By Laura Latzko Jeff Harris says goodbye during Sonoran Desert Chorale’s ‘Sing On’ show Jeff Harris has directed the Sonoran Desert Chorale since he founded the group 25 years ago. After the chorale’s “Sing On” concerts, he’s closing that chapter.  Recently, Harris retired from his position as director of choral activities at Westwood High School in Mesa, where he worked for 31 years. He has also stepp ...

By Laura Latzko Don Bluth brings Noel Coward’s spooky work to the stage  Shows exploring the other world and séances are often presented in a spooky way. In Noel Coward’s play “Blithe Spirit,” conjuring up spirits ensues in hilarity.  The Don Bluth Front Row Theatre will present the show through Saturday, May 4.  The company produced the show six years in the living room of Don Bluth, the theater’ ...

By Bridgette Redman  Dawnn Lewis hits the stage for ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ Dawnn Lewis has been defying conventions since she was a teenager and it has resulted in a long-lasting career that includes Broadway, television, composing, voice acting and songwriting. From April 25 to May 5, this former star of “A Different World”—and the composer of its theme song—will star as Muzzy in Scottsdale Theater Com ...

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski ‘Live from Laurel Canyon’ breathes life into folk mainstays Brian Chartrand spent the summer of 2012 working as a cruise ship musician. To prepare for it, he needed to know 300 covers—even before he stepped foot on the boat. It took some preparation, as he chose tunes by artists like James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel and The Beatles. “It was a really good history lesson for me, ...

By Carrie Snider Luxury items play a part in posh patios Backyards in the Valley are some of the luckiest around. In many ways, they are an extension of the house itself—they are a great place for family and friends to spend time no matter the month of the year. Take springtime. Temperatures are just right for some outdoor parties complete with ample seating, food hot off the grill, and plenty of landscapin ...

By Alison Stanton Retractable screens and awnings add comfort and value to homes Here in the aptly named Valley of the Sun, the constant beating of the sun’s hot rays can wreak havoc on homes, making air conditioners work overtime and causing exterior paint to fade. As Ken Pesho notes, his family-owned and -operated business, All Seasons Retractables, is ready, willing and able to help bring homes and their ...

Compassionate Legal Guidance  Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C. celebrates 10 years of service. By Michelle Talsma Everson Richard J. Suzuki, the founding attorney at Suzuki Law Offices, L.L.C., considers the point that his firm is celebrating its 10th anniversary this October a blessing and landmark achievement. Approachable, talkative, and down to earth, the fact that clients usually feel instantly at home with ...

North Valley Magazine's Top Valley Lawyers 2017  When you find yourself in need of a lawyer, knowing where to turn when times get tough is challenging. You want to make sure your money is spent wisely and that you get the legal outcome you deserve. With that in mind, here are some of the top local attorneys for your consideration. Compiled with the help of third-party attorney ranking systems, these lawyers ...

5 Great Mother’s Day Gifts  You love your mom. Your mom loves fabulous presents.   A Little Bubbly Taittinger Prestige Rose Brut, $75.99 @ Total Wine, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. totalwine.com   A Bit O’ Bling Reiss Leaf Pendant, $980 @ London Gold, 10441 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. londongold.com   A Fresh Face Anti-Aging Peptide Facial, $230 @ The Four Seasons Scottsdale at Troon Nort ...

ArabHorse Farm Tour Annual event offers a peek behind the gates of some of the area’s most prestigious Arabian farms.   By Bradley Callow The 10th annual ArabHorse Farm Tour returns to Scottsdale Dec. 29, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017. This multi-day event offers the public a rare opportunity to experience majestic Arabian horses up close. As part of the tour, guests get an inside peek behind the gates of ...

A Wicked Soiree  It’s time to plan a wicked Halloween party for you and your guests! To the desserts to the decorations, here are some ideas for planning your next Halloween soiree. By Jamila Watson Photos by Kourtney Marie Photography Try a wicked but classy black and white Halloween color scheme. Think Edgar Allen Poe. Invest in Halloween décor and props you can use each year. Most of the Halloween items ...

You voted, we listened. Here are the most interesting, special, and tasty restaurants in town, according to North Valley Magazine readers. Congratulations to the restaurant winners, and thank you to everyone who voted. Bon Appétit. After Hours Blue Martini 5455 E. High St., #101 Phoenix bluemartinilounge.com For two years in a row, Blue Martini has been voted the top spot for after-hours fun. Tasty tapas an ...