62 Best of phoenix 2023 | WWW.bestofphoenix2023.c0m | septemBer 28, 2023 time it spread beyond Cahokia PHX’s space — was a huge hit, probably because it offered so much more than most festivals. It spreads out over several city blocks, drawing thousands to enjoy collaborative and multifaceted experi- ences beyond the usual entertainment and booths. Last year included a fashion show, skateboarding competition, film screenings, live mural creation, food trucks, music, storytelling, exhibits, Indigenous vendor booths and more. And, unlike most festivals that take place in the daytime, this one starts in the late afternoon and goes well past dark, so you can hang out until the end to experience as many of the elements as possible. Best Radio Station KJZZ 91.5 FM kjzz.org Why do hundreds of thousands of Valley residents tune to local National Public Radio member station KJZZ on the daily? (Hint: It’s not just to hear the smooth tones of “All Things Considered” co-host Ari Shapiro.) Some listeners want to stay dialed into local, national and international headlines. Others find it on the FM dial after dark for jazz and blues music. We’re into weekend shows like “Snap Judgment,” “The Moth Radio Hour” and “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” that entertain and inform. More locals than ever have been tuning into the listener- supported KJZZ in recent years, helping it become one of Phoenix’s top three stations, according to Nielsen Audio Ratings. It’s not surprising, given the diversity and popu- larity of its programming, including “The Show,” where co-hosts Lauren Gilger and Mark Brodie focus on local matters every weekday morning. It’s just one reason why we’ll keep KJZZ locked into our FM presets. Best Place to See a Broadway Show ASU GAMMAGE 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe 480-965-3434 asugammage.com It’s the little touches that make a theater- going experience particularly enjoyable. When we go to a show at ASU Gammage on the university’s Tempe campus, we appreciate that the concession prices are reasonable — even the themed cocktails created for each production. An upgrade to the outdated restrooms several years ago means that we’re in and out much faster. But mostly, we’ve been going to Gammage for decades because it’s the best place in town to see the plays and musicals coming out of the Great White Way. There’s hardly a bad seat in the house, and each season Gammage offers some of the hottest touring productions, including shows like “Beetlejuice,” “Six” and “Hamilton,” the latter of which is coming back in 2024, FYI. And we’re always happy to visit the building itself, a Frank Lloyd Wright design that’s become a iconic Tempe landmark. Best Outdoor Performance ‘THE RITE OF SPRING’ Ballet Arizona 602-381-1096 balletaz.org On the calendar of annual events in Phoenix, there are a few we particularly look forward to. And when spring takes a curtsy and gives way to summer, we begin to anticipate Ballet Arizona’s collabo- ration with Desert Botanical Garden on one of its outdoor performances. This year’s program, held on the grounds of the garden, was titled “The Rite of Spring,” a world premiere by Ib Andersen, Ballet Arizona’s artistic director. Modern choreography was set to Stravinsky’s music, all backdropped by the mountains of Papago Park. Like all of Ballet Arizona’s outdoor shows, the program was short but powerful, with the beauty of the landscape accenting the movement on stage. We can’t wait to see what next year’s iteration is. Best Burlesque Troupe SPELLBOUND BURLESQUE spellboundburlesque.com The great burlesque revival of the late 1990s and early 2000s spawned local troupes worldwide, and this is the name to look for when you want to see top- notch talent in Phoenix. The performers reel in the audience with more than a ruffle of a feather boa or toss of the pastie tassel — they’re all about making eye contact and creating a feeling of connection. Even better, Spellbound is not simply a “hot chick parade” but instead showcases people who have a variety of looks, ages and sizes. All exude the kind of body-positive confidence that makes spectators allies rather than simply onlookers. For an intimate show, catch the local leading ladies at the Grey Hen Rx in Century Grand every second Wednesday, where they put on a 20-minute cabaret-style show three times a night. For a bigger spectacle that includes national and international dancers and lasts two-and-a-half hours, check the schedule for almost monthly shows at The Grand in Central Phoenix.
