New Entertainment News

New Entertainment News is the Southwest’s monthly media source for “new” news deserving of arts & entertainment press coverage. Contents include tips, stories and calendar listings for your immediate use. To obtain electronic or full-length versions of any stories herein, please call us at 480-377-9366. Thanks!

The horse-drawn wagons are back and the good times will roll for the 12th annual Cookout at the Ranch preservation benefit. Sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, Desert Foothills Cookouts, The Peak magazine, and MacDonald’s Ranch, guests can relax and enjoy western entertainment, a complimentary beverage, and savor the buffet taking place at MacDonald’s Ranch in north Scottsdale October 27, 5:30-9:30pm.

Festivities include a wagon or van ride to the desert cookout site, live western entertainment, featuring The Stragglers Band with Geoff Conklin, trick roper/rider Brian Baush, trick pony Earl Grey, and the exhilarating release of a rescued great horned owl.

Guests can visit 20 wildlife and community exhibits, bid on silent auction items, and invest in tickets for the Deluxe Cruise/$25,000 Drawing. Later, Mindy Hubbard will lead the willing in fun and easy-to-do line dances.

Exhibitors include Arizona State Parks, Arizona State Horsemen’s Association, Liberty Wildlife, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale Preservation, and Southwest Wildlife. Civic leaders will be on-hand.

Organizers are Friends of the Scenic Drive, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Friends of Pinnacle Peak Park, and the Rotary Club of Pinnacle Peak. The event benefits desert preservation, wildlife rehabilitation, Rotary charities, and the Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. Info and tickets: www.scenicdrive.org, www.gppaaz.org, or call 480-580-0593.

Main St. & Marshall Way will be overflowing with cowboys and cowgirls when the 18th annual Western ArtWalk returns to the Scottsdale Arts District on Thursday, Oct. 18 from 7-9pm. Presented in part by Arizona Collector’s Guide, the ArtWalk’s newly announced musical lineup will only add to the down-home atmosphere.

Headlining the fun — which is sponsored in part by True West Magazine — are singing cowboy Gary Sprague and his trusty steed, Dusty, plus Arizona legend Joe Bethancourt. Also on the bill are The Chickens, Jenny Yates, David Lewis, the Fire Ridge Duo, Hector Martinez of Nosotros, Mark Barry, and a stellar “Soliloquies” lineup featuring Mary Hoffman and Dogie O’Day.

The Western ArtWalk is presented by the Scottsdale Gallery Association, in conjunction with Scottsdale Downtown. For additional info visit www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com or call 480-990-3939.

Media: Full press release & photos via 480-377-9366

The 3rd Annual Certified Local Fall Festival, presented by Local First Arizona / Arizona Chain Reaction and sponsored by First National Bank of Arizona. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 10 at Duck and Decanter on 16th Street and Camelback.

Businesses on board so far include Duck and Decanter, Changing Hands Bookstore, La Grande Orange, AJ’s Fine Foods, Spinato’s Pizza, Three Dog Bakery and Samurai Comics, just to name a few.

This year, Local First Arizona anticipates more than 3,000 festival-goers. Last year, Spinato’s Pizza went through 1,400 slices of pizza. 500 promotional “Goodie Bags” will go to the first guests to arrive. There’s fun for everyone with a kids’ jumping castle, face painting, friendly reptile visitors from the Phoenix Zoo, an exciting raffle and live local music.

Local businesses interested in participating should contact Local First Arizona at 480-835-7131. Mark your calendar today and bring your friends.

More info: www.LocalFirstAZ.com

Rhonda Towns Concert, 7:30pm
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-782-2680
Info: www.rhondatowns.com

Laugh Wagon, 7-11pm
A Wacky NEW Comedy Showcase
featuring Galapagos Improv, Mail Order Bride, Apollo 12, Light Rail Pirates, The Originals, The Remainders, and more
Space 55 Theatre Ensemble
636 E. Pierce St.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Info: www.Space55TheatreEnsemble.com

Western ArtWalk, 7-9pm
Hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association
Main St. & Marshall Way, Scottsdale
FREE EVENT
Info: www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com
Or call: 480-990-3939

NEW! Wearable ArtWalk, 7-9pm
Hosted by the Scottsdale Gallery Association
in conjunction with Scottsdale Fashion Week
Main St. & Marshall Way, Scottsdale
FREE EVENT
Info: www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com
Or call: 480-990-3939

Fall Festival
Hosted by Local First Arizona
& Arizona Chain Reaction
at Duck & Decanter
16th St. & Camelback, Phoenix
Info: www.LocalFirstAZ.com