CITY NEWS

Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board Matt Winter just announced that the Cactus Bowl will be returning to Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. The Pac-12 and Big 12 bout showcases two elite college football teams for an exciting match up at conclusion of the college football regular season. Opened in March, 1998 Chase Field is the only stadium in the United States with a retractable roof, air conditioning and permanent natural turf field. It has played host to not only the Arizona Diamondbacks MLB games, but also the 2001 World Series, 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, MLB World Classic Baseball Games, NCAA Football games, Supercross, Monster Trucks and many other large-scale events.

Sun Country and Spirit Airlines have relocated from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 as part of the Terminal Modernization Program at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The Terminal Modernization Program at Sky Harbor will be implemented in three phases to minimize the impact on travelers. The first component, the Terminal Processor, will create a consolidated security checkpoint to reduce wait times and get travelers to their gates faster. The completion of the Terminal Modernization Program is estimated to be by 2020.

RESORT NEWS

Leave the kids at home and escape to Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort for an adult staycation where stunning views and a dramatic mountainside location meet luxe amenities, including all-suite accommodations, eight refreshing pools, golf, spa and romantic dining overlooking the city lights. Rates from $89 are available for Sunday to Thursday stays from July 6 to September 8, 2015, and include access to exclusive discounts including purchasing a $75 food and beverage credit for $50, round of golf at Lookout Mountain Golf Club for $35, and $100 cabana rental at the Falls Water Village. Rates from $109 are available for weekend stays for the whole family, with no booking code required.

Round-up the family for The Great American Summer at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort, the ultra-family friendly resort with four acres of pools, waterslide, lazy river and more. With rates from $109 per night for stays May 26 to September 8, 2015, each summer weekend with celebrate America's favorite summertime experiences including beach parties, luaus, carnivals and more. 

Fling & Swing Experience at JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa: It's your fling. Do your thing. Your vacation starts and ends here with everything you need. Play all day in the cool pools and famous Lazy River. Kids eat free and more! From $169 a night, the entire family wins with this package! Kids 12 and under eat free, Internet is free and a round of golf (certain time restrictions apply) is also free! And best of all - a daily $50 resort credit and no resort fee charge. This package is available through September 7, 2015.

The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa has created unique options for a summer of fun with its one-of-kind kids' camps. At the Digital Kids Camp, kids ages 8 to 13 use the latest technology to make their very own movies, stop-motion animation films and produce their very own morning news program. Kids who participate in the Resort's exclusive Surf Camp enjoy hours of outdoor fun learning to bodyboard and flowboard on the Kierland FlowRider wave simulator as well as related activities and games. Digital Kids Camp activities include:

• Stop Motion Animation: Kids bring their own objects and make them magically come to life in their very own video. While moving objects in small increments between photographed frames, they create the illusion of movement when the series of frames are played. This is the perfect activity for kids who love taking photos and making videos.

• Lights, Camera, Action! : Doesn't everyone wonder how movies are made? For those who have always wanted to be in front of the camera as an actor in their very own film, this session is not to be missed. Each child will have the opportunity to play the role of actor, producer and director of their very own movie.

• Produce Your Own Morning News Show: Goooood morning Westin Kierland! At KNN, the Kierland News Network, kids provide round-the-clock news reporting and can produce their very own morning show with everything from 'On the Spot' reporting to weather, they can be a news anchor or journalist on location reporting vacation news around the Resort.

• Media Madness: Split into daily mini-projects, kids explore your creativity in all sorts of ways! Monday: Music Video, Tuesday: Comic Book Creation, Wednesday: Movie Trailer, Thursday: Stop Motion Animation, Friday: Celebration.

The five-day Digital Kids Camp is priced at $250 per child for the morning session (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.), which includes lunch. The afternoon session (1 - 4 p.m.) is priced at $200 per child.  Full day camp (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) also includes lunch and is priced at $400 per child with a $50 discount for each additional child in the family. Digital Kids Camp will be offered for nine weeks throughout the summer starting on June 1.

Surf's up this summer at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa's exclusive five-day Surf Camp for kids ages 8 to 12 and who are at least 52 inches tall. Each day, the Surf Camp features a variety of activities such as surf stretches, a bodyboard lesson and ride time, surf pool games, surf crafts, movies and games, a flowboard lesson and ride time and even Flowga (Flowboard Yoga). During craft time, kids will paint ceramic surfboards, bamboo plants and tiki masks, make surf bracelets and anklets, and tie dye beach t-shirts that they can take home. Plus, each surfer is provided with a custom Kierland FlowRider rashguard and a carved Maori surf necklace. After a week of learning all the tips and tricks to bodyboard and flowboard on the Kierland FlowRider, the camp concludes with a special surf show for parents to watch the junior surfers perform. Surf camp will be offered for nine weeks throughout the summer starting on June 1. The five-day Surf Camp is $450 per week per child and includes lunch daily.

Turn up the heat this summer at Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia! Soak up the sun poolside with refreshing cocktails and tasty bites and retreat to Joya Spa to relax and rejuvenate. Stay two nights and get the third night free. Plus, enjoy a $50 poolside dining credit and a waived resort charge. The Turn Up the Heat package is available from May 26 to September 30, 2015. The Chef's Kitchen Package allows you to savor your vacation from May 8 to May 10, 2015. Spend the weekend experiencing the Chef's Kitchen & Herb Garden's superior flavors. Enjoy luxurious suite accommodations, a Taste of Arizona arrival gift, a Friday night wine tasting with our master sommelier. Plus, a juice bar voucher for two, a bike rental or Camelback hike, afternoon tapas class and an exclusive custom dinner in our exquisite Chef's Kitchen & Herb Garden with a signed copy of your custom menu to take home with you.

Sip, soak, splash and save with water park weekends and various summer deals at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa, with unique summer experiences the whole family can enjoy through September 8, 2015. Unite your family with our many holiday water park weekends and outdoor lawn games. Or work on your tan poolside while enjoying our full summer calendar of live music and DJ entertainment.  Adventurers can enjoy other unique experiences including our Native American culturally themed courses such as; ancient Chemeith bread making sessions, jewelry and dream catcher making courses, gourd painting, canvas & cocktails and much more.  For parents whose ultimate vacation includes just a little quiet time, find your way to luxurious pampering at our Four-Star Aji Spa or on the links at nearby Troon-managed Whirlwind golf club while your children enjoy our complimentary Adventure Club Camp. The “You Stay, We Pay” Package is offered with rates from $159 per night and includes a $50 daily resort credit applicable at all resort venues and Aji Spa (excluding Kai) and complimentary access for junior guests into our engaging Adventure Club Camp, for stays May 24 to September 8.  The “Sip, Soak & Splash Memorial Day Weekend” Package is offered at $139 per night for stays from Friday, May 22 to Monday, May 25. The package includes accommodations in a luxurious guestroom and a total of four wristbands granting entrance for two children and two adults into the resort's soak and splash lawn which is happening Saturday and Sunday.  All guests on this VIP package will also enjoy Native American culturally themed programming, live poolside music, Cinema Splash, outdoor games, grill stations and much more. The “Shop 'Til you Drop” Package  is offered with rates from $109 per night for stays May 14 to Sept. 8, 2015 and includes one $20 Phoenix Premium Outlet gift card, complimentary overnight valet, two complimentary lobby lounge drink vouchers and one voucher for a Phoenix Premium Outlet VIP coupon book, per stay.

With a recent multi-million dollar renovation, Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa is offering summer rates from $168 per night for stays May 26 to September 8, 2015. Splash into the red rocks with three pools, enjoy indigenous spa treatments at eforea: spa and take a swing at 18 holes of golf at the adjacent Sedona Golf Resort.

The hip OH Pool at Hotel Valley Ho is featuring live bands, local DJs, and delicious drink specials this summer, with Happy Hour Fridays, Session Saturdays, and Recovery Sundays. A variety of bands including Elvis Before Noon and the Jake Dean Band play poolside for Happy Hour Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., now through July 3rd. DJ Mr. P-Body, DJ Adrian Michaels, and more will be spinning for Session Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., May through September. Recovery Sundays are ideal for relaxation and recovering from the week, now through June 21. Cabanas are offered at 25 percent off and include a special recovery kit. Eight different cocktails are served each weekend. For a full day of recovery, VH Spa has a special 90-minute Recovery Sunday Spa Package and ZuZu offers brunch, live music on the patio, and the Bloody Mary + Mimosa Bar. Weekend food specials are served poolside from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and drink specials are offered from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including select $6 cocktails and $4 beers. The OH Pool features eight private cabanas, starting at $199 Friday and Sunday, $329 Saturday, and $149 Monday to Thursday. Each cabana includes a choice of three amenities and admission for eight guests (16 guests for the double cabana).

If you are looking for a beautiful place to stay during a visit to our Sonoran Desert or to simply get away for a staycation, The Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain has added an exciting new room category to its already luxurious accommodations. The new Camelback Casitas and Camelback Suites showcase a fresh and contemporary look designed to spotlight Paradise Valley's breathtaking views. The casitas and suites include soft furnishings and décor in elegant, neutral colors. The 500-square foot Camelback Casitas feature tile flooring throughout with a separate seating area and dry bar. The bathrooms feature lit vanity mirrors and a skylight, as well as separate oversized tubs and a tiled shower. The Camelback Suites are designed to capture the dramatic vistas of the Arizona desert. The room gives the feel of the desert landscape, while the wood furnishing and light color palette are timeless. One bedroom or two bedroom suites both have a living and dining area, wood-burning fireplace and dry bar. An additional change will soon be coming to one of Sanctuary's private Mountainside Estates, Casa del Sano. In early 2016, it will be transformed into a Spa House which will include a movement studio and accommodate groups up to eight.

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa's Splash Into Summer package is available from May 22 to September 7, 2015. From just $155 to $195 per night, guests will receive: a deluxe guestroom (50 percent off second room), Free Dinner in SWB for one child with each paying adult (12 or under), Kids Play Free Golf, ages 15 and under, when playing with a paying adult, 50 percent off Camp Hyatt each day for up to two children per room (ages 3-12, half- or full-day programs offered daily, advance reservations required), Free beach and pool activities, Free self-parking, Free Wi-Fi, and a Welcome Margarita upon check-in. Guests can splash into our 2.5 acre water extravaganza complete with 10 pools, experience the thrill of spiraling down the 30', 3-story, high-speed waterslide or take to our sandy beach. From nighttime cosmic waterslide races, Xtreme games, big ball aqua volleyball, water basketball and everyone's favorite dive-in movies, there's a summer full of fun-filled family activities for all ages.

Adults can get away from it all in the "adult only" pool. There are even family and adult poolside cabanas, and H20asis, offering favorite foods alfresco and novel “can't resist” retail.

We-ko-Pa Resort & Conference Center's Summer Splash Package starts at $129 per night with a $50 food and beverage credit to their Ahnala Mesquite Room, Room Service and/or the Pool Bar & Grill; $10 casino slot play for new Fortune Club Members and $5 casino slot play for existing Fortune Club Members. Book between April 1 and June 30 and travel between April 1 and July 31 to receive this offer. Blackout dates are July 3-4.

This summer, there's plenty of fun for the whole family at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Their special Summer Stay & Play package includes a luxurious Fairmont room and waived daily resort fee giving you access to all the Princess' most sought-after amenities. Summer stays from Memorial Day to Labor Day include dive-in movies, fireworks, techno water slides, the Arizona summer sun, and much more! Refer to Summer at the Princess for full schedule of events and list of activities. The package includes one night of luxurious room accommodations in a Fairmont Room and the Daily Resort Fee waived. The following amenities come with a daily waived Resort Fee: Unlimited basic Internet access in guest rooms and resort public areas, any local and domestic long distance calls from your guest room, complimentary self-parking for one vehicle per room, complimentary admission to Trailblazers Kid's Club for up to three children (lunch fee additional), access to 24-hour Fairmont Fitness Center, onsite shuttle transportation service (guest rooms, restaurants, spa, pool and meeting space), 50% discount off Well & Being Spa daily access fee, including complimentary fitness and wellness classes, waterfall treatment pool, sauna, rooftop pool and more, and complimentary court time on one of five tennis courts; one hour per day per room. Rates start at $179 and the package is available from May 25 to September 3, 2015.

Beginning June 2015, guests can enjoy The Boulder's summer rates from just $99/night for a private casita and $349 for a Villa (a savings of over 70 percent off the regular winter/spring rates.) Great savings on spa, golf and packages make summer an ideal time for a peaceful and elevated adult getaway at The Boulders, far removed from the family vacation crowds below. Other summer amenities include complimentary iced treats and lemon-scented chilled towels offered poolside, and refreshing citrus and soothing aloe-infused treatments at spa. The Boulder's is also offering the Truly Boulder's Package, which includes nightly accommodations in a private Casita, complimentary valet or self-parking, a $25 daily resort credit for breakfast, 20 percent off Spa Services and unlimited access to the Spa facility and fitness classes, and the resort fee, service personnel gratuities, transportation throughout the resort, in-room high speed internet, and daily newspaper. The Truly Boulders summer package begins at $159 per night and will be offered May 26 through September 2015. Guests can also enjoy the Stay and Play unlimited golf at The Boulders. The package includes: private luxury casita accommodations, one round of golf per paying adult with same day replay on either the North or South course, 20 percent off Spa Services and unlimited access to the Spa facility and unlimited fitness classes. The cost of the “Two by Fore” package starts at $189 a night (based on double occupancy) and will be offered May 26 through September 10, 2015.  There is a two-night minimum stay. The Boulders will also be offering an array of programs in the evening, when the temperatures are pleasantly 10 percent cooler than in other areas of the valley including Boulders Stargazing, Star Constellation Ipad Rentals, Moonlight Bicycling, Moonlight Yoga in the Organic Garden, and Night Exploration Tours.

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

The Hidden Histories in Latin American Art exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum will be opening on May 9 and be showcased through summer until August 23, 2015. The focus of this exhibition is an investigation of the means by which some Latin American and Latino artists spotlight stories or histories marginalized by the media in their artistic practice. Historically, many artists have sought to expose parallel truths existing outside of the mainstream. The artists in this exhibition explore neglected yet pressing histories, such as the violence against women in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico; the marginalization of indigenous communities in Guatemala; and the fate of civilians “disappeared” by military and paramilitary groups in Colombia. Hidden Histories will include works by Teresa Margolles (Mexico, born 1963), Doris Salcedo (Colombia, 1958), Graciela Sacco (Argentina, 1956), Luis González Palma (Guatemala, 1957) and Annie López (US, 1958), among others. The exhibition encompasses approximately 1,400 square feet and includes works from the Phoenix Art Museum's permanent collection as well as loans from other institutions and private collections.

A new concert venue in downtown Phoenix is set to open this month on Central Avenue. The venue, The Valley Bar, is owned by Charlie Levy and Tucker Woodbury, the same people who run the Crescent Ballroom just blocks away. The new venue has a unique setting in an underground space of about 8,000 square feet with the capacity to hold 250 people. The bar's kitchen will be run by Short Leash Hot Dogs and there will be a room dedicated to former Arizona Gov. Rose Mofford called the Rose Room, which will serve cocktails inspired by Phoenix politicians.  

Tickets are now on sale for the Musical Instrument Museum's Summer Concert Series. More than thirty new concerts from May through August have just been announced, featuring award-winning singer-songwriters, acclaimed jazz musicians, and a diverse group of artists from around the world. Rhiannon Giddens will headline a concert on Thursday, May 7, to celebrate the release of her new album, backed by her band mates from the Grammy Award-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops. Acoustic guitarist Trace Bundy will perform on Saturday, May 23, and country-swing act Asleep at the Wheel will take the stage on Monday, May 25.

The Phoenix Ballet will premiere Rising on May 16 and 17 at the Mesa Arts Center. The show features four distinct, eye-catching ballets by different choreographers and two world-premieres performed by internationally recognized dancers. Rising is comprised of four different ballets: String of Thoughts, The Awakening, Solstice and Only Love. String of Thoughts is a world premiere by dancer/choreographer Albert Blaise Cattafi, who is a member of Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance and has performed with Cirque de Soleil. It is a story of new love through movement, color, emotion, and the unique personality of each dancer. The Awakening is directed by Ricky Palomino, while Slawomir Wozniak's Only Love will make its U.S. Debut. Francisco Gella's Solstice rounds out the production and features a neoclassical ballet set to Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Tickets can be purchased online or in person from the Mesa Arts Center.

The Nash, internationally known as the center for Jazz in Phoenix, will be holding 2015 Summer Jazz Workshops and Classes for aspiring musicians. Top instructors and musicians in the Valley were hand selected by The Nash to participate, with each instructor tailoring his/her workshop according to his specialty and expertise. Students can enroll in a variety of jazz classes where they will work with instructors. Several of the workshops conclude with students showing off their new skills by performing in concert at The Nash. The Nash Jazz Workshops include: New Orleans Jazz, Latin Jazz and Latin Percussion, Singing Jazz Standards from the Great American Songbook, how to perform with other musicians in an ensemble, workshops on improvisation, and Jazz strings. The 2 hour workshops are scheduled throughout June, July and August and are open to all ages. All workshops are held at The Nash on 1st Street and Roosevelt.

Shade Projects is presenting From the Outside Looking In, featuring the solo exhibition of local artist Joshua Louchheim in the Shade Gallery at the monOrchid. The opening reception will be held on First Friday, May 1 from 6 to 10 p.m. with Louchheim in attendance along with music from the 76th Street Band. From the Outside Looking In will be on display in Shade Gallery at the monOrchid from May 1st to 31st. Louchheim's latest work features 20 oil paintings highlighting the artist's love of the landscape that will engage the senses and transport the viewer to another place and time. Louchheim is a self-taught artist who has exhibited his artwork in various galleries in Arizona including Art One Gallery, the monOrchid, and most recently, at the Herberger Theater Art Gallery. His work has also been seen in several local publications including YabYum Music & Arts and LocalRevibe.

DINING

The historic DeSoto Building located at Roosevelt and Central Avenue has undergone a renovation to become DeSoto Central Market and is now open. DeSoto manager, Shawn Connelly, has turned the 90-year-old building into a food and socialization concept, as there will be a market bringing in local and fresh produce and a diverse mix of bars, eateries and restaurants. The venue will also serve as a place for events and meetings.

Arizona Celeb Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza's new concept Barrio Urbano is now open at The Yard, Uptown Phoenix .Chef Esparza takes aim at a wider stage of her notable cooking style, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, a serious cocktail program. Barrio Urbano pushes and blends the boundaries of what authentic Mexican cooking can be, with personality. From house made everything, to incorporating exotic varieties of imported Mexican chile, Esparza continues to deliver bold flavors. Bucket-list menu items include the Menudo estilo Chihuahua ,Tacos de Pescado, and trophy Relleno.

This summer's most anticipated restaurant opening comes courtesy of the trio behind Crudo, the modern Italian and progressive mixology spot tucked into the Arcadia neighborhood. Okra, the team's sophomore effort, is a brand new concept and will blend Southern American and Italian cooking with a beverage program to match.  There will be a preview pop-up on May 1st and 2nd at Crudo with a sneak peak tasting of Okra's dishes. The restaurant will officially open this summer at The Crown, a midcentury modern shopping center in north-central Phoenix on 7th street.

Arizona Distilling Company, the first and only distillery in Arizona using locally grown grain, earned the prestigious Double Gold Medal for its Desert Dry Gin at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Arizona Distilling Company's Desert Dry Gin was one of the four American crafted gins to receive a Double Gold Medal at the 2015 competition, which includes a panel of 41 nationally recognized spirits experts that conduct a blind taste-test. The company also won a Gold Medal for its Humphrey's Whiskey, a Silver Medal for its Desert Durum Wheat Whiskey, and a Bronze Medal for its Park Rye Whiskey. Tempe-based Four Peaks Brewery has been named as America's Favorite Craft Brewery in an online vote contest by lifestyle blog Thrillist. Four Peaks was one of 64 other nationwide craft breweries and managed to take the cake! The brewery also recently was named the country's favorite craft brewery by the Travel Channel out of 15 other breweries across the U.S.

Coupes de Tartes will be reopening in Central Phoenix on May 1 at a larger location. The Phoenix French restaurant's new space is in a 5,000-square-foot 1922 historic building on Osborn Road.  The new Coup Des Tartes will follow in the old location's footsteps as it is set up to feel like diners are eating in a residential home. The restaurant is split up into several rooms and features home furnishings. The new location will also feature a full service bar, a larger kitchen, and a large room and outdoor spaces for events.

SPA

As part of their Summer Spa Specials, Spa Avania at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch features their "Green Tea & Cucumber Collection," five treatments created to replenish the body with antioxidants, flush out toxins and soothe and refresh your skin. To further enhance the experience, they have created “spa bites” and refreshments infused with Green Tea & Cucumbers to hydrate and nourish your body. The five treatments include the 60 minute Green Tea & Cucumber Massage, 60 minute Green Tea & Cucumber Facial, 60 minute Green Tea & Cucumber Body Polish Vichy Scrub, 45 minute Green Tea & Cucumber Hand Renewal, and the 60 minute Green Tea & Cucumber Luxury Foot Renewal. A rejuvenating eye treatment to lift, revitalize and refresh for a youthful appearance can also be added. These treatments are available May 1 through September 30, 2015.

Tuesdays are too good to pass up with Two For Tuesdays at the VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho! Enjoy two sixty-minute services of your choice (any massage or facial) along with two glasses of wine (or two bottled waters), for $200 including service charge ($315 value). Bring your significant other, a friend, or treat yourself! What better way to spend a Tuesday? This offer is valid through December 2015.

SPORTS/GOLF

The Arizona Diamondbacks' recently completed renovations of Chase Field have created space for a new suite on the lower level. The suite, Studio @122 can accommodate 20 guests, or two groups of 10 with a sliding glass door to split the parties. The D-backs invested $200,000 into the project, and will charge $3,000 to $8,000 to rent out the space for a game. The cost covers ballpark fare such as hot dogs and burgers, cold appetizers, soft drinks, and two beers for every adult. Wine and hard liquor are a separate fee. Other amenities include two flat-panel televisions and concierge service. Chase Field now has their new dining experience open to the public, which includes local vendors Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles, America's Taco Shop, Paradise Valley Burger Co. and Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt. Other new food options at Chase Field include “The Draft Room,” a new craft beer destination in the ballpark, and Food Truck Alley, where food trucks will rotate each series to provide even more dining options at home games. Renovations for an enhanced shopping experience have also been completed at Chase Field. Now baseball fans will be able to shop on the Main Concourse, Suite Level, Upper Concourse and eight new walk-in concepts throughout the ballpark.  Some of the new stores include Nike, a candy store, and the completely re-imagined flagship store which added more than 600 square feet of space.