Lifestyle

Paul Reed is a strong, steady, capable musician, one of the most respected guitar players in the Cave Creek music scene.   But that’s only half of his story, if that. He is also a selfless, tireless promoter of that scene, energetically connecting musicians, encouraging individuals and bands and generally doing all he can to hype things up around town.   “He’s the musical mayor of Cave Creek,” chuckled Sal Carlino the other night. It was a Friday night at the Tap Haus, and Reed wasn’t there to play, just to enjoy Carlino’s band and cheer on the dynamic guitarist. Reed also consistently challenged Carlino, walking up to the stage to request complex Gov’t Mule and Robin Trower songs.   During a break, Reed introduced Carlino to this interviewer, then went off to flag down other musicians in the room. “He makes sure everybody meets everybody,” Carlino said of Reed. “And he’s the loudest clapper in town.”   Reed’s seemingly selfless networking also has served... More

From under the downturned brim of a smart fedora, Eric Watson’s eyes gleam behind dark-rimmed glasses. His words come out with a touch of molasses, more from his deliberate nature than from his Ohio roots. The ticking of the clock, he proves, is not the only thing that determines the rhythm of life and the destiny of a passion. Time has stood still, or at least taken a pause, inside Watson’s Hat Shop in downtown Cave Creek. Like the gentle clicking of his century-old sewing machines or the heavy comfort of beaver hair felt as he inspects rims and crowns that he’s molded and shaped himself, it’s tradition that finds its way into every corner of the shop, settling in like a comfortable friend.   Just outside the doors of the single-room store, traffic passes innocuously, keeping pace with the steady comings and goings of modern life. Inside the door, however, the honor and pride of a bygone era is alive and well. Behind its magic is a man much younger than expected, but whose... More

Water. It’s something we take for granted here in our desert oasis. Clean water is at our fingertips, and dozens of gallons flow through our homes each day for drinking, for watering our lawns, for bathing, for cooking and to fill our swimming pools and fountains.   Yet, according to the United Nations Development Report, 1.1 billion people have inadequate access to water. Women and children carry water from rivers and streams, sometimes walking miles with heavy pans and jerry cans, and often suffer waterborne illnesses that leave them weak or even prove fatal.   The same amount of water that runs down the drain when we shower could give a family drinking water for days, yet we seldom think about those things when we leave the tap turned on while we brush our teeth or fill the tub.   The lack of access to clean drinking water kills more people than any form of violence, including war. Children are the most vulnerable. Diarrhea from waterborne illness kills 1.8 million children a... More

Writer Amanda Christmann Larson   For many, life is about taking the right steps. Go to the right school, get the right job, eat the right food, pick the right mate, live in the right neighborhood, and so many more “rights.” But in order to dance in life, one must also step left, and as Cave Creek resident Dee Dee Wood can attest, it is the dance that makes life worth living.   There is little in life Dee Dee has not danced through. From her first plié in high school to Broadway to Hollywood, she has choreographed her own life, and many of our own childhoods, through the sprightly agility of a chimney sweep in “Mary Poppins,” the grace and patience of a mischievous nun-turned-governess in “The Sound of Music,” and the sweet imagination of two children, a socialite and a quirky inventor in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”   Like most storylines in the work that gained her fame, Dee Dee’s life has been a mix of hard work, creativity and fearlessly following her dreams.... More

January 24 – February 10 Desert Foothills Theater’s Pippin Desert Foothills Theater (DFT), a program of the Foothills Community Foundation, presents the fabulous musical Pippin Thursday, Jan. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 10 in the Cabaret Theater at the FCF-Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Building B, in Scottsdale.   Directed by Mark Clemente with musical direction by Daniel Kurek, Pippin is a hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale that captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Children of Eden, and the animated films Pocahontas,The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince Of Egypt) bursts with one show-stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.   Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, with a post-show Q & A on... More

January 18 – 20 Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Join Thunderbird Artists for a milestone celebration weekend at the 20th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Jan. 18 – 20. Richard Curtner, textual collage extraordinaire, will be the featured artist at this award-winning festival, which will highlight the artistic works of more than 165 juried fine artists, live musical entertainment, appetizing food, tempting chocolates and unparalleled wine tasting.   Curtner is skilled in many styles and mediums, but his true calling is in textual collage (word collage) presentations. He has been developing a personal technique for 10 years. His collages are a compilation of written text, focused on a chosen subject matter, creating realistic visual images that provoke inner thought and open dimensions of contemplation that are otherwise unseen. Each piece tells a different story and lets the viewers’ imagination run rampant on the depicted scene.   As a self-taught artist,... More

January 11 – 13 4th Annual Cave Creek Indian Market Join the fun at the annual Cave Creek Indian Market will be held Jan. 11 – 13, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Celebrate the colorful history and rich heritage of the Southwest with a diverse gathering of Native American, Spanish and Southwestern fine artists and craftsmen. Enjoy music, cultural traditions, and the work of unique artists at this family-friendly event. Come see what magic awaits you!   Parking and admission are free.   623-734-6526 www.vermillionpromotions.com/festivals... More

Writer Stephanie Maher Palenque Photographer Karen Sophia Photography   Young artist and family man, Alexei Butirskiy, originally from Moscow, Russia, has become a citizen of the world. Each city or destination where he has lived or spent time – and there have been many – has left him a changed man. His heart has been changed, as well as the art that he creates so masterfully. This world-renowned artist now calls Anthem his home, and only time will tell how his newest home will affect him and his work.   At the tender age of 38, Alexei’s paintings have been the subject of more than 50 exhibitions, one-man shows and auctions in Russia, England, France, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, and more than 100 shows in the United States. He is well known for concentrating on the power and intensity of the relationship between light and dark, and his sophisticated application of light effects with color are reminiscent of the works of George de la Tour and Caravaggio. It is why he is... More

ProMusica Arizona (PMAZ) has the perfect musical recipe to evoke the holiday spirit with their concert Joyous Noel! Dec. 15 and 16. Candlelight processionals, a celebrity narrator, a stage brimming with musicians performing favorite carols, beautiful visual effects, chimes, harps and even gentle will make the holiday extra special. Audiences raved about last year’s holiday performances, so artistic director Dr. Adam Stich has happily reprised the popular event with a few tweaks and new songs.   Critically acclaimed author of the New York Times’ best-selling WINGS series, Aprilynn Pike is returning to narrate the traditional biblical Christmas story interspersed with glorious musical renditions of beloved carols, including First Noel, We Three Kings, Angels We Have Heard on High, March of the Kings, Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, Baby Born a King, John Rutterʼs What Sweeter Music, Carol of the Bells, Ding Dong, Merrily on High and many more.   Dr. Stich notes, “We want... More

  Prepared to be transported into the Christmas season when you attend the Davies Family Christmas Show, featuring all the great Christmas carols sung by members of the Three Tenors, the Davies Family, and a full choir and band. There will also be one very special surprise guest in attendance! Hint: He will share a Christmas story and be decked out in red!   The show will be held Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets: Adults $15, Children (16 and under) $7, or free with an unwrapped toy.   623-465-9740 Ext. 109  ... More

  Join 45 young North Valley Symphony Orchestra musicians from the North Valley in their inaugural concert, Opening Overtures 7 p.m. Dec. 1 at North Canyon High School Performing Arts Center.   In addition to the North Valley Symphony Orchestra, the event will feature North Valley Symphonettes and North Valley Youth Orchestra, with young players ages 12-19. Enjoy their rousing renditions of Overture to Nabucco, Overture to a Shakespeare Ode, Overture to William Tell, and Moonlight Tango.   “This first concert will provide the North Valley community a chance to see the camaraderie a community symphony orchestra offers, not only for the youth, but for players of all ages,” says founding NVSO Music Director, Kevin Kozacek. “It’s truly a multi-generational event that our community won’t want to miss.”   Youth directors are Bob and Murilou Chilman, Anne Phelan and Kathy Chesser. They encourage middle school through high school string players to come join in the fun. ... More

  Celebrate Music Director Michael Christie’s debut in his final season with The Phoenix Symphony as he leads the Symphony and Chorus in one of the most memorable musical creations of the 20th century, Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” Enjoy the majesty of this scenic cantata based on the famous collection of medieval poems that has survived as one of the most invigorating, entertaining, and easily heard compositions of the classical music repertoire. The often-heralded “O Fortuna” movement has been used in countless movie scores. In addition, back by popular demand, Maestro Christie will conduct contemporary composer Marjan Mozetich’s “Procession of Duos,” featuring solos from various pairs of instruments in the orchestra.   The concert is set to begin at 3 p.m. at the Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale. General Admission tickets are $30.   www.pinnacleconcerts.com... More

  On Friday, Nov. 23, the big man in red will be opening his wonderland cottage for visits from children and family photo opportunities. Santa’s House, a two-room chalet festively decked out with holiday cheer, will be open through Monday, Dec. 24.   Not only will kids have the chance to see Santa in person and tell him what they’re hoping he’ll bring, each child who visits Santa’s House will receive their own copy of “The Night Before Christmas” and an exclusive code for online holiday-themed fun and games. Visits to Santa’s House are free of charge. Professional photography is available on-site to capture all the picture-perfect moments, with keepsakes available for purchase. Additional details about Santa’s House and the daily hours of operation are available online.   www.outletsanthem.com  ... More

  Award-winning street artists will have their work on show at the Longfellow Fine Art Festival hosted at Terravita Marketplace 34402 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, Nov.16-18.   If you are looking for piece of décor treasure for your home, this is an event not to be missed.... More

  Four Peaks Animal Rescue will be hosting Paws Awhile at Harold’s from 4 -7 p.m. at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Four Peaks Animal Rescue is a non-profit animal rescue that provides for the welfare and medical attention of rescued animals while finding them loving, permanent homes.   The three-hour event on Veterans Day includes an appetizer buffet, silent auction, balloon pops and baked goods table.   Advance tickets are $25 and can be purchased online. Tickets at the door are $30.   480-471-3520 www.fourpeaksanimalrescue.org... More