College Times - Aug. 25, 2016

25 - SEPTEMBER 7, 2016

LUCKY DEVIL

Orr finds his place in the sun

GRAND SLAM

Poetic justice returns to Mill Ave.

Expires 9/8/16

PICK UP SOMETHING PHASHION PHRIENDLY

? POP QUIZ

WE KNOW HOW MANY TESTS AND QUIZZES YOU TAKE, BUT WE THINK THIS ONE WILL BE YOUR FAVORITE. HERE IS A QUICK QUIZ ON SOMETHING POPULAR OR IMPORTANT THAT WE THINK YOU NEED TO KNOW.

Over the summer, ASU’s liberal arts college changed its name from the College of Letters and Sciences to what?

a. The School for Innovative Science, Arts & Literature

b. The Bill Nye Institute for Applied Sciences

c. The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts

Sciences and Arts, an adjustment that the college’s dean Duane Roen believes more accurately defines the college’s mission of learning, integration, collaboration and ingenuity.

ANSWER: c. The institution changed its name to the College of Integrative

NUMBERS

An average dream lasts between 5 and 45 minutes.

J. Peterson

Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than women.

Greek organizations nationwide collectively raise $7 MILLION per year.

The average person laughs 13 times a day.

If you lined up every slinky ever made, they would wrap around the Earth 126 times. The average cat has 24 whiskers.

Nearly 78% of all NFL players go bankrupt two years after they retire.

STUDENT LIFE

11 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT . . .

SUN DEVIL STADIUM

SEPTEMBER MEANS ONE THING … THE RETURN OF FOOTBALL. WHETHER YOU ARE A COLLEGE FOOTBALL FANATIC, OR PRO FOOTBALL FAN, THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON IS MEMORABLE FOR ALL. IN HONOR OF FOOTBALL RETURNING TO THE VALLEY, HERE ARE 11 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT SUN DEVIL STADIUM.

11 ON THE RIGHT FOOT

The first game was played against West Texas State on October 4, 1958. The Sun Devils triumphed with a 16-13 win over the Buffaloes.

10 PRO MEETS COLLEGE

In preparation for Super Bowl XLII, the thenundefeated 2008 New England Patriots used the stadium as a practice field.

9

CAMERA READY

The press box and skybox facilities contain two levels of suites, topped by an ultramodern press box and eight additional private suites. The facility also has a television production room, complete with camera equipment and editing capabilities.

8 YOU’RE ON CAMERA

Sun Devil Stadium has had cameos in a slew of films ranging from “Jerry Maguire” to U2’s “Rattle and Hum.”

7

PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIR

In May 2009, President Barack Obama spoke at ASU’s commencement ceremonies in front of a crowd of more than 70,000 people, the largest gathering since his inauguration.

6 FIT FOR A POPE

Pope John Paul II said Mass for more than 75,000 people in 1987 at Sun Devil Stadium, making Tempe one of the few stops on his U.S. tour.

5 SUPER STADIUM

Sun Devil Stadium was home to Super Bowl XXX in 1996, when the Dallas Cowboys took home the title against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

4

BUILDING ON A DREAM

Sun Devil Stadium is undergoing a $256 million renovation, but it cost only $1 million to build initially.

3 DOUBLE TIME

Sun Devil Stadium is the only college stadium which was also home to a NFL team.

2

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

In its original phase, Sun Devil Stadium could seat 30,000 patrons. Now 57,000 people fill the venue.

1 NAME GAME

Although the venue is called Sun Devil Stadium, in 1996 the gridiron within the stadium was named Frank Kush Field in honor of the former football coach, and it is often referred to as “House of Heat.”

GTFO!

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND CATCH THESE 10 EVENTS OR YOU’LL BE FEELING SOME SERIOUS F.O.M.O.

FIRESKY YOGA

CorePower Yoga is offering a complimentary yoga series that concludes on August 25. Join in the fun with a Vinyasa flow class from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and stick around for reverse happy hour by the pool until 8:30 p.m. No mat? No worries! They’ve got you covered! Contact emily@ level4yoga.com for questions and more information.

FireSky Resort & Spa, 4925 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, emily@level4yoga.com, Thursday, August 25, free.

POLY LIBRARY GAME NIGHT

The third annual game night at the Polytechnic Campus Library will serve up pizza and more than 20 board and video games. Attendees are also welcome to bring their own games.

Polytechnic Library, Academic Center, Lower Level, Polytechnic campus, 7001 E. Williams Field Road, Mesa, 480.727.1911, bit.ly/2b00eWk, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, August 26, free.

COMEDY NIGHT AT SMOCA

Join the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art for the “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”-themed comedy night. It’s not a frat party but sure to be a fun-filled night with Anwar Newton, Ronnie Deleski, Zed Phillips and Carmen Morales.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org, 7 p.m. Friday, August 26, $8-$10.

WELCOME BACK BARBECUE

Kick off the 2016-2017 school year with a welcome back barbecue at ASU’s downtown Phoenix campus. There will be music, food and entertainment. Grab your friends and roommates and head to Civic Space Park for what is sure to be a great celebration.

Student Center and Civic Space Park, Downtown Phoenix campus, 424 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, eoss.asu.edu/content/ welcome-back-bbq, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, August 26, free.

SHOP KENDRA SCOTT

Check out Kendra Scott Jewelry at the Scottsdale Quarter and support The Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona. Pick up a few baubles and this time you can tell your significant other that it’s for a good cause.

Scottsdale Quarter, 15147 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite H-155 Scottsdale, bit.ly/2bpBck4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 27, free admission.

THE LEGENDARY BARISTA THROWDOWN

This barista throwdown showcases 32 of the best baristas in the city and what they can bring to the table—the coffee table that is! Baristas will compete to create their best latte art. Each round will showcase two baristas and the fun will be broadcast on big screens so the audience can see. When the baristas finish, the crowd gets to decide who moves on.

Sip Coffee and Beer Garage, 3620 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, sipcoffeeandbeerhouse.com/, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, September 1, $10.

FIRST FRIDAY

Enjoy the spirit and culture of downtown Phoenix at Artlink’s First Friday event. Tour art galleries, venues, and other art related spaces. Get the munchies while you’re looking at the art? Head over to the food carts featuring fare from local vendors.

Phoenix Downtown and Midtown, artlinkphoenix. com/first-fridays/, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, September 2, free admission.

ASU, I CHOOSE YOU!

Pokémon Go enthusiasts: there’s a special ticket offer for you! At ASU’s first home football game, attendees can pay $25 for a seat in the same section as their Pokémon Go team, a custom T-shirt, and access to the Coca Cola sundeck at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Pregame festivities for this event begin at 5 p.m. on College Avenue, followed by the game at 7:45 p.m.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, bit.ly/2bpCQSO, 7:45 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, $25.

NAU AT ARIZONA STATE

ASU’s football team kicks off the season at home against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and marks the first time the Sun Devils have faced the Lumberjacks since 2012. Tickets are available to students for pick up at the Wells Fargo Arena with a valid student ID, but can be purchased on the Sun Devil Athletics website.

Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, bit.ly/2bBlte8, 7:45 p.m. Saturday, September 3, $35-$290.

DRAKE & FUTURE

Rappers Drake and Future are bringing the Summer Sixteen Tour to Phoenix at Talking Stick Resort. Don’t miss Canadian multiplatinum artist Drake perform hits like “Best I Ever Had,” “Started from the Bottom,” and “Hotline Bling.” Future will bring his unique brand of hip hop to the stage with bangers like “March Madness” and “Where Ya At.” Attendees can also look forward to songs like “Jumpman” and “Big Rings” which feature both rappers. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, $44.75-$144.75.

TMNT SKATE NIGHT

Skateland is hosting a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed skate night. The night will feature unlimited pizza and soda. So don your best TMNT outfit and get down on the rink. Tickets include admission and skate rental.

Skateland, 7 E. Southern Avenue, Mesa, 480.833.7775, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, $12.

FIFTH HARMONY W/JOJO AND VICTORIA MONET

Despite Fifth Harmony’s ups and downs, the TV-born female singing group is still scheduled to play Phoenix. Expect a hitladen show featuring the likes of “Work From Home,” “Worth It” and “All In My Head.” Baby, they’re worth it.

Ak-Chin Pavilion, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix, livenation. com, 7 p.m. Thursday, September 8, $19.95-$79.95.

APPS TO HELP MAKE COLLEGE A CAKE WALK

BETWEEN STUDYING, SOCIAL LIFE AND STAYING ACTIVE, COLLEGE IS THE EPITOME OF A BALANCING ACT. WHILE APPS LIKE SNAPCHAT AND INSTAGRAM HELP STUDENTS STAY CONNECTED (AND DISTRACTED), IT’S IMPORTANT TO USE THE TECHNOLOGY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS TO HELP COMPARTMENTALIZE COLLEGE LIFE. CHECK OUT THESE APPS THAT WILL HELP WITH STUDYING, MEETING NEW PEOPLE, SWEATING IT OUT BETWEEN CLASSES AND PROVIDING A SOUNDTRACK FOR ALL OF IT.

SOCIAL APPS

YIK YAK

Are you interested in conversing with the community around you but don’t want to introduce yourself? Yik Yak is a location-centric app that allows you to connect and talk with people near you without even giving your name.

Available on: Android and iOS, free

PLAG

Plag offers a new and efficient way to get daily information. Designed around the idea of a virus, users can interact with each other and help “spread” information they find useful throughout the country. They also have the ability to “cure” information that is found unnecessary.

Available on: Android and iOS, free

NEXTDOOR

Similar to Yik Yak, Nextdoor is a locationbased social app that allows you to connect with your neighborhood. Users can alert others in their community of a recent break in, lost pets, or even garage sales.

Available: Android and iOS, free

STUDY APPS

EVERNOTE

The Swiss Army knife of apps, Evernote allows users to get organized. Whether it’s notes, checklists, projects or to-do lists, you can keep track of it all in-app. Taking notes has never been easier, thanks to Evernote’s variety of formats including camera capture to scan your notes and documents.

Available: Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows, free

TRELLO

Do you dread group projects? Keep the group on track for the deadline with Trello, which allows users to create boards to organize tasks, customizable workflows and to-do checklists.

Available: Android and iOS, free

STUDYBLUE

StudyBlue is the ultimate studying tool for college students. Whether you want to create flashcards, notes or get homework help, StudyBlue has it all. You can also connect your Evernote account to enjoy a one-two punch of studying essentials.

Available: Android and iOS, free

MUSIC APPS

SOUNDCLOUD

More comprehensive than Spotify or Pandora, Soundcloud allows users to listen to musicians and audio for free. From Grammy winners to sports podcasts to underground artists, Soundcloud has a bit of everything, all within one quick search and without a price tag.

Available: Android, iOS and Windows, free

IHEARTRADIO

The radio will never die thanks to iHeartRadio. Listen to your favorite stations no matter where you are. Don’t miss your favorite daily talk shows, music or comedy from some of the best radio stations in the nation.

Available: Android, iOS, Blackberry and Windows, free

SOUNDHOUND

Do you constantly have a lyric, beat or melody stuck in your head and want to know what song it’s from? Soundhound can identify it from humming, singing or the radio. Soundhound will also play the song for you and even add it to your Spotify playlist. All of this can be done with voice commands, so you can keep your hands free.

Available: Android, iOS and Windows, free

WORKOUT APPS

FITOCRACY

Fitocracy is a social fitness app designed to get and stay motivated.

Fitocracy connects likeminded individuals to form a fitness community that pushes you every workout to best your personal goals and earn points for your achievements.

Available: Android and iOS, free

CHARITY MILES

Running can be a constant struggle without the proper motivation. If getting in shape is not enough, Charity Miles may be the extra push you need. Charity Miles allows you to run for a cause. Every mile matters and the overall distance you run helps the charity of your choice.

Available: Android and iOS, free

SWORKIT

Sworkit provides personalized workouts on your own time. The app supplies detailed workouts with no need for equipment or a gym membership. Whether you’re a veteran or a beginner, Sworkit gets you in shape without intimidation or pressure.

Available: Android and iOS, free

IN ACTION STREET TEAM SNAPS

STREET TEAM • COLLEGE TIMES

Now that the school year is officially in full swing, keep an eye out for the College Times crew in front of the Sun Devil Bookstore on the daily. If you’re a fan of free stuff and good company, come hang out with the CT Street Team, pick up some swag and take a pic!

OPEN PALMS

ASU’S FAMOUS TREE-LINED THOROUGHFARE GETS A FACELIFT

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES

TMORE SHADE AND AN EDIBLE FRUIT ALIGNS WITH THE 21ST CENTURY GOAL OF NOT ONLY CONTRIBUTING TO A VISUAL IMAGE BUT ALSO A SUSTAINABLE IMAGE.

he skyscraping Mexican fan palms that line ASU’s Palm Walk were planted 100 years ago. For its centennial birthday, the iconic pathway is getting a makeover.

The walkway extends more than 2,000 feet from the base of University Bridge to the Sun Devil Fitness Complex on ASU’s Tempe campus and is bordered by 111 aging palm trees.

According to ASU landscape architecture professor Ken Brooks, the 65-foot palms have

reached the end of their useful, healthy lifespan and must be replaced. As the trees decay, they are also degrading the image of the university.

The walkway has served as a microcosm of the university’s values to uphold history, community and sustainability.

The renovation also mirrors ASU’s desire to remain aesthetically captivating. Palm Walk is often referred to as the most photographed place on campus.

“It is an ASU icon, like Sparky the Sun Devil, and a significant part of the university’s history,” says Liz Allen, ASU Photographers’ Association’s faculty adviser and director at Northlight Gallery

The old trees will be replaced with date palms, which will provide two things its predecessor did not: more shade and dates that will be harvested once the trees are mature.

“More shade and an edible fruit aligns with the

21st century goal of not only contributing to a visual image but also a sustainable image,” Brooks says. “They’re enhancing their image to set themselves apart from others and help create an environment for staff, students and faculty that feels special and represents who they are and what they stand for.”

Sustainable does not mean the new trees will be immortal, but they will be more ecologically sound, he adds.

The replacement palms will be about 20 feet tall at the time they are planted. Once they are fully developed, they will stand at nearly 80 feet.

The project will be executed in three phases. Phase one, which replaced 35 trees on the southern edge of the walkway, was completed August 18, in time for the first day of classes. The final phases of the renewal project are estimated to be finished by summer 2018.

Brooks says contemporary landscape architects are looking toward “walkable urban environments,” which are aimed at creating “a vibrant image where people move and gather.”

“ASU is trying to cultivate a

space that has meaning beyond the mere way in which it is used from a utilitarian standpoint,” he says.

Brooks says most major universities have an architectural linchpin: the Columns at Mizzou, Herndon Monument at the Naval Academy, Notre Dame’s Golden Dome, the Rotunda at University of Virginia, Duke Chapel, Harvard Yard.

“Almost all corporations, institutions or organizations want to distinguish themselves by what they do and what they need, in terms of behavior and what they look like to the rest of the world or clientele,” he elaborates. “They create logos, special buildings, special places, special icons to set themselves apart...everyone wants branding for themselves.”

The rejuvenation of this campus landmark will perpetuate the university’s inherent and long-standing history while aligning with its modern principals, he says.

“The tradition of Palm Walk is being preserved and the trees are being replaced with an awareness of sustainability,” Allen says.

VOICES

EXISTENTIAL AMBUSH

WE BOMBARD PEOPLE WITH THE BIG QUESTIONS TO SEE HOW THEY RESPOND

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES

“What’s your favorite game-day tradition?”

“My favorite ASU Sun Devil gameday tradition is probably waking up and putting on my gold shirt. It’s very cathartic and exciting for me.”

– ABBY KENNEDY, SOPHOMORE, ASU

“I would say my favorite tradition is when all of my friends get together and we put the glitter on our faces. It’s a lot of fun.”

– GABY SANCHEZ, SOPHOMORE, ASU

“Walking

around, seeing

new people,

everybody

supporting the team. There is a bunch of free stuff all the time, and I like hanging out with friends and eating good food.”

– SEBASTIAN GALINDO, JUNIOR, ASU

“For me, it would have to be putting on my gold and maroon shirt with my friends, grabbing a bite to eat before the game, and heading there with kindred spirits.”

– LUIS MARTINEZ MELLA, SENIOR, ASU

HE SAID, SHE SAID

ONE GUY, ONE GIRL, THREE QUESTIONS

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES

HER DOMINIQUE

RAMIREZ, SOPHOMORE, ASU

Do you think that going to football games and participating in school spirit is an important part of the college experience? Why or why not?

Yes, I think it makes it more exciting. Also, everyone’s there and you’re able to meet more people and you’re just around a bunch of other ASU students, or wherever you’re going to school, so that’s always exciting.

If you were given the opportunity to change the mascot from a Sun Devil to something else, what would you choose to represent ASU?

I think the Sun Devil is good for ASU. I mean, we live in Phoenix. It’s very hot, so it makes sense.

How do you think ASU would be different if it didn’t have a football team?

I went to GCU, so I’m a transfer student and I can tell you this. It’s not as exciting. The football games are exciting. We had basketball games and stuff, but I didn’t go to any. I know I’m going to a football game here because I’ve just heard so much about it.

HIM

EREN SUZER, SOPHOMORE, ASU

Do you think that going to football games and participating in school spirit is an important part of the college experience? Why or why not?

I think it’s important because school spirit brings people together. I haven’t been to a football game before, but I know that I really want to go. Even if I don’t know the rules, I’ll still enjoy being there and showing my school spirit.

If you were given the opportunity to change the mascot from a Sun Devil to something else, what would you choose to represent ASU?

A cactus because there are cacti all around campus. And if anyone wants to mess with us, we just spike them.

How do you think ASU would be different if it didn’t have a football team? Much more money would be spent on education.

n

n

n

IT’S IN THE NEWS ALL THE TIME, YOU KNOW, ANOTHER HAZING DEATH, THESE SORTS OF THINGS HAPPEN.

A CLASS OF ITS OWN

ASU ALUMNI CHRONICLE RISE AND FALL OF FRAT LIFE IN NEW DOCUMENTARY

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES

Danny McManus and Joseph Forte met when they pledged the same fraternity at ASU in 2006. After the Greek organization was disbanded, they rechartered Phi Sigma Kappa. They didn’t anticipate that they would also watch that fraternity fall in front of their eyes—and their camera lens.

Upon graduation, the duo co-founded the Phoenix-based video production company D-Mak Productions in 2011. They will debut their first fulllength documentary, “Alpha Class,” on September 6 and September 7 at the Valley Art Theater in Tempe.

The film shadows a group of male students as it navigates its way through the tumult and tension of achieving brotherhood. It chronicles the ups and downs of fraternity life and what ultimately led to PSK’s demise. The documentary started as a project for one of McManus’ broadcast journalism courses.

“We had a crazy fraternity experience up to that point, so it was really a no-brainer to take my story and make a documentary about our redemption story and the insanity that we went through as far as the pledging process and hazing,” McManus says. He filmed at the fraternity house 24/7, innocently documenting meetings, parties and drama from an insider, fly-on-the-wall point of view. It eventually snowballed into something much bigger, more real and rawer than he imagined. The movie serves as a manifesto of sorts, outlining the issues in fraternity

culture, what happens behind the scenes, and the lack of accountability, told from a trenchantly authentic and uncensored perspective.

“In capturing all that, it became clear what was unfolding,” he says. “I just continued filming and gathered thousands of hours of footage.”

It took McManus and Forte five years to edit that footage and turn it into their magnum opus.

“Now the film is about just capturing the moments in time of the group of people and how they interact...where there really aren’t much rules to abide by and it’s kind of

just a renegade scenario,” says McManus. “The overall arch of the story is showing how an organization can fall apart.”

Forte and McManus agree that out of the film’s many messages, it serves as a cautionary tale for other Greek organizations.

“It’s almost like a story of what not to do as a fraternity,” says Forte. “Throughout the film, you can see different things and reasoning behind why it closed in the first place, whether it was not holding brothers accountable, whether it was not taking leadership roles seriously; when you think of a fraternity, you’re thinking of parties, entertainment, all these things that have been hammered into our heads for years in the media, but you don’t really think of it as an organizational structure where you do have responsibilities.”

Forte says that leadership roles are a fundamental part of Greek organizations. When a member gets in trouble, they must go to a judicial board comprised of other members.

“It’s challenging, especially when all these people are your close friends, to discipline your friends when they screw up,” he says. “You see that within the movie...we were lenient on certain people but they continued screwing up, nothing happened and that’s why it got blown to a point where there was little accountability.”

Though the film will be a wake-up call for Greeks, and eye-opening even for those who are not affiliated with a fraternity or sorority, Forte says it will also have a relatable element.

“I think a lot of Greek organizations, particularly fraternities, can see themselves in a lot of these characters, they can look at this film and be like, ‘Oh my God, this is Johnny down the hall,” he says.

Forte says it’s unfortunate they can’t go back to their old fraternity and see it thriving, but they hope to inspire other Greek organizations to get

their act together so they don’t suffer the same fate.

“If this could even affect one chapter to be like, ‘Wow, we have to (get) straight because this could end up on the front page of USA Today and shame our whole national organization.’ I think we’ve done a good job,” he says.

From cliché frat films to real-life headlines, the media has made an indelible mark on how the public perceives and stereotypes the Greek system, he says.

“They do a lot of great things, as far as community service and just being a part of the collegiate process and really being entwined in the school, but at the same time, a lot of the reason that people get into fraternities and sororities is the media that they have consumed,” McManus says.

He explains a part of the film where one of the brothers admits he learned about fraternities from movies like “Animal House” and “Old School.” These portrayals echoed his experience.

“A lot of times, it is a selling point to these new guys that are coming in, so it is emulated, but there is definitely a side of it that isn’t portrayed in the media, and that is kind of what we explore in our film,” he adds.

Though the filmmakers don’t want to give away the full plot, it’s clear the movie contains quite a bit of contention.

“It’s really just a raw portrayal of what really goes on and there will be plenty of fraternity members that will say our film is destroying their organization and their experiences, but the thing is, we didn’t create these stereotypes. They’ve been here since even before ‘Animal House,’” McManus says.

The film extensively documents the frat’s personal hazing story, an onerous process that McManus says is “definitely a part of Greek life, whether people want to admit it or not.” The severity and duration varies among

...WE DIDN’T CREATE THESE STEREOTYPES. THEY’VE BEEN HERE SINCE EVEN BEFORE ‘ANIMAL HOUSE.’

organizations, but it is a technique used to bring a group together through a series of trial and tribulations. ASU has a strict no hazing policy, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen behind closed doors. The film explores how much is too much and how it can be contained.

“It’s in the news all the time, you know, another hazing death, these sorts of things happen,” he admits. “Hazing can go wrong pretty quickly because it’s one of those things where you’re deciding collectively as a group to break the rules...usually they use it as a tool to teach them about the aspects of brotherhood, but it can definitely spiral out of control.”

After years of drama and dedication, McManus and Forte are excited and relieved to finally put their project out there.

“I’d almost equate it to like birthing a child or something like that, as crazy as that sounds,” says McManus, with a laugh. “You put all this hard work into it, you’re proud of it, you want other people to be proud of it; it’s really kind of a cathartic process and it was definitely an enjoyable one. I’m really happy to finally be crossing the finish line here.”

Forte says their ultimate goal is to make a film that starts conversation. He hopes to achieve cult classic status, and do something with a larger budget in the future.

After the movie’s premiere at the Valley Art Theater, the film will do a festival run and be out on DVD by the end of the year. The duo is anxious for the debut and the public’s reception.

“At the end of the day, the public will decide,” McManus says.

VALLEY ART THEATER

509 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, 480.446.7272, Tuesday, September 6, and Wednesday, September 7, call for ticket prices and showtimes.

SUCCESS & MONEY

‘TINDER FOR ROOMMATES’

NEW APP TAKES ‘SKETCHY’ FACTOR OUT OF ROOMMATE SEARCH

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES

Most millennials know how the dating app Tinder works; swipe right if you’re interested, swipe left if you’re not. In fact, there are a slew of dating apps that make finding your perfect match as easy as pressing

a button on your phone. However, there are few resources out there that make finding a roommate just as simple.

That’s where RentHoop comes in.

The app, which 24-yearold creator and CEO Paul

Burke describes as “Tinder for roommates,” launched in May. It aims to make the often daunting and tedious task of finding a roommate easy and safe.

Burke graduated from Western Washington University with a marketing

degree in 2014. Like many new graduates, he moved home to save money for a place of his own. When that time came, he went on Craigslist to find a roommate. He found the process to be time consuming and a bit “sketchy.” Craigslist was still the most popular way to search for a roommate—even with all of the apps and technology available.

He decided to change that.

Like Tinder, RentHoop requires users to log in through Facebook, which automatically takes out the anonymity and potential risk of a Craigslist search.

“When I think of the word ‘Craigslist,’ the first word that comes to my mind is ‘killer,’ so there’s automatically a sketchy factor,” Burke says. “When you logon to Facebook, and you see how old somebody is, what they look like, if you have mutual friends and mutual interests or you both go to ASU, it takes the sketch factor out of it...you’re like,

‘OK, this is a real person and I got a snapshot of who they are.’”

The app is free for Apple and Android phones. Once downloaded, it uses the picture, age, education and other information listed on Facebook to create a profile. The app will also ask what locations and neighborhoods a user prefers to live in. Beyond that, users can choose to share as much or as little information as they want. Burke says that’s where compatibility is really determined.

“There are some people who will write three paragraphs being like, ‘This is exactly who I am, this is exactly what I want, this is exactly what I don’t want,’ and then you’ll have other people put less stuff, like, ‘Hey, this is my budget, I’m looking for a place by this date,’ so it definitely depends person to person,” he explains.

“I think the cool thing is, if somebody doesn’t fill out their profile that much,

that gives you an indication of how ready they are or how serious they are about finding a roommate.”

EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVOR

Burke recruited two developers who helped cofound the app.

“I was like the typical recent graduate; I didn’t really know what went into the app...I didn’t have a lot of money to start,” he says. “I found people that trusted me enough to be my co-founders and what they got was equity in the company, so I didn’t have to pay them anything in cash.”

The team completed the app in 14 months, a process that Burke calls educational. While it wasn’t particularly cost-effective, it did take time to develop relationships with his co-founders and figure out how to get the app off the

Burke’s advice for young entrepreneurs is to work with a dynamic, close-knit team so everyone can focus on their strengths. He also says it’s imperative to know your target audience.

“The reason that’s so important is, if I come to my mom with the idea of Tinder for finding roommates, my mom has no idea whether that’s a good idea or a bad idea...my mom owns a home, she hasn’t looked for a roommate in over 30 years, so she’s not the right person to ask,” he says. “If you have a product in mind, ask people who are actually going to use it.”

Burke says the feedback thus far has been overwhelmingly positive, a reception he credits to the user-friendliness of the app.

“It’s something that you can do on the bus, you can

do it if you’re at work during your break, in between classes,” he says. “Everyone’s familiar with how Tinder works, so it’s kind of fun as well, it takes out scrolling through Craigslist for hours and hours.”

By and large, users of the app are mostly college kids, which Burke says eliminates

a lot of “weirdos.”

“It’s just people that you would actually want to room with if you’re in college, or if you’re like me, a post-grad,” he says.

Though Burke and his team have enjoyed a great amount of rookie success, they won’t stop until they’ve reached the top.

“Our goal is to become the No. 1 way people find roommates, and we really want to establish ourselves with colleges, with millennials, and we’ve done a really good job of that so far,” he says.

FOOTBALL FASHIONS

LITTLE EARTH PROVIDES STYLISH SOLUTION TO SUN DEVIL STADIUM’S NEW CLEAR BAG POLICY

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES

As the gridiron Sun Devils prepare to kick off their season, students and fans will see changes other than the massive stadium renovations.

This season, fans must abide

by a stringent clear bag policy, which requires all bags entering the stadium to be transparent and no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches. Alternatively, fans may bring in a 1-gallon plastic storage bag. The policy was

effectuated to enhance security and efficiency during football games. Clear bags streamline security checks and make it more difficult to obscure harmful or illegal objects.

However, this doesn’t mean ladies have to walk in on game day rocking a Ziploc bag.

Pittsburgh-based lifestyle brand Little Earth manufactures apparel and accessories for fans of professional and collegiate sports teams. They have designed a line of clear, trendy purses adorned with the Sun Devils logo to accommodate the stadium’s new policy.

Little Earth CEO Rob Brandegee says the brand’s “special sauce” is focusing on the fashionable female fan.

“There are a couple of other companies that make clear bags, but they tend to focus on very utility-driven bags that frankly are just more about price than they are about design or features,” he says. “We really try to emphasize something that we think a female fan is going to enjoy and thinks is cute.”

The company released four designs for the upcoming season: a clear envelope purse with a chain crossbody strap, a versatile waist pack/crossbody bag, a tote and a larger “clear crossbody carryall,” all emblazoned with the ubiquitous pitchfork.

Brandegee says he took a look at past Little Earth purses and trends to create designs that are simultaneously practical and fashion-forward. He says

women have notoriously had to suffer through decades of impersonal trinkets and accessories, particularly in the sports world. Little Earth aims to seamlessly combine a woman’s passion for fashion and their favorite sports team.

“We try to make stuff that’s cool, that they’re like, ‘Oh, this is really hip, I like this. I would buy this on its own merit, now it’s got my favorite team on it,’” he says.

When coming up with designs, Brandegee says the company keeps their fingers on the pulse of current college trends and fashion overseas. Blending fashion with functionality is key.

“At the end of the day, it

is a sporting venue, not a fashion show,” he says. “You have to walk that line between trend and what women going to a football game would be comfortable wearing.”

Little Earth’s clear bags are available on Amazon, shop. littleearth.com and local retailer

Just Sports, which has 10 locations across the Valley.

Little Earth also produces a number of logo-adorned accessories such as handbags, scarves and headbands.

“We do a wide spectrum of things but more often than not, it always kind of leads us back to this fashionable female fan, she just wants something that’s cute and cool,” Brandegee says.

SPORTS

ASU FOOTBALL PREVIEW

A LOOK AHEAD AT THE SUN DEVILS FOOTBALL SEASON

SHANE DEGROTE • COLLEGE TIMES

The ASU football team is poised for a breakout season in the PAC-12 conference this year, thanks to the addition of coaches, renovations to its stadium and an offense led behind 1,000yard rusher, Demario Richard.

“I’m excited about the youth and the excitement around our team,” says fifth year head coach, Todd Graham at the PAC-12 media day. “There is a lot of excitement around our program with the transformation that’s happening that you see outside in the stadium and our football complex.”

Finishing fourth in the PAC12 South Division with a 6-7 record last year, ASU did not have the season it had hoped for.

However, it still managed to get a bowl berth and was selected for the Cactus Bowl. Not unlike the team’s season,

the Cactus Bowl ended in heartbreak. ASU lost to West Virginia University in the final minutes with a painstakingly close score of 42-43.

Despite the disappointment, there were several bright spots to the season, including Richard. After taking the reins from starting running back

DJ Foster, who transitioned to wide receiver in 2015, Richard ran for 1,098 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore.

Heading into his junior year, Richard’s workload will increase and will need to be just as explosive to keep up with some of the other great running backs in the conference.

Starting tight end, Kody Kohl, gained significant strength and weight during the offseason.

“We have some of the best running backs in the country and if we give them the opportunity, as much as I can help, and be the best in the

PAC-12 or country then I am going to do that,” Graham says.

Another saving grace for the Sun Devils, which hopes to capture its first PAC-12 Conference Championship, is defensive end JoJo Wicker.

“I tell him every day, he’s a freshman All-American and had a great freshman year, but I’d like for him to jump to having three senior years back to back to back,” says Graham. “He’s a guy that I think we’ll look to and a guy that has to be one-on-one.”

While there are several players coming back, the Sun Devils do not have anyone returning for one of the most pivotal positions: quarterback. This is only the 11th time since 1966 that the Sun Devils have zero returning quarterbacks for the season.

Graham and new offensive coordinator, Chip Lindsey, will have three quarterbacks to

WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST RUNNING BACKS IN THE COUNTRY...

choose from before the start of the season. Those quarterbacks are three-star recruits Dillon Sterling-Cole and Manny Wilkins, and four-star recruit Brady White. Chandler native Bryce Perkins may no longer be in the mix due to an injury.

Although none of these quarterbacks have thrown a pass in a college game, Graham is excited about what they can do.

“I really like the talent we have at quarterback,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of confidence. I’m

looking forward to it, and being real honest with you that our players know coming out of spring exactly—they’re there every day, so they kind of know how the battle is kind of playing out.”

As for when they will decide on a starting quarterback, Graham played coy.

“We’ll do it the first week. We’ll do it probably Friday before the first game. Why would I do it any time before that…our players will clearly know who that player is going

NUMBERS

A LOOK AT SOME OF THE BEST STATS FROM LAST SEASON.

ASU had 111 tackles for loss last season and 8.5 tackles per loss per game, ranking the team third nationally and first in the Pac-12.

ASU averaged 3.54 sacks per game last season, a total that ranked first in all of the FBS.

The Sun Devils were 5-2 when scoring first last season against Cal Poly, UNM, UCLA, Colorado, WSU, Arizona and Cal. ASU was 7-1 when scoring first in 2014.

Demario Richard is the fourth Sun Devil in history to have at least seven 100-yard rushing games in a single season.

ASU ranked second in the Pac-12 and 11th in the nation at 37.45 points per game in the Graham era.

Graham already has 10 Pac-12 road victories under his belt, the second-most among all ASU coaches since 1980.

Under Graham, ASU has outscored other teams 537-423 in the fourth quarter and overtime.

The Sun Devils averaged 18.5 second half points per game last season, ranking them 13th nationally.

In 26 regular season home games, the Sun Devils have averaged 42.1 points per game under Graham’s guidance.

to be long before we make the announcement,” he says.

Overall, ASU has a lot of young and new faces on both sides of the ball this upcoming season, not to mention several new coaching staff changes. Its season will hinge on these new members and how they can immediately impact the team.

“We’ve had four great years, have laid a great foundation, and we’re looking forward to 2016 and getting out there and getting after it,” says Graham.

Since the start of the 2012 season, ASU has used 58 timeouts on defense in third down situations, and have not allowed a first down on the ensuing play or forced a turnover on 40 of those occasions.

Graham became the third-quickest coach to reach 30 wins, doing so in 43 games (Frank Kush and Darryl Rogers each did so in 40).

Of ASU’s 73 scoring drives last season in regulation, 50 came in under three minutes.

ASU is 21-6 at Sun Devil Stadium under Graham.

SPORTS CALENDAR

ALL THE BEST SPORTS EVENTS TO CATCH, TACKLE AND HIT

ARENABOWL XXIX : ARIZONA RATTLERS VS. PHILADELPHIA SOUL

There are several nuances that will make this championship game a riveting one. This is the first time the Rattlers will be hosting the ArenaBowl since 2011, when they lost to the Jacksonville Sharks. It will also be the first football game played in the Gila River Arena. The Rattlers hold the highest number of championship wins in the league. They played and defeated the Soul twice in the 2012 and 2013 ArenaBowls and will be hitting the gridiron this Friday for their third opportunity to beat Philly. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, azrattlers.com, 4 p.m. Friday, August 26, $14.25 and up.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS VS. CINCINNATI REDS

The D-backs will compete against five-time World Series champs the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field as they kick off a three-game series on Friday. The last time the two teams competed was in mid-July, and this time fans can observe

whether the D-backs knock it out of the park or fall short. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, arizona.diamondbacks. mlb.com, 6:40 p.m. Friday, August 26, $14 and up.

MEET ME DOWNTOWN PHOENIX 5K

Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield and the City of Phoenix, this free, weekly jaunt combines fitness and fun. Participants may walk or run around a 3.3-mile loop that traverses the streets of downtown and Margaret T. Hance Park. There is an additional 2.9-km stretch for those who want to go the extra mile. The meet-up starts at Copper Blues and ends with a closing ceremony where prizes and incentives will be awarded.

Copper Blues, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, meetmedowntownphx.com, 5:15 p.m. Monday, August 29, free.

BYU COUGAR CACTUS CLASSIC

As fall approaches and hopefully brings cooler temps for outdoor spectator sports, the competition will heat up at Papago Golf Course. Join former Cardinals

QB and Brigham Young alumnus Max Hall and other players, alumni and fans for a scramble golf tournament that will also involve giveaways, lunch, personalized football jerseys and more.

Papago Golf Course, 5595 E. Moreland Street, Phoenix, eventbrite.com/e/ byu-cougar-cactus-classictickets-26119704740, 8:30 a.m. Friday, September 2, $175.

NAU AT ARIZONA STATE

The north and south match wits in the first game of the season as the Sun Devils take on the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks for the first time in four years. Sun Devil Stadium will have different access points than last season, a small step in a multimillion-dollar renovation that will eventually include new concourse levels, bathrooms, concession areas and a Student Athletic Facility. Prepare for a sea of maroon and gold and high energy levels as fans kick off the football season with gusto. Sun Devil Stadium, 500 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, http://bit. ly/2bBlte8, 7:45 p.m., Saturday, September 3, $35-$290.

SUN DEVIL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

NORTHERN ARIZONA

UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 3, TEMPE

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER 10, TEMPE

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO

SEPTEMBER 16, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

SEPTEMBER 24, TEMPE

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

OCTOBER 1, LOS ANGELES, CA

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

OCTOBER 8, TEMPE

COLORADO UNIVERSITY

OCTOBER 15, BOULDER, COLORADO

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

OCTOBER 22, TEMPE

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

OCTOBER 29, EUGENE, OREGON

WE’RE GOING TO SURPRISE THE WORLD THIS YEAR.

KAREEM OF THE CROP

SUN DEVILS DEFENSIVE BACK EXCELS ON AND OFF THE FIELD

MADISON RUTHERFORD • COLLEGE TIMES WILL POWERS

Last year, Kareem Orr set the ASU true freshman record with six interceptions, including a victoryclinching pick-six against U of A in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Orr has amassed a laundry list of titles and triumphs, but he says his greatest achievements are still ahead of him.

“I’m still writing the story,” he says. “It’s yet to be written, most definitely.”

Though he was on the defensive backfield as a safety, he is determined to put his speed and agility to the test as a cornerback in the upcoming season, which begins September 3 with a home game against NAU.

“When we recruit our defensive backs, a lot of those guys can play corner and safety,” says head coach Todd Graham. “Kareem played safety last year and he did a solid job for us as a freshman. We really like some of the things we see in him at corner.”

Orr, a Chattanooga, Tennessee native, is no stranger to change—or the spotlight. He played safety and corner in high school, securing a spot on top recruit lists from ESPN, Rivals.com and 24-7 Sports. He was also deemed a Freshman All-American by ESPN and USA Today

Orr turned down nearly a dozen scholarships, including offers from Duke, Clemson, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Louisiana State to join the Sun Devils secondary. He says the transition from Tennessee to Arizona was initially very difficult.

“It was really tough being so far away from home, by myself,” he says. “But I wanted to come out to the West Coast and make a name for myself.”

Orr is majoring in broadcast communications. He says juggling school and football is a challenge, albeit one that will likely prepare him for a high-pressure job in broadcast journalism. The news never sleeps, and neither does football.

“It can be very challenging because we practice very early in the morning and I get a little break before I have to go to class,” says Orr. “It’s a struggle.”

But it’s one he’s willing to conquer; it’s all in the name of brotherhood.

“We’re all friends, we’ve got some good team chemistry this year,” he says confidently. “This year should be our year.”

That chemistry is enhanced by preseason traditions that encourage bonding and foster a sense of fraternal solidarity. As with previous years, the team went to Camp Tontozona in Northern Arizona the first week of August. Orr says this is where the team gets to “grow together” and “tell each other their life stories.”

The Friday before camp, the team participates in the annual Breaking of the Rock to symbolize the end of summer workouts. Verde Dickey Dome, where the team practices, becomes a snow globe filled to the brim with verve and vitality.

“I like the energy of our players, their attitude and I like the brotherhood that they have,” Graham adds.

Despite this skill and selfassurance, Orr often falls victim to pregame jitters.

“Last year, especially me being a freshman...I had the butterflies in just about every game,” Orr recalls. “Coming in, I’m usually just nervous, and then once I get to warming up, I get the music in my ears, I get more confident as I go on, and once I get in the game, I’m not really thinking about it, I’m just playing.”

After a game, the defensive back wastes little time.

“My mind automatically switches to the next game,” he avows. “I’m automatically, on Sunday, studying my next opponent.”

Even with Orr’s personal performance, the team didn’t witness a winning season last year. This season, he says he wants to improve his footwork and spend more time studying the game.

“We’re going to surprise the world this year,” he says.

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ENTERTAINMENT

PHOENIX RISING

SINGER-SONGWRITER JOSH WARREN SPEAKS ON THE STATE OF THE VALLEY’S MUSIC SCENE

JARED

MCDONALD •

Much like the city itself, Phoenix’s music scene is a burgeoning oasis. Though it may initially seem out of place among music heavyweights like New York, Los Angeles, Nashville and Seattle, make no mistake: the scene is alive and well if you know where to look.

Phoenicians like Jimmy Eat World, Authority Zero, Meat Puppets and the Gin Blossoms made it big, but it’s not always an easy feat to find fame in the Valley.

Phoenix-based singersongwriter Josh Warren is in the thick of the music scene.

The 19-year-old musician released his second EP, “Always & Forever,” in July, and recently completed a California tour supporting the release. The EP is available on Soundcloud and iTunes.

“For me personally, it’s just a fact of life that singer-

songwriters do not have it easy,” Warren says. “The singer-songwriter genre is such an oversaturated market, that it’s near impossible to make your mark.”

COLLEGE TIMES THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE VENUES THAT ARE DEDICATED TO LOCAL MUSICIANS OF VARIOUS GENRES.

Warren says that the challenge encourages him to do what he needs to do to stand out from other musicians. He often plays at coffee shops around the Valley promoting his EP.

“Historically, Arizona has not had the best music scene, which is surprising, since Phoenix is one of the biggest cities in America,” Warren says. “One possibility is because the Phoenix population is so spread out; it doesn’t give the excitement and energy that is needed to sufficiently nurture a flourishing music scene.”

Lately, Phoenix has established a home to hardcore and punk bands. Notable hardcore bands

blessthefall and The Word

Alive started in Phoenix, leaving little room for other genres. Over the last couple years, Warren has seen a shift in this trend.

“In the past year or two, I’ve noticed a rising market for indie bands,” he said. “Venues like The Rebel Lounge have been really supportive of a variety of genres, and it’s been really encouraging

to see. Hopefully, that trend will continue and Arizona will see a rise of support for local music across a variety of styles.”

Nevertheless, Warren suspects he’ll be in Los Angeles in five years.

“There are many things that Arizona could do to improve the music scene here, but they’re all easier said than done,” Warren says. “There

needs to be more venues that are dedicated to local musicians of various genres. Most importantly, all local musicians constrained to the Phoenix scene have to keep plowing through, even when it seems like you’re swimming upstream. If local musicians can keep that momentum going, I see a bright future for Phoenix.”

MAKING NOISE

BASSIST SERGIO VEGA SAYS DEFTONES ‘POUNCE’ ON FRESH IDEAS

Deftones have a simple formula for writing new songs: “just start making noise.”

“Basically, when someone does something that draws the other people in, we pounce on it,” says bassist Sergio Vega. “Everyone is very quick to add to each other’s ideas.”

The band used this method for its eighth album, “Gore,” which was released in the spring. Vega says Deftones may not waver from their recording process, but the sound is always different.

“What changes from record to record is really our palate,” explains Vega, who joined Deftones in 2009 when thenbassist Chi Cheng fell into a coma and later died after a serious auto accident. “What makes it unique isn’t the songwriting process as much as what toys we have.”

Vega recently added to his toy chest in the form of a sixstring bass, which adds new elements to Deftones’ music. That’s part of the band’s wish to incorporate different pedals, amplifiers and other equipment

into the mix.

“Gore” is the follow-up to 2012’s “Koi No Yokan,” an album that was released a year before Cheng died from cardiac arrest. The four-year gap is the longest in the Deftones’ career. Contrary to what this long silence would imply, the band found itself on a creative streak.

“We wound up with more material than ever before,” Vega says. “We have so many ideas that didn’t come to fruition or some that did and didn’t get recorded. We were really hitting a peak in terms of

output, creatively.

“The thing that made it take longer in a calendar sense was that we were just taking a lot more time off. Instead of concentrating on it over seven months at once, we would give ourselves a couple of weeks at a time.”

Fans and critics agree that this was a good move. “Gore” became Deftones’ highestcharting album on the Billboard 200 since their 2003 self-titled release.

Now, they are bringing songs from “Gore,” along with

their classics, to the Mesa Amphitheatre on August 31.

“It’s the first record that I wouldn’t mind just trying to play front to back,” Vega says. “It’s a great record. I’m just stoked about it. I’m really hyped on it, so if we get to play anything off it, I’m kind of happy.”

DEFTONES

Mesa Amphitheatre, 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, 480.644.2560, mesaamp.com, Wednesday, August 31, 6:30 p.m., $47.50.

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE ISN’T THE SONGWRITING PROCESS AS MUCH AS WHAT TOYS WE HAVE.

YOU’RE GOING FROM A FAN TO A FRIEND...I DON’T WANT PEOPLE TO IDOLIZE ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO RELATE TO ME.

CHANGING LIVES

With her dimples and engaging smile, Sadie Robertson just wants to make the world a better place.

A member of the “Duck Dynasty” clan, the 19-year-old Robertson is taking it one step at a time with her next chapter of “The Live Original Tour 2016,” which comes to Grand Canyon University on Tuesday, September 27. The show is expected to sell out.

“It’s going to be one of those events where you say, ‘We laughed, we cried, we did a little of everything,’” Robertson says.

“It’s going to be so much fun. Kids, teens and young adults are going to have a good night. It’s going to be life changing. A lot of times, you have this motivation, this little spark, and you want to do good. I’m going to show you this is how you do it, this is how you go out and truly do it. It starts tonight”

She’s doing it with a little help from her “squad,” which includes her brother John Luke and his wife Mary Kate Robertson, cousins Reed and Cole Robertson, Reed’s fiancée Brighton Thompson and filmmaker Max Zoghbi and his wife Bonnie Kate, who hold a unique and inspirational tale of their faith as victims of “The Dark Knight” shooting in Colorado in 2012.

The close-knit group will share their hearts, take attendees on a journey of inspirational messages, dramatic onstage performances, Q&As and a few surprises. Musical guests on the tour include Christian rockers Family Force 5, husband and wife duo Love and the Outcome and Reno.

A VISION

Robertson created “The Live Original Tour” based on a vision she had a couple years ago.

“I had this vision from God about two years to go host my own event and call it ‘Live Original,’” she says. “That’s what my book was called. I told my mom I wanted to do it and she made me think about it. She waited a week and asked me again. I still wanted to do it.”

She did a test run of it in Nashville and sold 4,500 tickets, “which is great for Nashville,” she says. “I thought we could do this. This isn’t about me and more people knowing my name.

“There is just a definite need for this in the world right now. We need something that’s solid, positive and good.”

Robertson has carried her philosophy into multiple business ventures, including a prom dress line with Sherri Hill, school supplies for DaySpring, jewelry and home goods with Glory Haus, and a fashion line with Wild Blue Denim that can be found at

Rue 21 stores nationwide.

“We have a lot going on,” she says. “I have a clothing line, a book and several other things. My clothing line is great for girls to be comfortable in. I also have a devotional book coming out this fall. There are a lot of good things going on that’s helping the world.”

Writing the book, she says, was challenging.

“I had a lot of help,” she says. “I love the process. It was very fun. I do not like to read, so when they asked me to write a book, I was like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ Then I met with the author, we came up with the story and the rest was easy. It ended up being a great book. One that I’ve read. It I can read it, anybody can.”

Robertson recently returned from a mission trip to Uganda where the “Live Original” tour posse met and learned from Help One Now’s local leader, Pastor Edward

Magumba, and his team who started His Mercy School to benefit orphans and children from extremely poor families in the Mayuge District in Uganda.

Robertson was inspired to give back by her family— grandfather Phil Robertson, founder of Duck Commander, and parents Korie Howard Robertson and Willie Robertson, the company’s current CEO. She has five siblings; John Luke Robertson, Rebecca Robertson, Willie Jr. Robertson, Bella Robertson and Rowdy Robertson.

She says it would be difficult growing up in the spotlight, if she didn’t have her parents and family for support.

“I think it would be hard to do it by myself,” Robertson says. “The whole family is doing it with me. They keep me grounded. It’s very helpful. They are very supportive. My mom is with me at all of the meetings. She’s on almost every call.

“I feel very, very blessed to have this opportunity and to have the platform that I’ve had. God gave me millions of people to inspire. I love giving back and helping people. It makes life easier.”

At “The Live Original Tour 2016,” Robertson hopes to break down barriers.

“You can be a fan and look up to me like on Instagram,” she says. “But this is about being a friend. You’re going from a fan to a friend. You’re not just looking at me from afar. You’re literally looking at me. I don’t want people to idolize me. I want people to relate to me.”

“THE LIVE ORIGINAL TOUR 2016” WITH SADIE ROBERTSON Grand Canyon University Arena, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 877.552.7362, gcuarena.com, 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 27, $20-$60.

A WAY WITH WORDS

SPINELLI’S PIZZERIA HOSTS SLAM POETRY COMPETITION ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

Calling all poets! Slam poetry has returned to Mill Avenue.

Every Wednesday night, Spinelli’s Pizzeria is hosting a slam poetry competition and anyone who’s interested is welcome. This feature began in mid-July with 75 people.

Terran Randolph started slam poetry competitions on Mill Avenue in 2007, and resurrected it at Spinelli’s. In between, Randolph took a four-year

hiatus and sold books and DVDs as a traveling poet in Seattle and Portland.

Now, Randolph is back and looking to get Tempe poets active again.

“If they want to show up, they need to show up around 7:15 or 7:30, because the show starts at 8,” says Randolph. “They can get to know each other…it’s not just a competition. It’s about people getting together.”

Slam poetry is a threeround competition and the

stakes are high, with five judges ranking contestants with a score from 0 to 10. Each team begins with 15 contestants, dropping to seven in the second round and three in the final round. Slam poets must recite original poetry that is memorized. Poets are only allotted 3:10 to prepare, with points being deducted for those who go past that limit.

“Most slam poetry is memorized and it teaches people how to get up

THEY CAN GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER… IT’S NOT JUST A COMPETITION. IT’S ABOUT PEOPLE GETTING TOGETHER.

and speak in front of an audience,” he says.

While he says this event is about getting people acquainted, Randolph is also interested in building a team for the National Poetry Slam competition.

“It’s going to take some time,” he says. “I’d say like three to four months before we get to the level where we have a slam team in place. But it’s going to happen.”

To qualify for nationals, the team must go through a series of slam-offs, building up points for each slam they win, and eventually registering with PSI, or Poetry Slam Inc., which hosts the events.

Spinelli’s Pizzeria will be hosting this event indefinitely and hopes it

will become a Mill Avenue staple.

“It’s every Wednesday night until I’m dead and gone,” Randolph jokes.

Slam poetry isn’t the only reason to check out Spinelli’s on Wednesdays. It will also host live painters, local DJs and a variety of different bands.

“Whether it be rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, soul, blues, jazz, you’ll see different local artists as well as artists who are international,” says Randolph. “We’re trying to make it into something special.”

SLAM POETRY

Spinelli’s Pizzeria, 420 S. Mill Avenue, Suite 101, Tempe, 602.800.5300, spinellispizzeria.com, 8 p.m. Wednesdays.

Get Your 2016-2011

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

ODESZA

Maya Day + Nightclub, Noon, $70-$125

Odesza—otherwise known as Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight—is riding high on RAC’s remix of “Say My Name,” which was nominated for a Grammy for best remixed recording. Their 2014 sophomore album, “In Return,” reached the top spot on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and featured the hits “Say My Name” and “It’s Only.” Get ready as Odesza DJs at Maya Day + Nightclub.

AUGUST 25

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony w/ E.V.E., Brixx and Krewshal Livewire, 7 p.m., $39-$193

The Go-Go’s w/ Best Coast and Kaya Stewart Comerica Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $38.50-$68.50

Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals

Marquee Theatre, 8 p.m., $52-$72

The F.A.M. Tour

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

AUGUST 26

98 Degrees w/ Ryan Cabrera and O-Town Comerica Theatre, 7 p.m., $35-$65

Explosions in the Sky Marquee Theatre, 7 p.m., $23

Inspiracion Flamenca

Virginia G. Piper Theater at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Alice Cooper

AVA Amphitheater, 8 p.m., $35-$700

Cisco and The Racecars Chandler Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m., free

AUGUST 27

Michael Franti and Spearhead

The Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $35-$43

MSTRKRFT

Livewire, 8 p.m., $10

Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears Club Congress, 7:30 p.m., $15-$17

La Primer Batalla Celebrity Theatre, 8:30 p.m., $35-$85

AUGUST 28

Ages and Ages

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Blackbird and Crow

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $5

Poncho Sanchez

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $38.50$43.50

AUGUST 29

The Will Goble Quartet Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $19.50$23.50

Shroud Eater w/ Cave of Swimmers

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., Free

AUGUST 30

Pouya Livewire, 7 p.m., $23

Sean McConnell Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10$12

Djentrification

Bikini Lounge, 9 p.m., Free

AUGUST 31

Deftones w/ Yelawolf and Sister Crayon Mesa Amphitheatre, 6:30 p.m., $47.50

Mehmet Polat Trio Musical Instruments Museum, 7 p.m., $28.50$35.50

SEPTEMBER 1

Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10

Mild High Club

Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10$12

Paper Foxes

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $8-$10

Radney Foster

SEP

06

DRAKE W/FUTURE

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 6:30 p.m., $49.50-$149.50

Young Roddy w/Trademark Da Skydiver

Club Red – West, 8 p.m., $15-$20

SEPTEMBER 2

Boyz II Men

Wild Horse Pass, 8 p.m., $55-$115

Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Dierdre w/Co-Op

The Rebel Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $5-$7

Gareth Emery Maya Day + Nightclub, 9 p.m., $15

Hot Sugar Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10-$12

Luke Holland w/Ella Kaye

Club Red – West, 6 p.m., $13

Sierra Hull

Musical Instrument Museum, 7 p.m., $33.50$38.50

Sub Focus

The Pressroom, 9 p.m., $20-$750

Tedeschi Trucks Band

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 8 p.m., $25-$100 Watsky

Club Red – East, 7 p.m., $20-$55

Musical Instrument Museum, 7:30 p.m., $33.50$38.50

Swans

Following the massive success of Drake’s “Views” and Future’s “EVOL” and a well-received collaborative mixtape titled “What a Time to Be Alive,” the duo will hit downtown Phoenix. The artists will have plenty of tracks to choose from as both are highly prolific, having released a handful of albums and mixtapes that constantly leave fans clamoring for more. All of that aside, you never know who Drake will pull onstage. A recent Detroit show put to rest any rumors of a beef between Drake and Eminem after Slim Shady himself made an appearance. SEP 03 04 SEP

Jesse F. Keeler and Al-P’s MSTRKRFT are touring in support of their first new album in seven years, “Operator.” So what did the Canadian duo do in their “off time?” They had kids and worked on solo projects. Expect those life-changing events to seep into the music as inspiration. In late 2013, they quietly began working on “Operator” in Toronto.

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $24-$27

Wayne “The Train”

Hancock

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Highest Conspiracy

Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $8-$10

Hotel Books w/Dayseeker, Convictions

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$15

SEPTEMBER 3

The Chris Mitchell Experience

Orpheum Theatre, 8 p.m., $40

Hardwell

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 11 a.m., $30

Innocent Elaine

The Rebel Lounge, 6 p.m., $8-$10

Joey Fatts

Pub Rock Live, 7 p.m., $12-$20

The Mavericks

Rialto Theatre, 8:15 p.m., $35-$53

Odesza

Maya Day + Nightclub, 12 p.m., $70-$125

Phoenix Afrobeat

Orchestra Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $8$10

Sarah Chapman

The Lost Leaf, free Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m., $25-$49

The Sugar Thieves

The Rhythm Room, 9 p.m., $8

Toyguitar

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Wyves Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $10-$12

SEPTEMBER 4

Erick Morillo

The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 11 a.m.,

$15

The Flamin’ Groovies

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $22-$25

MSTRKRFT

Livewire, 8 p.m., $10

Nato Coles & The Blue Diamond Band

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free Colvin & Earle

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $34-$49

Sianvar

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $12-$14

Two Flavor Blues

The Lost Leaf, free

SEPTEMBER 5

Cobalt

Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

Gap Dream Valley Bar, 8 p.m., $10$12

SEPTEMBER 6

Drake w/Future

Talking Stick Resort Arena, 6:30 p.m., $49.50$149.50

Emily Clibourn w/Silver Fox Ln.

The Lost Leaf, free Floating Points

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $17-$20

The Game

The Pressroom, 8 p.m., $30-$500

Nikki Hill

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $12-$15

Roxy Roca Last Exit Live, 8:30 p.m., $5

Yeats

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $8-$10

SEPTEMBER 7

The Album Leaf

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $16-$18

Gemini Syndrome Pub Rock Live, 8 p.m., $13-$15

Juliette Lewis Livewire, 7 p.m., $15

Lady Lily LA Vamp

The Lost Leaf, free Lorena Robles w/Mark

Mulligan

Fiddler’s Dream Coffeehouse, 6:30 p.m., $20

Tab Benoit

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $26-$30

Vandoliers

The Rebel Lounge, 8 p.m., $10-$12

SEPTEMBER 8

Bingo Players

Rialto Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$55

Cedric Burnside

The Rhythm Room, 8 p.m., $10-$15

Fifth Harmony w/JoJo Ak-Chin Pavilion, 7 p.m., $27-$2,730

Puddle of Mudd

Marquee Theatre, 6:30 p.m., $21

Run Boy Run

Crescent Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., $12-$15

Tempe Sour Yucca Tap Room, 8 p.m., free

The tens

The Lost Leaf, free

SEP

Jiggle

The Lost Leaf, free Russian Circles

Crescent Ballroom, 8 p.m., $18-$20

Success w/Broadway Calls

The Rebel Lounge, 7:30 p.m., $12

JULIETTE LEWIS Livewire, 7 p.m., $15

Juliette Lewis focused on acting in the beginning of her career. After all, who could forget her in Martin Scorsese’s remake of “Cape Fear”? In the last decade, though, she’s found her muse in music, first with Juliette and the Licks. Now as a solo artist, she’s ready to Livewire to support her new single, “Hello Hero.”

HOROSCOPES!

HOROSCOPES!

TOTALLY ACCURATE PREDICTIONS

YOU SHOULD PROBABLY TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT

AQUARIUS

(JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18)

Love is in the air, Aquarius. It’s also a battlefield and isn’t always on time. Don’t worry, you’ll procure a paramour eventually. It can’t be that hard to find someone that likes classic rock and conspiracy theory documentaries just as much as you do.

PISCES

(FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20)

Some culinary thievery is afoot, Pisces. Keep an eye out for snakes in the grass at the dining hall toward the end of the month. Keep your plate close and your fork closer.

ARIES

(MARCH 21 – APRIL 21)

You have an innate ability to learn from your mistakes, Aries. Be prepared to do a lot of learning in the next couple weeks.

TAURUS

(APRIL 22 – MAY 20)

No offense, Taurus, but you’re kind of a bore. It’s time to follow the sagacious advice of the Spice Girls and “spice up your life”. Rock a new trend, take the long way to class, put some pepper flakes on your pizza. Live a little.

GEMINI

(MAY 21 – JUNE 21)

We don’t know how to put this lightly, Gemini, so we’ll just come right out and say it. The next couple weeks aren’t lookin’ so hot. Just remember, if at first you don’t succeed, cover your face, back away slowly, and act like it never happened.

CANCER

(JUNE 22 – JULY 22)

Money is tight this month, Cancer, so be prepared to pinch some pennies. We’ll give you some advice we had to learn the hard way: the best way to get back on your feet is to miss a few car payments.

LEO

(JULY 23 – AUGUST 22)

It’s your birthday month, Leo and everyone knows you love being in the limelight. You’re usually obnoxiously needy and pompous, but this month, it’s justified. So milk it for all it’s worth!

VIRGO

(AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22)

No one likes a try-hard. Try less or die trying. Alternatively, try tie dying. Tie dye or die, trying.

LIBRA

(SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22)

This month will bring about some weird blasts from the past, not all of them welcome. Just go with the flow and cruise down memory lane, even if that means hitting a few speed bumps along the way, like painfully recalling New Year’s Eve 2012. You may not remember, but everyone else does.

SCORPIO

(OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21)

Sometimes all you need is a little perspective. So put yourself in someone else’s shoes, pick yourself up by your bootstraps, roll up your sleeves and fly by the seat of your pants.

SAGITTARIUS

(NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21)

This month it’s important to keep in mind that actions speak louder than words, Sag. In other words, stop talking. Everyone’s heard that story a million times, and it wasn’t even funny the first time.

CAPRICORN

(DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19)

You’re going to be a social butterfly toward the end of this month, Capricorn, and your presence will be requested at a plethora of parties. Remember to heed this ancient truism-- he who bequeaths thy palate with liquor before beer is in thy clear, if he consumeth beer before liquor, he hath never been sicker.