Performance Art Celebrate with the stars during the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts 40th anniversary. By Julie Carlson Influential Afro-Cuban jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Chucho Valdes will perform a concert at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts as part of its 40th-anniversary celebration. Scottsdale’s arts community has a lot to celebrate this year. Nestled within the vibrant park ...

Drinking It All In  The Fourth Annual Weekend Jetaway Culinary Casino Classic offers high-flying flavors.   By Alison Bailin Batz On Fri., Oct. 23, the Scottsdale Airport will transform from bustling transportation hub to the hottest party the North Valley has ever seen as it hosts the Fourth Annual Weekend Jetaway Culinary Casino Classic, presented by AXA Advisors Southwest. Set within one of the airp ...

Spectacular Sights  Get set for astounding celestial shows in the fall Arizona skies By Steve Kates     With the annual monsoon season behind us, we look forward to a most magical time of the year, when temperatures lower and the skies reveal many fresh and ancient wonders. Get set for these spectacular sights in our October and November skies. First up, on or around Oct. 8, look to the eastern sk ...

Pioneering Women’s Health Care Desert Women’s Care offers a revolutionary minimally invasive hysterectomy with less post-operative pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to normal life. By Michelle Talsma Everson A hysterectomy can be recommended to women of all ages for a variety of health reasons. Like any surgery and medical decision, accepting the diagnosis and navigating the process can be an ove ...

POLO PARTY An intriguing mix of old and new draws big crowds to the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Horses & Horsepower.   By Sondra Barr   What do you get when a posh, upper crust sport like polo is reimagined by a splashy Scottsdale PR firm tasked with bringing renewed attention to a game considered out-of-reach and out-of-touch? Answer: The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Hors ...

A Different Kind of Pour  By Alison Bailin Batz   Not long ago, simply offering a few tasting flights along with some fancy cheeses could satisfy the Valley’s oenophile (aka wine lovers) population. But those days are gone. Today, innovative new bar owners are taking the “wine and dine” concept to another level, especially in the North Valley.   Here's the 411 on three of our favorites.   Sor ...

Increase your balance and reduce anxiety with these simple yoga moves.  By Kim Miller and Shannon Dougherty Photos by Stephanie Heymann Yoga is well known for increasing flexibility, improving posture and building strength, but it’s also practiced by many for the physical and mental wellness attributes it provides. Yoga encourages deep breathing as part of the practice, which aids in reducing stress and ten ...

OCTOBER 2015 EVENTS 1–3 Phoenix Fashion Week returns to Talking Stick Resort. This year's event includes Phoenix Fashion Week's signature Designer of the Year competition, Model of the Year, and the event’s popular Style Villa shopping experience. Attendees can expect over 27 high-energy fashion shows featuring designer brands ranging from locally to internationally recognized faces, stylish sounds by DJ Q, ...

    CONSTRUCTION & DEVELOPMENT   Attorney: Michael R. King Firm: Gammage & Burnham Phone: (602) 256-4405 Website: gblaw.com Address: 2 North Central Ave., 15th Floor, Phoenix Philosophy: World-class counsel. Arizona roots. CRIMINAL DEFENSE   Attorney: Alex H. Lane Firm: Stewart & Lane, PLC Phone: (480) 776-5757 Website: alexlanelaw.com Address: 777 E. Thomas Rd., Suite 210, P ...

App Development  What does it take to make a successful app in today’s tech-savvy environment? CodeRed-I founder Tina Machado offers some clues.   Q: What makes an app successful? A: Four key factors: simplicity, functionality, usability, and of course, revenue. An app should be simple to understand and use, especially in this instant-response society. It serves an end purpose that adds value. Whether ...

Educational Leaders Meet two educators who make students and learning a North Valley priority. Compiled by Sondra Barr   Dr. Debbi Burdick  Cave Creek Unified School District superintendent Number of years in position: I am starting the eighth year. What is your educational experience? I have been an educator 40 years, teaching every grade K–8 as well as university undergrad, masters, and doctoral clas ...

Supersized! The 2015 Ford Expedition is a colossus in more ways than one, according to auto writer Greg Rubenstein When a gallon of gasoline topped $4, the end of thirsty, oversized sport utility vehicles seemed to be in sight. After all, a 28-gallon fill-up costing at least $100 isn’t the most economical way to travel 300 miles, and there really aren’t many people who actually need seating for eight plus t ...

  A Life Well Lived For retirees Sue and Morry Himmel, a beautiful life continues in Scottsdale   “Retirement doesn’t mean we stop being us,” says Sue Himmel. “It just means we get to indulge a little more.” According to Sue, she and Morry, her husband of 62 years, have led a joy-filled and active lifestyle and wouldn’t change a thing, and that includes where they now call home––Maravilla Scottsda ...

Writer Lynette Carrington catches up with Ryan Sims about life before and after The X Factor. Life is good for Ryan Sims. He’s enjoying writing music, playing, and performing in Arizona. As the lead singer of the band EastonAshe, Sims led a talented group of musicians as they worked at venues around the Valley. But as the EastonAshe band members got married and had families, their schedules got hectic. The ...

Open House  By Jamila Watson, Parties on Purpose Turn your real estate open house into a fun gathering to remember! Most of us have been to an open house for a beautiful home only to see that the presentation could have been more sophisticated. You want your property to be memorable and your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. Simple and thoughtful additions can be made to make your potential clients fe ...