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Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley, and this week’s column features musicians considered the best at what they do. April 5 John Mayer Despite what you may think of his song “Daughters,” John Mayer has grown into quite the accomplished guitarist, evidenced by his continued association with the Grateful Dead offshoot Dead and Co. But before he heads out with his...

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Opening Bagel Daddies Christopher Fregozo hand-rolls, boils and then bakes his bagels for a tidy menu of really good-looking bagel sandwiches. 1736 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, bageldaddiesaz.com b.bq Chicken This new-to-market Korean fried chicken joint features hand-brushed and hand-battered chicken that promises to be crispier and juicier than anything you’ve tasted to date. 1900 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, bbqchicken.com Big Chicken Lots of chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads and sides to choose from at Hall of...

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Over Easy isn’t just a way to cook eggs, it’s a local breakfast cafe serving up tasty dishes and good vibes. There are 10 locations of this local chain throughout the Valley with three new locations opening this year, but I recently visited the Surprise location to check out the seasonal menu. Upon entering, I was greeted by bright yellow and blue hues and a happy atmosphere that could help anyone start their day on...

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Patrick and Mary Burch believe that men don’t hate shopping, they just hate the mall. To test their theory, the couple opened Cave + Post Trading Co. in 2021 and have attracted fashion-interested men with their warm, welcoming, Western-themed atmosphere ever since. They recently moved into the Easley’s Fun Shop building, and their goal is to make the shopping experience more enjoyable for men so they can curate their style in a comfortable environment. “Men...

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Learning where our food comes from – and celebrating the farmers who grow it – is at the center of this children’s book written by Paradise Valley author B. G. Hennessy (the Corduroy series) and illustrated by Mary Ann Fraser (In Search of the Grand Canyon). Phoenix nonprofit Southwest Human Development, which focuses on early childhood development, including mental health, family support and disabilities services, published the picture book as part of its Buy One,...

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“Keep your mind active.” We’re often told that this is a key to long term cognitive health: doing crossword puzzles or Sudoku or Wordle, reading, writing. But being a famous, award-winning critic and essayist hasn’t kept Prudence “Pru” Payne from one of the scourges of aging: dementia. The title character of Arizona Theatre Company‘s Pru Payne, at Herberger Theater Center through April 16, is an aesthetic conservative. The dour, caustic Pru insists that the critic’s role...

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Huzzah! This weekend, April 1-2, the 35th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival is in town for the final time this year. When making the trip out to Fairhaven — the festival grounds in Gold Canyon — and entering a place locked in time, here are some things you cannot miss during your medieval experience. An April Fools’ Day Fit for a King (of Fools) Aside from this weekend being the last operating weekend of this year’s...

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This ain’t your first rodeo (or maybe it is) but it’s time to break out those cowboy boots and hats because Arizona rodeo season is in full swing. 2nd Annual Legends of the West PRCA Rodeo The well-known cowboy town of Wickenburg is hosting the 2nd Annual Legends of the West PRCA Rodeo April 1-2 at the Everett Bowman Arena. Overflow contestants will compete at 10 a.m. on March 31 and there will be free...

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I’m a picky eater. I have the palate of a 5-year-old and I often opt for chicken tenders and fries no matter what kind of restaurant I go to. Because of my juvenile tastes, it’s hard for me to get out of my comfort zone and try new foods.  Korean seafood restaurant Zu & Pocha, which opened in Tempe nearly a year ago, was definitely out of my comfort zone. While I was a little...

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“We’re not about one story, but viewing outdoor participation through a different lens,” says Rue Mapp, founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, a nonprofit organization that plans events nationwide to encourage Black people to connect with nature through camping, hiking, fishing and more. Mapp created Outdoor Afro in her hometown of Oakland, California, in 2009. Since then, it has grown to include more than 60,000 participants, 1,200 online and in-person events and 100-plus volunteer leaders....

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Billy Idol | Photo by Michael Muller Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley, and this week’s column features musicians with side hustles. March 29-April 2 Arizona Bike Week 2023 Rev up your engines! Billy Idol (who’s appeared in a movie or two), Staind, and Megadeath are scheduled to perform at one of the nation’s largest bike rallies. In addition to the...