’t made to hang on walls — they were created for ceremony, for spiritual and communal purposes,” he explains. “That deeper meaning resonates with me. And here’s what I find remarkable: Every time I look at the same piece of African art, I discover something new. It’s not overdone. It’s executed just enough, and then it stops.”

That philosophy — knowing when to stop — defines his work. So does his refusal to follow trends or even acknowledge what other designers create.

“He never follows trends,” Lydia says. “He doesn’t follow other designers. He doesn’t even look at other designers’ work when we go to shows. So he’s not influenced by what’s popular or what others are doing. Everything he creates comes from his own creativity.”

She pauses, considering his legacy.

“What I think really makes him stand out in the industry is that he experiments all the time,” she continues. “Whether it’s with metals — and remember, he’s a selftaught goldsmith — or with other materials like wood, he’s always pushing boundaries. And people love seeing that. It’s so different.”

That difference shows in unexpected places — like the Arizona desert, where shadows and textures echo the restraint in Alishan’s work.

“It’s so serene, so deserted,” Alishan says of the landscape. “Most people pass through and see it as empty, but there’s

so much there — the shadows, the mountains, the textures, the colors. All of it seeps into your unconscious mind. Eventually, when you sit down to work and search for inspiration, it rises up naturally. You don’t have to force it.”

The upcoming showcase at Grace Renee Gallery offers a rare opportunity to meet this quietly influential maker in person — and to understand why human hands create something machines never can.

“I’ve seen beautifully done AI videos — the colors, the movement, the characters, the surrealism — and at first, you say, ‘Wow, this is incredible! This is so beautiful,’” Alishan reflects. “But keep watching that same video over and over again, and notice how quickly you get bored. How quickly the magic fades.”

Compare that to museum art viewed repeatedly across decades, he suggests — paintings that reveal new brushstrokes, new color relationships, perpetual inspiration.

“I think that’s the fundamental difference,” he says. “New technology is wonderful — it absolutely is — and it’s a powerful tool. But it’s just that: a tool.”

EXPERIENCE

What technology cannot replicate is the soul embedded in each hammer mark, each deliberately applied texture, each oxidized shadow. What machines miss is the conversation between maker and metal, the dialogue between artistic intention and material reality.

“We experience this every time we do a show or personal appearance,” Alishan says. “As much as our customers and clients see our work, we learn just as much from them — from their approach, their understanding, even their criticism. And we just love it.”

That exchange — between maker and wearer, between artistic vision and lived experience — completes each piece in ways no studio work can achieve.

“There’s one point of view when I’m sitting at my bench, looking at and finishing a piece,” he explains. “But then there’s a completely different point of view from the person who will wear it, who will purchase it, who will live with it. And that perspective is so important to me.”

Visitors to Grace Renee Gallery this March will encounter one-of-a-kind pieces alongside signature designs — rings, necklaces and bracelets, including a strong collection of men’s jewelry. They’ll also find something rarer: a jeweler eager to collaborate on custom designs incorporating clients’ own meaningful gemstones.

“If someone brings in stones that are meaningful to them, we’ll collaborate to create a custom design around those pieces,” Lydia says. “So there will be opportunities for both ready-to-wear and bespoke work.”

More than that, they’ll meet a maker who still marvels at metal’s possibilities after decades at the bench, who listens to jazz and keeps bees, who studies African sculpture and draws by hand in an increasingly digital world. They’ll encounter jewelry that asks to be examined closely, pieces that reveal new details with each wearing, work that transforms precious metal into something approaching fabric, shadow or light itself.

They’ll discover, in other words, what happens when a sculptor accidentally becomes a jeweler — and never forgets that first love.

gracereneegallery.com

With bold color and gestural brush strokes, Martin’s contemporary landscape art is captivating and unique.

Hours: Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. By appointment Sun. and Mon. 480.575.8080

Community

MARCH

1

ORFF’S CARMINA BURANA

Sonoran Desert Chorale joins MCC’s Canto Vivo chorus for a powerful performance of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, presented in the composer’s dynamic scoring for two pianos and percussion. This evocative cantata sets medieval poems that explore fate, love, nature and revelry, anchored by the iconic opening and closing chorus “O Fortuna.” $25; discounts available. 3 p.m. Camelback Bible Church, 3900 E. Stanford Drive, Paradise Valley. 480-3054538; sonorandesertchorale.org

MARCH

1

THE PLANETS AND TCHAIKOVSKY

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, Maestro Robert Moody concludes the Festival Orchestra Week with a performance featuring British pianist George Harliono, the silver medalist of the 2023 International Tchaikovsky Competition. Harliono performs Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 2, followed by Holst’s orchestral blockbuster “The Planets.” $56+. 3 p.m. La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church, 6300 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 17

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICA

Historian Jim Sherbert opens a four-part lecture series with an exploration of the early English colonies along the Atlantic coast and how the French and Indian War transformed their relationship with Great Britain. The program traces how financially thriving but geographically distant colonies, long accustomed to freedom and independence, were thrust into a new era of imperial control that set the stage for revolution. Free; donations appreciated; registration requested. 4–5:30 p.m. Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

MARCH 3

LUMINOUS BY BROOKE WITH ROBERT PROCOP

Experience an immersive celebration of Luminous — Brooke Shields and renowned gemologist Robert Procop’s celestial jewelry collection, three years in the making. This extraordinary showcase features jewels inspired by lunar cycles, accompanied by authentic moon and Mars meteorites. 4–7 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

MARCH 3–14

OPULENCE! A HIGH-JEWELRY EXTRAVAGANZA

Immerse yourself in the pinnacle of luxury with Grace Renee Gallery’s high jewelry showcase featuring David Gross, Robert Procop and David Weisz. Three master jewelers, each representing generations of expertise, present exceptional gemstones set in breathtaking designs. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

MARCH 10 MINERS DINNER

Cave Creek Museum hosts its 16th annual fundraiser, celebrating the community’s rich history under the theme “Staking a New Claim.” The evening features a silent auction, a balloon pop, a bake sale and an appearance by Poncho the beer burro. Attendees can enjoy dinner, live music by master of ceremonies Kevin Causey and a special appearance by Western author and artist Bob Boze Bell. $100. 4:30–7 p.m. Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-2764; cavecreekmuseum.org

MARCH

12

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN: BIG BAND BROADWAY

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, the Ambassador of the Great American Songbook swings into the 21st century with the Carnegie Hall Big Band. The performance includes a multimedia tribute to Carnegie Hall’s big band history, honoring icons from Duke Ellington to Frank Sinatra. $65+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 14

RECORDER DEMONSTRATION AND PERFORMANCE

Jubilate Conservatory of Music presents a special performance by the Phoenix Desert Pipes, the local chapter of the American Recorder Society. This informative session showcases various types of recorders and includes a Q-and-A period, serving as a prelude to the upcoming adult recorder class starting April 6. Free. 10 a.m. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek. jubilateconservatoryofmusic.org

MARCH 15

CHARLIE CHAPLIN’S SMILE

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, Grammy-nominated violinist Philippe Quint leads a multimedia celebration of Charlie Chaplin’s musical legacy. Combining live music with rare vintage images and video footage from classic films, the performance explores Chaplin’s life as a violinist, composer and conductor. $53+. 7:30 p.m. Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 19

CAREFREE ART NIGHT

Local and regional artists showcase their work at participating galleries during this monthly celebration. Enjoy live music, refreshments, artist talks and demonstrations. Free. 4–7 p.m. See website for participating galleries and event map. visitcarefree.com/artnight

Community

MARCH 20–21

ALISHAN JEWELRY SHOWCASE

Experience Alishan’s journey into mixed metals where ancient meets contemporary through opposing colors and bold contrasts. Each handcrafted jewel exudes individuality and elegance — bold yet classic, organic yet refined — demanding to be seen in person to appreciate the extraordinary attention to detail. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Grace Renee Gallery, Historic Spanish Village, 7212 E. Ho Road, Carefree. 480-575-8080; gracereneegallery.com

MARCH 20–22

CAREFREE BOURBON & CIGAR FESTIVAL

Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge hosts a celebration of premium cigars, fine spirits and live music. The weekend features bourbon tastings, food vendors and a VIP kickoff dinner on Friday. A portion of proceeds benefits Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center. $40+. See website for schedule. Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, 37555 Hum Road, Suite 109, Carefree. 480-575-0993; carefreebourbon-cigarfestival.com

MARCH

IL DIVO

19

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, the iconic classical crossover quartet celebrates over 20 years of music with “By Candlelight,” a journey through two decades of romance, heartache and joy. $79+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH

20–22

STAGECOACH VILLAGE

FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Vermillion Promotions presents this open-air festival in the heart of Cave Creek, featuring a juried selection of fine artists exhibiting works in diverse mediums. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, craft beer, patio dining and live musical entertainment amid the scenic Sonoran Desert foothills. Free. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 623-734-6526; vermillionpromotions.com

MARCH 21

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS — PARADE

Crowds line the streets of historic Cave Creek for this festive procession celebrating the town’s rich Western heritage. Marking the start of Rodeo Week, the lively display features horseback riders, colorful floats, marching bands, vintage vehicles and rodeo royalty. Free. 9 a.m. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. cavecreekrodeo.com

MARCH 21

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS — CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

Get ready to “play cornhole the cowboy way” at this spirited competition. Twoperson teams toss bags for a chance to win cash and prizes in a bracket-style tournament. Spectators can enjoy the action alongside food and drink at one of the town’s most iconic venues. See website for registration fees. Noon signin; 1 p.m. start. Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-4881925; cavecreekrodeo.com

MARCH 21

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS — KICKOFF DANCE

Dust off your boots and celebrate the start of Rodeo Week at this highenergy dance. Sponsored by and held at Harold’s Corral, the evening features live country music, dancing and community fellowship in true Western style. See website for price. 8 p.m. Harold’s Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. 480-488-1925; cavecreekrodeo.com

MARCH 21

TEA & FASHION SHOW

Soroptimist International Happy Valley of the Sun and The Holland Center present an elegant afternoon of style and socialization, graciously sponsored by Diva Divine Boutique. Guests can enjoy tea and a showcase of the latest fashions. $50. 2 p.m. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1090; hollandcenter.org

MARCH 21

THREE AMERICAN TROUBADOURS

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this multimedia tribute celebrates the intertwined lives and careers of three iconic singer-songwriters — James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carole King. $47+. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 22

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS — MUTTON BUSTIN’

Young cowpokes ages 4–7 get their start in the arena at this crowd-pleasing event, holding tight to sheep for a wild ride across the dirt. Participants must weigh 60 pounds or less to compete for a chance to ride in the Mutton Bustin’ Finals during the main rodeo performance on Sunday. Spectators can cheer on the “wooly bully” riders at this fun-filled afternoon. Free for spectators; $25 registration fee. 1 p.m. check-in; 2 p.m. start. Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. 480-304-5634; cavecreekrodeo.com

MARCH 22

SUNDAY SUNDIAL DRUM CIRCLE

Jubilate Conservatory of Music invites the community to a rhythmic afternoon at the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. Participants of all skill levels can join this drum circle to experience the joy of making music together in the heart of Carefree. Free. 2:30 p.m. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. jubilateconservatoryofmusic.org

Community

MARCH 26

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS — ALL BULLS, ALL NIGHT

This showcase kicks off the rodeo competition with an adrenaline-pumping evening dedicated exclusively to bull riding. Fans will witness brave cowboys matching skills against powerful livestock, supported by the athleticism of professional bullfighters. The event sets the stage for the weekend’s PRCA action. $40+. 7:30 p.m. Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. 480-304-5634; cavecreekrodeo.com

MARCH 26

ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA EXPERIENCE

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, this multimedia concert celebration honors the legacy of Jeff Lynne’s ELO with a performance by Evil Woman. The 12-piece band, featuring a live string section alongside electric guitars, faithfully recreates the fusion of Beatlesque pop and classical arrangements found in the original recordings. $47+. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 23

THE HOT SARDINES

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, vocalist Elizabeth Bougerol and pianist-bandleader Evan Palazzo lead the Musicfest Pops Ensemble in a celebration of France’s enduring romance with jazz. $54+. 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 26–29

ANNIE

Desert Foothills Theater presents the Tony Award-winning musical based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray. This all-age production features cherished hits including “Tomorrow.” See website for prices and times. Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. 480-488-1981; dftheater.org

MARCH 27–29

CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS — RODEO

A Western tradition since 1977, this PRCA-sanctioned rodeo draws thousands of fans for three days of professional competition. The event features top-tier athletes competing in bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Theme nights include “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” on Friday and “Patriotic Day” on Sunday. Guests can also enjoy vendor booths, food and the electric atmosphere of the arena. $40+. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek. 480-304-5634; cavecreekrodeo.com

MARCH 27–29

SPRING CAREFREE FINE ART AND WINE FESTIVAL

Thunderbird Artists transforms downtown Carefree into an open-air gallery with juried fine art from over 130 artists, wine tastings, live entertainment, and savory treats. Meet celebrated artists including Jason and Danielle Napier, whose whimsical wildlife sculptures have earned international acclaim. $5. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., Carefree. 480-837-5637; thunderbirdartists.com

MARCH 27–MAY 31 COWGIRL UP!

ART FROM THE OTHER HALF OF THE WEST

The Desert Caballeros Western Museum presents the nation’s leading showcase of contemporary Western women artists. The exhibition features works by 60 acclaimed artists. See website for price and hours. Desert Caballeros Western Museum, 21 N. Frontier St., Wickenburg. 928-684-2272; westernmuseum.org

MARCH 28

FOOTHILLS FOOD BANK FARMERS MARKET

Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center hosts its monthly farmers market, featuring artisan breads, spreads, sweets and fresh local produce. Shoppers can enjoy a relaxed market morning while supporting small businesses, with a portion of all sales benefiting the food bank’s programs for neighbors in need. Free. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center, 4250 E. Carefree Hwy., Cave Creek. 480-4881145; foothillsfoodbank.com

MARCH 28

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE

Presented by Arizona Musicfest, 16-time Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster and acclaimed singer Katharine McPhee return for a special performance joined by classical crossover artist Daniel Emmet. $69+. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. 480-422-8449; azmusicfest.org

MARCH 31

GET INVOLVED GATHERING

Desert Foothills Volunteers hosts a free community event designed to connect residents of the Desert Foothills region with local nonprofit organizations. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch while meeting face to face with leaders from groups such as Kiwanis Marketplace, Foothills Food Bank and Desert Foothills Land Trust to learn about their missions and needs. Attendees can explore volunteer options and sign up for training on the spot. Free; registration required. Noon. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. desertfoothillsvolunteers.com

Arizona Musicfest’s “Carousel: A Concert” from last season demonstrates the theatrical concert format: the Musicfest Pops Ensemble shares the stage with performers, making the orchestra a visible part of the storytelling. “Ragtime” will use the same approach at the Herberger Theater.

The orchestra doesn’t hide in a pit at Arizona Musicfest’s production of “Ragtime.” Thirty musicians occupy the Herberger Theater stage as costars, their instruments glinting under the lights, their presence as essential to the storytelling as the actors downstage. This isn’t traditional musical theater. It’s what Musicfest calls a “Theatrical Concert Experience” — a format that strips away spectacle to reveal the raw architectural power of one of Broadway’s most celebrated scores.

“Any show that has large orchestral resources as the accompaniment will also have very large-scale choral writing,” says Allan Naplan, executive and producing director of Arizona Musicfest. “There are three character communities in ‘Ragtime,’ and when they are all on stage, it creates a wall of spectacular sound. It’s unique and really special.”

That wall of sound arrives at the Herberger Theater Center April 24–26, marking the crown jewel of

Musicfest’s 35th anniversary season. The production reunites the organization with downtown Phoenix’s iconic venue following last season’s acclaimed “Carousel: A Concert,” and it arrives at a moment when “Ragtime” has reclaimed its place as one of Broadway’s hottest tickets.

“A new ‘Ragtime’ production recently opened to great acclaim on Broadway,” Naplan explains, “but patrons don’t need to travel to New York to see outstanding Broadway talent performing this extraordinary and beloved piece of theater.”

The timing is deliberate. When “Ragtime” premiered on Broadway in 1998, it earned 13 Tony nominations and four wins, but it opened in the same season as “The Lion King” — a phenomenon that overshadowed nearly everything else in its path. The musical has remained beloved within theater circles ever since, and its return to Broadway in 2026 has reaffirmed its status as a masterwork.

‘Ragtime’ Revival

Musicfest Marks

Milestone with Broadway-Caliber Theatrical Triumph

“Within the theater world and among theater fans, ‘Ragtime’ is one of the most beloved classic musicals of the last few decades,” Naplan says. “That’s why it’s now in its second Broadway revival and continues to attract some of the greatest talent working today.”

For Arizona Musicfest, attracting that caliber of talent means working on a compressed timeline with artists who already know their roles intimately. The model differs dramatically from traditional theater companies that rehearse for months.

“We bring in major Broadway artists, many of whom are already well-versed in their roles, because we work on a very condensed production timeline,” Naplan explains. “We then pair them with some of the top musical theater talent from the Valley. Having this caliber of artists coming from Broadway and the opera world means we need people at the top of their game — performers who already have full character development and can bring the experience from their Broadway productions.”

The cast Naplan has assembled reads like a who’s who of contemporary musical theater royalty. Mamie Parris returns to the role of Mother, which she originated in the 2009 Broadway revival. Her extensive credits include Grizabella in “Cats,” Elphaba in “Wicked,” and Paulette in “Legally Blonde.”

In the pivotal role of Sarah, Ta’nika Gibson is taking a leave from the current Broadway revival specifically to perform with Musicfest — a remarkable coup for the organization. For Gibson, the role carries profound personal meaning that transcends professional achievement.

“I’m adopted,” she says. “When I embody the role of Sarah, I feel like I’m embodying my own biological mother — what she went through in having to potentially give up a child, or fighting for her child, fighting for her love, fighting for this relationship. When I’m holding baby Coalhouse on stage, I think of myself as baby Coalhouse — singing to all the circumstances that happened to me and what it took to get me here. It feels like a full-circle moment.”

The role of Coalhouse Walker Jr. — Sarah’s love interest and the beating heart of “Ragtime’s” tragedy — goes to Justin Austin, one of opera’s brightest rising stars. Named Rising Star of the Year at the 2024 International Opera Awards, Austin regularly performs at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

“Coalhouse Walker Jr. is a dream role of mine,” Austin admits. “It’s really a testament to how hard work leads you to where you want to be in life.”

Austin’s connection to the character runs deeper than professional ambition. He grew up in Harlem and built his career foundation in St. Louis — the

exact trajectory of Coalhouse Walker Jr., who leaves St. Louis for a better life in New York City’s Harlem.

“There are just a lot of similarities between me and this character,” Austin reflects.

The role has haunted him since high school. He attended LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, arriving just as his school mounted “Ragtime” — but freshmen couldn’t audition. The same thing happened at Manhattan School of Music. He became an understudy, deepening his love for the piece while increasing his anxiety about whether he’d ever actually perform it.

“When it came back to Broadway, it was bittersweet for me,” Austin says. “With me being in demand in my opera career right now, it just wasn’t the right time. The last time ‘Ragtime’ was on Broadway was 2009. These things don’t come around often. I just thought it was possible that my chance had dwindled. And then when Arizona Musicfest contacted me about singing Coalhouse, I knew that I didn’t have any time

You physically feel the live musicians there in front of you, and that’s an effect that just can’t be duplicated by a recording or by music being piped in from somewhere else.

Josh Condon

in my schedule. But I was like, ‘I’ll make it work.’ Because I don’t know if this is ever going to come around again.”

The production also marks a homecoming for native Arizonan Sam Primack, the youngest actor to star as Evan Hansen on both Broadway and the national tour of “Dear Evan Hansen.” He returns to play Younger Brother, performing on the very Herberger stage where he grew up doing Valley Youth Theatre productions.

“I really grew up on the Herberger Theater Center stage,” Primack says. “I have so many amazing childhood memories on that stage. So when they asked me to come back for a show that I already love and that means so much to me, it just felt like a perfect fit.”

The shift from the intimate, internal world of “Dear Evan Hansen” to “Ragtime’s” sweeping epic excites him.

“This show is absolutely an ensemble,” Primack notes. “There are more than 30 cast members — it’s such a huge production. It’s fun because there’s a little mix of Arizona friends and New York friends.”

Rounding out the principal cast are David R. Gordon as Tateh — reprising his acclaimed portrayal from Goodspeed Opera House’s 2025 production — and local Valley favorite Jesse Berger as Father.

What makes Musicfest’s approach unique isn’t just the caliber of talent, but the theatrical concert format itself. Josh Condon, Musicfest’s resident artist and the production’s conductor, serves as the bridge between the storytelling and the 30-piece Musicfest Pops Ensemble.

Last season’s “Carousel: A Concert” showcased Musicfest's unique theatrical concert model, with nearly 50 orchestra members on stage alongside the cast. This format returns for “Ragtime,” featuring a 30-piece ensemble performing the full Broadway orchestration.

“‘Ragtime’ is one of the most heralded scores in musical theater, and it’s playing on Broadway right now to critical acclaim,” Condon says. “We’re really excited and honored to showcase the same size orchestra that’s currently playing on Broadway. There are very few shows — outside of maybe Gammage to a certain extent — that will frequently do full orchestrations. Not a reduced orchestra, not a smaller pit orchestra, not tracks.”

The impact of having the orchestra visible on stage goes beyond aesthetics.

“There’s something that happens to the listener when the orchestra is on stage that you physically feel,” Condon explains. “The sound of the orchestra travels from the stage to the listener and physically hits you. It doesn’t go through a pre-EQ’d, pre-edited mix from a soundboard that’s processing a band in another room. You physically feel the live musicians there in front of you, and that’s an effect that just can’t be duplicated.”

For Austin, this concertized approach feels like home.

“In opera, we have this element to our performing life called the concert or the recital, where we take the grand, macro storytelling of the opera stage and put it under a magnifying glass,” he says. “In a recital, it’s just you and the pianist and the intimacy of the audience — everyone is there to see and experience your point of view. We as the characters, as the actors, have more of a responsibility to make sure that these themes, these stories, these circumstances come to life in a way where we don’t need the spectacle.”

Those themes — immigration, class divides, racial injustice, and the fractured American Dream — reverberate with particular potency in 2026 Arizona. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty’s score uses the syncopated rhythms of ragtime, the martial precision of marches, and the graceful lilt of waltzes to represent three colliding worlds: Harlem, the affluent suburb of New Rochelle, and New York’s Lower East Side immigrant community.

“The composers and the orchestrators have done their job to create a really imaginative score,” Condon says. “My job is to serve that vision and bring all those details out. It’s all there in the score already — you just have to interpret it and guide the musicians in such a way that they play with the nuance and intention that will illuminate those details for the audience.”

The production also represents a geographic expansion for Musicfest, which has grown from a local festival into a valleywide cultural force over 3 1/2 decades.

“Even though we have a strong footprint in North Scottsdale, our reach has become valleywide,” Naplan says. “There is truly no boundary for Arizona Musicfest because people love great music all throughout the Phoenix metro area.”

The Herberger partnership makes practical sense — there’s no theatrical venue in North Scottsdale capable of hosting a production of this scale — but it also encourages North Valley patrons to see themselves as part of the broader metro Phoenix arts ecosystem. For those making the drive from North Scottsdale, Musicfest is offering Ragtime Railways — a convenient bus service that transforms the

In Arizona Musicfest’s theatrical concert format, the orchestra isn’t hidden in a pit — it's a co-star. This image from last season's “Carousel: A Concert” illustrates the staging that audiences will experience when “Ragtime” arrives at the Herberger Theater in April.

journey downtown into part of the evening’s experience.

As Musicfest celebrates 35 years, the numbers tell a story of sustained growth. Last season, 50,613 patrons attended Musicfest events — a record. This season is tracking at the same pace, with both ticket sales and philanthropy ahead of last year’s benchmarks at this point in the season.

“We’re just getting started in expanding our reach, while offering new types of musical experiences to Arizona audiences,” Naplan says.

For Primack, returning to perform on the stage where he once dreamed of a Broadway career, the full-circle nature of the moment is not lost.

“Arizona will always be home,” he says. “I owe everything to the community — to my teachers, to the community theaters that basically raised me. The community really lifted me up, and I owe so much to it. So anytime I can come back and thank the community, and they’re willing to welcome me back, I’m happy to do it.”

The Herberger stage awaits. The orchestra is ready. And for three nights in April, the syncopated heartbeat of America’s past will pulse through downtown Phoenix, played by an ensemble that’s spent 35 years proving that great music knows no boundaries — geographic, stylistic, or otherwise. azmusicfest.org/ragtime

‘Ragtime’ April 24–26 // See website for times // Herberger Theater Center // 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix // $79.50+ // 480-422-8449 // azmusicfest.org/ragtime

Spring Crescendo

As Arizona Musicfest’s 35th anniversary season builds toward the theatrical triumph of “Ragtime,” the organization’s spring calendar offers an embarrassment of riches for Valley music lovers. From jazz vocalists to classical crossover quartets, from big band nostalgia to British Invasion retrospectives, the lineup demonstrates Musicfest’s range and ambition.

Allan Naplan, executive and producing director, highlights three performances as essential viewing.

The Hot Sardines (March 23) return to Musicfest for their second appearance, this time backed by the Musicfest Pops Ensemble under Josh Condon’s direction.

“They’ll tell the evolution of jazz that came from France to New Orleans in this special program they’re doing,” Naplan explains. “They are outstanding artists, both individually and collectively. That’ll be a very fun, entertaining show.”

For fans of classic rock, the Electric Light Orchestra Experience (March 26) offers an authentic recreation of Jeff Lynne’s vision with Evil Woman, a 12-piece ensemble featuring a live string section.

“When some of these tribute bands perform, it’s like the record is leaping off the record player,” Naplan says. “They are so true to the instrumentation, to the purity of what that original music was, that it really is wonderful to hear it. The demand is so strong that we’re filling up two performances.”

Naplan’s third must-see: Samara Joy (April 9), who just extended her historic Grammy winning streak. The 26-year-old vocalist claimed her sixth Grammy Award on Feb. 1, winning best jazz vocal album for “Portrait” — her fourth consecutive year winning at the ceremony. She previously won best new artist in 2023, a category rarely awarded to jazz artists.

“She beat out all the pop and rock artists the year she won it,” Naplan says. “That says so much about this woman’s artistry. With her acclaim and her command of the stage, it’s an honor for Musicfest to be presenting her.”

The season also features Michael Feinstein leading the Carnegie Hall Big Band through Broadway classics (March 12), Grammy-nominated violinist Philippe Quint exploring Charlie Chaplin’s musical legacy (March 15), classical crossover legends Il Divo performing “By Candlelight” (March 19), a multimedia tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carole King (March 21), 16-time Grammy winner David Foster with Katharine McPhee and Daniel Emmet (March 28), and a celebration of the British Invasion years (April 11).

All performances take place at either Highlands Church or Pinnacle Presbyterian Church in Scottsdale.

By Shannon Severson

A Cactus League Culinary Tour

Swing for the Fences

Spring Training in Arizona’s Cactus League is as much about food as it is fastballs. With perfect spring temperatures and the scent of freshly cut grass lingering in the air, fans line up equally for pregame autographs and novel takes on ballpark classics. We take you on a Cactus League culinary adventure, highlighting must-try bites, beverages and where to find them at some of the season’s top venues.

AMERICAN FAMILY FIELDS OF PHOENIX

The Milwaukee Brewers’ springtime home is the only Cactus League ballpark within Phoenix city limits. In true Milwaukee fashion, beer is on the menu with locally owned Greenwood Brewing’s Emera Light Hazy IPA and Herstory IPA, Fate Brewing’s Local Lager and Halfway to Hefen, and Pedal Haus Day Drinker Light Lager, Backpacker NZ IPA and Beach Cruiser Mexican Amber.

Savor Milwaukee’s famous cheese curds, hamburger-style UFO Sandwiches and Wisco Brat Tacos — crumbled Wis-

With perfect spring temperatures and the scent of freshly cut grass lingering in the air, fans line up equally for pregame autographs and novel takes on ballpark classics.

consin bratwurst sausage served on a corn tortilla with taco toppings. Local food trucks add flair: AZ Acai’s chilled and fruity Brew Crew Bowl and Mozzerepas’ mozzarella-stuffed cornbread are crowd-pleasers. For dessert, award-winning Novel Ice Cream’s rotating flavors like Bourbon Toffee Caramel Crunch are a must-try.

Group accommodations range from the shaded Poba Party Patio (50–100 guests) to The Courtyard with high-tops and umbrellas. Smaller parties will enjoy reserved picnic tables at American Family Insurance Terrace or the two press-level suites that can be reserved separately or together for up to 30 guests.

CAMELBACK RANCH

The Chicago White Sox and World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers share Camelback Ranch, serving up a mix of Windy City and Tinseltown flair with a nod to the desert.

“Every year we set out to change the game,” says Killian O’Donnell, general manager of Glendale Sportservice. “This year, we’re improving our Wok Off Noodles option, adding house-made broth brewed with Kirin lager and soft-boiled eggs.”

This spring, O’Donnell says his chefs are introducing the Spicy Southsider Bowl — Ditka sausage embellished with burrito toppings including Hatch chile queso — and, since everything tastes better when eaten out of a mini helmet, elote off-the-cob served in a souvenir team helmet.

Premium seating ranges from 12-person suites to the all-you-can-eat Bullpen Patio for groups of 10 or more, and the Four Peaks Brewing Deck (20–80 guests) offers all-inclusive weekend game options with deluxe, catered food and soft drinks. Expect Four Peaks Brewing Co. local brews and family-friendly buffet fare.

HOHOKAM STADIUM

The Athletics’ stadium is known for its excellent sight lines from anywhere, including the grassy outfield berms. New local partner 12 West Brewing serves draft options like Zona Pilsner and Hohokam Hazy at the stadium’s Craft Landing patio plus canned selections including Frontside IPA and Super Beaker IPA.

Fans can feast on smoky barbecue brisket sandwiches topped with chefcurated sauce and coleslaw or a steamy, creamy bowl of macaroni and cheese — plain or topped with brisket or pulled chicken from Hudson’s Barbecue. Inspired by the King himself, The Hound Dog is an Elvis eccentricity topped with peanut butter, jelly, banana chips and edible gold dust. Private hospitality areas feature the blazing spectacle of bananas Foster from Chef Ryan Kagimoto.

New this season is the Hohokam Hideout dispensing frozen drinks, kids’ beverage bats and boozy buckets for the grownups. Group areas for 30–150 guests include shaded terraces and lounges with patio games and all-you-can-eat packages.

PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX

Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres fans converge at this stadium’s lively environment with local purveyors and brews, anchored by the Four Peaks Pavilion group seating area above the left-field bullpen.

Meander through the concourse for a world tour: foot-long corn dogs and hot dogs, gyros, yakisoba, beignets, loaded nachos and stuffed churros. Thai rolled ice cream and cookie sundaes topped with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies satisfy a sweet tooth.

“Our concessionaire, Levy Restaurants, works with subcontractors — food trucks and local restaurants — who produce unique, novelty food items in a turnkey way because they do it year-round all over Arizona,”

Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

DAVID GROSS FINE GEMSTONE COLLECTION

Each bespoke jewel the David Gross Group creates has its own character, its own story. The spectacular quality of each gemstone is further enhanced by the finest craftsmanship and elegant award-winning design. 7212

says Blake Englert, City of Peoria’s venues and recreation manager. “We prioritize variety and have a well-deserved reputation for that; it takes a village to make it happen.”

Elevated experiences include the brand-new Club Level with shaded and comfortable oversized seating behind home plate, in-seat service from the exclusive Cactus & Coast menu, a full bar, bottomless ballpark favorites and concierge amenities. The relaxed social vibe of the Sun Cruiser Oasis beneath the scoreboard features chic patio furniture, drink vouchers at the personal bar and excellent sightlines for groups of up to 45.

SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK

Salt River Fields is the go-to for Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies fans seeking ballpark memories and tasty fare like Green Chile Smash Burgers with melty pepper jack cheese and hot honey drizzle or the Texas Dog topped with ranch beans, coleslaw, barbecue sauce and a pickle.

“Each year, we introduce new items to explore the creative side of what stadium food can be,” explains Robert Brackett, district general manager of OVG Hospitality. “We focus

on bringing fresh and fun ingredients to the fans and on the overall fan experience, ensuring every part of the game creates a photo-worthy memory.”

The new Chicago Cheesesteak pairs well with selections from the Beers of Arizona stand that exclusively features State 48 craft brewers — including San Tan Brewery, Mother Road, The Shoppe, Huss Brewing and Phoenix Beer Co.

Families will enjoy the Cold Stone Kids Fun Field with Wiffle ball batting practice, an ice cream cart brimming with frozen treats and the chance to run the bases postgame on Sundays. Amenity-filled, airconditioned luxury suites and shaded party decks accommodate groups of varying sizes.

SCOTTSDALE STADIUM

The springtime home of the San Francisco Giants is nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale and pairs special events with bold food choices: Navajo tacos on fry bread, smoked pulled pork tortas and Giant foot-long dogs and Maxwell Street Polish sausages. Loaded mac and cheese topped with smoked brisket — served in a souvenir helmet — and Giant Bavarian pretzels with sweet or savory dipping sauces are new season highlights.

Special promotions range from Dog Days to Arizona State University Day and Youth Baseball and Softball Day. Suites with food packages seat up to 20, and the Riot Hospitality Deck can host up to 250 with all-inclusive hot dog and brat packages.

The Scottsdale Charros Lodge, available for select games, is a shaded VIP patio with complimentary drinks and local chef collaborations. Proceeds — which now total more than $21 million — support local charities and schools.

SURPRISE STADIUM

The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers share space at Surprise Stadium, voted best overall MLB spring training facility in a recent reader’s choice survey. Its Hometown Dogs pay tribute to Arizona and the two home teams with a cactus pico de gallo-topped Arizona Dog, the Texas Dog with chili and queso blanco, and the Kansas City Dog smothered in pulled pork, coleslaw and homemade pickles.

A new heavy hitter enters the lineup this year: the Birria Grand Slam Pretzel — a sandwichstyle meal filled with slow-braised birria beef and melted cheese tucked into a warm tortilla and topped with pico de gallo, cilantro cream and fresh jalapenos. The Signature Cactus Margarita — reposado tequila with agave and pear — is served in a custom-etched, reusable cocktail shaker. Brewery partners include Four Peaks Brewing Co., Boulevard, Huss Brewing Co., Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada.

The Budweiser Legends Deck has VIP club-level seating, private bar service and premium catering from local restaurants.

SLOAN PARK

Cubs fans come for the sun and stay for the food at Sloan Park. New culinary items include crispy carne asada elote fries; green chile bison burgers; Windy City nachos piled with seasoned Italian beef, pickled red onions, sport peppers and giardiniera and served in a souvenir helmet; Sonoran dogs and walking tacos layered into individual bags of Doritos. Dessert lovers will enjoy the warm decadent brownie sundae topped with crunchy pretzel pieces and Chicago’s own Garrett popcorn.

For a viewing experience unique to the Cubs, the outfield, second-level Budweiser Rooftop features open seating at high-tops and tables along with fixed seating at the front; all is first come, first served. A special ticket affords access to this sun-drenched spot with an unforgettable vantage point. Another memorable experience for fans 13 and younger is running the bases after Sunday home games, weather permitting.

Chrome & Thunder Arizona Bike Week Revs Up the Art Scene

When WestWorld of Scottsdale transforms into the epicenter of American motorcycle culture this April, don’t let preconceptions keep you away. Arizona Bike Week has evolved far beyond the leather-and-chrome stereotype into something more refined: a five-day festival where custom engineering meets concert-grade production, and every bike in the PowerYard qualifies as rolling sculpture.

“Scottsdale is an interesting city,” says Lisa Cyr, who produces Arizona Bike Week alongside Kristina Anderson. “Take the Phoenix Open — the largest-attended sporting event in the world. How many of those people actually know anything about golf? Or Barrett-Jackson. A lot of people go just for the atmosphere. They don’t know anything about classic cars. Our event is becoming like that as well.”

You have to get up close and really look at the detail and see all of the little nuances that these builders think up. It’s incredible. Lisa Cyr

The 29th annual celebration, running April 8–12 at WestWorld, drew 75,000 attendees last year and shows no signs of slowing. This year’s programming reads less like a traditional rally and more like a curated arts festival that happens to feature motorcycles.

Start with the concerts. The RockYard stage hosts four consecutive nights of headliners spanning hard Southern rock to outlaw country. Black Stone Cherry kicks off Wednesday, April 8, followed by Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening on Thursday — the only Led Zeppelin experience endorsed by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page themselves. Friday brings rising country star Cody Jinks, with Ted Nugent closing the weekend Saturday night.

But the true gallery exists in the PowerYard, where the term “custom bike” barely captures the artistry on display. Cyr draws a telling comparison to automotive culture.

“The motorcycle industry is kind of how the automotive industry used to be,” she explains. “People would buy a car and then start putting in their own sound system, their own wheels, and they’d make it their own. People don’t really do that with cars anymore. But with motorcycles? Owners start making that bike their own from Day One.”

The result: bike shows that function as genuine art exhibitions. Viclass — lowrider motorcycles featuring intricate engraving and airbrush murals — command their own showcase. Classic choppers evoke “Easy Rider” nostalgia. Performance bikes prioritize “more about the go than the show.”

Two separate women’s bike shows celebrate how female builders customize differently than their male counterparts.

“The Vicla bike show we had last year drew 120 entries — which is unheard of for a firstyear bike show,” Cyr notes. “So we said, let’s do one just for the gals.”

Partners like Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys bring custom builders whose oneof-a-kind creations demand close inspection. MC Jay Allen’s military tribute display features custom bikes honoring each branch of service, including the Space Force.

“You have to get up close and really look at the detail and see all of the little nuances that these builders think up,” Cyr says. “It’s incredible.”

Then there’s the spectacle. Four different stunt shows run throughout the event, including FMX Brigade’s aerial jumpers who disconnect from their bikes 35 feet in the air, the Identical Twin Brothers’ tandem ground stunts, and the Globe of Death — two riders circling opposite directions inside a steel sphere.

“It truly takes your breath away watching it,” Cyr says.

The HellRacer Dome hosts flat-track racing where bikes maintain virtually constant turns on an oval dirt track. Arena Wars Fighting Series brings MMA to The Pit on Saturday afternoon. And Sunday, the Handlebar Saloon stage showcases performers from Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers — teens receiving their first professional paychecks for live performance.

Perhaps most surprising: the atmosphere itself. When Cyr first encountered the event in 2000, she confesses to initial hesitation.

“I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, now we have to deal with a bunch of bikers,’” she recalls.

“I can tell you, I have never met a more fun group of people — kinder, more respectful, generous. The clubs that come to our event are

WINE FESTIVALS

Sip, savor, and celebrate! Step into Arizona’s most unforgettable festival experiences, brought to you by Vermilion Promotions. Whether you’re an art lover, wine connoisseur, music enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Vermillion curates an immersive celebration where creativity, flavor, and community come together in perfect harmony. Free admission.

Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival

Jan. 31- Feb. 1, 2026

Tubac Festival of the Arts Feb. 4-8, 2026

Wigwam Fine Art Festivals Feb. 13-15, 2026

Oro Valley Art & Wine Festival Feb. 28-Mar. 1, 2026

High Street Art Festival Mar. 7-8, 2026

Stagecoach Village Art & Wine Festival Mar. 20-22, 2026

SanTan Art & Wine Festival Mar. 28-29, 2026

organizations like the Christian Motorcyclists Association, firefighters’ clubs, police officers’ clubs, veterans’ clubs. In all these years, I can count on one hand the number of fights or even scuffles that have occurred in the 26 years I’ve been doing this event.”

With around 200 activities across five days, rally passes granting access to all four concerts run under $200. The PowerYard offers free entry until 5 p.m.

“I have so many people approach me and say, ‘The first time I came here, I was nervous. These people look rough,’” Cyr says. “But they’re really nice people. Everyone comes to have such a great time.”

azbikeweek.com

EXPERIENCE

Arizona Bike Week

April 8–12 // See website for schedule // WestWorld of Scottsdale // 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale // See website for prices // azbikeweek.com

Cave Creek Bike Week

April 3–12 // See website for schedule // Hideaway Grill & The Roadhouse // 6746 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek // Free // hideaway-usa.com

Main Street Rally

While WestWorld hosts the polished, large-scale Arizona Bike Week, Cave Creek Road becomes its own motorcycle mecca during the 28th annual Cave Creek Bike Week, running April 3–12.

Anchored by the Hideaway Grill and The Roadhouse, this 10-day rally maintains a grassroots, Main Street authenticity — no ticket gates, just openair celebration of custom engineering. The street transforms into a living gallery where vintage restorations and custom choppers line the pavement.

The final weekend delivers the heaviest programming. Saturday, April 11, features a double bill of ZZ-Bop (ZZ Top tribute) and AZ/DZ (AC/ DC tribute) at Hideaway Grill, while national rockers Buckcherry headline “Moonlit Mayhem” at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral the same night. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson hosts the annual Bike Week Bash that afternoon (11 a.m.–7 p.m.), featuring “Micro Mania” wrestling, a bikini contest, and charity motorcycle raffle.

Guided scenic rides through Sonoran Desert curves are offered, and multiple charity rides throughout the 10 days benefit causes from breast cancer research to veterans’ organizations.

hideaway-usa.com

The Finer Arts

photo essay

Photographer Joseph Cyr

J.

Tucson photographer Joseph Cyr transforms fleeting desert puddles into symmetrical masterpieces using nothing more than an iPhone and a willingness to get low.

Ephemeral Echoes

In the Sonoran Desert, water is a miracle. A reflection is the echo of that miracle.

When rain finds its way to the washes and trails around Arizona — whether from winter storms or summer monsoons — something magical happens. Puddles form — ephemeral, fleeting, destined to vanish within hours under the relentless sun.

But in those brief windows, photographer Joseph Cyr finds his muse. Armed only with an iPhone and a willingness to get his knees muddy, he crouches low, angles his lens toward the water’s surface and captures something extraordinary: the desert reflected back on itself, transformed into symmetrical, alien landscapes that feel both familiar and impossibly strange.

This collection of images represents years of chasing those rare moments when the dry landscape holds water long enough to create perfect mirrors. The result is a visual Rorschach test: pareidolia at play as saguaros and rock

formations double and twist into abstract compositions that transcend simple documentation.

“Reflections, by mirroring a given subject, create interesting and unexpected wholes,” Cyr explains. “The human eye is naturally drawn to symmetry, and in the desert, where water is scarce, happening upon it always feels like a gift.”

The logistics require intimate knowledge of place. After nearly two decades of hiking and running Tucson’s trails, Cyr knows exactly where water pools after storms — which bends in the washes collect runoff, which trail dips transform into temporary ponds. The serendipity now lies not in finding the water itself, but in what the light and weather happen to be doing when he arrives.

“That’s exactly why desert reflections are so worth finding and photographing — they freeze the ephemeral, distill a unique vantage point, capture something momentarily substantial before it vanishes,” he says.

Bend down and see beyond the mud. Don’t stop at seeing your own reflection when you look straight down. Stretch your legs, your knees and hips, your vision — look outward and upward from that low vantage point we can only achieve when we bow down and forget about making ourselves seem big. Only then can we see differently. Joseph Cyr

We can find ourselves thinking, ‘Oh, this will make a great photo,’ instead of truly soaking up the moment’s beauty. The balance between appreciating the present and wanting to share it later can get lost; the pressures of social media can easily crowd out the presence that photography should cultivate. The meditative benefit occurs when photography teaches us how to see, whether we take the photo or not. Joseph Cyr

We’re more attuned to the everyday gradations rather than just the in-your-face first impressions. But the clichés exist for a reason — the jaw-dropping sunsets, the chorus of coyotes at dusk, the improbable rock formations, the rainbows arcing over saguaros — these still stop us in our tracks. Joseph Cyr

Meet the Photographer

Joseph Cyr’s path to the Sonoran Desert was anything but direct. Born in Seoul, he spent formative years traversing continents — living and working in France, Georgia, Seattle and Nicaragua before finding himself in southern Arizona. Those early memories lingered, and in 2007, after visiting friends in Tucson, Cyr and his wife made a decisive choice: the desert would be home.

By day, Cyr inhabits the high-energy world of high school language teaching, where extroversion is essential. By dawn and dusk, he retreats to the trails with his iPhone on a wrist strap, seeking the quiet introverted restoration that landscape photography provides.

“I truly enjoy the energy of young people, but after a day spent in extrovert mode, the introversion that landscape photography fosters is definitely welcome,” Cyr says. “Both teaching and photography hone one’s observation skills, and both require openness to spontaneity, but photography and time outdoors help me refill the tank so I can be refreshed for a new day.”

His choice of tool — the smartphone rather than expensive professional equipment — was born from necessity and circumstance. A 2011 trip to Asia coincided with his first smartphone purchase, and he began recognizing the device’s photographic potential despite its limitations.

“Despite its limitations, it allowed such spontaneity, while also training me to look at light and composition more carefully,” he notes.

That training paid dividends. Cyr’s mobile photography has placed in international competitions, been published in multiple magazines, been featured on Apple’s Instagram feed and exhibited in several countries. Most recently, his work appeared in Tucson’s Decode Gallery in the Barrio Viejo as part of an exhibition entitled “Light & Shadow” and in Porto, Portugal, as part of the “Mira Mobile” prizes celebrating smartphone photography.

instagram.com/allophile_ // fineartamerica.com/profiles/joseph-cyr

Writer Joseph J. Airdo

Scottsdale Stakes Its Contemporary Claim

Art World Ascending

Walk into WestWorld’s North Hall this March and the first thing you’ll notice is the impossible elegance: 117,000 square feet of black carpet stretching toward a horizon of pristine white walls soaring 10 feet high, each surface displaying blue-chip contemporary works from galleries spanning four continents. Monumental sculptures anchor the space while ambient music and carefully orchestrated sight lines pull you deeper into what has become one of the most sophisticated art experiences in the Western United States.

This is Scottsdale Art Week, and after drawing more than 14,000 attendees and generating multimillion-dollar sales in its 2025 debut, the event returns March 19-22 with an even more ambitious vision: 16 countries represented, participation from the prince of Bahrain, and an anticipated

crowd exceeding 20,000 collectors, enthusiasts, and curious North Scottsdale residents ready to see — and be seen.

“Launching an international art fair in a community that’s never had one requires an educational process,” says Trey Brennen, co-owner of Scottsdale Art Week. “The maturation of what we’re doing really compounded after year one.”

What distinguishes Scottsdale Art Week from regional art festivals is scale and pedigree. This isn’t wine-and-browse at an outdoor mall. Brennen and his team have built something closer to Art Basel Miami than a Scottsdale Quarter art walk — a carefully curated convergence of international galleries, institutional partnerships and luxury branding that positions the Valley as a legitimate stop on the global contemporary art circuit.

To see this caliber and diversity of work in person, you’d have to travel around the world three or four times over. Here, it’s all under one roof.

Trey Brennen

“When you talk about an international art fair, you really need the international component,” Brennen explains. “This year we have at least 16 countries participating — we’ll probably have 20 by the time we’re finished — meaning they’re coming into the country, into Arizona, to exhibit their gallery. We even have the prince of Bahrain participating. That’s a big deal. That’s an international art fair right there.”

The roster skews 65% to 70% modern and contemporary — architecturally on-trend blue-chip works from established and emerging artists — but Brennen has deliberately preserved space for the Southwest’s artistic legacy: contemporary Indigenous art and Western historical pieces that honor Arizona’s cultural DNA. It’s a deliberate balancing act between global ambition and regional authenticity.

Title sponsor Scottsdale Ferrari returns for year two, bringing not just branding but product: sleek vehicles positioned throughout the exhibition floor as sculptural counterpoints to the paintings and installations. Four Ferraris sold during last year’s fair, a detail that underscores the event’s dual nature as both cultural experience and luxury marketplace.

“Ferrari is about as sexy a brand as it gets,” Brennen says. “The association between our fair and Ferrari elevates the entire experience — I can’t emphasize that enough.”

But perhaps the fair’s most significant credibility comes from its institutional anchors. Phoenix Art Museum serves as this year’s benefactor, joined by programming partners including the Heard Museum, ASU Art Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Western Spirit Museum. These organizations host panel discussions in the fair’s Cultural Programming Theater — intimate conversations about curation processes, the rise of contemporary indigenous artists, and other topics typically accessible only to museum insiders.

“Without the support of these institutions, I don’t think this event would be as nourishing as it is,” Brennen notes. “These organizations have been pillars of our young state for a very long time, and their involvement gives the fair real substance.”

The 2026 edition expands that institutional reach beyond state lines, bringing in directors and boards from museums in Denver, Santa Fe and California — a strategic move to activate collector networks across the region.

For North Scottsdale residents accustomed to world-class experiences, Scottsdale Art Week offers something rare: proximity to cultural infrastructure typically requiring international travel. Brennen, a 26-year Scottsdale art dealer, positioned the fair here intentionally.

“Scottsdale has become recognized around the country as the gem of our state,” he says. “All those big entities — the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, the Arabian Horse Show, the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament — they’re all here for a reason. Scottsdale is Arizona’s affluent playground.”

First-time visitors should expect sensory overload — the best kind. The compression of WestWorld’s modest entrance lobby gives way to the expansive exhibition floor, where monumental sculptures, carefully curated sight lines, and ambient music create an atmosphere of discovery. Last year’s fair featured several exhibitors hitting seven-figure sales, with sculptures selling off the floor almost daily.

“To see this caliber and diversity of work in person, you’d have to travel around the world three or four times over,” Brennen says. “Here, it’s all under one roof.”

scottsdaleartweek.com

Cave Creek’s Rodeo Week Lassoes Its 49th Year

Chutes & Cheers

The ground trembles beneath a thousand hooves, dust rises like amber clouds against the desert sky, and Cave Creek Road becomes a living timeline of Western history. This is how Rodeo Week begins — not with a whisper, but with the thunder of tradition returning for its 49th year.

“This year’s parade theme is ‘Remembering Our Western Heritage through Trails, Trades, and Traditions,’” says Patty Pollnow, media and promotions manager for Cave Creek Rodeo Days. “It’s a lively celebration that captures authentic Western charm. Cowboys on horseback lead the procession down Cave Creek Road, followed by beautifully decorated wagons and saloon girls in colorful period costumes. Imaginative floats and talented marching bands keep the energy high throughout the route.”

The March 21 parade at 9 a.m. launches a weeklong transformation of Cave Creek into the epicenter of rodeo culture, anchored by three Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association-sanctioned performances at Cave Creek Me-

morial Arena from March 26–29. But this isn’t just entertainment — it’s a nonprofit endeavor that channels the spirit of the Old West into tangible community support.

“The Cave Creek Rodeo Days Organization has donated thousands of dollars over the years, giving back to our community and supporting charitable causes throughout the state,” Pollnow explains. “Some of the organizations we’ve supported include Military Assistance Mission, Desert Hills Wranglers 4-H, Cowgirls Historical Foundation and Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center.”

The partnership extends to the venue itself, with proceeds helping the Town of Cave Creek make annual improvements to Memorial Arena — ensuring future generations can experience rodeo’s visceral thrill in an intimate setting where spectators feel the ground shake beneath bucking bulls.

That intimacy intensifies Thursday, March 26, when “All Bulls, All Night” kicks off the competition at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s performance carries the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink”

We’re thrilled to have Cervi Championship Rodeo’s world champion bucking stock returning to Cave Creek Rodeo Days ... you’ll see topquality animals that consistently deliver the high level of competition and excitement that keeps the sport thriving at all levels.

Patty Pollnow

theme supporting breast cancer awareness, while Sunday afternoon concludes with Patriotic Day honoring military personnel and first responders.

The caliber of competition draws directly from the quality of livestock, and Cave Creek has secured a powerhouse.

“We’re thrilled to have Cervi Championship Rodeo’s world champion bucking stock returning to Cave Creek Rodeo Days,” Pollnow says. “For over 60 years, Cervi Championship Rodeo has been providing the best stock for our cowboys and cowgirls, building a reputation for excellence and reliability throughout the rodeo community. What this means for our fans is simple: You’ll see top-quality animals that consistently deliver the high level of competition and excitement that keeps the sport thriving at all levels.”

For those seeking elevated experiences, four VIP options transform rodeo viewing into immersive luxury. The Ropes & Reins Skybox positions 60 guests above the roping chutes with a host bar and complimentary appetizers — offering a bird’s-eye view of ropers and steer wrestlers, plus the thrill of broncs, bulls and barrel racers charging from the bucking chutes.

Separately, The Skybox delivers exclusive seating with full dinner and drinks from a hosted bar for an up-close

rodeo experience. The Stockman’s Club provides similar premium treatment with full dinner and hosted bar in a different vantage point.

For maximum intimacy, Chute 6 elevates the experience further — placing just 20 guests on an arena-side platform close enough to hear cowboys' breathing before the gate swings open, with all Stockman's Club amenities included.

But the week’s soul lives in its accessible moments: Sunday’s Mutton Bustin’ at 2 p.m., where wool-clad warriors ages 4–7 launch rodeo dreams; the Cornhole Tournament at Harold’s Corral following Saturday’s parade; and the Kick-off Dance that same evening where boots meet dance floor in celebration.

“From families with young children to longtime residents, everyone comes together to celebrate the spirit of the Old West and enjoy this memorable kickoff to Rodeo Week,” Pollnow says.

In an era when North Valley development threatens to homogenize Cave Creek’s character, Rodeo Days serves as both anchor and declaration — a week when heritage isn’t preserved in amber but lived, breathed and roared into the desert night.

cavecreekrodeo.com

EXPERIENCE

Cave Creek Rodeo Days

Parade // Saturday, March 21 // 9 a.m.

Cave Creek Road // Cave Creek // Free

Cornhole Tournament // Saturday, March 21

12 p.m. sign-in; 1 p.m. start

Harold’s Corral // 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek

See website for registration fees

Kickoff Dance // Saturday, March 21 // 8 p.m.

Harold’s Corral // 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek

See website for price

Mutton Bustin’ // Sunday, March 22

1 p.m. check-in; 2 p.m. start

Cave Creek Memorial Arena // 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek

Free for spectators; $25 registration fee

All Bulls, All Night // Thursday, March 26 // 7:30 p.m.

Cave Creek Memorial Arena // 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek

$45

PRCA Rodeo // March 27–29

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday

Cave Creek Memorial Arena // 37201 N. 28th St., Cave Creek

$45 // 480-304-5634 // cavecreekrodeo.com

Spring Loaded Season’s Festivals

in Full Bloom

While Phoenix residents brace for triple-digit heat after a record-breaking warm winter, the state’s higher elevations and southern enclaves are experiencing peak season — that narrow window when the desert blooms, the pines are fragrant and every weekend offers a reason to fill the tank and point the car toward cooler air.

This spring, Arizona’s cultural calendar rivals its natural beauty, with festivals spanning literary giants and yoga masters, mountain bikers and master winemakers, birders and bronze sculptors. From the northern pines to the high-desert wine country, March and April deliver a concentrated season of discovery worth the drive.

PINE BELT PILGRIMAGE

Head to the pines at 7,000 feet, where the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival brings a touch of Sundance to the historic Orpheum Theater from April 9–12. The festival showcases documentary films focused on outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship and mountain culture.

Screenings provoke thought and inspire action, often followed by Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, athletes and activists. It’s perfect for the outdoor sophisticate — an ideal evening activity after hiking the San Francisco Peaks. The communal atmosphere draws an audience that values environmental ethics and storytelling.

Two weeks later, the energy shifts south to Prescott, where Whiskey Off-Road transforms downtown into the Kentucky Derby of mountain biking. Running April 24–26, this is one of the most revered mountain bike events in North America, taking over the historic corridor for three days of culture, music and endurance. While 15-, 30- and 50-mile races draw toptier professionals and amateurs through ponderosa forests, the Off-Road festival on Whiskey Row is the draw for non-racers.

The event closes the downtown corridor for a massive expo, free live music concerts and a beer garden, all set against Prescott’s pine forests and Victorian architecture. The VIP experience means booking a room at the Hotel St. Michael or the Hassayampa Inn months in advance, watching the profes-

Spring in Arizona is less about escaping the heat than discovering what cooler elevations have quietly cultivated — festivals that celebrate terroir, creativity and the communities that sustain them.

sional criterium races from a balcony on Whiskey Row, and enjoying the seamless blend of rugged outdoor culture with polished downtown festival atmosphere. The energy is palpable, the spectacle bucket list-worthy.

RED ROCK RENAISSANCE

Sedona’s spring calendar unfolds across two weekends in April, each offering a different lens on the region’s creative and spiritual identity.

The Sedona Yoga Festival brings the most comprehensive yoga education conference in North America to the red rocks. From April 23–26, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock hosts over 150 sessions drawing internationally

recognized yoga teachers, Ayurveda practitioners, meditation guides and spiritual teachers alongside live music, kirtan performances and specialized immersion courses. Programming spans yoga styles, philosophy, trauma-conscious practice, sound healing and kids’ yoga.

This is a high-touch wellness experience designed for the deep seeker and the curious alike, attracting practitioners and teachers from across North America and internationally. The backdrop of Sedona’s natural landscape, combined with the elevated offerings at the Hilton resort, appeals to affluent wellness enthusiasts who value transformational learning and community.

For those who prefer paint to pranayama, the Sedona Spring Open Studios Tour runs concurrently from April 24–26, inviting visitors directly into the working studios of over 50 professional artists across the Verde Valley region — Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Cornville, Cottonwood, Camp Verde and Clarkdale.

Unlike gallery shows, this free, self-guided tour emphasizes direct artist engagement. Visitors view work in creation, speak with painters, sculptors and ceramicists about process, and purchase original pieces directly from creators. It’s an intimate alternative to crowded art fairs, offering authentic access to professional creative practice set against Sedona’s unparalleled red rock backdrop.

WINE COUNTRY WANDERINGS

Thirty minutes down the canyon from Sedona, the Verde Valley unfolds as Arizona’s emerging wine country — and spring is when it shows off. The season opens early with the Arizona Wine Country Artists Village Spring Festival, running March 6–8 in Old Town Cottonwood. Approximately 50 professional artists set up on a level, grassy field at Old Town Activity Park adjacent to Main Street.

Old Town Cottonwood has quietly transformed itself into the heart of Arizona wine country, anchored by Maynard Keenan’s multimillion-dollar winery and a constellation of tasting rooms within walking distance.

Free admission allows collectors to browse paintings, sculpture, fine jewelry, photography and mixed media, then drift into one of 10 nearby wine tasting rooms or settle into an award-winning restaurant. The festival capitalizes on Cottonwood’s position as a 30-minute hub between Sedona, Jerome and the Verde Valley — a spring weekend itinerary that writes itself.

Two weeks later, the Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival honors the valley’s two primary agricultural exports under the canopy of heritage pecan trees. Running March 21–22 at the Community Center Field, the event retains small-town charm while the wine tasting tent hosted by the Verde Valley Wine Consortium delivers serious pours from over a dozen local estate wineries, many awardwinners on the national circuit, paired with pecan-inspired culinary creations and live music.

The atmosphere is unpretentious yet high quality, perfect for an afternoon of engaging with the actual winemakers and growers who shape the region’s agricultural identity. It’s farm-to-table authenticity in its most appealing form.

As April closes, the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival transforms Dead Horse Ranch State Park into a naturalist’s paradise from April 23–27, coinciding with peak spring migration. Professionally guided field trips, workshops and birding excursions traverse the Verde

THE TERROIR TRAIL

The state’s southern corridor offers a trio of experiences that celebrate Arizona’s most established wine regions and artistic communities.

The season begins with the Tubac Center of the Arts Open Studio Tour, running March 13–15 across various locations in one of Arizona’s oldest European settlements where art and Old Arizona elegance converge. This juried tour invites collectors inside the private workspaces of the Santa Cruz Valley’s most accomplished artists. Unlike standard art walks, participation requires demonstrated professional merit.

Visitors navigate Tubac’s charming streets and surrounding foothills to witness the creative process firsthand — large-scale bronze casting, oil painting, avant garde mixed media — while enjoying the culinary and historical character of a high-desert enclave that has quietly cultivated a reputation for sophisticated creativity.

One month later, the wine trail begins with the Blessing of the Vines Festival, now in its 48th year. Held April 11 at Sonoita Vineyards in Elgin, Arizona’s signature spring wine festival occupies a designated American Viticultural Area in the highelevation foothills 45 minutes south of Tucson. Nine regional wineries pour alongside food vendors and live music, but the ceremonial blessing of the vines at noon distinguishes this event — a tradition honoring terroir and seasonal renewal that adds cultural and spiritual meaning beyond typical tasting.

The Sonoita region produces premium wines in distinctive highdesert conditions, making this a genuine pilgrimage for wineeducated travelers seeking authentic regional wine culture.

The trail continues east to Willcox, where the Wine Country Spring Festival offers the most direct access to the source. Running April 18–19 at Railroad Avenue Park, this event gathers the region’s top producers in the historic railroad park. Willcox produces the vast majority of Arizona’s wine grapes, and this festival — ranked by Fodor’s Travel as a top wine festival in North America — focuses strictly on the product: limited production vintages and direct access to winemakers often pouring their own wine.

The vibe is rustic-chic and educational, stripping away pretension. For oenophiles who maintain wine cellars and seek the next great Arizona vintage before it hits the mainstream, the drive to the high desert is essential.

Spring in Arizona is less about escaping the heat than discovering what cooler elevations have quietly cultivated — festivals that celebrate terroir, creativity and the communities that sustain them. From the intellectual marketplace of Tucson to the spiritual immersion of Sedona, from wine country artistry to mountain culture, the road beyond the Valley delivers authentic experiences worth far more than the gas it takes to get there.

EXPERIENCE

Arizona Wine Country Artists Village Spring Festival

March 6–8 // Old Town Activity Park

187 E. Pima Street, Cottonwood // Free // artists-village.com

Tubac Center of the Arts Open Studio Tour

March 13–15 // See website for participating locations // Free tubacarts.org

Tucson Festival of Books

March 14–15 // University of Arizona

1200 E. University Blvd., Tucson // Free tucsonfestivalofbooks.org

Camp Verde Pecan & Wine Festival

March 21–22 // Community Center Field

75 E. Hollamon St., Camp Verde // Free // visitcampverde.com

Agave Heritage Festival

April 9–12 // See website for details // agaveheritagefestival.com

Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival

April 9–12 // The Orpheum Theater // 15 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff $15+ // flagstaffmountainfilms.org

Blessing of the Vines Festival

April 11 // Sonoita Vineyards

290 Elgin Canelo Road, Sonoita // See website for prices sonoitavineyards.com

Willcox Wine Country Spring Festival

April 18–19 // Railroad Avenue Park 130 N. Railroad Ave., Willcox // Free // willcoxwinecountry.com

Sedona Yoga Festival: A Consciousness Evolution Conference

April 23–26 // Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock 90 Ridge Trail Drive, Sedona // $399+ // sedonayogafestival.com

Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

April 23–27 // Dead Horse Ranch State Park 675 Dead Horse Ranch Road, Cottonwood // Free verderiver.org

Sedona Spring Open Studios Tour

April 24–26 // See website for participating locations Free // sedonaartscenter.org

Whiskey Off-Road

April 24–26 // Whiskey Row, Prescott // Free // epicrides.com

Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photographer Tom Secor

Second Round Carefree’s Bourbon & Cigar Festival Returns

The smoke has barely cleared from last spring’s triumphant debut, and already, the Carefree Bourbon & Cigar Festival is poised for an encore — this time bigger, earlier and with a Hawaiian twist.

Returning March 20–22 to Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, the sophomore edition of Larry Foppe’s three-day celebration builds on a formula that proved irresistible in Year 1: premium spirits, world-class cigars, live entertainment, and the kind of relaxed desert sophistication that defines Carefree itself. But this year’s festival comes with meaningful expansion — more vendors, more space, and a new charitable partnership that brings the event’s impact closer to home.

“Before the end of our 2025 festival, every major sponsor said they were ‘in’ for next year — and that ‘you’re going to need a bigger lot,’” says Foppe, who owns the venue

hosting the weekend festivities. “Well, this year we have that bigger lot and more vendors to match.”

That growth is substantial. The festival now features over 10 tasting booths showcasing local and national brands, an expanded selection of food options from area restaurants, and additional festival merchandise. Each guest receives tasting tickets to sample local craft beers, spirits, and wines alongside the premium cigar offerings from six vendors including Rocky Patel, Ashton, and My Father.

But Foppe is quick to clarify what sets this festival apart from typical industry gatherings.

“Most cigar festivals are half-day events with limited food options and no seating,” he explains. “The organizers want you to show up, buy cigars, and leave. We’ll have six cigar vendors at our festival, but that’s not our primary focus. We came up with the idea of hosting a true ‘festi-

We view the festival as a social club where interesting people come together to connect with one another.

Larry Foppe

val’ — a celebration of the finer things in life: premium cigars, fine spirits, and great local food.”

That philosophy extends to the festival’s charitable component. This year, a portion of ticket proceeds benefits Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center, a nonprofit serving individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Carefree, Cave Creek and nearby communities.

“Events like the Carefree Bourbon and Cigar Festival help us connect with more people and raise awareness about how we support neighbors right here in the North Valley,” says Leigh Zydonik, executive director of Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center. “When local businesses like Sticks step up to support our work, it shows how much this community cares about helping others get the food and resources they need.”

The tangible impact of that support extends beyond awareness.

“Cash gifts let us maximize our bulk purchasing power so we can keep our shelves stocked with fresh produce and essential

We came up with the idea of hosting a true ‘festival’ — a celebration of the finer things in life: premium cigars, fine spirits, and great local food. Larry Foppe

shelf-stable items when we need them,” Zydonik explains. “This stretches our budget when demand is high, and it helps us maintain programs like weekend snack packs for students. Every dollar raised provides a meal for someone struggling.”

For those seeking the ultimate festival experience, the Friday night VIP kickoff takes a decidedly tropical turn this year. This year’s theme, “Luau in the Desert,” features a Hawaiian buffet paired with Rocky Patel cigars and WhistlePig rye whiskeys, complete with hula dancers, fire dancers and music by Sinatra tribute artist the G-Man.

“Our guests will enjoy three Rocky Patel cigars and three WhistlePig rye cocktails throughout the evening,” Foppe says. “Representatives from both Rocky Patel and WhistlePig will share their brand stories over dinner, and then it’s time to dance!”

The date shift from April to mid-March serves a dual purpose — avoiding conflicts with Easter and Arizona Bike Week while capturing ideal outdoor

EXPERIENCE

Carefree Bourbon & Cigar Festival

weather for the festival’s main events, which run Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

“We encourage our guests to sit down, relax and meet interesting people,” Foppe says. “Just like our shop, we view the festival as a social club where interesting people come together to connect with one another.”

It’s that intersection of premium experience and genuine community connection — wrapped in the aroma of fine tobacco and the warmth of early spring in the desert — that positions this festival as something more enduring than a weekend event. It’s becoming a signature marker on Carefree’s social calendar.

carefreebourbon-cigarfestival.com

March 20–22 // Friday 6 p.m. (VIP Luau Dinner, $175), Saturday-Sunday 12–9 p.m. Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge // 37555 N. Hum Road, Carefree // $40+ // carefreebourbon-cigarfestival.com

Achieve your Best Body

A N D R E S T O R E Y O U R H E A L T H

PP e r s o n a l i z e d a n d D o c t o r -

S u p e r v i s e d W e i g h t L o s s

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program integrates FDA-approved medications with a natural and holistic approach to address the underlying biological and physical issues responsible for weight gain

In addition to losing weight and keeping it off, The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program provides clients with the tools they need to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes as well as optimize hormones for energy, health and longevity.

T h e M o s t C o m p r e h e n s i v e &

S u c c e s s f u l P r o g r a m A v a i l a b l e

The Center for Integrative Healing & Wellness’ medical weight loss program is designed to help clients be the healthiest they have ever been, in the best body that they have ever had.

Regardless of the amount of weight you want to lose, the spa-like clinic’s Integrative Team will monitor and guide you throughout the process of reaching your goal. Our clients typically lose 15–20% or more of their body weight an average of 53 pounds in 6–12 months

Best of all, the program ensures that patients maintain lean muscle mass and keep the weight they lost off for life. That is because, unlike other programs, our weight loss program looks not only at scale weight but also takes into consideration body fat, muscle mass and water weight, which all affect one’s ultimate goal

P R O G R A M

The

When Nick and Michaella Richmond opened Whiskey & Wings last September, they brought more than Memphisstyle flavors to Cave Creek — they delivered a love letter to community. Tucked along North Black Mountain Parkway, this sports bar and grill announces itself with the rallying cry “Whiskey Neat, Wings Messy,” a playful promise that speaks to its dual identity: serious about craft, unapologetic about the joy of a proper game day feast.

The Richmonds’ vision was refreshingly straightforward: marry authentic Southern hot wing tradition with a curated whiskey program, all within a neighborhood gathering place that honors local pride. That respect for community reveals itself in menu tributes to area schools — the Falcon Burger, Bobcat Salad and Stallion Sandwich nod to Cactus Shadows High School and neighboring mascots.

Step inside and the energy hits immediately: wall-to-wall screens for sports enthusiasts, a spacious outdoor patio for desert evenings, and arcade games that make this a true family destination. Yet the atmosphere never tips into chaos — there’s a comfortable confidence here, the sense of a bar that knows exactly what it is.

The culinary heart beats with those wings, always fresh, never frozen, dusted in a proprietary Memphis-based seasoning that captures the smoky depth and subtle sweetness of traditional dry-rub techniques. Whether ordered bare or tossed in signature sauces like Classic Cave Creek Heat, each batch arrives seasoned through and through. Beyond wings, the menu stretches to bourbon-glazed steak frites, handbattered catfish platters, and Chelcy’s World Famous Chips & Salsa.

The beverage program lives up to the name with small-batch bourbons and harderto-find bottles that keep enthusiasts returning, though the signature Frozen Old Fashioned — bold, classic, theatrical — welcomes cocktail devotees just as warmly.

This March, Whiskey & Wings becomes command central for bracket-watchers and St. Patrick’s Day revelers alike, with game-day specials and themed Irish whiskey offerings that transform the bar into Cave Creek’s spirited headquarters. For a town that appreciates character and authenticity, the Richmonds have delivered exactly that — a neighborhood spot where the thrill of the game truly meets bold flavors and crafted drinks.

Southern Soul Meets Desert Spirit

Dining Guide

ASPARAGUS PROSCIUTTO WRAPS

What better way is there to welcome spring than with these delicious asparagus prosciutto wraps? They are stunning to look at and highlight a beautiful spring vegetable — asparagus. They are easy to make but look like you've worked all day on them. I love the combination of white cheddar cheese, prosciutto and asparagus, all wrapped together in puff pastry then glazed with a honey-tinged egg wash. Add some edible flowers to your platter to make it pop!

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 large egg

Freshly ground black pepper

Writer and Photographer Francine Coles thefancypantskitchen.com

Recipe

12–16 medium-diameter asparagus spears

1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 tablespoon honey

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed according to package directions

4 slices prosciutto, 4x4 inches or larger, thinly sliced

6 ounces white cheddar cheese, divided into 8 slices

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a 12x18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Remove egg from the refrigerator and set out to warm up a bit.

2. Melt butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup. Set aside to cool.

3. Lay out asparagus on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with the kosher salt and toss with your fingers to coat.

4. Lightly flour a work surface. If puff pastry is not square, roll it out a bit to form a square. Cut puff pastry into four equal size squares. Rotate squares with a corner facing up and down, like a diamond.

5. Prepare egg wash by adding honey and egg to the bowl with melted butter. Stir well to combine. Set egg wash aside.

6. Top each diamond with a slice of prosciutto, folding as needed to fit over the surface. Top with 3–4 spears of asparagus and two slices of cheese.

7. Fold the left side of the pastry over asparagus and cheese and brush with egg wash. Fold the right side over the first side. Brush the top and sides of the pastry with more egg wash, being careful not to use too much. Sprinkle with fresh ground pepper.

8. Bake until pastry is golden and cheese is nicely melted, 14–18 minutes.

Backing to the Tonto National Forest, this newly remodeled home captures Arizona living at its best! The views are amazing! Hurry on this one. Definately a hard to find gem! $1,195,000.

Enjoy one of Scottsdale 55plus communities in this beautifully appointed home! Premium lot has no neighbors behind you. Enjoy a community heated pool and spa and pickleball! $1,000,000

$1,650,000 Gorgeous home on elvated lot with matching four stall barn! Mesmerizing views on this expansive patio. Call Today!

Beautiful territory home on an elevated 2.88 acres giving you a vast 360 degree view of the mountain backdrop! $1,175,000!

Land and Luxury! We represent some of the best view lots available and can introduce you to a Luxury Builder that fits your home desires! Call us for more information!

Untouched 163 acres of Sonoran Marvel! Tucked away just north of the Town of Cave Creek and the shadows of the Tonto National Forest, Spur Cross Ranch and the BLM, this amazing property abuts an additional 50-acre parcel that has been preserved. Build your private estate or family compound. Or hold for the future. “Don’t wait to buy land, buy land and wait!” Mark Twain $5,750,000

34305 N. Scottsdale Road Scottsdale, AZ 85266 P. 480-488-2400

Ac

3

Homes, 6 Stall Barn, Gated, No HOA

-

F -

6160 sq ft | 4 bed | 5 bath | 4 car garage with exceptional outdoor spaces to enjoy sunrise coffee, fireside sunset cocktails, and starfilled evenings in complete privacy. Joanie Barreiro 480-235-2776

This home commands attention without shouting—offering an oasis that is both serene and awe-inspiring. Step through the grand entryway into a world of elegance. The expansive open-plan living area features soaring ceilings, where light pours in through the doors perfectly framing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and desert. The home’s craftsmanship and attention to detail are immediately evident in every corner: custom beam work, soft Venetian plaster, warm hardwood floors, natural stone and brick accents all seamlessly flow throughout the space. Neutral tones create a serene atmosphere that invites both calm and sophistication, making every room feel like a sanctuary. Joanie Barreiro 480-235-2776

- Video: www.CarefreeProperty.com Award-winning builder J.P. Malone, 3 Bed / 3 Ba / 3160 SF / .89 acres A Rare blend of Quality & Character. Erika Willison 602-550-9595