Sept 17
I met with the folks from Rim Country Gazette about consulting for their publication. The success of Wild West Gazette has become legendary!
Cave Creek After Dark had about 100 people show up for the Cave Creek Visitor Center ribbon cutting. The Mayor and the Peaglers cut the ribbon of the newly decorated Marshall’s Office. It looks great! TJ Wooten gave people rides in his Arizona SideCar Adventure Sidecars around the block. What great fun! Sue Kern-Fletcher was there and we shared introductions to many people we know.
Showing posts with label Cave Creek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cave Creek. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
“Pistol Packin’ Paula” Benefit
“Pistol Packin’ Paula” Benefit
Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek was recently (Jun 29th ) the site of a very special benefit for Phoenix Arizona’s own World Champion Lady Six Gun Spinner, Bull Whip Artist and All-Around Wild West Performer, Paula Saletnik, who, for over 12 years entertained Tens of Thousands of Guests at the World Famous Rawhide Theme Park in Scottsdale, performed for Hundreds of Corporate Events and Fund Raisers, and performed at the World Famous Ponderosa Ranch {Home of TV’s Bonanza}.
Paula Saletnik, aka “Pistol Packin’ Paula”, was recently involved in an automobile accident, from which she sustained very serious bodily injury. During the evening of Thursday, January 10, Paula struck a deer while driving on a county highway near her home in Boerne, Texas. As she swerved to miss the animal, her truck rolled countless times and was thrown from the vehicle through the driver side window. When she regained consciousness, she was lying in the nearby grass, with the wheels upturned on her vehicle. As she realized she needed to call for help, her cellular phone was missing from it’s holder. Unable to move, she was encouraged when Pepper, her beloved dog, ran nearly a mile to a nearby farmhouse to get help. It was at this exact time that Paula’s landlord called her. Fortunately, she was able to reach the cell phone located near her knee, truly a Godsend. An ambulance arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, and she was transported to a nearby “Flight for Life” location. She was then airlifted by helicopter to the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
Paula’s diagnosed injuries included a broken sternum and pelvis {both sides, front & back}, cracked ribs and fractures to three vertebrae. A surgical procedure was performed on Tuesday, January 15, with several permanent pins implanted. Her doctors expect a full recovery, however, this will take several months or years of therapy and determination. Paula’s tough Cowgirl Spirit is intact and she WILL twirl her guns and ride her horse again! After her hospital stay, Paula has left the hospital and is staying with friends for the next several months, who will assist her in her therapy and recovery.
Dr Buck Montgomery, of Dr Buck Productions {Producer of the Annual Wild Western Festival in Phoenix AZ Sept 26-28 at CJS Film Studios www.wildwesternfestivals.com}, a personal friend of over 15 years and a fellow entertainer has contributed to and created a Trust Fund for Paula, {Donations can be made at Any “Bank of America” Branch, to the “ THE PAULA SALETNIK MEDICAL FUND”}
The Paula Benefit on Sunday, June 29th, 2008, from 2pm to 6pm, was hosted by Barbara & Larry Wendt at their Historic Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse, located at: 6811 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331. Despite the 110 degree heat a good number of people attended keeping close to shade and misters and sipping cool beverages. The event featured World Class “Best of the West” Entertainers, Live Music, Games, Activities, Raffles, a great Silent & Live Auction. TC Thorstenson also a long time friend of Paula’s, previously working together in his Champions of the West Wild West Shows, performed for the audience with his World Famous Buffalo Harvey Wallbanger. Although Harvey didn’t want to lie down in the hot sand, he pulled through like the great performer he is and even jumped through a ring of fire with TC on his back. Gary West Magician entertained the group with his old west style magic show. Casino tables from Arizona Nights kept guest cool inside with blackjack and roulette. Chris Putman did his strolling magic, Tumbleweed Junction played their cowboy music, Justus Harrison entertained the crowds, Arizona Duuude shook hands and welcomed guests and Gary Kotula artist drew caricatures all to benefit their friend Paula.
For further information on how you can help Paula, contact Tammy Youngs at {480} 703-6702 or email:TLYoungs@cox.net or Dr Buck at {623} 521-3856 Fax: {623} 882-9428 or email:DRBuc@cox.net DR BUCK PRODUCTIONS, PO Box 7123, Goodyear, AZ 85338.
Johnny Ringo of Carefree Adventures bought the “One for Each of You” Buck Taylor print of Doc Holliday at the OK Corral (Val Kilmer in the movie Tombstone) beautifully framed by local artist Gary Graham Double G Frames.
Buffalo Chip Saloon in Cave Creek was recently (Jun 29th ) the site of a very special benefit for Phoenix Arizona’s own World Champion Lady Six Gun Spinner, Bull Whip Artist and All-Around Wild West Performer, Paula Saletnik, who, for over 12 years entertained Tens of Thousands of Guests at the World Famous Rawhide Theme Park in Scottsdale, performed for Hundreds of Corporate Events and Fund Raisers, and performed at the World Famous Ponderosa Ranch {Home of TV’s Bonanza}.
Paula Saletnik, aka “Pistol Packin’ Paula”, was recently involved in an automobile accident, from which she sustained very serious bodily injury. During the evening of Thursday, January 10, Paula struck a deer while driving on a county highway near her home in Boerne, Texas. As she swerved to miss the animal, her truck rolled countless times and was thrown from the vehicle through the driver side window. When she regained consciousness, she was lying in the nearby grass, with the wheels upturned on her vehicle. As she realized she needed to call for help, her cellular phone was missing from it’s holder. Unable to move, she was encouraged when Pepper, her beloved dog, ran nearly a mile to a nearby farmhouse to get help. It was at this exact time that Paula’s landlord called her. Fortunately, she was able to reach the cell phone located near her knee, truly a Godsend. An ambulance arrived on the scene shortly thereafter, and she was transported to a nearby “Flight for Life” location. She was then airlifted by helicopter to the University Hospital in San Antonio, TX.
Paula’s diagnosed injuries included a broken sternum and pelvis {both sides, front & back}, cracked ribs and fractures to three vertebrae. A surgical procedure was performed on Tuesday, January 15, with several permanent pins implanted. Her doctors expect a full recovery, however, this will take several months or years of therapy and determination. Paula’s tough Cowgirl Spirit is intact and she WILL twirl her guns and ride her horse again! After her hospital stay, Paula has left the hospital and is staying with friends for the next several months, who will assist her in her therapy and recovery.
Dr Buck Montgomery, of Dr Buck Productions {Producer of the Annual Wild Western Festival in Phoenix AZ Sept 26-28 at CJS Film Studios www.wildwesternfestivals.com}, a personal friend of over 15 years and a fellow entertainer has contributed to and created a Trust Fund for Paula, {Donations can be made at Any “Bank of America” Branch, to the “ THE PAULA SALETNIK MEDICAL FUND”}
The Paula Benefit on Sunday, June 29th, 2008, from 2pm to 6pm, was hosted by Barbara & Larry Wendt at their Historic Buffalo Chip Saloon & Steakhouse, located at: 6811 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331. Despite the 110 degree heat a good number of people attended keeping close to shade and misters and sipping cool beverages. The event featured World Class “Best of the West” Entertainers, Live Music, Games, Activities, Raffles, a great Silent & Live Auction. TC Thorstenson also a long time friend of Paula’s, previously working together in his Champions of the West Wild West Shows, performed for the audience with his World Famous Buffalo Harvey Wallbanger. Although Harvey didn’t want to lie down in the hot sand, he pulled through like the great performer he is and even jumped through a ring of fire with TC on his back. Gary West Magician entertained the group with his old west style magic show. Casino tables from Arizona Nights kept guest cool inside with blackjack and roulette. Chris Putman did his strolling magic, Tumbleweed Junction played their cowboy music, Justus Harrison entertained the crowds, Arizona Duuude shook hands and welcomed guests and Gary Kotula artist drew caricatures all to benefit their friend Paula.
For further information on how you can help Paula, contact Tammy Youngs at {480} 703-6702 or email:TLYoungs@cox.net or Dr Buck at {623} 521-3856 Fax: {623} 882-9428 or email:DRBuc@cox.net DR BUCK PRODUCTIONS, PO Box 7123, Goodyear, AZ 85338.
Johnny Ringo of Carefree Adventures bought the “One for Each of You” Buck Taylor print of Doc Holliday at the OK Corral (Val Kilmer in the movie Tombstone) beautifully framed by local artist Gary Graham Double G Frames.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Satisfied Frog Restaurant Dining Review
Dining Review Satisfied Frog Restaurant
by Cowgirl Connoisseur
Satisfied Frog at Frontier Town
6245 E. Cave Creek Rd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
http://www.satisfiedfrog.biz/ (480) 488-3317
I’ve been going to the Satisfied Frog in Cave Creek for years. And yes, I heard all about the change in ownership when the previous owner didn’t pay his bills. Sad that it happens, but when he didn’t have the bucks to pay the staff or maintain the property, its best he left and let someone who can take care of it take over. I would hate to lose the Satisfied Frog because it is such a landmark in Cave Creek. So hurray and good luck to the new management!
Some people say it’s the atmosphere. Others say it was the waitresses legs. I always liked the popcorn machine at the door. But more than anything it has always been the food. When you sit down to eat you want a good quality delicious meal and that’s what has impressed me the most at the Satisfied Frog. It’s always good food.
Lunch time I enjoy the Taco Salad $8.99, the Chicken Quesadilla $8.99, the Pulled Pork $9.99, a Burger $8.99 or Brisket Sandwiches $9.99. And there is soup that is to die for! The Southwestern Corn Chowder is world famous! The Soup/Salad Bar ($9.99 or $2.99 added to any entrée) is great with the best Vegetable Beef Soup you can find anywhere!
For dinner the Steaks and Prime Rib (market price) are great but my favorite is the ribs! Of course they come with all the extras of your choice of potato, vegetables and salad. They also have this Ultimate Chow Wagon, sort of a sampler platter if you can’t make up your mind. It’s Beef Ribs, Brisket and Smoked Chicken ($15.99) all on one plate with Coleslaw, Beans and Bread. You can upgrade to Pork Ribs for $3 additional. They have a special smoker bbq out back that makes the best bbq around.
My daughter and her friends make the Satisfied Frog their destination for every special occasion. They get the giant margarita to share and always have a great time. You can’t beat the atmosphere for a fun gathering.
Frontier Town, where Satisfied Frog is located, has two bars, a bunch of novelty stores, a wedding chapel and the restaurant. The entire complex is built around a Western theme with rugged pine interiors and splashes of modern-day neon and quirky art and signs. It keeps the dining experience interesting as diners catch a humorous quote on one of the signs and their entire table gets a light hearted giggle. A blend of road-tripping families, tourists, locals who know where to get a good meal and newlyweds make up the clientele. Special events bring in big crowds and the crew at the Satisfied Frog are always up to the challenge.
4th of July Fireworks, NASCAR Sundays, "Chicago Cubs" Headquarters for the ball games on TV, the Annual Fiesta Days Rodeo & Parade in April and the Annual Wild West Days in November are a few of the annual events you can find the place hopping.
After lunch or dinner take a stroll through all of the little shops like Glory Bee for great southwest apparel at fabulous prices. And Suzanne’s Hot Stuff for some spicy treats to take home. Jewelry, leather, souvenirs and more are available in the many shops. There’s even a barber shop and beauty salon. So next time you are looking for an adventure and a good meal, check out the Satisfied Frog at Frontier Town. The do weddings and banquets there too!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Satisfied Frog
New Owners of The Satisfied Frog are Committed to Providing Exceptional Food and Service to Patrons Ownership change on February 15th prompts re-birth of a new era for The Satisfied Frog
Long-time patrons of The Satisfied Frog at Frontier Town in Cave Creek can rest assured that it is "business as usual" at the western-themed restaurant and the recent change of ownership is already bringing about positive response from employees and customers. On Friday, February 15, The Satisfied Frog Restaurant operations were temporarily suspended for some 30 minutes during a transition to new operators, and despite rumors, the restaurant did not close its doors.
"Not only were we open this past weekend, we had a wedding on Saturday and an incredible turnout for our Nascar Party on Sunday," said Marc Peagler, who is operating the restaurant. Marc added that "we're not going anywhere," noting that The Satisfied Frog has been one of Arizona's most popular dining and entertainment destinations for more than 25 years and locals and tourists have been visiting Frontier Town for more than 38 years.
A New Era and Special Events
Juli Forsyth, The Satisfied Frog's Operations and General Manager, said she views this transition as a re-birth of a new era for the restaurant. "The history of The Frog will carry on. Our menu will remain mostly the same, though we may look at how to make it even better," Forsyth said. "We're also excited to announce that The Satisfied Frog is the official Spring Training headquarters for the Chicago Cubs. In addition, we are teaming up with Nascar to host big screen TV parties in our Beer Garden on race days. We're in the midst of planning these promotions, so check back with us soon for more details." Juli also credits her staff of 65 for their dedication and hard work. "Our staff has been incredible. We are very grateful to them and to our loyal customers for their support," she said.
Constance Wood, The Satisfied Frog's Director of Special Events, has been employed by the restaurant for 14 years and in her current position for four years. She said she is confident the new change will bring about positive results. "I am 100 percent behind this and want to reassure our customers, especially our brides and grooms who are planning a wedding here, that we will continue to provide exceptional food and service," Constance stated.
The Satisfied Frog Restaurant is located at 6245 E. Cave Creek Road in Frontier Town in Cave Creek. The western-themed restaurant offers a wide selection of delicious appetizers, entrées and deserts, including a full bar. Frontier Town is a western-themed, family-friendly town that pays tribute to the miners, ranchers and cattlemen who settled in Cave Creek in the late 1800s. Located in the heart of Cave Creek, Frontier Town is just minutes from North Scottsdale. Patrons visiting Frontier Town not only can dine at The Satisfied Frog, they can stroll through a myriad of gift shops and view authentic artifacts from the Old West, including covered wagons, and a 13 step hanging gallows. Patrons can relax in the outdoor beer garden and even have their hair cut in the old western barber/beauty shop. Parking and admission is free.
For information or to make dining reservations at The Satisfied Frog, call (480) 488-3317 or visit www.satisfiedfrog.biz . For banquets and weddings, call (602) 359-3300 or visit www.icanaffordthiswedding.biz .
Friday, September 07, 2007
Buffalo Chip Saloon And Steakhouse
Buffalo Chip Saloon And Steakhouse
by Cowgirl Connoisseur
The Buffalo Chip is a cowboy's standard hang out in downtown Cave Creek. It has a real western, kinda rough and tumble feel and it comes by it naturally. All those cowboy boots kicking up their heels dancing and hootin' and hollarin' can leave a mark! "Live in the now, but play in the 1800's" is their motto. Aside from the televisions, you could be walking into an 1880's style bar.
The restaurant is open 10am to 10pm with standard cowboy fare. Big Buckin' Burger and Fries at $6.95, 3/4 lb 100% beef chuck, hand ground and pattied, on a toasted bun with cheddar cheese. You can add Bacon, Green Chiles or Red Chili for $1.00 each. On Fridays, it's "All-You-Can-Eat" Cod, Walleye, Lake Perch and Catfish with fries and slaw $9.95 from 5 to 10pm. The fish is hot and delicious and they keep it coming. What a deal! Be sure to get your fill by 10pm, because the tables get pushed back and the dance floor appears and lookout, it gets crazy. They hand cut their own choice steaks and cook the steaks and burgers are on a Mesquite grilled to your likes. Of the hundreds of steaks I've had at the Chip, every single one has been good, tender, juicy and tasty. They are served with cowboy beans, salad, and a honey butter biscuit. It's nothing fancy, just simple straight forward cowboy dinner and uumm ummm good.
Not in the burger mood? How about a Mesquite Grilled Chicken Sandwich, for $7.95, it is a large grilled chicken breast, hot melted cheese, green chilies, tomatoes, and lettuce on a toasted bun, served with fries. Or a Pit Smoked Pork Sandwich and Fries, $7.95, 3/4 pound of smoked sliced pork topped with melted cheese, coleslaw and served on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce. Or the Smoked Brisket Sandwich and Fries, $7.95, 3/4 pound beef brisket with melted cheese on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce. For the salad lover try the Grilled Chicken Salad, $7.95, Platter of iceberg lettuce, slivered purple cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes with a grilled chicken breast, toasted croutons and side of ranch dressing.
The Chet "ATKINS" Platter, is $11.95, it has smoked pork, beef brisket, and grilled chicken breast with dry BBQ rub and a side of low-carb home-style coleslaw. Pit-Smoked Beef Brisket, for $10.95, is one pound of pit-smoked beef brisket with cowboy beans, coleslaw and honey butter biscuit. Or try the Chicken Saloon, for $10.95, chicken breast, tossed green salad, and a honey butter biscuit.
But the most popular item is the 12 oz. choice handcut Ribeye Steak, for $16.95, served with cowboy beans, tossed green salad, and a honey butter biscuit. Cooked to your order with these guidelines, Rare = Cool Red Center, Medium Rare = Warm Pink Center, Medium = Thin Pink Line in Center, Medium Well = No Pink, Well = May Still Be on Fire!
As a center attraction for cowboys in a western town for so many years, the Chip is nothing fancy. But that patina of so many wild nights has a certain attraction. This is where life really happens. It can get wild. Pretty young cowgirls come in their best western ware and dancing boots to two-step with cowboys in Wranglers and fresh Panhandle Slim snap button shirt and of course Stetson hat. They meet on the dance floor and share a few long necks and the next thing you know there are two kids and dog in the back of his Ford F250. Yep, many a romance has begun under that roof.
The atmosphere is just what city folk and tourists want to absorb. The Buffalo Chip even caters to tour groups and parties with a little western town out back. You can listen to the live music, shoot pool, or throw horseshoes, sit next to a fire pit and enjoy beautiful Black Mountain with a cold one!
There's plenty of music and dancing going on with Wednesday Karaoke 8pm to Midnight using one of the best sound system around. Thursday and Sunday you can enjoy free dance lessons (that's cowboy dancing ya'll) from 7 to 8pm, and Live music and dancing with The Pat James Band 8pm till Midnight, every Thursday through Sunday. And check out Mel's Auction out back where you can bring anything in from 7to 9pm to get sold, and of course you're welcome to buy!
The first Sunday of every month during the Fall and Winter from 7 to 9pm the Chip goes theatre with "Murder at the High Noon Saloon", a Comedy/Interactive Theater and Dinner Show. They serve a Prime Rib, Cowboy Beans, Tossed Salad, Sourdough Biscuit and Dessert for $35.00.
So the next time your gang of cowboys and cowgirls gets real hungry and has some energy to burn, do what we do. Say,"Meet ya'll at the Chip!" Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, is located at 6811 East Cave Creek Road, in Cave Creek.
by Cowgirl Connoisseur
The Buffalo Chip is a cowboy's standard hang out in downtown Cave Creek. It has a real western, kinda rough and tumble feel and it comes by it naturally. All those cowboy boots kicking up their heels dancing and hootin' and hollarin' can leave a mark! "Live in the now, but play in the 1800's" is their motto. Aside from the televisions, you could be walking into an 1880's style bar.
The restaurant is open 10am to 10pm with standard cowboy fare. Big Buckin' Burger and Fries at $6.95, 3/4 lb 100% beef chuck, hand ground and pattied, on a toasted bun with cheddar cheese. You can add Bacon, Green Chiles or Red Chili for $1.00 each. On Fridays, it's "All-You-Can-Eat" Cod, Walleye, Lake Perch and Catfish with fries and slaw $9.95 from 5 to 10pm. The fish is hot and delicious and they keep it coming. What a deal! Be sure to get your fill by 10pm, because the tables get pushed back and the dance floor appears and lookout, it gets crazy. They hand cut their own choice steaks and cook the steaks and burgers are on a Mesquite grilled to your likes. Of the hundreds of steaks I've had at the Chip, every single one has been good, tender, juicy and tasty. They are served with cowboy beans, salad, and a honey butter biscuit. It's nothing fancy, just simple straight forward cowboy dinner and uumm ummm good.
Not in the burger mood? How about a Mesquite Grilled Chicken Sandwich, for $7.95, it is a large grilled chicken breast, hot melted cheese, green chilies, tomatoes, and lettuce on a toasted bun, served with fries. Or a Pit Smoked Pork Sandwich and Fries, $7.95, 3/4 pound of smoked sliced pork topped with melted cheese, coleslaw and served on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce. Or the Smoked Brisket Sandwich and Fries, $7.95, 3/4 pound beef brisket with melted cheese on a toasted bun with a side of BBQ sauce. For the salad lover try the Grilled Chicken Salad, $7.95, Platter of iceberg lettuce, slivered purple cabbage, carrots, and tomatoes with a grilled chicken breast, toasted croutons and side of ranch dressing.
The Chet "ATKINS" Platter, is $11.95, it has smoked pork, beef brisket, and grilled chicken breast with dry BBQ rub and a side of low-carb home-style coleslaw. Pit-Smoked Beef Brisket, for $10.95, is one pound of pit-smoked beef brisket with cowboy beans, coleslaw and honey butter biscuit. Or try the Chicken Saloon, for $10.95, chicken breast, tossed green salad, and a honey butter biscuit.
But the most popular item is the 12 oz. choice handcut Ribeye Steak, for $16.95, served with cowboy beans, tossed green salad, and a honey butter biscuit. Cooked to your order with these guidelines, Rare = Cool Red Center, Medium Rare = Warm Pink Center, Medium = Thin Pink Line in Center, Medium Well = No Pink, Well = May Still Be on Fire!
As a center attraction for cowboys in a western town for so many years, the Chip is nothing fancy. But that patina of so many wild nights has a certain attraction. This is where life really happens. It can get wild. Pretty young cowgirls come in their best western ware and dancing boots to two-step with cowboys in Wranglers and fresh Panhandle Slim snap button shirt and of course Stetson hat. They meet on the dance floor and share a few long necks and the next thing you know there are two kids and dog in the back of his Ford F250. Yep, many a romance has begun under that roof.
The atmosphere is just what city folk and tourists want to absorb. The Buffalo Chip even caters to tour groups and parties with a little western town out back. You can listen to the live music, shoot pool, or throw horseshoes, sit next to a fire pit and enjoy beautiful Black Mountain with a cold one!
There's plenty of music and dancing going on with Wednesday Karaoke 8pm to Midnight using one of the best sound system around. Thursday and Sunday you can enjoy free dance lessons (that's cowboy dancing ya'll) from 7 to 8pm, and Live music and dancing with The Pat James Band 8pm till Midnight, every Thursday through Sunday. And check out Mel's Auction out back where you can bring anything in from 7to 9pm to get sold, and of course you're welcome to buy!
The first Sunday of every month during the Fall and Winter from 7 to 9pm the Chip goes theatre with "Murder at the High Noon Saloon", a Comedy/Interactive Theater and Dinner Show. They serve a Prime Rib, Cowboy Beans, Tossed Salad, Sourdough Biscuit and Dessert for $35.00.
So the next time your gang of cowboys and cowgirls gets real hungry and has some energy to burn, do what we do. Say,"Meet ya'll at the Chip!" Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, is located at 6811 East Cave Creek Road, in Cave Creek.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek
El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek
For years when out of town guests would visit I would take them shopping and out for lunch at the original El Encanto in the heart of Cave Creek. The children especially loved sit along the water of the picturesque pond with the playful wildlife, including ducks, and turtles. The adults enjoyed dining in a romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant with a great menu and cocktails! They say the menu is authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine, with specialties from regions all over Mexico, including daily fresh fish specials. “All of the Mexican Cuisine at El Encanto is authentic and handmade, from the freshest ingredients, and is considered by many to be the best Mexican food in the Valley.”
They serve Breakfast from 8am till noon Saturday and Sunday. They make wonderful Frittatas of Three cheese (cheddar, monterey jack and Jalapeno Jack) $6.20 or Ham, mushroom, onion and swiss $7.10 or Chicken, avocado, and swiss $6.75 or my favorite Avocado, monterey jack and roasted green chilies $6.50 or also good Fresh spinach, mushroom, onion and swiss $6.50.
Lunch is served 11 am to 3pm everyday and includes all of your usual Mexican food fare, well made and reasonably priced. You can get combo plates with rice and beans or A la carte.
The Shredded beef taco, cheese enchilada and beans $7.45. Cheese enchilada, rice and beans $6.95. Chile relleno, rice and beans $6.95. Chicken enchilada with rice, beans and sour cream $7.55 Taco salad, topped with beef or chicken $5.75. Or the Folded quesadilla "El Encanto" with chicken or shredded beef $6.85. There are many many more selections. The Seafood enchilada with green chili sauce and a dollop of fundido sauce. Served with rice. $6.95 is especially nice as is the Grilled sea bass, served with rice and flour tortilla $6.85.
El Encanto A la Carte Chimichangas of Chicken, of shredded or machaca beef, green chili beef or vegetables $7.15 or Seafood $7.30 all wonderful. Burros, Flautas, Tacos, Enchiladas, Rellenos, Tamales, or Tostadas, offer no better way to warm up on a cold winter day!
At dinner you may want to try Especiales DE El Encanto which include the most special Rellenos of Ancho Chile Relleno, fresh roasted Anaheim chile stuffed with mesquite grilled chicken breast and beans, covered with a savory ancho chile sauce and Monterey Jack cheese served with black beans and rice $15.75. If you are daring you will want to try Carnitas Poblano Relleno, a large fresh roasted Poblano chile stuffed with tender pork carnitas and topped with green chile sauce and jack cheese served with black beans and corn rice $15.75. Chile Relleno or Chile Relleno Con Carne or Pollo Fundido are great too. From The Mesquite Grill try the Sizzling Hot Fajitas marinated strips of chicken, beef, pork or vegetables, mesquite grilled with fresh peppers and onions served sizzling hot at your table with warm tortillas, beans, guacamole and pico de gallo salsa $14.65 Shrimp $16.95 – a bargain when compared to fajitas elsewhere. And it creates and exciting atmosphere when that sizzling skillet appears!
Mole is a blend of red chiles, sweet dark chocolate, a hint of roasted nuts and spices. If you like mole, you will love El Encanto’s mole. Steak, chicken, fresh Sea Bass or Guaymas Shrimp, are served in several ways and all are delicious.
El Encanto recently opened its second restaurant, El Encanto Dos, in Desert Hills Arizona. Their website says, ”The new restaurant has the same great food in a different setting. It also has the feel of Mexico with vibrant colors, tile scenes and wrought iron accents. There is plenty of outdoor dining next to a small creek, where guests sit next to a picturesque fireplace and enjoy their meals.””Both restaurants have uniquely designed indoor/outdoor Cantinas with views of the enchanting setting. Intricate handcrafted details include a bar top made of swirlstone; inlaid Mexican tile; and handmade wrought iron wine racks and chairs designed by local artists. El Encanto Dos also boasts a sports bar with 5 large plasma televisions.””The cantinas carry more than 40 different tequilas that can be sampled in flights, and a distinctive wine selection from Mexico, Spain, South America, California and Oregon. The Cantina Tapas menu offers a selection of smaller, more specialized items to the bar clientele.” ”The owners, Bill Nelson and his daughter Christine, have tried to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere in which to enjoy similarly authentic and in many cases unique to Arizona Mexican specialties. “
In the many years of dining at El Encanto, I have experienced many varied levels of service. But I must say they have always been warm and friendly and have done their best to make it a good meal. At times it’s crowded and busy and the noise level can get up there on those raucous occasions. But I’ve never been unsatisfied with the food and continue to return frequently. I guess you can say they have earned an endorsement as a favorite place by the Cowgirl Connoisseur and you can tell them so the next time you dine at El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek. Phone: (480) 488-1752 at 6248 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 or the new El Encanto Dos Restaurant in Desert Hills Phone: (623) 780-5948 at 1112 E Carefree Hwy Desert Hills, AZ 85085. Hours 11am-10pm weekends 8am-10pm at both locations. http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/
For years when out of town guests would visit I would take them shopping and out for lunch at the original El Encanto in the heart of Cave Creek. The children especially loved sit along the water of the picturesque pond with the playful wildlife, including ducks, and turtles. The adults enjoyed dining in a romantic Old-World Mission-style restaurant with a great menu and cocktails! They say the menu is authentic handmade Mexican Cuisine, with specialties from regions all over Mexico, including daily fresh fish specials. “All of the Mexican Cuisine at El Encanto is authentic and handmade, from the freshest ingredients, and is considered by many to be the best Mexican food in the Valley.”
They serve Breakfast from 8am till noon Saturday and Sunday. They make wonderful Frittatas of Three cheese (cheddar, monterey jack and Jalapeno Jack) $6.20 or Ham, mushroom, onion and swiss $7.10 or Chicken, avocado, and swiss $6.75 or my favorite Avocado, monterey jack and roasted green chilies $6.50 or also good Fresh spinach, mushroom, onion and swiss $6.50.
Lunch is served 11 am to 3pm everyday and includes all of your usual Mexican food fare, well made and reasonably priced. You can get combo plates with rice and beans or A la carte.
The Shredded beef taco, cheese enchilada and beans $7.45. Cheese enchilada, rice and beans $6.95. Chile relleno, rice and beans $6.95. Chicken enchilada with rice, beans and sour cream $7.55 Taco salad, topped with beef or chicken $5.75. Or the Folded quesadilla "El Encanto" with chicken or shredded beef $6.85. There are many many more selections. The Seafood enchilada with green chili sauce and a dollop of fundido sauce. Served with rice. $6.95 is especially nice as is the Grilled sea bass, served with rice and flour tortilla $6.85.
El Encanto A la Carte Chimichangas of Chicken, of shredded or machaca beef, green chili beef or vegetables $7.15 or Seafood $7.30 all wonderful. Burros, Flautas, Tacos, Enchiladas, Rellenos, Tamales, or Tostadas, offer no better way to warm up on a cold winter day!
At dinner you may want to try Especiales DE El Encanto which include the most special Rellenos of Ancho Chile Relleno, fresh roasted Anaheim chile stuffed with mesquite grilled chicken breast and beans, covered with a savory ancho chile sauce and Monterey Jack cheese served with black beans and rice $15.75. If you are daring you will want to try Carnitas Poblano Relleno, a large fresh roasted Poblano chile stuffed with tender pork carnitas and topped with green chile sauce and jack cheese served with black beans and corn rice $15.75. Chile Relleno or Chile Relleno Con Carne or Pollo Fundido are great too. From The Mesquite Grill try the Sizzling Hot Fajitas marinated strips of chicken, beef, pork or vegetables, mesquite grilled with fresh peppers and onions served sizzling hot at your table with warm tortillas, beans, guacamole and pico de gallo salsa $14.65 Shrimp $16.95 – a bargain when compared to fajitas elsewhere. And it creates and exciting atmosphere when that sizzling skillet appears!
Mole is a blend of red chiles, sweet dark chocolate, a hint of roasted nuts and spices. If you like mole, you will love El Encanto’s mole. Steak, chicken, fresh Sea Bass or Guaymas Shrimp, are served in several ways and all are delicious.
El Encanto recently opened its second restaurant, El Encanto Dos, in Desert Hills Arizona. Their website says, ”The new restaurant has the same great food in a different setting. It also has the feel of Mexico with vibrant colors, tile scenes and wrought iron accents. There is plenty of outdoor dining next to a small creek, where guests sit next to a picturesque fireplace and enjoy their meals.””Both restaurants have uniquely designed indoor/outdoor Cantinas with views of the enchanting setting. Intricate handcrafted details include a bar top made of swirlstone; inlaid Mexican tile; and handmade wrought iron wine racks and chairs designed by local artists. El Encanto Dos also boasts a sports bar with 5 large plasma televisions.””The cantinas carry more than 40 different tequilas that can be sampled in flights, and a distinctive wine selection from Mexico, Spain, South America, California and Oregon. The Cantina Tapas menu offers a selection of smaller, more specialized items to the bar clientele.” ”The owners, Bill Nelson and his daughter Christine, have tried to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere in which to enjoy similarly authentic and in many cases unique to Arizona Mexican specialties. “
In the many years of dining at El Encanto, I have experienced many varied levels of service. But I must say they have always been warm and friendly and have done their best to make it a good meal. At times it’s crowded and busy and the noise level can get up there on those raucous occasions. But I’ve never been unsatisfied with the food and continue to return frequently. I guess you can say they have earned an endorsement as a favorite place by the Cowgirl Connoisseur and you can tell them so the next time you dine at El Encanto Restaurant in Cave Creek. Phone: (480) 488-1752 at 6248 E. Cave Creek Rd. Cave Creek, AZ 85331 or the new El Encanto Dos Restaurant in Desert Hills Phone: (623) 780-5948 at 1112 E Carefree Hwy Desert Hills, AZ 85085. Hours 11am-10pm weekends 8am-10pm at both locations. http://www.elencantorestaurant.com/
The Horny Toad Restaurant Cave Creek
When out of town relations arrive from all corners of the world, it’s time to treat them to one of the unique Arizona dining experiences. The Horny Toad in Cave Creek provides an entertaining and humorous adventure.
What's a horny toad? According to their website at http://www.thehornytoad.com/ “(Somebody always gets in a nasty chuckle). Maybe to easterners, it's a frog anxiously awaiting an answer to a mating call. Some other innocent soul might visualize a frog with spikes. Well, they are answers, however wrong, but a man named Webster put in a lot of research and when he publicized his book telling what things meant, he came up with "...any of several, small, scaly insect-eating lizards of the family Iguanidae, genus Phrynosoma, whose body somewhat resembles that of a toad or frog. The body is rough, the tail short, the head furnished with horny spikes. Several species inhabit the arid plains of the southwest U.S...." We named our restaurant after this much-maligned desert dweller after hearing the Truly Forgettable Saga of the Horny Toad. Sometime during the last century, an old prospector working the area a few miles northeast of the little town of Phoenix, Arizona, came upon a small watering hole. He thought to himself that this here was mighty purty scenery and he'd bet them easterners would give an arm and a leg for some of this property. They could build them some roads and put up funny names on the street signs and everybody'd be carefree, even if they had to live in caves and drink from the creek. Unpacking his burro, he ate the wrapped tortilla prepared by the Mexican cook back in Phoenix before he unloaded his donkey. As he sat stirring the campfire, he noticed the ruckus the frogs over on the other side of the pond made with their mating calls. They sure sound anxious, he thought to himself. His aching feet reminded him not to buy any more of those 2 for $5.00 boots. As he eased the boots off to soak his tired feet, he saw the many calluses they had given him and he said to himself, I sure am getting horny toed.”
Okay if that story doesn’t convince you maybe the menu will do the trick! Prices vary from time to time. Lunch prices range from $5.25 to $12.95. Dinner prices range from $7.95 to $24.95. Don’t expect anything fancy or frilly. It’s just good old plain western style BBQ and café fare.
Taco Salad (Beef or Chicken), Chef’s Salad, Horny Toad Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad or Chicken Caesar or a Vegetarian Plate all served with pretty darn good “Homemade Dressings” including Blue Cheese, Ranch, Eye-talian, Honey Sesame, and 999 Island. All Salad Dressings & BBQ Sauce can be purchased for Take-Out.
Their list of “OTHER STUFF” includes Soup de Joor, (don’t know if that’s the same as de Jour), Tacos, Cheese Crisp, Hot Wings or BBQ Wings, Saute' o' Mushrooms, Jalapeno Poppers, and their own award winning recipe Chili. And try the Onion Rings, Basket of Fries, Deep Fried Zucchini or Mushrooms, Garlic Bread, Baked Spud, or Cowboy Beans.
For an entrée you might enjoy BBQ Beef Ribs with all you can eat on Monday Nite! They are tender and tasty and you’ll want to bring a big appetite. BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, BBQ 1/2 Chicken, their “Famous Fried Chicken”, Pork Chops, Carne Asada, Deep Fried Icelandic Cod with all you can eat on Fridays! Or try Broiled Icelandic Cod, Camarones, Steak & Camarones, Choice Mexican Shrimp, Fajitas, 16 oz. Porterhouse Steak, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. TOP Sirloin Steak, 12 oz. Ribeye, Toad Cut Prime Rib, Toadette Cut Prime Rib, Mesquite Grilled Salmon or Homemade Meatloaf.
Their Mesquite-cooked 1/2 lb Burgers are great with selections including Horny Toad Burger, Tiajuana Torpedo and Patty Melt as well as a standard burger.
For lunch you might enjoy a sandwich of BBQ Pork, BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, or a Fish Sandwich. They also have Ham Bun, Grilled Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Ham & Cheese, French Dip, Reuben, Cold Turkey, B.L.T. and B.L.T.C.T. (cheese & turkey).
They also have a children’s menu and great desserts.
So far I haven’t made many comments about the food beyond listing the options and they are many. Over the last decade I have sampled almost everything on the menu above and have enjoyed every single bite. I can’t say I have ever walked away unsatisfied from any meal and there have been many at the Horny Toad. I haven’t commented about the preparation because there is straight forward and delicious. You won’t find unusual or exotic items, just good food well prepared and served happily!
When looking for a place to take the relatives while sightseeing, drop by the Horny Toad and treat them to a Cave Creek legend. And tell them the Cowgirl Connoisseur sent you. 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331 Phone: 480-488-9542, Fax: 480-488-3270, E-Mail: info@thehornytoad.com.
When out of town relations arrive from all corners of the world, it’s time to treat them to one of the unique Arizona dining experiences. The Horny Toad in Cave Creek provides an entertaining and humorous adventure.
What's a horny toad? According to their website at http://www.thehornytoad.com/ “(Somebody always gets in a nasty chuckle). Maybe to easterners, it's a frog anxiously awaiting an answer to a mating call. Some other innocent soul might visualize a frog with spikes. Well, they are answers, however wrong, but a man named Webster put in a lot of research and when he publicized his book telling what things meant, he came up with "...any of several, small, scaly insect-eating lizards of the family Iguanidae, genus Phrynosoma, whose body somewhat resembles that of a toad or frog. The body is rough, the tail short, the head furnished with horny spikes. Several species inhabit the arid plains of the southwest U.S...." We named our restaurant after this much-maligned desert dweller after hearing the Truly Forgettable Saga of the Horny Toad. Sometime during the last century, an old prospector working the area a few miles northeast of the little town of Phoenix, Arizona, came upon a small watering hole. He thought to himself that this here was mighty purty scenery and he'd bet them easterners would give an arm and a leg for some of this property. They could build them some roads and put up funny names on the street signs and everybody'd be carefree, even if they had to live in caves and drink from the creek. Unpacking his burro, he ate the wrapped tortilla prepared by the Mexican cook back in Phoenix before he unloaded his donkey. As he sat stirring the campfire, he noticed the ruckus the frogs over on the other side of the pond made with their mating calls. They sure sound anxious, he thought to himself. His aching feet reminded him not to buy any more of those 2 for $5.00 boots. As he eased the boots off to soak his tired feet, he saw the many calluses they had given him and he said to himself, I sure am getting horny toed.”
Okay if that story doesn’t convince you maybe the menu will do the trick! Prices vary from time to time. Lunch prices range from $5.25 to $12.95. Dinner prices range from $7.95 to $24.95. Don’t expect anything fancy or frilly. It’s just good old plain western style BBQ and café fare.
Taco Salad (Beef or Chicken), Chef’s Salad, Horny Toad Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad or Chicken Caesar or a Vegetarian Plate all served with pretty darn good “Homemade Dressings” including Blue Cheese, Ranch, Eye-talian, Honey Sesame, and 999 Island. All Salad Dressings & BBQ Sauce can be purchased for Take-Out.
Their list of “OTHER STUFF” includes Soup de Joor, (don’t know if that’s the same as de Jour), Tacos, Cheese Crisp, Hot Wings or BBQ Wings, Saute' o' Mushrooms, Jalapeno Poppers, and their own award winning recipe Chili. And try the Onion Rings, Basket of Fries, Deep Fried Zucchini or Mushrooms, Garlic Bread, Baked Spud, or Cowboy Beans.
For an entrée you might enjoy BBQ Beef Ribs with all you can eat on Monday Nite! They are tender and tasty and you’ll want to bring a big appetite. BBQ Baby Back Pork Ribs, BBQ 1/2 Chicken, their “Famous Fried Chicken”, Pork Chops, Carne Asada, Deep Fried Icelandic Cod with all you can eat on Fridays! Or try Broiled Icelandic Cod, Camarones, Steak & Camarones, Choice Mexican Shrimp, Fajitas, 16 oz. Porterhouse Steak, 12 oz. New York Strip Steak, 8 oz. TOP Sirloin Steak, 12 oz. Ribeye, Toad Cut Prime Rib, Toadette Cut Prime Rib, Mesquite Grilled Salmon or Homemade Meatloaf.
Their Mesquite-cooked 1/2 lb Burgers are great with selections including Horny Toad Burger, Tiajuana Torpedo and Patty Melt as well as a standard burger.
For lunch you might enjoy a sandwich of BBQ Pork, BBQ Beef, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, or a Fish Sandwich. They also have Ham Bun, Grilled Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Ham & Cheese, French Dip, Reuben, Cold Turkey, B.L.T. and B.L.T.C.T. (cheese & turkey).
They also have a children’s menu and great desserts.
So far I haven’t made many comments about the food beyond listing the options and they are many. Over the last decade I have sampled almost everything on the menu above and have enjoyed every single bite. I can’t say I have ever walked away unsatisfied from any meal and there have been many at the Horny Toad. I haven’t commented about the preparation because there is straight forward and delicious. You won’t find unusual or exotic items, just good food well prepared and served happily!
When looking for a place to take the relatives while sightseeing, drop by the Horny Toad and treat them to a Cave Creek legend. And tell them the Cowgirl Connoisseur sent you. 6738 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona 85331 Phone: 480-488-9542, Fax: 480-488-3270, E-Mail: info@thehornytoad.com.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest
15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest
by LeeAnn Sharpe
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club President Joe Freeman says, “We have another match on December 9th, the final fall warm-up match before our league season starts in January.”
In the 15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest Dec 2nd at CAP Basin Sports Complex in Scottsdale, one of the larger tournaments in the valley, Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club won their game 7 to 3 against Pasadena Rugby Club out of California, but lost to Queen City Rugby Club out of Denver, CO, 24 to 12. “This was one of the toughest teams we will have this season,“ comments Freeman. Their most closely contested match was against valley rival, the Phoenix Rugby Club. They lost that one 17 to 12.
Rugby is a full contact sport that has been played in various forms in recorded history back to the 16th century. It’s “modern history” is primarily in the UK, with the first written rulebook in 1845. It’s been a bit more flexible than most organized sports in that teams can agree on what rules they will play by. Today in America, USA Rugby is made up of seven Territorial Unions (TUs) and 37 Local Area Unions (LAUs), and supports more than 50,000 members.
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club is a member of the Arizona Rugby Union, which is a member of the USA and Pacific Coast Rugby Unions.
Brian Wall, Vice President of the Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club shares enthusiastically, "I love rugby because of the entire atmosphere of the game. A player plays defense and offense at any given time and the play continues constantly. It is a bit confusing at first, but the laws of the game come to you when you watch and play long enough. There is also a great deal of camaraderie with the team and opposition."
Wall goes on to say, “The perception that it’s a hard drinking wild party crowd is still out there somewhat, but the game has changed and become more professional. There are still some old school brothers out there. But mostly it’s become a more serious sport. We do go have a burger and beer with the other team. So the social function is there too. People become very passionate about the sport. It’s all amateur in America, you have to pay your own way.”
Dues are $150 a year and help to defray some of the cost of renting fields and paying for lights. Uniforms are generally a jersey and black shorts and red socks.
The ball is a little bigger than an American football. There are few other similarities. The game is constant action for the 2 halves of 40 minutes each. Terms like “try” or “scrum” or “line out” are unique to the sport. And everybody has to do everything, offensive and defensive play.
“It’s not a sport for everybody,” comments Dan Allen, Treasurer of Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club. “There’s not much padding and lots of contact, similar to wrestling so you can’t have hard equipment. We don’t wear helmets or shoulder pads. You can not pass the ball forwards, so players can gain ground only by running with the ball or by kicking it. In rugby the most important thing is to maintain possession of the football. The game stops when the ball goes out of bounds. Otherwise it keeps going. Our agenda is to play good rugby and win and have some fun.”
Allen agrees “The camaraderie is what attracted me to the game. The sport of rugby is growing fast at the high school and college levels. I’ll be 38 next month and have been playing over 15 years. Lots of guys start playing in college and play well into their thirties. Most of the guys are working professionals. Arizona is such a transient state we get a lot of international players.”
There are three divisions in this country. The Cave Creek Club plays in the social club union. We compete in the national 2nd and 3rd division. In Arizona we also created an associate division for those who don’t want to commit to a full union schedule. Schools like Thunderbird School, Embry Riddle, and others. There’s lots of practice or “friendly” games
Cave Creek has continually improved and won some matches last year. It’s a fun rivalry with the Phoenix Rugby club
Two of our strongest standout players are Jaco VanRensburg from South Africa is our team captain. James Hocksworth 24, went to Weaton College and has been selected to compete at a National level.
by LeeAnn Sharpe
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club President Joe Freeman says, “We have another match on December 9th, the final fall warm-up match before our league season starts in January.”
In the 15th Annual Wild West Rugby Fest Dec 2nd at CAP Basin Sports Complex in Scottsdale, one of the larger tournaments in the valley, Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club won their game 7 to 3 against Pasadena Rugby Club out of California, but lost to Queen City Rugby Club out of Denver, CO, 24 to 12. “This was one of the toughest teams we will have this season,“ comments Freeman. Their most closely contested match was against valley rival, the Phoenix Rugby Club. They lost that one 17 to 12.
Rugby is a full contact sport that has been played in various forms in recorded history back to the 16th century. It’s “modern history” is primarily in the UK, with the first written rulebook in 1845. It’s been a bit more flexible than most organized sports in that teams can agree on what rules they will play by. Today in America, USA Rugby is made up of seven Territorial Unions (TUs) and 37 Local Area Unions (LAUs), and supports more than 50,000 members.
Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club is a member of the Arizona Rugby Union, which is a member of the USA and Pacific Coast Rugby Unions.
Brian Wall, Vice President of the Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club shares enthusiastically, "I love rugby because of the entire atmosphere of the game. A player plays defense and offense at any given time and the play continues constantly. It is a bit confusing at first, but the laws of the game come to you when you watch and play long enough. There is also a great deal of camaraderie with the team and opposition."
Wall goes on to say, “The perception that it’s a hard drinking wild party crowd is still out there somewhat, but the game has changed and become more professional. There are still some old school brothers out there. But mostly it’s become a more serious sport. We do go have a burger and beer with the other team. So the social function is there too. People become very passionate about the sport. It’s all amateur in America, you have to pay your own way.”
Dues are $150 a year and help to defray some of the cost of renting fields and paying for lights. Uniforms are generally a jersey and black shorts and red socks.
The ball is a little bigger than an American football. There are few other similarities. The game is constant action for the 2 halves of 40 minutes each. Terms like “try” or “scrum” or “line out” are unique to the sport. And everybody has to do everything, offensive and defensive play.
“It’s not a sport for everybody,” comments Dan Allen, Treasurer of Cave Creek Critters Rugby Club. “There’s not much padding and lots of contact, similar to wrestling so you can’t have hard equipment. We don’t wear helmets or shoulder pads. You can not pass the ball forwards, so players can gain ground only by running with the ball or by kicking it. In rugby the most important thing is to maintain possession of the football. The game stops when the ball goes out of bounds. Otherwise it keeps going. Our agenda is to play good rugby and win and have some fun.”
Allen agrees “The camaraderie is what attracted me to the game. The sport of rugby is growing fast at the high school and college levels. I’ll be 38 next month and have been playing over 15 years. Lots of guys start playing in college and play well into their thirties. Most of the guys are working professionals. Arizona is such a transient state we get a lot of international players.”
There are three divisions in this country. The Cave Creek Club plays in the social club union. We compete in the national 2nd and 3rd division. In Arizona we also created an associate division for those who don’t want to commit to a full union schedule. Schools like Thunderbird School, Embry Riddle, and others. There’s lots of practice or “friendly” games
Cave Creek has continually improved and won some matches last year. It’s a fun rivalry with the Phoenix Rugby club
Two of our strongest standout players are Jaco VanRensburg from South Africa is our team captain. James Hocksworth 24, went to Weaton College and has been selected to compete at a National level.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Fingerpicking good: Cave Creek musician shines at festival
Fingerpicking good: Cave Creek musician shines at festival
by LeeAnn Sharpe
CAVE CREEK – Forty years of playing the guitar has taken Cave Creek resident Greg Sabena, 51, to a good many music competitions and put him in league with some incredibly talented musicians.
Sabena admits he was once considered the type who “doesn’t play well with others,” but he played solo well enough recently to score a 2nd place award at the Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival. He qualified to win in the specialty instrument category because Sabena fingerpicks the strings rather than using a pick to play his guitar.
“When they don’t have a separate category for fingerpick guitar, you get grouped in specialty instruments,” Sabena says. “I play 6‑ and 12‑string guitar instrumental, totally self‑taught.”
Several thousand bluegrass music lovers attended the festival held Nov. 10‑11, which Sabena won in 2001.
Established 27 years ago, the festival featured the Four Corners championship contests this year for fiddle, flatpick guitar, banjo, mandolin and specialty instruments. The festival places autoharps, dulcimers, accordions, fingerpick guitars, harmonicas, the dobro, or any such folk instrument in the specialty category.
Contestants have three minutes to strum their stuff and hope to impress three “blind judges” who listen through headphones. The competition is done in this manner so the judges will not be influenced by the performers’ appearance.
“I’ve been heavily influenced by all of the masters of the 20th century and play most every style–a cross of classical, folk, jazz and bluegrass,” Sabena says of his style.
“The selection of music depends on the venue. Wickenburg is more a country and bluegrass event, where at the Nationals in Winfield, Kansas, I might play something more complicated.”
Sabena says, “I’ve done studio work for years. I’m not in a band. My kindergarten teachers said ‘doesn’t play well with others,’ so I’ve stayed solo.”
Although he performs most often in California, Sabena has played at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and occasionally at the Cave Creek Coffee Company.
Reluctant to toot his own horn, Sabena didn’t offer his credentials. But an Internet search reveals a discography of his recordings, including a duet with National Champion Todd Halwell playing “Last Steam Engine Train”.
Guitar makers, also known as luthiers, boast that Sabena plays their instruments and include Lance McCollum of Dream Guitars in Colfax, Calif., and famed luthier Bozo Podunavac in Florida, endorsements that obviously influence guitarists aspiring to attain his level of virtuosity.
His concerts take him all over the Southwest and California for many music festivals and engagements. “Nothing in particular is on the schedule right now,” he says. “But I’m sure there will be more on the horizon.”
In a world electrified and amplified into a cacophony of sound, it’s refreshing to listen to the raw simple notes of fingerpicked guitar.
These days Sarena works at Blue Sage Art Gallery at el Pedregal in Carefree between gigs.
“I supplement the hundreds of dollars I make playing guitar every year by working here,” Sabena says, laughing.
by LeeAnn Sharpe
CAVE CREEK – Forty years of playing the guitar has taken Cave Creek resident Greg Sabena, 51, to a good many music competitions and put him in league with some incredibly talented musicians.
Sabena admits he was once considered the type who “doesn’t play well with others,” but he played solo well enough recently to score a 2nd place award at the Wickenburg Bluegrass Festival. He qualified to win in the specialty instrument category because Sabena fingerpicks the strings rather than using a pick to play his guitar.
“When they don’t have a separate category for fingerpick guitar, you get grouped in specialty instruments,” Sabena says. “I play 6‑ and 12‑string guitar instrumental, totally self‑taught.”
Several thousand bluegrass music lovers attended the festival held Nov. 10‑11, which Sabena won in 2001.
Established 27 years ago, the festival featured the Four Corners championship contests this year for fiddle, flatpick guitar, banjo, mandolin and specialty instruments. The festival places autoharps, dulcimers, accordions, fingerpick guitars, harmonicas, the dobro, or any such folk instrument in the specialty category.
Contestants have three minutes to strum their stuff and hope to impress three “blind judges” who listen through headphones. The competition is done in this manner so the judges will not be influenced by the performers’ appearance.
“I’ve been heavily influenced by all of the masters of the 20th century and play most every style–a cross of classical, folk, jazz and bluegrass,” Sabena says of his style.
“The selection of music depends on the venue. Wickenburg is more a country and bluegrass event, where at the Nationals in Winfield, Kansas, I might play something more complicated.”
Sabena says, “I’ve done studio work for years. I’m not in a band. My kindergarten teachers said ‘doesn’t play well with others,’ so I’ve stayed solo.”
Although he performs most often in California, Sabena has played at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and occasionally at the Cave Creek Coffee Company.
Reluctant to toot his own horn, Sabena didn’t offer his credentials. But an Internet search reveals a discography of his recordings, including a duet with National Champion Todd Halwell playing “Last Steam Engine Train”.
Guitar makers, also known as luthiers, boast that Sabena plays their instruments and include Lance McCollum of Dream Guitars in Colfax, Calif., and famed luthier Bozo Podunavac in Florida, endorsements that obviously influence guitarists aspiring to attain his level of virtuosity.
His concerts take him all over the Southwest and California for many music festivals and engagements. “Nothing in particular is on the schedule right now,” he says. “But I’m sure there will be more on the horizon.”
In a world electrified and amplified into a cacophony of sound, it’s refreshing to listen to the raw simple notes of fingerpicked guitar.
These days Sarena works at Blue Sage Art Gallery at el Pedregal in Carefree between gigs.
“I supplement the hundreds of dollars I make playing guitar every year by working here,” Sabena says, laughing.
Spanish Riding School is coming to Cave Creek
From Vienna with love
by LeeAnn Sharpe
They were bred for both ballet and for war.
They dance, strut, and make breathtaking leaps.
They are Lipizzaners, a unique breed of horse dating back 450 years. Their tradition continues through the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.
Come January, a unique opportunity to train with one of the masters of the Spanish Riding School is coming to Cave Creek. Assistant Bereiter Florian Zimmermann of the Spanish Riding School will conduct a clinic in the fundamentals of classical horsemanship from Jan. 10‑14 at Silver Spurs Equine Academy, 5725 E. Lone Mountain Rd.
All levels of horses and riders are welcome, and the clinic is open to all breeds of horse. It promises to be five days of hard work and good fun. Even if you don’t ride a Lipizzaner, you and your horse will come away with new skills and confidence.
Zimmermann will be teaching classical riding, lunging, and work in hand. He will teach 8‑10 sessions per day, 30‑45 minutes each, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch. Cost per session is $150 with a limit of five lessons per horse. Stabling is available.
If you won’t be able to bring a horse, but still would like to attend the clinic, there’s plenty of room for spectators. The cost to audit the class is $20 per day, or $75 for all 5 days if paid by Dec. 30. The cost at the door is $25 per day. Spectators are asked to bring chairs if they wish to sit.
Will your horse learn to do those amazing dance moves and breathtaking leaps? No, but a session can only benefit your horse, and your handling skills.
“Horses and riders alike improve visibly during the week, and better yet, many have been able to take their newfound skills home and continue their improvement,” says Judith Tarr speaking of a past clinic.
“The instructor was unfailingly patient, demanding yet kind, and endlessly encouraging of both riders and horses, many of whom had never ridden in this level of clinic before. This truly was a cut above, but no one needed to be a Grand Prix rider to benefit from it. All levels of riders and horses, from all sorts of backgrounds, came and learned and went away with a whole new set of skills.”
For information and sign‑up forms, e‑mail Judith Tarr at capriole@gmail.com. Or call Joni Bockisch at (520) 682‑8136 or 404‑8824; Kathryn Spangler‑Norby at (480) 595‑3281; or Melani Harris at (480) 216‑2886. The deadline for registration is Dec. 30.
by LeeAnn Sharpe
They were bred for both ballet and for war.
They dance, strut, and make breathtaking leaps.
They are Lipizzaners, a unique breed of horse dating back 450 years. Their tradition continues through the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.
Come January, a unique opportunity to train with one of the masters of the Spanish Riding School is coming to Cave Creek. Assistant Bereiter Florian Zimmermann of the Spanish Riding School will conduct a clinic in the fundamentals of classical horsemanship from Jan. 10‑14 at Silver Spurs Equine Academy, 5725 E. Lone Mountain Rd.
All levels of horses and riders are welcome, and the clinic is open to all breeds of horse. It promises to be five days of hard work and good fun. Even if you don’t ride a Lipizzaner, you and your horse will come away with new skills and confidence.
Zimmermann will be teaching classical riding, lunging, and work in hand. He will teach 8‑10 sessions per day, 30‑45 minutes each, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch. Cost per session is $150 with a limit of five lessons per horse. Stabling is available.
If you won’t be able to bring a horse, but still would like to attend the clinic, there’s plenty of room for spectators. The cost to audit the class is $20 per day, or $75 for all 5 days if paid by Dec. 30. The cost at the door is $25 per day. Spectators are asked to bring chairs if they wish to sit.
Will your horse learn to do those amazing dance moves and breathtaking leaps? No, but a session can only benefit your horse, and your handling skills.
“Horses and riders alike improve visibly during the week, and better yet, many have been able to take their newfound skills home and continue their improvement,” says Judith Tarr speaking of a past clinic.
“The instructor was unfailingly patient, demanding yet kind, and endlessly encouraging of both riders and horses, many of whom had never ridden in this level of clinic before. This truly was a cut above, but no one needed to be a Grand Prix rider to benefit from it. All levels of riders and horses, from all sorts of backgrounds, came and learned and went away with a whole new set of skills.”
For information and sign‑up forms, e‑mail Judith Tarr at capriole@gmail.com. Or call Joni Bockisch at (520) 682‑8136 or 404‑8824; Kathryn Spangler‑Norby at (480) 595‑3281; or Melani Harris at (480) 216‑2886. The deadline for registration is Dec. 30.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Charity trail ride raises more than $7,500
Charity trail ride raises more than $7,500
by LeeAnn Sharpe
Participants in the first ever “Ride for the Walk” charity trail ride raised more than $7,500 for breast cancer research.
The trail ride at Granite Mountain on Oct. 21 was a living tribute to Robin Hilditch who died of cancer on April 6. Proceeds from the ride will benefit the upcoming 3-Day 60-mile walk for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Arizona Team Corazon will be walking those miles Nov. 3-5.
“This started as a tribute to my friend Robin and then everyone came to me with stories about their loved ones who have battled cancer,” said Cortland Parks, the ride’s organizer.
“My good friend Holly Restifo was already planning to participate in the 3-Day Walk in support of her sister Kathy who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. That’s when we decided to work together and donate the funds from the Ride to her team pledges.”
Team Corazon, which includes Holly Restifo, Vincent Cibrian, Martha Ochoa and Liz Smithhart as walkers and crew, came out to volunteer as check-in crew and lunch servers for the charity ride.
“When I started out doing the 3-Day, I wanted to make a difference in somebody’s life–anybody’s, it didn't matter, as long as I was helping,” said Restifo. “Well, I’ve just recently learned that one of my sisters has breast cancer. I’m not shocked, knowing the facts that I know. But I’m still saddened. I pray that she will make it through this, and with the strength of our family and the prayers of all our friends, I know she will.”
More than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year and more than 40,000 American women and men will die of the disease, according to the Susan G. Komen Web site.
Everything for the charity ride was donated. Cave Creek Outfitters provided use of their ranch, Famous Dave’s BBQ provided the food, and numerous other contributors donated dozens of items for the event’s silent auction.
“The only thing we had to buy were the T-shirts,” Parks said. “So all we collected went to the cause.”
Miss Rodeo Arizona 2006 Elizabeth Scott participated in the ride and spoke to the crowds at the luncheon. She told them of her reign as Miss Rodeo Arizona and her journey to the Miss Rodeo America pageant in November.
Cowgirl Historical Foundation members, wearing pink, bejeweled Western shirts, also rode in the event.
Members of the Scottsdale Jaycees Comancheros and about a dozen cowboys and cowgirls from Mounted Shooters of America lent their support.
The upcoming Breast Cancer 3-Day event is for those who want to join the fight against the disease through fundraising, training, and dedicating an entire weekend to the cause. Participants walk an average of 20 miles per day, starting Nov. 3 at Freestone Park in Gilbert and finish up at Hance Park in Phoenix.
Organizers expect the event will raise millions of dollars which, in addition to medical research, also pays for community outreach programs.
Those who wish to make a pledge through Team Corazon can do so by visiting: www.the3day.org. Click on the donate link and enter Holly Restifo’s name.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”
‘Shall We Dance’ or shall we sing?
Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”
by LeeAnn Sharpe
An enchanting night of song and dance is in store for Desert Foothills Theater‑goers Nov. 2 as “A Grand Night for Singing” makes its premiere.
This exciting Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein revue features some of the best‑loved songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Carousel,” “Oklahoma,” “Cinderella,” “The King and I,” all presented in a new storyline. With orchestrations by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick, Director DeeDee Wood and Musical Director Flore Mogerman are bringing marquee talent to the Desert Foothills Theater production.
Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center will be the venue for “A Grand Night for Singing,” which took Broadway by storm when it made its debut in 1994, receiving two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical.
Musical Director Flore Mogerman, (nominated for 7 Musical Direction ariZoni Awards and won 3), says, “Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is an incredible state‑of‑the‑art theatre with wonderful acoustics. It’s just beautiful. I think audiences will have a wonderful night out. Lovely songs and beautiful voices, the singers are all pros.
“We have five powerhouse lead singers in the revue. Tenor Chris Fidler, baritone Brian Sweis, soprano Janine Smith, soprano Amy Powers, and alto Elizabeth Reeves. I’ve worked with all of them and they are fantastic. ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ updates classic versions of the songs with a swinging jazz ‘Honeybun’ and an Andrews Sisters‑esque ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.’ It’s all so much fun.”
Conceived by Walter Robbie with musical arrangements by Fred Wells, the revue showcases well‑loved songs through the eyes of a lovelorn lad. Taking the audience members into a new story is tricky because when they hear the music of “Shall We Dance,” they expect to see the King and Anna dancing. Instead, the songs are woven into a new emotional journey through the various stages of love. “Shall We Dance” plays into a ballroom dancing lesson with a self‑conscious young man with a comic twist.
Desert Foothills Theater’s production, under the direction of Emmy Award‑winning choreographer and director DeeDee Wood, has the ingredients any musical theatre aficionado loves–great talent and impeccable direction. Wood is intimately familiar with the work of Rodgers & Hammerstein as she choreographed “The Sound of Music” movie.
Wood’s impressive resume includes choreographer of movies and television including “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Beaches,” “Cher,” “The Andy Williams Show” among a lengthy list of credits.
“She has been an avid supporter of DFT through the years and the shows she has directed have been hits with our audiences,” says Sue Kern‑Fleischer with DFT.
The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is located at 33606 N. 60th St. in Cave Creek. “A Grand Night for Singing” runs Nov. 2‑5, 10‑12, and 17‑19. All shows except for Sunday dates begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. To order tickets by phone, call (480) 488‑1981, or purchase at the Center’s box office. For more information or to become a member of the Desert Foothills Theater, visit www.desertfoothillstheater.com.
Desert Foothills Theater presents “A Grand Night for Singing”
by LeeAnn Sharpe
An enchanting night of song and dance is in store for Desert Foothills Theater‑goers Nov. 2 as “A Grand Night for Singing” makes its premiere.
This exciting Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein revue features some of the best‑loved songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Carousel,” “Oklahoma,” “Cinderella,” “The King and I,” all presented in a new storyline. With orchestrations by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick, Director DeeDee Wood and Musical Director Flore Mogerman are bringing marquee talent to the Desert Foothills Theater production.
Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center will be the venue for “A Grand Night for Singing,” which took Broadway by storm when it made its debut in 1994, receiving two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical.
Musical Director Flore Mogerman, (nominated for 7 Musical Direction ariZoni Awards and won 3), says, “Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is an incredible state‑of‑the‑art theatre with wonderful acoustics. It’s just beautiful. I think audiences will have a wonderful night out. Lovely songs and beautiful voices, the singers are all pros.
“We have five powerhouse lead singers in the revue. Tenor Chris Fidler, baritone Brian Sweis, soprano Janine Smith, soprano Amy Powers, and alto Elizabeth Reeves. I’ve worked with all of them and they are fantastic. ‘A Grand Night for Singing’ updates classic versions of the songs with a swinging jazz ‘Honeybun’ and an Andrews Sisters‑esque ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair.’ It’s all so much fun.”
Conceived by Walter Robbie with musical arrangements by Fred Wells, the revue showcases well‑loved songs through the eyes of a lovelorn lad. Taking the audience members into a new story is tricky because when they hear the music of “Shall We Dance,” they expect to see the King and Anna dancing. Instead, the songs are woven into a new emotional journey through the various stages of love. “Shall We Dance” plays into a ballroom dancing lesson with a self‑conscious young man with a comic twist.
Desert Foothills Theater’s production, under the direction of Emmy Award‑winning choreographer and director DeeDee Wood, has the ingredients any musical theatre aficionado loves–great talent and impeccable direction. Wood is intimately familiar with the work of Rodgers & Hammerstein as she choreographed “The Sound of Music” movie.
Wood’s impressive resume includes choreographer of movies and television including “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Beaches,” “Cher,” “The Andy Williams Show” among a lengthy list of credits.
“She has been an avid supporter of DFT through the years and the shows she has directed have been hits with our audiences,” says Sue Kern‑Fleischer with DFT.
The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is located at 33606 N. 60th St. in Cave Creek. “A Grand Night for Singing” runs Nov. 2‑5, 10‑12, and 17‑19. All shows except for Sunday dates begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. To order tickets by phone, call (480) 488‑1981, or purchase at the Center’s box office. For more information or to become a member of the Desert Foothills Theater, visit www.desertfoothillstheater.com.
Starlight Community Youth Theater brings ‘The Wiz’ out from behind curtain
If you believe, then you’ll be there’
Starlight Community Youth Theater brings ‘The Wiz’ out from behind curtain
by LeeAnn Sharpe
“Believe that you can go home, believe you can float on air, then click your heels three times, if you believe, then you’ll be there,” says Glinda the Good Witch.
Ease on down the road to the Starlight Community Youth Theater’s “The Wiz,” when believing is seeing at performances Nov. 3‑4 and Nov. 9‑11 at Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center.
Based on the ever popular L. Frank Baum book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” published in 1900, “The Wiz” first hit the Broadway stage in 1975 and ran for four years, winning seven Tony awards. A subsequent Hollywood movie starring Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Diana Ross received limited acclaim in 1978. But none ever received the attention of the 1939 classic Judy Garland “Wizard of Oz” movie, a traditional holiday favorite.
Oz characters Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Wizard, Glinda the Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch of the West are so entrenched in the American lexicon that quotes like “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” and “There’s no place like home,” have become cliches.
So how will “The Wiz” Director Mark Oesterle, a local assistant school principal, bring this production to life in Anthem? The script, an updated, urban, version of “The Wizard of Oz” has Dorothy whisked from her inner‑city neighborhood to the mystical land of Oz. All the characters from “The Wizard of Oz” are in this production, but with a modern urban flavor. And where the Broadway show and film version were primarily African American, this show takes on a lighter hue as a result of the suburban demographics of the North Valley.
One way this production will bring its own flavor is through Anthem resident Sherry Henderson, who is choreographing her 5th show with Starlight. Henderson has performed on Broadway and currently teaches dance at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, and her experience will accent the production.
The show’s Musical Director Mark Foreman (AriZoni 2006 Award winner for Best Music Director in “The Who’s Tommy”) with his bRocktasmic! Orchestra Foreman will instill interesting sound in songs from “The Wiz,” including “Ease on Down the Road” sung by the characters as they dance down the Yellow Brick Road.
Foreman’s, or 4man’s, as he writes his name, bROCKtasmic! Orchestra consists of Assistant Music Director Steve McCarvel, Drums Nick Seagull, Bass Chris Pernice, Guitar Cody Carter, and a 13 piece bROCKtasmic! Orchestra. It’s a brilliant blend of rock and orchestra with a modern, edgier feel, plus lush orchestrations of yesteryear.
Foreman says, “[I’m] Very excited about working on ‘The Wiz’, and looking forward to working with an orchestra this size. In a show of this nature it’s important to have as many of the little details as possible. Things like the trumpet hits and string lines ala Shaft, native to 70s black music were needed to make this show authentic.”
Dorothy’s role in this production will be shared by Abby Belliston and Allysa Luders, and the Scarecrow role will be shared by Carissa Marston and Channing Pickett, who is also the Dance Captain, working under the direction of choreographer Henderson.
The finale brings the entire cast together to sing, “Everybody look around...’Cause there’s a reason to rejoice you see. Everybody come out. And let’s commence to singing joyfully. Everybody look up. And feel the hope that we’ve been waiting for. Everybody’s glad. Because our silent fear and dread is gone. Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully. Just look about. You owe it to yourself to check it out. Can’t you feel a brand new day?”
You owe it to yourself to check out “The Wiz” a joyful production with plenty of talent and enthusiasm. It’s just what Anthem resident Pat Bennett believed the youth in the North Valley needed, a theatrical home, when she, along with Oesterle, Henderson, Paul and Betty Towne and a dedicated crew of volunteers created the nonprofit community theater corporation, Starlight Theater in 2005. A steady stream of community theatre proves Starlight has been successful. As with all community theater, they look forward to seeing you at the theater.
“The Wiz” will play Nov. 3‑4 and 9‑11 at the Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center, 40401 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, in Anthem. The shows start at 7 p.m. For more information, call (623) 566‑7991 or visit www.starlightcommunitytheater.org.
Starlight Community Youth Theater brings ‘The Wiz’ out from behind curtain
by LeeAnn Sharpe
“Believe that you can go home, believe you can float on air, then click your heels three times, if you believe, then you’ll be there,” says Glinda the Good Witch.
Ease on down the road to the Starlight Community Youth Theater’s “The Wiz,” when believing is seeing at performances Nov. 3‑4 and Nov. 9‑11 at Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center.
Based on the ever popular L. Frank Baum book “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” published in 1900, “The Wiz” first hit the Broadway stage in 1975 and ran for four years, winning seven Tony awards. A subsequent Hollywood movie starring Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and Diana Ross received limited acclaim in 1978. But none ever received the attention of the 1939 classic Judy Garland “Wizard of Oz” movie, a traditional holiday favorite.
Oz characters Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, the Wizard, Glinda the Good Witch, and the Wicked Witch of the West are so entrenched in the American lexicon that quotes like “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” and “There’s no place like home,” have become cliches.
So how will “The Wiz” Director Mark Oesterle, a local assistant school principal, bring this production to life in Anthem? The script, an updated, urban, version of “The Wizard of Oz” has Dorothy whisked from her inner‑city neighborhood to the mystical land of Oz. All the characters from “The Wizard of Oz” are in this production, but with a modern urban flavor. And where the Broadway show and film version were primarily African American, this show takes on a lighter hue as a result of the suburban demographics of the North Valley.
One way this production will bring its own flavor is through Anthem resident Sherry Henderson, who is choreographing her 5th show with Starlight. Henderson has performed on Broadway and currently teaches dance at Dynamic Motion Dance Academy, and her experience will accent the production.
The show’s Musical Director Mark Foreman (AriZoni 2006 Award winner for Best Music Director in “The Who’s Tommy”) with his bRocktasmic! Orchestra Foreman will instill interesting sound in songs from “The Wiz,” including “Ease on Down the Road” sung by the characters as they dance down the Yellow Brick Road.
Foreman’s, or 4man’s, as he writes his name, bROCKtasmic! Orchestra consists of Assistant Music Director Steve McCarvel, Drums Nick Seagull, Bass Chris Pernice, Guitar Cody Carter, and a 13 piece bROCKtasmic! Orchestra. It’s a brilliant blend of rock and orchestra with a modern, edgier feel, plus lush orchestrations of yesteryear.
Foreman says, “[I’m] Very excited about working on ‘The Wiz’, and looking forward to working with an orchestra this size. In a show of this nature it’s important to have as many of the little details as possible. Things like the trumpet hits and string lines ala Shaft, native to 70s black music were needed to make this show authentic.”
Dorothy’s role in this production will be shared by Abby Belliston and Allysa Luders, and the Scarecrow role will be shared by Carissa Marston and Channing Pickett, who is also the Dance Captain, working under the direction of choreographer Henderson.
The finale brings the entire cast together to sing, “Everybody look around...’Cause there’s a reason to rejoice you see. Everybody come out. And let’s commence to singing joyfully. Everybody look up. And feel the hope that we’ve been waiting for. Everybody’s glad. Because our silent fear and dread is gone. Freedom, you see, has got our hearts singing so joyfully. Just look about. You owe it to yourself to check it out. Can’t you feel a brand new day?”
You owe it to yourself to check out “The Wiz” a joyful production with plenty of talent and enthusiasm. It’s just what Anthem resident Pat Bennett believed the youth in the North Valley needed, a theatrical home, when she, along with Oesterle, Henderson, Paul and Betty Towne and a dedicated crew of volunteers created the nonprofit community theater corporation, Starlight Theater in 2005. A steady stream of community theatre proves Starlight has been successful. As with all community theater, they look forward to seeing you at the theater.
“The Wiz” will play Nov. 3‑4 and 9‑11 at the Boulder Creek Performing Arts Center, 40401 North Gavilan Peak Parkway, in Anthem. The shows start at 7 p.m. For more information, call (623) 566‑7991 or visit www.starlightcommunitytheater.org.
Friday, October 13, 2006
2006 Mounted Shooters of America World Championships.Faye Leerssen, a 14-year-old
Faye Leerssen, a 14-year-old freshman from Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain High School, took the crown as Ladies Champion at the 2006 Mounted Shooters of America World Championships. Royce Anderson, of Incline NV, the seasoned veteran of many Champion titles, was Overall Men’s Champion.
Youth and experience won the day at the Mohave Crossing Arena in Bullhead AZ. Leerssen and her Paint horse “Chief” rode hard and clean to take her to the top of the sport. What’s most remarkable is that Chief required extensive surgery for an intestinal blockage in August of 2005, an operation many horses don’t survive. Not only did he survive, but with Faye’s gentle loving attention, he has returned to his fully competitive and now world champion form.
Scottsdale riding instructor Mariette Kort comments of her student, “Faye has gained so much self confidence in this sport. She is totally dedicated and has worked hard to achieve her goal.” Kort has been training Leerssen since the age of 6. She started learning the sport of mounted shooting when she was about 9-years-old.
The sport of mounted shooting combines top equestrian skills of riding with lead changes, rating a horse to the speed needed, making tight turns around barrels, and being able to strategize the best route within a course’s requirements based the horses ability; all of this while shooting a single action six gun loaded with a special black powder blank that breaks a balloon at about 10 to 15 feet. Only 5 chambers in the gun are loaded and competitors are required to shoot the first five targets in a pattern, change guns to engage the second five targets. This is an art in itself. Try holstering a gun at a full gallop and pulling another gun as you lead your horse around a barrel. It’s tougher than it looks and those balloons come up fast as you gallop the rundown towards the timer. It requires a combination of top equestrian skill and precision shooting. Top competitors can turn in times of 11 seconds!
To win a World Championship title requires years of experience and skill. And it requires a really fast and well-trained horse. “Faye is the only one to ever ride Chief. She has done all of the training herself,” says Kort. This is unusual as many top competitors often send their horses to the experts for fine-tuning. “Everyday after school and all weekend long Faye is out riding and working with Chief.”
Faye says, ”From the first time I rode Chief at Festival of the West almost 4-years-ago, I knew he was special. When we got him everyone was worried that he was too young and that I was too young to handle him. TC (MSA President TC Thorstenson) said if I could handle my crazy pony, I could handle anything.”
“Chief has been one of the most important things in my life,” comments the new World Champion. “I ride almost every day. My room is covered with pictures of Chief, my school notebook has pictures of Chief, everything I do centers around him,”
Leslie and Keith Leerssen, Scottsdale business owners, are all smiles when it comes to their daughter’s accomplishments. Bringing horses into their daughter’s life has been a blessing that has turned a shy girl into a strong and confident young woman.
###
Saturday, October 07, 2006
2nd Annual Wild Western Festival Pioneer Living History Museum
The 2nd Annual Wild Western Festival came to Pioneer Living History Museum in North Phoenix at Pioneer Road and I-17 on Saturday and Sunday, September 23rd-24th. Thousands of western lifestyle enthusiasts came out to enjoy the beautiful fall Arizona weather and plenty of cowboy shootin’, hootin’ and hollarin’, cowboy music and good eats.
DR “Buck” Montgomery bills his event as “Where History meets Hollywood”. Stars of the old westerns including Whitey Hughes, Donna Martell, Peter Brown, Don Collier, Gregg Palmer, Bob Hoy, Marie Harmon, and authors Cheryl Rogers-Barnett and Charlie LeSueur were on hand to sign autographs.
One man from Wittman says he came in to see some of his favorite entertainers from the golden age of the silver screen. “It was a time when the western reigned and the cowboy code was the way we lived.” Donna Martel commented, “It was a simpler time.” Marie Harmon reminisced about all of the stars she had worked with, “So many are gone now.”
From the moment you entered the old west town, musicians greeted you with old west ballads. A mix of modern vendor booths selling everything from resort hotel vacations to guided desert excursions for tourist and beachfront properties in Mexico, stood next to the old west merchants with cowboy hats and sheriff stars for the kids. The big barbeque pit had burgers, dogs, ribs and chicken smelling mighty good. Traditional festival fare like snow cones and kettlekorn were doing a steady business too.
Decked out in classic cowgirl fringed riding skirt and shirt Pistol Packin’ Paula entertained a good-sized audience seated comfortably on the lawn. Her rope tricks, gun spinning and whip cracking had the crowds oohing and aaahing throughout her performance. After, she took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.
Sourdough Slim and Dave Bourne took the stage at noon with a duet of piano and song. Bourne, known as the piano player in the HBO hit series “Deadwood” where his music is used as background in the Gem Saloon, showed his historian expertise as he told stories about each of the songs he played. Some were familiar, but most never made the top 40 list of hits, even back in 1880.
A nice group of award winning traditional cowboy musicians were on hand playing at one of three stages throughout the weekend. Paula Strong and Walt Richards were Western Music Association Best Duo Harmony of the Year in 2005, Tom Hiatt and the Sundown Riders, known as an Arizona Cowboy Balladeer, and Bill Barwick, “voice of the Western Channel” sang and told stories of the old west.
The World Champion Moontee Sinquah Indian Dancers and Flute player added to the traditional western flavor of the event.
Most popular were the gunfights in the old west town with Kowboy Kal, Joey Dillon, Gary “Bad Dog” Bennett, DR “Buck” Montgomery, and Pioneer’s stunt cowboys shooting it out. Crowds gathered early for seats in the grandstand or to stake out a place along the fence to catch the action up close. These gunfighters used more humor than fear in their act and the crowds enjoyed their antics.
All in all, it was a very worthwhile and entertaining festival of old west fun. A bit of advice if you attend next year, wear a hat. Even with the cooler temperatures, the sun was intense with little opportunity for shade. And drink plenty of water.
###
DR “Buck” Montgomery bills his event as “Where History meets Hollywood”. Stars of the old westerns including Whitey Hughes, Donna Martell, Peter Brown, Don Collier, Gregg Palmer, Bob Hoy, Marie Harmon, and authors Cheryl Rogers-Barnett and Charlie LeSueur were on hand to sign autographs.
One man from Wittman says he came in to see some of his favorite entertainers from the golden age of the silver screen. “It was a time when the western reigned and the cowboy code was the way we lived.” Donna Martel commented, “It was a simpler time.” Marie Harmon reminisced about all of the stars she had worked with, “So many are gone now.”
From the moment you entered the old west town, musicians greeted you with old west ballads. A mix of modern vendor booths selling everything from resort hotel vacations to guided desert excursions for tourist and beachfront properties in Mexico, stood next to the old west merchants with cowboy hats and sheriff stars for the kids. The big barbeque pit had burgers, dogs, ribs and chicken smelling mighty good. Traditional festival fare like snow cones and kettlekorn were doing a steady business too.
Decked out in classic cowgirl fringed riding skirt and shirt Pistol Packin’ Paula entertained a good-sized audience seated comfortably on the lawn. Her rope tricks, gun spinning and whip cracking had the crowds oohing and aaahing throughout her performance. After, she took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.
Sourdough Slim and Dave Bourne took the stage at noon with a duet of piano and song. Bourne, known as the piano player in the HBO hit series “Deadwood” where his music is used as background in the Gem Saloon, showed his historian expertise as he told stories about each of the songs he played. Some were familiar, but most never made the top 40 list of hits, even back in 1880.
A nice group of award winning traditional cowboy musicians were on hand playing at one of three stages throughout the weekend. Paula Strong and Walt Richards were Western Music Association Best Duo Harmony of the Year in 2005, Tom Hiatt and the Sundown Riders, known as an Arizona Cowboy Balladeer, and Bill Barwick, “voice of the Western Channel” sang and told stories of the old west.
The World Champion Moontee Sinquah Indian Dancers and Flute player added to the traditional western flavor of the event.
Most popular were the gunfights in the old west town with Kowboy Kal, Joey Dillon, Gary “Bad Dog” Bennett, DR “Buck” Montgomery, and Pioneer’s stunt cowboys shooting it out. Crowds gathered early for seats in the grandstand or to stake out a place along the fence to catch the action up close. These gunfighters used more humor than fear in their act and the crowds enjoyed their antics.
All in all, it was a very worthwhile and entertaining festival of old west fun. A bit of advice if you attend next year, wear a hat. Even with the cooler temperatures, the sun was intense with little opportunity for shade. And drink plenty of water.
###
Tramanto Neighborhood Watch
Tramanto citizens, in conjunction with Phoenix police, are launching a new crime prevention effort to include volunteer patrols and Neighborhood Watch signs.
Christian Wittenberg recalls his neighbor going outside carrying a baseball bat to investigate a “would be car thief” and getting shot in the foot. It’s a rare occurrence in Tramanto and one that the PNP (Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol) would like to prevent.
With grant funds of $4700 the PNP is installing 50 Neighborhood Watch signs 24”x18” that read “Warning: This area protected by neighborhood watch and Operation ID. To report suspicious activity call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151. Take a bite out of crime. A picture of McGruff, the “crime fighting dog” completes the sign. Reports indicate these signs are effective in warning criminals they will be watched and are likely to avoid the area. The grant funds also pay for patrol mileage, uniforms, cell phones, flashlights, and office supplies.
Seven volunteers have gone through a full day of training with the Phoenix Police department. The all day Saturday class educates recruits about what they can and can not do as civilians on patrol. Subjects like graffiti, recognizing suspicious activity and patrol guidelines are discussed. Recruits must be over 18-years of age and pass a background check and have no felony arrests on record. There is no pay, just a willingness to protect the community.
“I learned a lot of things in the class. Like you can not grab someone and detain them against their will,” says Wittenberg. “We just have to call the police to apprehend the suspects. We don’t carry guns as part of our agreement with the Phoenix police department. The training teaches our patrol how to safely handle a situation until the police arrive. Basically, we are there to observe and report to the police.”
Wittenberg is retired and the only full time PNP worker. All of the other volunteers work full time jobs and do their patrols on weekends and evenings. “Right now we get two patrols a month,” Wittenberg says. “I wish we had more volunteers. We would like to get more frequent patrols.”
“One way citizens can help the PNP is to keep cars off the street overnight,” Wittenberg says. “Any car on the street overnight is suspicious. Also emergency vehicles can not get through if cars are parked on the streets.”
Tramanto is one of the safest communities in Phoenix with very low crime statistics. Wittenberg and his PNP force intend to keep it that way.
Christian Wittenberg recalls his neighbor going outside carrying a baseball bat to investigate a “would be car thief” and getting shot in the foot. It’s a rare occurrence in Tramanto and one that the PNP (Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol) would like to prevent.
With grant funds of $4700 the PNP is installing 50 Neighborhood Watch signs 24”x18” that read “Warning: This area protected by neighborhood watch and Operation ID. To report suspicious activity call Crime Stop at 602-262-6151. Take a bite out of crime. A picture of McGruff, the “crime fighting dog” completes the sign. Reports indicate these signs are effective in warning criminals they will be watched and are likely to avoid the area. The grant funds also pay for patrol mileage, uniforms, cell phones, flashlights, and office supplies.
Seven volunteers have gone through a full day of training with the Phoenix Police department. The all day Saturday class educates recruits about what they can and can not do as civilians on patrol. Subjects like graffiti, recognizing suspicious activity and patrol guidelines are discussed. Recruits must be over 18-years of age and pass a background check and have no felony arrests on record. There is no pay, just a willingness to protect the community.
“I learned a lot of things in the class. Like you can not grab someone and detain them against their will,” says Wittenberg. “We just have to call the police to apprehend the suspects. We don’t carry guns as part of our agreement with the Phoenix police department. The training teaches our patrol how to safely handle a situation until the police arrive. Basically, we are there to observe and report to the police.”
Wittenberg is retired and the only full time PNP worker. All of the other volunteers work full time jobs and do their patrols on weekends and evenings. “Right now we get two patrols a month,” Wittenberg says. “I wish we had more volunteers. We would like to get more frequent patrols.”
“One way citizens can help the PNP is to keep cars off the street overnight,” Wittenberg says. “Any car on the street overnight is suspicious. Also emergency vehicles can not get through if cars are parked on the streets.”
Tramanto is one of the safest communities in Phoenix with very low crime statistics. Wittenberg and his PNP force intend to keep it that way.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
"RIDE FOR THE WALK"
PRESS RELEASE
Aug 4, 2005
For immediate release up to 10-20-06
Basic information:
Join Us For The
"RIDE FOR THE WALK"
A TRAIL RIDE AT GRANITE MOUNTAIN
Honoring Robin Hilditch
And Benefiting
The Breast Cancer 3- DAY 60 MILE WALK
(The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation)
THIS IS A FIRST TIME EVENT FOR THOSE OF US WHO SUPPORT
CANCER RESEARCH, BUT DON'T WANT TO WALK 60 MILES!
SATURDAY OCT 21st, 2006
CAVE CREEK OUTFITTERS
31313 N. 144th Street, Rio Verde, Arizona
(Dynamite Road to 144th St. Turn North)
Riders of Privately Owned Horses: Ride starts at 9:00 AM
Rental Horse Riders: 1st Ride starts at 10:00 AM
Lunch & Silent Auction Noon
Rental Horse Riders: 2nd Ride starts at 1:00 PM
for a Ride Donation of $25.00. you can be a
PARTICIPATING RIDER
Includes a beautiful 2-hour Trail Ride and all the water you can drink!
for a Ride Donation of $100.00 and above. you can be a
SPONSORING RIDER
Includes all of the above, PLUS a Great Lunch,
PLUS the Limited Edition commemorative T -SHIRT.
*PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended, so we don't run out of food or T -Shirts.
*RENTAL HORSES AVAILABLE. If renting, add $45 to Ride Donation amount above.
*PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR RENTERS BY OCT. 1st, 2006.
*LUNCH will be served at Base Camp at 12:00 NOON, between Rental Horse Rides.
*CELEBRITY RIDERS: We are hoping to have some Celebrities come out and join us.
*SILENT AUCTION: Bring lots of money for our SILENT AUCTION. Remember this is a
for charity event with all profits going to the Breast Cancer 3-DAY WALK.
Questions? Call Cortland Parks at 480-250-2703.
Article:
Cortland Parks is a Scottsdale/Rio Verde cowboy, well know in these parts as an active participant in charity projects for over 30 years. As a past Phoenix Jaycees Comancheros Rodeo Boss or any of the many other horse organizations he has been a part of over the years, Cort has a reputation for his “get it done right” ability to turn any endeavor into a great success. And he has been called on to head many projects. But to him, the project he tackles this fall has a very special meaning.
The “RIDE FOR THE WALK” a trail ride at Granite Mountain Saturday, October 21st,2006 is a living tribute to his beautiful partner Robin Hilditch who passed away with cancer April 6th 2006. The Ride proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer 3-DAY 60 MILE WALK for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s touted as “A FIRST TIME EVENT FOR THOSE OF US WHO SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH, BUT DON'T WANT TO WALK 60 MILES!”
CAVE CREEK OUTFITTERS at 31313 N. 144th Street, Rio Verde, Arizona, (Dynamite Road to 144th St. Turn North), will be the start and end point for the trail ride. Riders with their own horses start a beautiful 2-hour Trail Ride and “all the water you can drink” at 9:00AM. Entry donation is $25, and you are asked to collect donations from others with checks payable to “Breast Cancer 3-Day”.
You can rent a horse and start the ride at 10:00AM. Horses are rented at Cave Creek Outfitters for $45 (Reserved by Oct.1st, 2006), plus the Trail Ride “Participating Rider” $25 entry donation.
If you would like to enjoy a great lunch and a limited edition commemorative T-shirt, become a “Sponsoring Rider” for $100. At Noon lunch is served and a Silent Auction begins with lots of wonderful items up for grabs. Remember the money all goes to the charity, so be generous! An afternoon trail ride for those who have rented horses will begin at 1:00PM. PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended, so they don't run out of food or T -Shirts.
Rumors say they are going to have some exciting Celebrity Riders come out and join the “RIDE FOR THE WALK”. What a thrill to ride along with the famous, enjoy lunch and hob nob with fellow cowboys and cowgirls all out to help the cause.
The “SILENT AUCTION” will bring lots of money for the “Breast Cancer 3-DAY WALK”. They are actively seeking donations for the “Silent Auction” as well as participants.
If you have any questions about the “RIDE FOR THE WALK” call Cortland Parks at 480-250-2704.
Aug 4, 2005
For immediate release up to 10-20-06
Basic information:
Join Us For The
"RIDE FOR THE WALK"
A TRAIL RIDE AT GRANITE MOUNTAIN
Honoring Robin Hilditch
And Benefiting
The Breast Cancer 3- DAY 60 MILE WALK
(The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation)
THIS IS A FIRST TIME EVENT FOR THOSE OF US WHO SUPPORT
CANCER RESEARCH, BUT DON'T WANT TO WALK 60 MILES!
SATURDAY OCT 21st, 2006
CAVE CREEK OUTFITTERS
31313 N. 144th Street, Rio Verde, Arizona
(Dynamite Road to 144th St. Turn North)
Riders of Privately Owned Horses: Ride starts at 9:00 AM
Rental Horse Riders: 1st Ride starts at 10:00 AM
Lunch & Silent Auction Noon
Rental Horse Riders: 2nd Ride starts at 1:00 PM
for a Ride Donation of $25.00. you can be a
PARTICIPATING RIDER
Includes a beautiful 2-hour Trail Ride and all the water you can drink!
for a Ride Donation of $100.00 and above. you can be a
SPONSORING RIDER
Includes all of the above, PLUS a Great Lunch,
PLUS the Limited Edition commemorative T -SHIRT.
*PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended, so we don't run out of food or T -Shirts.
*RENTAL HORSES AVAILABLE. If renting, add $45 to Ride Donation amount above.
*PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR RENTERS BY OCT. 1st, 2006.
*LUNCH will be served at Base Camp at 12:00 NOON, between Rental Horse Rides.
*CELEBRITY RIDERS: We are hoping to have some Celebrities come out and join us.
*SILENT AUCTION: Bring lots of money for our SILENT AUCTION. Remember this is a
for charity event with all profits going to the Breast Cancer 3-DAY WALK.
Questions? Call Cortland Parks at 480-250-2703.
Article:
Cortland Parks is a Scottsdale/Rio Verde cowboy, well know in these parts as an active participant in charity projects for over 30 years. As a past Phoenix Jaycees Comancheros Rodeo Boss or any of the many other horse organizations he has been a part of over the years, Cort has a reputation for his “get it done right” ability to turn any endeavor into a great success. And he has been called on to head many projects. But to him, the project he tackles this fall has a very special meaning.
The “RIDE FOR THE WALK” a trail ride at Granite Mountain Saturday, October 21st,2006 is a living tribute to his beautiful partner Robin Hilditch who passed away with cancer April 6th 2006. The Ride proceeds will benefit The Breast Cancer 3-DAY 60 MILE WALK for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It’s touted as “A FIRST TIME EVENT FOR THOSE OF US WHO SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH, BUT DON'T WANT TO WALK 60 MILES!”
CAVE CREEK OUTFITTERS at 31313 N. 144th Street, Rio Verde, Arizona, (Dynamite Road to 144th St. Turn North), will be the start and end point for the trail ride. Riders with their own horses start a beautiful 2-hour Trail Ride and “all the water you can drink” at 9:00AM. Entry donation is $25, and you are asked to collect donations from others with checks payable to “Breast Cancer 3-Day”.
You can rent a horse and start the ride at 10:00AM. Horses are rented at Cave Creek Outfitters for $45 (Reserved by Oct.1st, 2006), plus the Trail Ride “Participating Rider” $25 entry donation.
If you would like to enjoy a great lunch and a limited edition commemorative T-shirt, become a “Sponsoring Rider” for $100. At Noon lunch is served and a Silent Auction begins with lots of wonderful items up for grabs. Remember the money all goes to the charity, so be generous! An afternoon trail ride for those who have rented horses will begin at 1:00PM. PRE-REGISTRATION is highly recommended, so they don't run out of food or T -Shirts.
Rumors say they are going to have some exciting Celebrity Riders come out and join the “RIDE FOR THE WALK”. What a thrill to ride along with the famous, enjoy lunch and hob nob with fellow cowboys and cowgirls all out to help the cause.
The “SILENT AUCTION” will bring lots of money for the “Breast Cancer 3-DAY WALK”. They are actively seeking donations for the “Silent Auction” as well as participants.
If you have any questions about the “RIDE FOR THE WALK” call Cortland Parks at 480-250-2704.
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