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Grilled Maine Lobster | Photo by Madison Rutherford   A serpentine stroll through We-Ko-Pa will take you to a calm corner of the casino that doesn’t feel like you’re in a casino at all. Such is the charm of Ember, the casino and resort’s new fine dining destination – a culinary oasis that is well worth the trek to far-flung Fort McDowell. The kitchen is helmed by critically acclaimed chef Richard E. Pelz, who places...

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  Photo courtesy The Hardways   Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. Arguably the biggest concert this week, The Maine at Crescent Ballroom on August 3, has sold out – but there are plenty of other shows (especially in the rock and jazz genres) to keep you entertained over the next seven days. Jiggle Monday, August 2 at The Lost Leaf...

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Storm Large | Photo by Laura Domela   Listen to a Powerhouse Vocalist Storm Large shares her story of hope, love and loss during the pandemic in Make It Home, a documentary concert film recorded at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Part road movie, part intimate concert experience, the online performance is presented by Chandler Center for the Arts and includes a live post-concert Q&A. The musician, actor and author tours with Pink Martini as...

Dr. Chris Barrett serves as the Clinical Director of Britely Dentures + Implants Studio® at our Scottsdale, AZ location.  He built his career as a dentist passionate about helping patients renew their smiles.  Dr. Barrett has placed over 1,000 implants and spent over 1,000 hours on continuing education specific to implants.  He has helped countless people all over the United States to achieve beautiful, realistic and comfortable smiles that they never thought possible. Dr. Barrett...

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Brandon Decker | Photo Courtesy Macallan Agency   Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. Everything from a country band featuring a member of the Gin Blossoms to American Songbook jazz is on tap this week. Honeygirl Trio Wednesday, July 28 at Copper Blues Scott Johnson of the Gin Blossoms and Kira Brown play contemporary, cool acoustic country as two-thirds of Honeygirl...

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THE SCENE I almost can’t believe my eyes when I walk into CHAR Pizzeria Napoletana in Peoria. There’s a sleek, clean and downright Euro feel – silvery tin tiles on the ceiling, modern black light fixtures, gleaming wood and metal chairs congregated around marble-topped tables, brown leather banquettes and booths, a contemporary wooden bench and a clean white counter.   I grew up in the West Valley and went to high school just minutes away from this pristine pizzeria at the corner of Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Road. Let me tell...

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Enjoy a Musical Slice of the South Get ready for some Southern charm, song and dance with Pump Boys and Dinettes, July 21-Aug. 22. The celebrated jukebox musical tells the tale of four redneck gas station attendants and two waitresses at the Double Cupp diner next door who trade jokes and songs as they go about their simple lives off Highway 57. With heartbreak and hilarity, they perform on guitars, piano, bass and even kitchen...

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Spicing It Up: Hot on the heels of its partnership with Mark Tarbell on a citrusy vodka (which we awarded a Best of the Valley editor’s pick for Best Spirits Collaboration, NBD), Blue Clover Distillery is shaking up another collab. This time, owner/distiller Weston Holm has hooked up with the folks at Scottsdale liquor hot spot Trevor’s. The booze enthusiasts created a private-label Mango Habanero Vodka, available exclusively at Trevor’s for $19.99 for a 750-mL bottle.    Raising a Toast: Wine Spectator recently released its esteemed “Best...

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Pickleball – the sport with the funny name that has been sweeping the nation – was first played in 1965. The approachable pastime combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, with participants playing singles or doubles. The list of Valley venues to play at is growing along with the popularity of the sport. If you’re interested in giving it a go, check out these five places with pickleball courts.    G.R. Herberger Park  This...

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Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week, we’re giving you details on three free shows (blues, folk and swing, oh my!), plus local retro rockers and a fast-picking guitarist from Austin.     Notes from Neptune  Friday, July 23 at Chandler Center for the Arts  Notes from Neptune plays it all with a touch of jazzy blues – classic rock, modern pop, Motown and more. This eclectic ensemble reinterprets songs by everybody...

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THE SCENE  I am a lot of things, but two things I certainly am not are a beer drinker and a vegan. I often wish I could be both! Life – especially concerts, dive bars, festivals and my alcohol budget – would be so much easier if I loved beer. While I can find merit in a porter or stout redolent of chocolate, coffee or caramel, or in a fruity light beer like Papago Orange Blossom, I’d always rather skip the brew in favor...