It will be the show’s first [...]]]> American Idol Auditions Glendale AZ July 25 at Jobing Arena

A little more than a year after the Valley’s Jordin Sparks took home the 2007 American Idol crown, the talent show will return to Sparks’ hometown of Glendale when it holds auditions July 25 at Jobing.com Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave.

It will be the show’s first time hosting auditions in Arizona.

Show producers report that they’ve seen great talent emerge from the Valley – including Valley native Brooke White, who cracked the show’s top five this year – prompting their decision to hold auditions here.

Men and women 16 to 28 years old as of July 15 who can legally work in the U.S. are eligible to try out. Some restrictions apply. Auditions start July 17 in San Francisco and will continue on to six other cities. Auditioners typically must show up a day in advance to get a required wristband.
‘American Idol’ Audition Do’s and Don’ts:

Ditch The Costumes, Dude-Sung Celine CoversUnless you’re just looking for screen time, leave the face paint, original songs and sack of nail clippings at home.

C’mon people! After six seasons, we get that the first few weeks of “American Idol” auditions are supposed to be a parade of freaks mixed in with a few potential gems just to keep it interesting. We know it’s too late for this season’s group of musical circus geeks, but if the first two audition episodes are any indication, some of you are in dire need of a refresher course on the do’s and don’ts of “Idol” tryouts before we even start thinking about season eight.

Do: Tell the producers a great backstory that might land you one of those “down on the farm” segments where we see you frolicking with your son/daughter/pets/tractor. The sadder, the better.

Don’t: Have your backstory be tied to a bag of nail clippings, your “Star Wars” fetish, a stalker routine, an ability to make funny noises or a “wacky” original song about abstinence. Speaking of chastity, though never-been-kissed virgin Bruce Dickson and his lock-and-key necklace told a tale so bizarrely endearing the striking Writers Guild of America should investigate whether he had some help with it, we recommend a little less sharing next time.

Do: Try to stand out in front of the judges by wearing something interesting, (slightly) provocative, flattering or, failing that, bland enough that it doesn’t distract them from your singing.

Don’t: Shop at the costume shop, paint your face, wear a Cowell-esque top that exposes enough of your chest that Simon and Randy lose their focus, attach anything resembling tin foil to your body or have your shirt signed by your “supporters.” And, for the love of God, if you can’t see your feet, don’t wear a Princess Leia costume, even if you are manscaped. Nobody needs to see that.

Do: Pick a song that fits your voice and doesn’t make it seem like you’re trying out for “Best Celebrity Impersonators.” (Hey, if the strike goes on long enough, it might show up on your TiVo queue!)

Don’t: And we can’t stress this enough, don’t sing a song by a woman if you’re a dude. We don’t care how great you think Celine or Kelly are, the minute you start that tune you will automatically lose Simon and come off looking like a gender-confused contestant on a Logo reality show, whether you’re gay, straight or floating somewhere in the guyliner-assisted middle. There are plenty of great songs sung by men for male contestants to choose from — just ask William Hung. OK, maybe not.

Do: Stand out and be humble. Believe it or not, you can do this by just being yourself — especially, it seems, if you are a cute, bubbly blonde with a growly voice or a cute, bubbly black girl with just the right amount of sass.

Don’t: Talk back to the judges and come off like someone who might be lurking behind a garbage can waiting for Simon to get into his limo later that night. Yes, you’ll get screen time, but nobody will take you seriously for the rest of your life (especially if your heart is set on “actressing”), and you will undoubtedly be dragged out a few more times over the season in clip shows that will portray you as the lunatic that you are.

Do: Wow the judges with your awesome range and strong vocals.

Don’t: Tell them people have said you sound like Whitney/Mariah/Celine/Kelly, because 10 times out of 10, they’re wrong and you’re wrong and Simon’s just gonna rip you a new one. And one more thing: Even if your cute-as-a-button model husband says you sound like a superstar, don’t make him say it again in front of the judges if it’s clearly not true because, once again, Simon’s going to make the drive home more awkward than a Paula Abdul QVC appearance.

Do: Be comfortable in your own skin, even if it means snapping your fingers, bopping your head or making a hand gesture or two. The easier it is for you to move around and look the three judges in the eyes, the easier it will be to do it in front of an audience that’s larger than the populations of Chile and Cambodia combined.

Don’t: Breakdance, practice shadowboxing, flap your wings, stare at the floor, wriggle like you’re giving birth to a 15-pound bag of sand, or, as we learned last season, pretend to be a large, caged cat.

Do: Prepare more than one song, preferably in a different genre. Occasionally, the judges want to hear an extra ditty before they dole out a Golden Ticket. If you only rehearsed “Another One Bites the Dust” and Paula asks for some Sinatra, don’t be shocked when you end up another one gone, another one gone …

Don’t: Sing an unrequested second song. If the Idol Trinity agrees that you stink, bursting into a new tune isn’t going to change any minds. You’re just prolonging the pain. Plus, “Idol” producers love having fun in the editing room, so even if you didn’t cut off Simon’s critique with a second song-and-dance routine, that’s exactly how it will be portrayed by the time it hits airwaves, and you’ll ultimately look insolent, desperate and/or unstable.

And, if you’re going to ignore all these suggestions and just be your freak-flag-flying self — which, after all, is what really makes us all tune in this early anyway — take a page from the book of 44-year-old Renaldo “You Are My Brother” Lapuz. The strange little man in the silver-and-white cape chewed up 11 minutes with his space-case anthem of brotherhood, which slowly evolved from typical Hung-esque time killer to a strangely great piece of TV that allowed the judges to let their hair down and indulge in some of the same goofball antics they are used to rolling their eyes at.

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Celebrate America: 6 p.m. June 29. Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic concert featuring classic American rock music, and traditional patriotic songs. North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-707-5757. npbc.org.

Fourth of July Swing Dance Convention: 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. [...]]]> Phoenix July 4th Events. Arizona 4th Of July Events

Celebrate America: 6 p.m. June 29. Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic concert featuring classic American rock music, and traditional patriotic songs. North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-707-5757. npbc.org.

Fourth of July Swing Dance Convention: 10 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2-6. Twelve swing-dancing workshops and 15 competitions. Featuring $16,000 in prize money and time for social dancing. Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $219 weekend hotel and pass; $110 weekend pass; $109 hotel; $15 Gary Jobst Workshop; $10 all other workshops; free social dancing. 800-598-2538. www.usaswingnet.com/phoenix/index.htm.

Light up the Sky: 7-10 p.m. July 3. The event will have rides, games, arts, crafts and fireworks. Maryvale Baseball Park, 3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-262-6575. Map it

Rev, White and Boom: 6-9:30 p.m. July 3. Tour the raceway, enjoy entertainment and watch fireworks. Food, beverages and activities will be available. Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. Free admission. 623-333-2400. www.avondale.org/events.

But even if you’ve [...]]]> Perhaps you’ve lived long enough to know everything there is to know about the Phoenix area. Watch them feed giraffes at the Phoenix Zoo? Root for the good guys during the shootouts at Rawhide? Wait for more than two hours for dinner at Pizzeria Bianco? Yes, you’ve been there, done all that.

But even if you’ve lived here all your life, we’ve found a few gems you’ve likely yet to uncover. At a certain upscale steakhouse, for example, you can belly up to the bar at happy hour and enjoy a free filet-mignon sandwich. Or freshen up in a bathroom named one of America’s oddest by the Travel Channel, where lights dance along the walls. And when was the last time you took the reins of a mechanical bull?

Use this list to enrich yourself as a Phoenician, or employ it as a travel guide for when your brother-in-law from Wisconsin “drops by” for the 10th year in a row.

1, 245-part harmony

Hear the pure sound of the Phoenix Boys Choir, billed as the largest such group in the nation, with 245 members. The group has sung for presidents, won a Grammy Award and won prizes at international festivals and recorded with such artists as Stevie Wonder, Doc Severinsen and R. Carlos Nakai. The choir performs throughout the year in the Valley at concerts, festivals and churches. Check its Web site, boyschoir.org, or call 602-264-5328 for details on performances.

2, Musical digs

The Valley is home to dozens of concert venues, from the grand (US Airways Center) to the extremely intimate (Brickhouse Theater). The Dodge Theatre is a nice balance, offering enough room to draw top acts (Chicago and the Doobie Brothers perform there Tuesday), but is small enough to feel close to the performers. For a schedule and tickets, visit dodgetheatre.com.

3. Outdoors country

Dance the two-step under the stars to live country music at Greasewood Flat, the no-frills outdoor restaurant and saloon in north Scottsdale. Originally a stagecoach stop, this establishment has been a Valley fixture for more than three decades. 27375 N. Alma School Parkway, 480-585-9430.

4. Shades of blues

Take in a gritty set of blues music at the Rhythm Room, the Valley’s best blues club. For 17 years, the cozy venue has served up local and national blues, rockabilly and roots music nightly. The atmosphere is casual, the patrons are friendly and the cover charge is affordable. 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602-265-4842, rhythmroom.com.

5. Old-time saloon tunes

Sing along with country musicians and other patrons at the Rusty Spur Saloon in Old Town Scottsdale. This tiny venue bills itself as the oldest saloon in “the West’s most Western town,” and it’s one of the friendliest. On an average night, you’ll find a mix of tourists and locals, all intent on sipping something cold and singing the likes of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Jones and George Strait. 7245 E. Main St., Scottsdale, 480-425-7787, rustyspursaloon.com.

6. Big sounds, little sites

Sometimes people complain that there’s nothing to do in Phoenix. These are people who would say the same thing if they lived in Manhattan, or haven’t heard about Modified Arts and the Clubhouse Music Venue, two teeny venues where you can check out cool bands on their way to being hot. They’re the kind of places you can see VH1’s You Oughta Know artists. They’ve hosted such bands as the Arcade Fire, Girl Talk, Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers, Blitzen Trapper and other bands you probably already like on satellite radio but never knew their names. Clubhouse Music Venue, 1320 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, 480-968-3238, clubhousemusicvenue.com; Modified Arts, 407 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, 602-462-5516, modified.org.

7. Standout stand-up

We’re not LA, thank goodness, but we draw the kind of solid comic performers you might see on Sunset Strip, thanks to the Tempe Improv. The club brings nationally known acts (Jerry Seinfeld appeared here when he returned to stand-up after his sitcom ended) and serves dinner to boot. If you’ve watched stand-up comedy on TV and wondered what’s the attraction, take in a live show. That’s where the magic happens. Dive into the scene June 27-28 when Cedric the Entertainer performs at the Improv, 930 E. University Drive. Tickets are $45. 480-921-9877, tempeimprov.com.

8. Private karaoke

Indulge your inner Beastie Boy, Billy Joel or Beyoncé in one of four private rooms at the new Geisha A Go Go, a stylish destination for Japanese food and exotic froufrou cocktails. The rentable rooms ($50 to $100 per hour) feature 44-inch flat-screen TVs, their own waitresses, cushy couches and thickly insulated walls. You can bring in your own karaoke disc, or pick from huge books featuring Top 40, standards, rock, hip-hop and everything else. All the signature cocktails feature authentic Japanese sodas, juices or liquors. 7150 E. Sixth Ave., Scottsdale, 480-699-0055.

Must do

9. New Chez Nous

Sample one of Phoenix’s best martinis (or a non-alcoholic drink) and hit the dance floor to sweet, old-school soul music at the newly relocated Chez Nous. The venerable lounge, with its notoriously dim lighting, was at another site for more than four decades. Original owner and interior designer Maureen Womack helped current owner Amina Uben decorate the new space, re-creating the gold-flocked wallpaper, picking out swanky new carpet and insisting that the red booths and sconces from the original be refurbished. 915 N.W. Grand Ave., Phoenix, 602-266-7372, cheznouscentral.com.

10. Cactus cocktail

Like Tovrea Castle and Camelback Mountain, some things speak specifically of life in the Valley. But much easier than touring the area, you can just sip a martini at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Phoenix, kind of a gastronomic sightseeing trip. Pink like sunset over the the White Tank Mountains, the Native Arizonan martini ($10) combines Arizona High Spirits prickly-pear vodka and a touch of agave nectar in a chilled glass. The vodka is distilled in Flagstaff. 6902 E. Greenway Parkway, Phoenix, 480-624-1000, kierlandresort.com.

11. Life after Mr. Lucky’s

Cadillac Ranch, Saddle Ranch Chop House and Hammerhead Jacks all let you risk your life, or at least your back, on their mechanical bulls. OK, the last place has a modified bull that looks like a hammerhead, but you get the idea. The new Western hot spots are quickly building reputations as places to go to get rowdy. Hammerhead Jacks, 6900 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 480-595-7100, hammerheadjacks.com; Cadillac Ranch, at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, 480-894-1111, cadillacranchtempe.com; Saddle Ranch Chop House, 4321 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-429-2263, srrestaurants.com.

12. Surprise-ing jazz

You might not know that Surprise is one of the hottest jazz spots in the Valley. Owned by bass player Yorman Williams, who has shared the stage with every high-profile jazz musician you’ve heard of, Yorman’s Bistro offers fab music with unjazzlike promptness at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Williams performs with many talented guests, including George Benson, who occasionally drops by. Try the catfish, freshly breaded cornmeal strips or mussels Mississippi. 17191 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise, 623-214-2090.

St. Patties Day in the Park: 5-7:30 p.m. March 14. Participants can enjoy a four-leaf clover hunt, water-balloon toss, a green-egg toss, games & ice cream. University Park, 1002 W. Van Buren , Phoenix. Free. 602-262-6800.Craft Monday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, March [...]]]> St. Patrick’s Day for Kids (Young & Old) In Sunny Phoenix, Peoria & Glendale, AZ

St. Patties Day in the Park: 5-7:30 p.m. March 14. Participants can enjoy a four-leaf clover hunt, water-balloon toss, a green-egg toss, games & ice cream. University Park, 1002 W. Van Buren , Phoenix. Free. 602-262-6800.

Craft Monday: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Monday, March 17-24. Make a St. Patrick’s Day craft March 17 and a “Welcome to Spring” craft March 24. El Mirage Branch Library, 14011 N. First Ave., El Mirage. Free. 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Craft: 3:45 p.m. March 17. Create a craft to take home. Hollyhock Branch Library, 15844 N. Hollyhock St., Surprise. Free. 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

Green Day Celebration: 2:30-3:30 p.m. March 17. Kids celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by making crafts based on Jim Henson’s characters. Snacks provided. Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert. Free. 602-652-3000. mcldaz.org.

Find out what’s up with that old man from Nantucket as the Foothills Branch of the Glendale Public Library hosts “There once was a…. Limerick Contest.”

Children and teens ages 8-19 can show off their creativity in this Irish poetry form. Entry forms are available at the youth desk and all limericks are due by March 28. Winners will be announced March 31. Library hours, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 19055 N. 57th Ave. 623-930-3837, glendaleaz.com/Library.

Valley duo Oceans Apart will get you in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day with their Celtic ballads. 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 13. Glendale Public Library Auditorium, 5959 W. Brown St. 623-930-3556, glendaleaz.com/Library.

Enjoy a wee bit o’ blarney as Avondale’s monthly concert series welcomes Brid Dower. The Valley based singer, originally from Waterford, Ireland, will get you in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day with her Irish songs and stories. 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 14. Civic Center Amphitheater, 11465 W. Civic Center Dr. Free. 623-333-2400, ci.avondale.az.us.

Forget a White Out, it’s going to be a “ Green Out” as the Phoenix Coyotes 4 face off against the Edmonton Oilers. Everyone attending will get a special St. Patrick’s Day Coyotes hat. 7 p.m. Sunday, March 16. Jobing.com Arena, Glendale Avenue and Loop 101, Glendale. $11-$250. 480-784-4444.

Kids can enjoy a special St. Patrick’s Day storytime featuring “Tales of the Emerald Isle” 4 with storyteller Elly Reidy. 4- 5 p.m. Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. 623-930-3837, glendaleaz.com/Library.

Padre Murphy’s hosts the biggest St. Patrick’s Day bash west of the Black Canyon Freeway. Local Irish bands like the McMorrows will be performing in a 16,000 square foot tent, along with Irish dancers, bagpipers and even some leprechauns. Enjoy plenty of soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and enter a drawing to win fabulous vacations in Hawaii and Puerto Vallarta. Of course you can still enjoy off-track betting and a variety of beers. 1 p.m. Monday, March 17. 4338 W. Bell Road, Glendale. $10 cover. 602-547-9406, padremurphys.com.

Keep the St. Patrick’s Day spirit alive after the hangover has faded with the music of Blackwood. The Valley Celtic band visits the Foothills Branch Library on March 19. 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. 623-930-3837, glendaleaz.com/Library.

If you are really in the spirit and looking to buy or lease a GREEN Home, please call RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888 today!

What a fantastic time of the year to be in Arizona! With average temperatures in the 70’s, it is the perfect place to escape winter & play in celebration of spring! Looking for something fun to do? Spring [...]]]> Relocating to the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria or Wickenburg, AZ area?

Welcome to the Valley of the Sun.

What a fantastic time of the year to be in Arizona! With average temperatures in the 70’s, it is the perfect place to escape winter & play in celebration of spring! Looking for something fun to do? Spring training is an excellent activity for the month of March. In Peoria, AZ, we have a fantastic facility.

WELCOME TO THE PEORIA SPORTS COMPLEX in sunny Peoria, AZ…

The Peoria Sports Complex is the Spring Training and player development home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. The first two-team facility built in the country, this complex is still thought of by many as the premier baseball facility in the country. Sitting on 145 acres, each team has 6 and 1/2 major league sized practice fields, an over 40,000 square foot clubhouse and indoor/outdoor batting tunnels and cages. The shared main stadium seats over 11,000 fans. You can also sit in the grass.

Why Spring Training in Sunny Arizona?
A family environment: Spring Training offers a baseball environment like no other. Big league stars, up close and personal in the small confines of Peoria Stadium create an experience that is not to be missed. Baseball fans young and old develop and rekindle a passion for baseball at Spring Training every year.

If you are interested in information on this beautiful area, please don’t hesitate to call RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888 today!!

How can I receive a monthly enewsletter update from [...]]]> Super Bowl FAQs

How do I get tickets for Super Bowl XLII?

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee has a limited number of ticket packages available for purchase. These packages range from $5,000 to $150,000 and include VIP access to some of the biggest events during Super Bowl week.

How can I receive a monthly enewsletter update from the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee? Sign up at this link… http://www.azsuperbowl.com/email_updates.aspx.

If you use a spam blocker, please add enewsletter@azsuperbowl.com as an acceptable email address. Please contact your internet provider if you have further questions as each provider’s specifications/functionality is different.

How do I rent my home for Super Bowl XLII

Due to the number of hotel rooms in the Greater Phoenix market, (55,000), there are more than enough rooms to accommodate visitors. The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee does not play a role in assisting home owners to rent their properties, or visitors in finding homes for rent.

What is the average economic impact of a Super Bowl to the local economy?

The average economic impact of the Super Bowl on a host city is $300-400 million.

How many visitors will come to Arizona for Super Bowl XLII?

During Super Bowl XLII, University of Phoenix Stadium is projected to seat 73,000 people. Past host cities and the NFL estimate that an additional 50,000 non-game ticket holders visit Super Bowl cities each year to be a part of the festivities.

Who is the typical Super Bowl attendee and what is the typical length of stay?

The average Super Bowl attendee spends four nights in a hotel. Of the attendees, 85% are from another state, 70-90% arrive by plane and the average fan spends $1,500 – $2,000 during his/her stay. Of these visitors:

60% classify their occupation as managerial or professional.
53% earn at least $75,000 per year.
38% earn more than $100,000 per year.
65% are key decision-makers in their company.
60% of the above key decision-makers work at companies who host meetings outside of their corporate headquarters.
70% of these decision-makers would consider holding a meeting in the host city after visiting because of their positive Super Bowl experience.
20% would consider expanding their present operations in the host city area.
29% would consider establishing business operations in the host city area.

How can I volunteer for Super Bowl XLII?

The Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee will be recruiting and training approximately 10,000 volunteers from the community to serve in various Super Bowl related capacities including hospitality, transportation, special events and more. The volunteer program known as Spike’s Super Crew presented by Pulte Homes is currently recruiting volunteers.

Can I volunteer to work inside the stadium during Super Bowl XLII?

The NFL will not place any volunteers inside University of Phoenix Stadium, in Glendale, AZ on Super Bowl Sunday.

How many media professionals attend a Super Bowl?

More than 3,000 working media will attend Super Bowl XLII with at least 400 of those attendees being international journalists.

When are the teams available for media interviews?

During the week prior to the game, the NFL will host Media/Photo Day with the two participating teams. The NFL issues credentials for media access.

How many hotel rooms were required to host Super Bowl XLII?

The NFL required Arizona to secure 19,000 hotel rooms to host Super Bowl XLII as a part of the bid agreement. More than 35,000 additional rooms will be available in the Greater Phoenix area for Super Bowl visitors.

How does the Host Committee keep hotels from overcharging Super Bowl visitors?
Each hotel participating in the NFL block for Super Bowl XLII has signed an anti-gouging agreement. This agreement prohibits hotels from charging more than their highest published rate (rack rate) for Super Bowl XLII visitors.

How do I become a vendor for Super Bowl XLII?

Please check our website under the Business Directory link for more information on how to become a vendor for Super Bowl XLII. The Small and Emerging Business Program will offer local vendors the opportunity to attend workshops, obtain certification and may qualify to become a vendor during Super Bowl XLII.

What kinds of events are held during a Super Bowl?

Dozens of events are staged each year during Super Bowl week as well as in the months leading up to it.

NFL Events (NFL Experience, Taste of the NFL, Game day Hospitality)
Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee Events (locally developed events, funded and managed by the Host Committee)

Who is responsible for the Pre-game and Halftime show?

The Pre-Game and Halftime show are developed by the NFL.

Where are the locations of future Super Bowls?

Super Bowl XLII – February 3, 2008
Glendale, Arizona

Super Bowl XLIII – February 1, 2009
Tampa, Florida

Super Bowl XLIV – 2010
South Florida

Game Day InfoSite: University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
Date: February 3, 2008
Kick-off: 4:18 p.m. (6:18 p.m. EST)
Television: FOX
Radio: Westwood One (RE/MAX is major advertiser)

For professional representation for home purchases in the West Valley & Westgate in Sunny Arizona, please call RE/MAX Desert Showcase at 623-979-8888 for all of your real estate needs!

Operation RE/MAX is among various programs in the private sector that will be affected by a dramatic new partnership announced at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Defense. The $35 million program will assist military spouses in pursuing educational opportunities that will [...]]]> Southwest Region Offices: 168
Southwest Region Associates: 4,263

Operation RE/MAX is among various programs in the private sector that will be affected by a dramatic new partnership announced at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., by the U.S. Departments of Labor and Defense. The $35 million program will assist military spouses in pursuing educational opportunities that will lead them to rewarding careers. The three-year pilot program will begin in January 2008, in 18 military installations in eight states. Operation RE/MAX, which was launched in August 2006, assists military spouses in starting careers in real estate, ranging from office support staff to real estate agents. More than 1,000 RE/MAX offices across the United States have enrolled in the program, and hundreds of military spouses have obtained employment at RE/MAX offices. Those individuals, and future enrollees, will be eligible for financial assistance via the new initiative. Contact Operation RE/MAX to see how you can get involved! http://www.operationremax.com/ http://www.buyphoenixazhomes.com/ for additional information in the Luke AFB, AZ area or career information.

“More people know we are out here now,” says Jeff Hecht, [...]]]> Voodoo Daddy to rock Westgate on New Year’s Eve in Glendale, AZ

There’ll be a swingin’ time on New Year’s Eve at Westgate City Center in Glendale, AZ. Organizers expect 10,000 people to pack the shopping and entertainment center for Westgate Rocks New Years Eve.

“More people know we are out here now,” says Jeff Hecht, marketing director for Ellman Co., who manages the outdoor entertainment center. “Westgate is a household name now. Last year, we had only been open for a month and a half when we held the block party.”

WaterDance Plaza will be transformed into a giant dance floor and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will serve up hot swing hits like Go Daddy Go. You can even enjoy a chilly martini courtesy of a 23-foot martini luge.

Also appearing will be Times Square personality the Naked Cowboy.

“He’s an icon, appearing in music videos and commercials. He runs around Times Square in boxers and a cowboy hat singing songs. We’re really excited to have him because we like to think of this as ‘Times Square in the Desert,’ ” says Hecht.

The 21-and-over event runs from 5 p.m. through 2 a.m., and tickets, at $20, are available at www.westgateaz.com.

For the ultra-hip, there are three VIP lounges as well, with prices ranging from $125 to $200.

And even if you are under 21, you can still have fun – all of the restaurants and shops in Westgate will still be open.
Michael Senft The Arizona Republic Dec. 12, 2007

Tempe Festival of the ArtsThis year is brings 434 juried artists in 13 categories, including wearable art, ceramics and cottage edibles. Tempe, 11/30 – 12/02

Oak Tree Elementary School Craft Fair: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-3 [...]]]> Metro Phoenix December 2007 Festivals and Events.
Things to do in the Phoenix Area and Around The State in December 2007

Tempe Festival of the Arts
This year is brings 434 juried artists in 13 categories, including wearable art, ceramics and cottage edibles. Tempe, 11/30 – 12/02

Oak Tree Elementary School Craft Fair: 7-9 p.m. Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 1. Twenty vendors, pictures with Santa, holiday crafts for kids, silent auction and raffles. Oak Tree Elementary School, 505 W. Houston Ave., Gilbert. FREE. 480-632-4785, ext. 669. gilbert.k12.az.us.

Poinsettia Festival: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 9. Greenhouse tour. Portion of sales benefit the Salvation Army. Gardener’s World 3401 E. Baseline Road, Phoenix. FREE. 602-437-0700. gardenpro.net.

Poinsettia and Christmas Tree Festival: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 2. Poinsettias on display and two outdoor tents of trees. Artists display artwork, kachinas and cold-steel creations. Cactus Gardens Nursery, 25601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Free. 480-585-0754

Armenian Festival: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 1. Food and kids’ games. Armenian Apostolic Church 8849 E. Cholla St., Scottsdale. $1; free for kids 4 and younger. 480-451-8171. armenianchurchaz.org.

Christmas Bazaar: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 2. 60 vendors, Santa, choir concerts, a DJ, bouncers, a rock wall and auctions. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale. FREE. 623-935-2151. stacc.net.

Winter Holiday Marketplace: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 2. Sixty vendors, Santa. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. FREE. 480-862-4907. mamasmm.com/events.html.

Advent Festival: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 2. Dinner, make-and-take crafts, Bible readings and carols. Reservations required. North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road. FREE. 480-948-0529. nsumc.com.

Big Love for Citrus Music Festival: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Major Lingo, Walt Richardson, the Noodles, Joe and Matt Myers, and Kindread. Family activities, storytelling and face painting. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. FREE. 480-350-5201. tempe.gov/parks.

Holiday Sale and Student Art Show: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 8. Ceramics, jewelry, glass art, prints, drawings and photography. Phoenix Center for the Arts Visual Arts Gallery, 214 E. Moreland Ave. FREE. 602-262-4627. phoenix.gov/parks/phxctr.html.

Old Town Holiday Festival: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 7. Entertainment, Santa, hayrides, cookie decorating, story time, choral contest, snow area and vendors. Johnny Osuna Memorial Park, 10510 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. FREE. 623-773-7198. peoriaaz.com/parks.

Holiday Fair: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 8. Arts and crafts, white elephant items, bake sale and raffle. St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1844 E. Dana Ave., Mesa. FREE. 480-833-4251. stpetermesa.com.

Tamale Festival: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 8-9. Tamales, live entertainment, Latin arts and crafts for sale. Judging takes place 2 p.m. Dec 9. Cesar Chavez Plaza, First Avenue and Washington Street, Phoenix. FREE.

Christmas Mariachi Festival: 7 p.m., Dec. 15. US Airways Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $41.25-$76.25. 480-784-4444. ticketmaster.com.

Christmas at the Village: 5-7 p.m. Dec. 14. Treat stations, Santa photos, arts and crafts. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $5 or two canned-food items per person. 602-866-7500. pointehilton.com.

Holiday Family Expo: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 15, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 16. 300 exhibitors, Santa, carnival, entertainment, food. University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale. $8; $5 for ages 2-12; free for children younger than 2. 480-855-1955. universityofphoenixstadium.com.

Around The State

Christmas Crafts Festival: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Entertainment, gift shopping. Yuma Crossing Heritage Area. 180 W. First St. FREE. 928-782-5712. yumaheritage.com.

All Souls Film Festival: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Short documentaries, narratives and experimental films that explore death through cinema. Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson. $5. 520-795-7777 or 520-322-5638. loftcinema.org.

Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights: 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 8. 6,000 luminarias, shopping, music, carolers and Santa. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, 336 Arizona 179, Sedona. FREE. 928-282-4838. tlaq.com.

Bell Rock Plaza Art and Craft Show: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15-16. Paintings, fountains, carvings, jewelry and leather, wood and metal works. Bell Rock Plaza, 10 Bell Rock Plaza, Sedona. FREE. 928-284-9627.

Source: AZ Republic

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